notes & tips for web design by irmacreative

I get asked a lot of the same questions by potential clients. In an exercise to help me answer these questions more efficiently, I started taking notes. When these informal observations filled an entire notebook, it only made sense to edit and publish them as supplemental information here on irmacreative. "Notes" is by no means a comprehensive guide to design or the internet. (If I tell you all my secrets, why will you need to hire me?) But reading through these commentaries should give you a foundation to make wise design decisions. Whether you hire me or someone else to work on your project, any designer should be able to speak authoritatively on any of these ideas.

• How to Be a Good Design Client (I Promise to Be Good, Too!)
  A productive collaboration between artist and client really just requires two things: common sense and common courtesy. However, there are some key issues that come up time and time again. Potential clients who want to avoid miscommunications and other problems would be wise to learn from my experience.


• Web Terminology 101
  How can you give me access to your "web host" if you don't even know what that means? This list of commonly used design and internet terms will empower you to effectively communicate your needs and make both creative and technical decisions.


• New Website Readiness Checklist
  I'm sure you have a lot of questions for me but before I can answer any of them, you need to answer a few for me...


• Does Your Website Need a Makeover?
  There are a dozen reasons to redesign a website -- and a dozen ways to efficiently & economically bring a website up to design standards while increasing its relevancy. If you've found yourself wondering if your website is reaching its maximum audience with maximum impact, my list of questions will give you points for analysis and options for redesign solutions.


• A Search Engine Optimization Primer
  Want the secret to getting listed first in Google? Sorry, you'll have to look elsewhere (and get out your credit card). But if you want to learn reliable ways to earn a strong ranking, read this introduction to search engine optimization that works seamlessly with developing a good website.