Heideldesign

Brad Durham, D.M.D.

Wed, 12 Aug 2009 12:47:35 -0500

The Client Brad Durham, D.M.D. Website http://www.braddurhamdmd.com Project Synopsis Braddurhamdmd.com uses Movable Type to manage site content, including the new dynamic image gallery. This system allows users to browse several different galleries at once within the same image viewer. The new layout also features landing pages for various procedures, giving potential clients quick access to the information they seek, as well as boosting search engine results for the site. The new site also uses "reCAPTCHA" technology on its contact form to eliminate spam. reCAPTCHA is an authentication system that also helps digitize books for online use (more info if you're interested at recaptcha.net). Tools This site runs on Movable Type, an easily customizable content management platform. Multiple staff members can quickly add to the site content with the push of a button.

What is Social Networking?

Wed, 15 Jul 2009 10:24:43 -0500

Click on the arrow buttons in the bottom right hand corner of the presentation to navigate. Click the monitor icon to go full screen.

If you'd like more information about Social Networking, let us know. We can schedule a webinar, on-site consultation or create an action plan for your organization. Let's talk.

You can bookmark this presentation directly at Prezi.com

Safety Net

Mon, 20 Apr 2009 11:03:42 -0500

The Client
Chatham County Safety Net Planning Council

Website
http://chathamsafetynet.org

Goal
To organize a list of all the free and reduced-cost clinics in the Chatham County, Georgia area serving clients with no health insurance or inadequate insurance.

Project Synopsis
ChathamSafetyNet.org uses Movable Type to manage content, from the static clinic pages to the dynamic news and event pages. The site aims to organize a large amount of information about clinics (services, eligibility, hours of operation, etc.) into a user-friendly layout with simple navigation.

Tools
This site runs on Movable Type, an easily customizable content management platform. Multiple staff members can quickly add to the site content with the push of a button.

HomeTheaterReview.com

Fri, 20 Feb 2009 14:53:48 -0500

The Client
HomeTheaterReview.com

Website
http:www.hometheaterreview.com

Goal
From HomeTheaterReview.com's CEO and Publisher, Jerry Del Colliano:

"Our overall goal with HomeTheaterReview.com is to build a model for a much
larger, male-oriented, high-net-worth, online publishing company. Movable Type is to us like a Boeing 737 is to Southwest Airlines. It's our chosen platform because of its flexibility, SEO friendly architecture and ease of use. We look to top graphic designers, top content people and Heideldesign for the overall implementation of each project. We've already completed our second project (HDTVetc.com) using this method, and we are looking to complete over a dozen more in the next few years."

Project Synopsis
HomeTheaterReview.com uses Movable Type and other dynamic systems to manage content, email and user-created content. HTR's parent company owns an SEO company, and uses the Heideldesign implementation of Movable Type to build a meaningful route to both short-tail and long-tail success.

In a short six month window, HomeTheaterReview.com has built a following of nearly 100,000 readers per month (source: Google Analytics) and shows no signs of letting up. With age on the URL and 1000's more content pages - the company's goal is to have the site leading the field of home theater sites in terms of organic search results and overall traffic by the end of 2010.

Site Features
Content Management System
- Staff can update the website

Facebook Integration
- Custom Facebook application which allows users to login through their Facebook accounts to comment and publish to the site

Custom Search Results

Tools
This site runs on Movable Type, an easily customizable content management platform. Multiple staff members can quickly add to the site content with the push of a button.

Straight Talk about SEO

Wed, 18 Feb 2009 16:05:11 -0500

Search Engine Optimization basically means building and maintaining a website in such a way that you get high rankings on Google, Yahoo, and all of the other search engines. SEO is vitally important to bringing customers to your site, and fortunately it's not difficult to achieve.

Here are our top 5 recommendations for improving your search engine rankings:

1. Be sure your website has a Content Management System (CMS). A CMS gives you the power to update your site regularly, ensuring fresh and relevant content. And you don't have to be a web programmer to use a good CMS. We recommend Movable Type for most sites. Heideldesign will be glad to install it and train you how to use this easy, web-based software.

