Blog
Webvanta updates
- Webvanta's Design Partner Program Expanding
Since launching our Design Partner Program in the spring, we've been steadily bringing new partners on board and adding customization options. - Analytics Now Built In to Webvanta Web CMS
Webvanta now includes built-in analytics for all paid sites. Within a day of when your site goes public, you'll see a new tab show up in your control panel, labeled, curiously enough, Analytics. And that's what you'll find there. No setup required. - New Features: Private Pages and More
Tonight we deployed a variety of updates to the Webvanta system, including SSL for login pages, support for private pages with a shared password login, 0ptional visitor (member) accounts providing access to selected pages, new "paste" behavior in the WYSIWYG editor, and support for very long content blocks. - New Pricing for Small Sites: Just $15/month
We've just added a new entry-level price point for Webvanta: $15/month, or $149/year. Designers using Webvanta have told us that, while the mainstream $29 and $49 packages are fine for larger or more complex sites, they'd like to be able to use Webvanta for all their customers. - Webvanta starter site updated
When you create a new Webvanta site, we start you out with a basic design that you can either modify or replace. For those of you who like to start from our code, we think you'll appreciate the upgrades we've just made.
Web design
- Using Real Fonts on the Web
In my previous post, I explained how CSS's @font-face tag enables designers to use a wider range of fonts without resorting to font replacement hacks. In this post, I'll explain the actual code and explore some of the services that make it easy to expand your web font repertoire.
- Expand Typographic Freedom on the Web
Typography on the web has long suffered in comparison to print. The biggest limitation has been the limited number of fonts that a designer can use. It's still messy, but it is now possible to use a much wider range of fonts.
- Organizing a Photoshop Document
- HTML5: Over-Hyped
or the Next Big Thing?
HTML5 has been receiving an extraordinary amount of attention, thanks in part to active support and promotion by Google, Apple, and Mozilla, among others. Despite its high profile, however, the HTML5 specification isn't even complete, much less officially blessed or broadly supported by browsers, and there are only a few pieces that are of immediate practical value. - Opening External Links in Another Window: Evil or Convenience?
When someone clicks a link to an external site, should that link open in a new tab or browser window, or should it replace the contents of the current browser window?
Structured content
- Designing Your Site's Information Architecture
Information architecture is a big topic. However you are building sites, it's essential to think deeply and clearly about how best to organize a site's content. If the site is a simple brochure site, then there may not be much to think about, but the more content a site has, the more important it is to invest effort in this area. - Connecting Database Items Together
Webvanta makes it easy to set up connections between database items of different types. You can also associate assets (typically images) with any database item. - Setting Up Site Search
Webvanta has a built-in full-text search engine, which searches all of your database items. This allows you to provide site search with full control over how the results are presented. - Build Your Web Site Around Information, Not Pages
When building a small web site, it is natural to think of it as a set of pages. As the site grows, however, this approach becomes problematic. Information that you want to show on several pages needs to be entered on each of those pages, so updates require making the same change multiple times, increasing the effort required and the chances for errors. Since the content and the HTML markup are intertwined, it is difficult for anyone to edit the content unless they have HTML skills.There is a better way: store the site’s information in a database. Each page then is created from a template that provides the page structure, with content drawn from the database. This approach puts the information at the center of the site, rather than its presentation (the pages). It brings many powerful advantages over the static HTML approach:
Content management system (CMS)
- Why You Need A Website Content Management System
In this video, Michael Slater, CEO of Webvanta, explains why you should consider using a web cms or website content management system for your next website design project. Key reasons to use a web cms include rich built-in features such as blogs, calendars and photo galleries; ease of updating content; extensibility; and the ability to automate page creation. - Hosted Website Content Management: Fast, Easy Deployment
Once you have your site coded, you need to choose how those coded web pages are going to be delivered. The first fork in the road is to choose between static web site and a content management system (CMS).
- WordPress Sites Hacked Again; Hosted CMS the Answer?
During the past few days, there has been another batch of WordPress sites getting hacked, this time with malicious code that redirects visitors to the site to a fake virus scan page, which then tries to get the user to download an "anti-virus" program that is, in fact, a virus. - Webvanta, Radiant, Ruby on Rails, and Open Source
As we've noted in previous posts, we're fans of the hosted CMS approach. There are times, however, when you need a self-hosted system whose code you can modify—especially if you need to add your own server-side logic. - Should You Use a Hosted CMS?
If you're like most web designers, you may use a hosted service, such as WordPress.com, when you need a quick, simple blog. But when you are building business sites and need full design control, you either build a static site or use a self-hosted CMS, such a downloaded copy of WordPress that you manage. And if you have the budget for a large implementation effort, you may use Drupal, Joomla!, or Expression Engine.
