My clients often ask me how they can improve their SEO (search engine optimization) to rank higher. If their budget allows for it, I partner with an SEO expert, because a successful SEO or SEM (search engine marketing) campaign requires specialized expertise. If such a campaign isn't in their budget, as is often the case […]
WordPress for Dummies by Lisa Sabin-Wilson My rating: 3 of 5 stars This book is best suited for WordPress users, but there are a few chapters for developers. Designers and developers are better served by WordPress Web Design for Dummies and WordPress All-In-One for Dummies. I’m a web designer who creates WordPress sites for small […]
I use two methods for creating passwords: Password security factors In most cases, a password's length and uniqueness are more important than its entropy (randomness). Why? Steve Gibson has an excellent explanation on his Password Haystacks page. He says, The only thing an attacker can know is whether a password guess was an exact match . . . […]
I had the privilege of speaking to students of a high school for their Career Day 2013. First, an IT pro spoke about IT support and software development. Next, I gave the presentation below, which is an overview of careers in Information Technology (IT). How could I improve this presentation for next time? Tell me […]
I’ve been using an adjustable height standing desk (AKA stand-up desk) since October 2012, and I love it. I feel more energetic, and it helps me maintain better posture. I've been sitting only 0-5 working hours per week, and standing the remaining time. I started hearing about standing desks a couple years ago. I remember […]
HTML5 For Web Designers by Jeremy Keith My rating: 3 of 5 stars I found this very short HTML5 primer too shallow. It barely scratches the surface of HTML5, but I suppose that was the intent. I enjoyed the fact that it describes the creation of HTML5 in more detail than other HTML5 books I've […]
A web designer friend recently asked what resources I used to teach myself web design. I sent her the following list of resources which I used (and still use). She wasn't interested in WordPress (a shame, but I forgive her), so I excluded my WordPress-specific resources. I also spoke about these resources at GRWebDev, a […]
I've recently been writing about my favorite podcasts about the business of web design. Here are my favorite business podcasts that aren't about web design, but do have great business content. I’ve listed these from most to least favorite. If you like these, you should read my other posts about podcasts. I’m always looking for […]
Last week I wrote about my favorite podcasts about the business of web design. There are a lot of web design podcasts that aren't specifically about the business of web design, but that occasionally discuss web design business topics. I've included my favorites below, ranked according to frequency of business content. If you like these, […]
These are my favorite podcasts about the business of web design. They frequently cover topics including marketing, pricing, project management, productivity, client relations, entrepreneurship, freelancing, proposals, and contracts and other legal issues. If you like these, you should read my other posts about podcasts. I’m always looking for more, so please add your favorites in […]
I've been impressed by the Wordfence Security plugin after running it on several sites for a few months. Here are some of my favorite features of this plugin: Scans core files, themes and plugins against WordPress.org repository versions to check their integrity. Lets you see how files have changed, and optionally repair changed files. Scans […]
The Elements of Content Strategy by Erin Kissane My rating: 3 of 5 stars This short book is a good overview of content strategy. It presents the concepts and includes many references for deeper reading. I’m a web designer who creates websites for small businesses, and those sites are too small to warrant a sophisticated […]