2. Identify your target keywords, and create appropriate content. Think about what your customers may be typing in that search bar, and make sure you use those words on your site. This is where your CMS comes in handy, because you have the ability to add content and ensure keywords are used. A blog can be especially helpful as an addition to your site, because blog articles are an appropriate place to use keywords. For example, if your website sells baby gifts, a simple 200 - 300 word article about the hottest baby gifts of 2009 provides numerous opportunities to mention your keywords, while at the same time providing useful information to your visitors.

3. Links make you stronger. Links are another way search engines determine your ranking. When other websites link to yours, your site is perceived to be more important. So the more inbound links your site has, the better. Likewise, it can be helpful for you to link to other relevant (but non-competing) sites.

4. Clean code gives you more SEO opportunities. Website that are coded using clear, semantic, valid code give you, the content provider, more opportunities to let your message stand out. When website code is less cluttered, it's easier for search engines to read (and to maintain and upgrade).

5. Remember, your home page is the most important. This is true from SEO and user standpoints. Search engines look at your home page first to see what kind of content you provide, and this goes a long way toward determining your ranking for target keywords. Also, consider your home page as your virtual front door. It creates a first impression with users, so be sure you have enough information about who you are, what you offer, and why they should keep clicking around on your site.

If you're ready to improve your search engine results and want some assistance, we can help! Let's talk.

New Year's Resolutions for Your Website

Mon, 12 Jan 2009 15:05:49 -0500

1. Add new, relevant content. A stale website is about as inviting as stale bread. Adding fresh content not only gives users a reason to visit your site more frequently, but can increase your search engine rankings, too. If your site isn't easy to update, talk to us about installing a content management system like Movable Type. (More about Movable Type)

2. Blog. This can tie directly to resolution #1. A blog can be a great way to add fresh content to your site, and can also help you relate to your customers on a more personal level. Use a blog to share insight into a particular topic, react to news and show users you're connected. Blogs are often written in a more informal style, which can help you or your organization seem friendly and approachable. (More about blogs)

3. Reach out to your users. This year, consider sending an email newsletter. This is a simple way to position yourself as an expert in your field and stay in touch with your clients. Email newsletters are also far less expensive than most traditional marketing campaigns. (More about email newsletters)

4. Incorporate video and/or podcasts. Video can add energy to your website while highlighting your services. Your videos can be informational, demonstrate a product or showcase client testimonials. (More about video) Podcasting is the on-demand delivery of audio or video files from the internet onto the desktop or portable media player. It's easy for your users to sign up to receive the podcast, and they can view or listen to your message at their own convenience. It's targeted, requested advertising. (More about podcasts)

5. Be on the look out for expired content. Even worse than stale content, expired content includes information or links that are no longer relevant or no longer function. Resolve to comb through your site periodically to ensure your content hasn't expired. If you have a calendar or event listing, be vigilant about purging items once they've passed. Be sure to click links on your site from time to time to confirm the links still work and the external websites are still worth a look.

If you're ready to create or update your online presence this year, Heideldesign can help. Let's talk.

Adding an E-Newsletter to your Marketing Toolbox

Wed, 08 Oct 2008 15:46:41 -0500

Why an email newsletter?
An E-Newsletter can be an effective online marketing strategy because it gives you an opportunity to forge a direct link between your company and your customers. Quality information and advice helps customers see you as an expert and a valuable resource in your field.

You can also offer special incentives that not only get your customers to come back to you, but reward them for being loyal to your business. The E-Newsletter provides many opportunities to link back to your website, which increases your web traffic and reminds people they can count on your site as a resource.

If your website utilizes Movable Type, you can use the system to create your newsletter with the added benefit of an automatic on-site archive. This gives new users access to previous editions, enhances your website content offerings, and is another way to drive more traffic to your site.

And finally, E-Newsletters are less expensive than traditional newsletters because there's no paper, printing or mailing involved.

