An introduction to the podcast, the goal of the podcast, the format and the target audience. A brief introduction to Sean, the host of Website 101 Podcast.

Advice for both DIY website owners and for those working with a web professional. I hope you enjoy the show and continue to listen. If you have any questions or suggestions, I'd love to hear from you; send me an email.

• Caffeine Creations

• Email the Podcast!
• Twitter
• Sean on LinkedIn

The website is for the client not for you. It should be addressing what your potential clients are looking for. Take some time to plan your website and online presence before starting.

Your customers are not everyone who breathes. It's important to choose a niche and narrow down your target before building your website and writing copy.

Themes are one size fit all. You can use a website builder and it will get you online quickly but it won't be as effective as a design that is custom to your clients and needs. Themes look like every other site, but a custom site is unique and driven by your content.

Don't get caught up in the tools, use what works for you. Try a couple of different tools until you find one that fits. It's not necessary to use what other people use.

Plan before you build. You won't have to start over and will not regret the extra focus it provides. This is really important to do when you are doing it alone. When working with a professional this is often called discovery.

• Slick Plan
• Google Drawing
• Google Slides
• FreeMind
• Mind Meister
• Trello
• Basecamp
• Team Work

• Email the Podcast!
• Twitter
• Sean on LinkedIn

We talk about some things that businesses often do to save money by cutting various parts of their websites. Avoid shortcuts if you can, but sometimes its unavoidable.

Usability testing should be conducted to help you make your website the best it can be. It's not as expensive as you think it might be. Testing should be done with people in your target audience but not from your organization. They should be unfamiliar with your website to get the best results.

Do not use a predefined theme for WP or a website builder if possible. You content should determine the design not the design determine the content. When using a theme, the design shapes the content and copy which results in sub par messaging and a website that is not memorable or unique.

Common issues include avoiding pop-ups, don't use the phrase click here, and pdfs. There is no fold. Don't worry about above the fold.

• Should I Use a Carousel
• Steve Krug (usability expert)
• CRA
• Presto Card
• Eight common user experience problems (and solutions) for nonprofit websites: Part one
• Eight common user experience problems (and solutions) for nonprofit websites: Part two
• Why you shouldn't say "Click Here"
• Content Carousels/Sliders on the Homepage
• I am the Fold

• Email the Podcast!
• Twitter
• Sean on LinkedIn