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October 08 ABCs of Web Design Newsletter

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Question of the month

Question: I am working with a client to build a car site. He asked me “Are web site templates a good idea?”

New testimonial:

"Theresa - I just wanted to let you know how much my business has increased since you took over my website. What I am delighted about is that I am receiving good, solid business leads from my target audience. How do you do that? The general comments I receive include "...saw you website..." or "...loved the before and after photos..." but most of all they ask me to call them to set an appointment. Here's another benefit you offer - you don't drag your feet. If I need something added or changed, it's done pronto. I am certainly not your only client yet your attention to detail and responsiveness make me feel very important. To me that's the sign of a true professional - same excellent customer service to big and small clients. Thanks you so much." Sylvia Watson, President, Healing Environments with Feng Shui

Answer: Well yes and no is my answer to that. In theory, web site templates are a great idea: give me a design and graphics all ready for me to input my content. I did not use a web site template for a site I completed a few months ago (www. insightETE.com) but I copied the lay out of one that I liked. So they can be a good idea.

They are a bad idea if you pick the wrong template for what you are trying to accomplish and you cannot change it. For example, this client wants users to be able to buy an ad to sell their used car, upload content about the vehicle and upload photos of the vehicle. He also wants dealers to be able to upload vehicle information and photos in bulk. Thinking through the screens needed to do this. I want mostly a 2 or 3-column page lay out. I wanted a white background for most of the site because I want the users to be able to see what they are doing easily. All the templates he chose that he liked had black backgrounds, a two-column format and Flash. All of that is not a good idea.

If you are going to use a template, think through what you are trying to accomplish and get in idea of the screens needed before you go pick a template that you just think is cool. Also check and see if you either easily change the template or have someone change it for you. If the potential clients cannot use your web site, it really won’t matter how cool it looks.

Please send all questions to theresaw@columbus.rr.com.

To see the articles from my print web column, go to http://www.w-edge.com/articles.htm

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