What should be in my E-Newsletter?
Your E-Newsletter must be interesting and provide value to the customer, otherwise, it's not much better than spam. Don't just try to sell things through the E-Newsletter, because you may come across as too pushy. Instead, offer tips, advice and other insight into your field of expertise.

However, a few key discounts or special offers are a great way to entice customers to not only patronize your business, but stay on your mailing list too. Creative, personal writing is another big plus. Let your business' personality shine through, and your customers are likely to respond.

How will I know if my E-Newsletter is successful?
One of the keys to a successful email newsletter is having lots of subscribers. Enforce with your staff how important it is to get an email address whenever they have contact with a customer. Add a "register for our newsletter" form on your website as well. You may have a fantastic newsletter, but if no one is signed up, then you're wasting your time.

Once you have an acceptable number of subscribers, we recommend sending the newsletter through one of several campaign monitoring websites which can provide excellent feedback and reports. These reports can instantly show you everything from how many people opened the newsletter and when, to which links they clicked on most.

Let's Talk
Ready to find out if an E-Newsletter can benefit your business? At Heideldesign, we can walk you through the entire process, from developing your E-Newsletter's look and feel, to adding content, and then monitoring the campaign's success. Contact us today for a consultation.

Movable Type 4.2 Released

Fri, 15 Aug 2008 11:41:57 -0500

It Takes a Village to Raise a Website

Video Courtesy MovableType.com

The biggest update in 4.2 is Movable Type's inclusion of the "Community Pack" features into the newly christened Movable Type Pro. This allows websites of all sizes to actively solicit and collect information from site visitors in many different forms. This includes the obvious (commenting) and previously available (author blogs), but also introduces a whole new community atmosphere and environment that is conducive to expanding your website into a diverse content delivery system. It's now extremely easy to take a single-focus, sole-voice site and make it a community of like-minded authors and contributors. This means more content, more relevance, more "stickiness" and more interactivity. Visitors to your site go from passive readers to active participants in your content strategy.

Zoom!
Movable Type 4.2 is also significantly faster than its predecessors. How fast depends on your exact configuration and needs, but in some cases, we're talking 100 times faster with common tasks.

Spam Comments are so 2006
The new Typepad Antispam has also been added to the release. This update keeps junk-comments at bay and lets you focus on communicating with your readers.

Oh Yeah - It's Free
Did we mention that MT Pro is a free upgrade for personal users or licensed professional installations?

Let's Talk
We'd like to discuss how Movable Type Pro can help your business grow online. Contact us today for a consultation.

Heideldesign Recognized by Creators of Movable Type

Thu, 14 Aug 2008 09:53:20 -0500

Here at Heideldesign, we build websites with the content management system Movable Type because it's easy to use, powerful and extensible. In fact, we've become Movable Type experts over the years - but don't just take our word for it.

Six Apart, the makers of Movable Type, just highlighted Heideldesign as a case study of creative, innovative and successful MT application.

Here's what they're saying about us.

"Today, the firm uses Movable Type 4 to enable a range of content-rich web applications for a wide customer base, and continues to explore new creative territory on the Movable Type platform.

"Heideldesign has made it their mission to investigate innovative ways to publish and manage content with the goal of delivering creative solutions that fit the unique needs of each client."

Aw shucks!

Click here to read the entire profile, including a showcase of three of our clients.

CityTrex

Tue, 12 Aug 2008 16:12:50 -0500

Client: CityTrex.com
Website: http://citytrex.com

Project Synopsis: CityTrex uses Movable Type to publish all of their primary website content, from the blog (of course) to the downloads store. KickApps powers the community portion of the site, My CityTrex, with a customized theme and seamless integration.

Services Provided:
Website Design
Movable Type Development
KickApps Integration and Customization
Custom E-Commerce Solution
Paypal Integration
Podcasting Solution
iTunes Integration, Listing

HMMC

Tue, 12 Aug 2008 15:51:02 -0500

Client: Healthcare Manufacturers Management Council
Website: hmmc.com

Project Synopsis: The Healthcare Manufacturers Management Council brings together senior-level sales and marketing executives from medical products manufacturers to enhance their knowledge and skills. Their website serves as a hub for their community and a place to recruit new members and promote conferences.

