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Tuesday, May 12, 2009
CSS Compatibility Mode Fix for Internet Explorer 8
 My recent post about IE8 has launched it’s ugly head.
A client of ours contacted us to let us know after they downloaded the new Internet Explorer 8 there site looked messed up.
Knowing this was going to be a problem, Microsoft created a button called ‘Compatibility View‘ so users could view websites in the older version of their browser.
But this was not a work around for our client.
Instead of fixing (or hacking) all the code on the website I added the following code recommended by Microsoft:
<html>
<head>
<!-- Mimic Internet Explorer 7 -->
<meta http-equiv="X-UA-Compatible" content="IE=EmulateIE7" >
<title>My Web Page</title>
</head>
<body>
<p>Content goes here.</p>
</body>
</html>
It worked!
This is truly a work around - a Microsoft work around. Microsoft knew full well that their new browser couldn’t view perfectly good standard coded websites, so they had to come up with a way to view websites as if you were using their old browser.
What a joke. It’s no wonder why Microsoft is losing market share to Firefox and Apple.
Posted by: Michael Swartz at 6:23 pm
Comments: 6 Comments | Filed under: Web Design, HTML
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Microsoft Releases Internet Explorer 8 Which Equals More Testing
 Microsoft has just released it’s latest browser, Internet Explorer 8 (IE8).
Apparently IE8 is a slimmed down version of IE7, faster and doesn’t crash. I’ll believe when I see it.
Many Web Browsers
Internet Explorer still commands 72.2% of the web browser market, up from 69.7% a year ago. The open-source Firefox browser is No. 2 with 17.2%. Google’s Chrome is third with just under 3% of the market.*
Notice only 3 browsers mentioned. Another browser, Safari for the Mac (and PC) was not listed.
MJS Web Solutions Tests In All Popular Browsers
I’m announcing the release to let everyone know that MJS tests and programs for the most popular web browsers (Internet Explorer, Firefox & Safari). And not just each web browser, but each web browser version (IE6, IE7, and now IE8) and on each computer platform (i.e. Windows & Mac).
Don’t be fooled. Some web designers/developers may not test on all of the browsers mentioned, but only one. If you want ALL of your customers to view your website without errors, make sure they test on the most popular web browsers.
My personal web browser preference is Firefox. Why? Because it is fast, user friendly and has the capability to add on applications, very similar to the popularity of Apple’s iPhone add-on apps.
*Source: Janco Associates (e-janco.com)
Posted by: Michael Swartz at 2:02 pm
Comments: None | Filed under: Web Design, Web General
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Skittles New Website. Who Cares?
Is this the corporate website of the future?
The new Skittles website.
Really…the website is just direct links to social networking sites talking about Skittles. I understand the popularity of sharing, but this seems way over the top.
Posted by: Michael Swartz at 10:30 pm
Comments: None | Filed under: Web Design, Web General, Web Marketing
Monday, February 23, 2009
MJS Web Solutions Now Offering Pre-Designed Website Templates
MJS Web Solutions is now offering pre-designed website template packages starting at only $499.
MJS Web Solutions continues to provide quality customized website services, yet we’ve recognized a growing number of start-up businesses are looking for a more affordable website solution.
Pre-designed website templates provide a quick, simple and affordable way to get a professional looking website. Choose from thousands of different industry website templates: Auto, Architecture, Business, Sports and many others.
In only 3 simple steps, you can have a completed website.
- Choose a website template that fits your organization.
- Fill out our Quote Request form
- MJS will contact you with a quote to get started.
All you have to do is provide us with copy and images for all pages. We’ll do the rest.
Mike Swartz says, “Check it out”.
Posted by: Michael Swartz at 2:40 pm
Comments: 2 Comments | Filed under: Web Design, News, Business
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Click Here to Read Blog Post
I just received some new copy for a website we are building that contained the phrase, “Click here to view our 3D model”.
You do not need the words “click here”. If the words are underlined and sometimes in blue, it’s known that you’re supposed to click.
Never use the words, “click here”. Instead write the sentence like this:
“View our 3D model”
“View” is now the word to click.
TIP: Use verbs when adding links to words.
After this post, I shouldn’t see any ‘click here’ links, right?
