HTML Tutorials
HTML Goodies list of getting started tutorials includes instructions on how to build your first web site and an explanation of HTML.
The HTML Basics from WebMonkey
WebMonkey is a tried and true resource for Web Site builders. Their section of tips and tutorials for beginners is easy to follow. And their HTML Cheatsheet is a well-worn bookmark.
The HTML examples here are useful for learning how to write HTML code. The Try It editor is an especially useful way for beginners to learn to code.
HTML Code TutorialThis site can take you through all the basic HTML document tags you'll need.
The HTML Basics from WebMonkey
WebMonkey is a tried and true resource for Web Site builders. Their section of tips and tutorials for beginners is easy to follow. And their HTML Cheatsheet is a well-worn bookmark.
A little bit cluttered and it can be tough to distinguish the useful content from the ads but still worth a look.
Comments (0) 12.04.2007. 16:18
Want a Sticky Site That Sells? Forget Content!
by Michel FortinAn interesting debate is currently raging among copywriters, web designers and content developers about the differences, if any, between writing copy for the web versus writing content.
According to prolific copywriter Nick Usborne of ClickZ.com fame, a recent survey conducted among the readers of his email newsletter "Excess Voice," which is available at NickUsborne.com, offers some interesting results. They seem to be split almost three ways: one-third consists of copywriters, another content writers and the final third both.
This is an important debate, I believe, since all online copy is content but not all content is copy. And that's a real problem.
Most web designers, webmasters and content writers develop text for websites in a way to educate visitors. They also write it with the notion that "content is king," "content increases search engine rankings," "content makes a website sticky" and so on. That's all fine and good.
But I believe content fails when it strives only at informing the reader, and thus lacks important elements that take her "by the hand" and compels her to do something -- anything, including the simple act of reading.
In other words, while some websites may compel our attention, others fail to propel our actions, too. And their owners often end up screaming, "Why is my website not producing any sales," "why am I getting a lot of traffic but such a poor response" or "why are people leaving so quickly (or after they got what they came for)?" Well, if content is king, copy is the castle.
The Internet is not a traditional medium -- at least not in the broadcast sense. It is intimate, dynamic and interactive. People are more involved when reading the content of a website than reading a conventional print publication, watching a show on TV or listening to a program on the radio.
And with the Internet, people have a powerful weapon that they don't have with other types of media, and they usually never think twice about using it when the need confronts them: their mouse.
So, the idea is this: forget about writing content, at least in the traditional sense. Think copy. Think words and expressions that compel the reader to do something, even if it's just to continue reading.
According to web dictionary Atomica.com, "copy" is defined as "the words to be printed or spoken in an advertisement." ("Advertisement" is defined as "a notice or announcement designed to attract public patronage." It's calling for some kind of action. It's selling something, in other words.)
But the word "content," on the other hand, is defined as "the subject matter of a written work, such as a book or magazine." And keep in mind that there's no mention of the Internet, here.
Nevertheless, this is why I submit that, with its multitude of links, scripts and hypertexts, the Internet transforms the passive reader into an active, responsive participant. (Or make that "response-able.") And she must therefore be treated as such -- as a participant, not a reader.
Look at it this way: a book is limited by its front and back covers. When the book is done, it's done. The web, however, is not. If your content does not strive at getting the reader to do something, whether it's to buy, subscribe, join, download, call, email, fill out a form, click or whatever, then you need to seriously rethink your content and the words you use.
Here's my explanation of the difference between content and copy. Content informs. Copy invites. Even if content invites a reader to keep reading, it's still selling an idea. It's still calling for action. And it's still copy.
If your web page is only meant to inform people like some kind of book, then it's content. (And like closing a book once it's read, the only action left is to exit the website or close the browser.) But if it contains links or more content, then it's copy. And you need to write content with that mindset.
Ultimately, incorporate within your content a direct response formula that compels your readers to do something. Don't leave them hanging. Take them by the hand. Integrate a call for some kind of action, in other words. Ask your reader to "buy now," "join today," "get this," "download that, or ...
... Better yet, simply "click here."
Michel Fortin is a direct response copywriter, author, speaker and consultant. His specialty are long copy sales letters and websites. Watch him rewrite copy on video each month, and get tips and tested conversion strategies proven to boost response in his membership site at http://TheCopyDoctor.com/ today.
Comments (0) 12.04.2007. 16:16
Hey Mr. Fancy Pants
by Dan Burbank
It's easy to get excited when you first launch a web site or when you finally decide it's time to roll up your sleeves and revamp that mess your nephew built for you two years ago.
There are so many routes to take with a web site. There's flash animation, animated gifs, music, images, limitless space for you to ramble and post your opinions. When the blank canvas of the web is laid out in front of you, it's hard to know where to stop.
While creativity is to be encouraged, when you chart a course for cyberspace, consider the benefits of restraint. Before your site gets too ornate and fancy. Before you add more bells and whistles than you could ever hope to maintain, consider that some of the most successful web sites are incredible simple. Ponder these examples.
It doesn't get more basic than Craigslist. This classified site consists completely of text and text links. By some estimates more than two million unique users a day come here to buy and sell and browse. Granted there are a lot of links on the homepage, but can you imagine how long it would take the page to load if each section had its own button or if the whole thing were laid out on top of a distracting background image?
Google knows what you came to do - you're there to search. While Google does have several other useful tools and services, it knows what its bread and butter is. Google doesn't put any stuff in the way of you and your search. Enter a keyword, browse your results and you don't ever have to wonder why there's an animated gif of a cat doing ballet in the corner.
Careful With Those Tricks
The point isn't that you have to take a minimalist philosophy to be successful online. One look at Yahoo, Amazon or Ebay and its apparent that many successful sites have their hands in a lot of different things.
But you do need to keep your site focused. If you want to sell your products online, create a site that sells. If you want your site to be a showcase for your consulting services, showcase your consulting services. Don't distract visitors with pointless pictures, music or copy.
In other words, if you want everyone to notice your shirt, don't leave the house wearing fancy pants.
Comments (0) 12.04.2007. 16:14