Services Provided:
Website Design
Advertising Integration
Wordpress Development
Members-only Intranet
E-Commerce

Georgia Public Health Association

Tue, 12 Aug 2008 15:30:34 -0500

Client: Georgia Public Health Association
Website: http://gapha.org

Project Synopsis: GPHA is the largest group of public health professionals in the southeast. They contracted Heideldesign to create a new website environment to increase membership, further their legislative agenda, promote their members and receive conference registrations.

Services Provided:
Wordpress Development
Website Design
Public Relations Consulting
Print Design
Writing
Press Release Development
Membership Database Integration
E-Commerce

Liberty County

Wed, 16 Jul 2008 14:58:32 -0500

Client: Liberty County, GA
Website: http://www.libertycountyga.com

Services Provided:
Logo Design
Custom Joomla Template
Custom Joomla Modules
Training

Cool Mom Picks

Tue, 15 Jul 2008 16:11:53 -0500

Client: Cool Mom Picks
Website: http://www.coolmompicks.com

Project Synopsis:
CoolMomPicks.com is a shopping blog by moms for moms. The two women who created the site have lots of great ideas and advice to share with like-minded mamas, but as parents themselves, free time is in short supply. That's why they asked Heideldesign to develop a site dynamic enough to organize and display a lot of information, but simple to manage. The site is powered by Movable Type, which handles the main blog, a video blog, a comprehensive archive search feature, a shop, advertisements and more. The templating language of Movable Type makes it easier for Heideldesign to optimize the site for search engines, and the result is a website with a lot of traffic. CoolMomPicks.com receives 160,000 page views per month, and the creators have been featured in Time Magazine, the L.A. Times and the New York Times.

Services Provided:
Movable Type consulting
Server maintenance
Content archiving
Custom template creation
Advertising integration
Search Engine Optimization

Asset Management with Movable Type

Fri, 13 Jun 2008 09:23:23 -0500

In MT parlance, assets are files that you've uploaded to the web server using the Movable Type interface. For most of our clients, that means images: Photos, renderings and illustrations of all kinds. No matter how good your written content is, sometimes that extra push it needs to be noticed can only come from a visual stimulus. So, it's great that Movable Type makes uploading, categorizing and finding those visuals intuitive and easy.

Once you've uploaded a file (through the "Upload file" menu option or through the rich text editor when creating an entry) you can give your image a title, description and tags. Tags are one to two word short descriptions that best sum up the content. For a photograph of a landscape, your tags might be: photograph, color, landscape, grass, trees. Then, if you're looking for all of the images you've uploaded to your site that contain "trees", it's one click away.

But the best part of asset management with Movable Type 4 is using the auto-generated resizing options to create on-the-fly thumbnails and apply custom cropping to images directly from the templates. On a recent project for Lowcountry Exhibits, Heideldesign leveraged that power to make adding a multitude of different image sizes, crops and effects a one-step process for the client. All they have to do is upload a single photo once.

From there, Movable Type and the custom template set does the rest. On the home page, a custom template creates an XML feed for the scrolling Flash interface with auto-resized and cropped thumbnail images from the first asset on each entry in the "portfolio" category. On the Entry Listing templates, a different thumbnail is created on the fly. For the Entry templates, three different image sizes are created automatically: A medium thumbnail, a small thumbnail and a large javascript-triggered lightbox overlay.

And all the author has to do is upload one image into their Movable Type entry.

Not only is it a huge time saver for the author, it's a great solution for the designer and developer as well. They never have to worry about a design "breaking" due to a mis-sized image. Pixel-level control can be maintained throughout the templates.

If you have a graphic-intensive project and want to learn more about how Movable Type's asset management may be able to help you, contact Heideldesign today for a free consultation.