Posted by: Michael Swartz at 5:37 pm
Comments: None | Filed under: Web Design, Writing For The Web
Friday, May 30, 2008
Sketch Out a Website Wireframe First
We develop most of our websites using a 5 phase system. In the 2nd phase, information development, we sketch out, on paper, a mockup website wireframe. A wireframe is simply a page showing where content will go, without any design elements.
Before we even open up our software, we sketch out, by hand, how the site will function. Old school, yeah?
I just completed the final design sketch for a client of ours.
Click to enlarge image
The primary goal of my client’s website is to provide resources of information. The secondary goal is to market the business. So I’ve sketched out a two column layout with a few Questions on the left above a list of FAQ categories. And on the right column I have their services listed with a staff photo beneath.
Making your website successful takes planning and preperation even it means pen to paper before hand to mouse.
Posted by: Michael Swartz at 11:31 am
Comments: None | Filed under: Web Design
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Provide Web Security for Online Shoppers
 Remember a blog or two ago, I mentioned about how to NOT title your Subject line…well this subject line from Click-Z got my attention:
E-Commerce Equals Convenience, Risk to Consumers
An important finding for those who have online shopping sites or selling anything online.
“Consumers like the convenience of shopping online, but worry about transmitting credit card and other financial information.”
This can be avoided, you know.
You can increase sales by putting your customers at ease with their online transactions. If they’re concerned, tell and show them why they don’t have to worry.
- Tell your customers you care about security: That you don’t keep their credit card numbers online
- Show your site has security: Add logos and links to companies that provide security for your website
Example:
Check out PayPal’s homepage. Notice how PayPal tells and shows their customers about online website security.
Posted by: Michael Swartz at 4:17 pm
Comments: None | Filed under: Web Design, Web General
Wednesday, January 2, 2008
New Year Resolutions - A New Website
Happy New Year!
Have you made any New Year resolutions?
I plan on expanding the business in a few different ways. One way is to broaden our network of designers and developers so we can accommodate our growing client base. Another is a new website for MJS Web Solutions. You know the old adage, “A carpenter’s home never gets built”? Well, us web designers know the saying. We were so busy last year, we didn’t have time to concentrate on ourselves, especially our website.
Which brings up an article I saw last weekend, in the SF Chronicle, about small-business owners making New Year’s resolutions. What caught my eye was this quote from someone who had setup her new website:
“Creating a Web site is a lot of work when you’re a small business without a marketing department,” she said. “You’re constantly proofing text and bringing people together to answer e-mails from the Web designer. It was an odyssey to get it done.”
She’s right. It takes a lot of time and patience when building a new website. There is a lot involved.
- Strategic planning
- Site structure design
- Visual design and proofing
- HTML/CSS coding production and testing
- Backend programming and testing
- Search engine optimization
- Launch, measuring, and future updates
The major challenge is time. Know that you will have to spend quality time on your new website. That’s good because it’s your business you’re showing to the world.
Happy New Year!
Posted by: Michael Swartz at 11:42 pm
Comments: None | Filed under: Web Design, News, Business
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
Creating Branded HTML Emails in Outlook
Hello.
We’ve been creating many HTML email newsletters recently, but today we received a question about just sending out branded emails. You know, emails with your logo and stuff.
In Microsoft Outlook, it’s easy.
To brand your own email though will require you to create a HTML file. You can do this in any HTML editor like Dreamweaver. Then import it into Outlook.
Don’t forget to test your email, making sure it looks good in all the popular email programs like Gmail, Yahoo, etc.
Mike Swartz says, “Check it out”.
Posted by: Michael Swartz at 9:28 am
Comments: 2 Comments | Filed under: Computer, HTML
Monday, November 19, 2007
How NOT to Title Your Email Newsletter Subject Line
They tricked me. I don’t want to be treated this way from my email newsletters.
I just received an email from Vertical Response with the Subject: Is there such a thing as too much business?
“Yes, if it’s the wrong kind of business.”
I was going to submit my comments above but no where in the email was the answer OR the question.
At least match the Subject line to a Headline or Story or I’m not going to read the email.
I didn’t. It’s been deleted.
If you’re not going to deliver, don’t bother.
Please. When you write your Subject line deliver on your promise. Don’t trick your users or try to give them something that’s not. They won’t read it.
Posted by: Michael Swartz at 7:06 pm
Comments: 2 Comments | Filed under: Web Design, Web Marketing, Writing For The Web
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