Using Webvanta
- Analytics Now Built In to Webvanta Web CMS
Webvanta now includes built-in analytics for all paid sites. Within a day of when your site goes public, you'll see a new tab show up in your control panel, labeled, curiously enough, Analytics. And that's what you'll find there. No setup required. - Building an E-Commerce Site with Webvanta and FoxyCart
If you want to sell things on your web site, you need a way to accept payments. There's many ways to do this, depending on your needs.Rather than building payment processing into Webvanta, we've chosen to make it easy to integrate your Webvanta site with a variety of different solutions, so you can choose the one that best meets your needs. We've partnered with FoxyCart to provide an easily customized and nicely streamlined shopping cart and payment processing solution.
- Connecting Database Items Together
Webvanta makes it easy to set up connections between database items of different types. You can also associate assets (typically images) with any database item. - Setting Up Site Search
Webvanta has a built-in full-text search engine, which searches all of your database items. This allows you to provide site search with full control over how the results are presented. - Setting Up Your Email
Because web hosting companies have typically provided email hosting as well, we often get asked about providing email service for the domains whose web sites we host.
Webvanta sites
- Non-Profit Health Center Builds Itself a Substantial Site
A few months ago, we volunteered to help build a new web site for West County Health Centers, a non-profit organization that is a major provider of medical care in west Sonoma County. As with so many small businesses and non-profits, their existing site was small and, to be blunt, just plain awful, and no one knew how to update it. - A Unique Ecommerce Site: www.simplyslater.com
Today we launched the first full-featured ecommerce site on Webvanta: SimplySlater. It's a boutique furniture store that initially sells only classic butterfly chairs. - New Webvanta site with some remarkable historical photography
We've just launched a new Webvanta site that showcases a remarkable collection of historical photography by Alfred T. Palmer. Check it out at www.alfredtpalmer.com. - New Customer: Alkemie Ice Cream Launches On Webvanta
New customer Alkemie Ice Cream LLC is launching their company and new non-dairy product with the help of Webvanta.
Webvanta events
- Hasan Luongo Joins Webvanta as Director of Marketing
I'm pleased to announce that Hasan Luongo has joined Webvanta as Director of Marketing. With the imminent launch of Webvanta 2.0, we're going to be significantly increasing our marketing efforts, and Hasan will be leading this charge. - Webvanta at SXSW
We had a great time at South by Southwest, showing Webvanta to hundreds of web designers and other folks involved with the web. This was a sneak preview of our 2.0 user interface, and the reactions were super-positive. - On our way to South by Southwest
In a few hours, we'll be on an airplane for Austin, headed to SXSW for our first big trade show! I'm really excited about showing off Webvanta 2.0 for the first time and being able to talk with lots of designers. - And the winners are...
We're delighted to announce the winners of the Webvanta Web Design Contest. The top prize goes to the Gunpowder Graphics site, created by designer John Slingerland. - Ruby on Rails Podcast Interview
Since I first became involved with Ruby on Rails about four years ago, I've been listening to the Ruby on Rails podcast. Today Christopher and I had the pleasure of being interviewed for this podcast.
Dynamic Website Design Tips
- Online jQuery Conference
In the past few years, jQuery has rapidly risen to become the predominant JavaScript library used by web designers. If you're already using jQuery and want to develop your expertise further, here's an interesting opportunity: On July 12, Carsonified is hosting an online jQuery conference. - Hosted Website Content Management: Fast, Easy Deployment
Once you have your site coded, you need to choose how those coded web pages are going to be delivered. The first fork in the road is to choose between static web site and a content management system (CMS).
- From PSD to Website: Top 6 Things to Know
If you're a graphic designer whose background has been mostly in print, there's a few things we can guess about you: You are much more comfortable and productive in Photoshop than in Dreaweaver or other web tools; you feel overwhelmed by all the technology details that assault you when you need to turn your designs into web sites; and more and more, web sites are what your clients are asking for. If this sounds like you, then finding an effective path to turn your designs into quality web sites could significantly advance your career.
CMS Design Tips
- Expand Typographic Freedom on the Web
Typography on the web has long suffered in comparison to print. The biggest limitation has been the limited number of fonts that a designer can use. It's still messy, but it is now possible to use a much wider range of fonts.
- FullCalendar: An Excellent jQuery Calendar Plug-in
One of our goals with Webvanta is to provide designers with the best in open-source technology, without exposing them to all of its hassles. For our calendar feature, we've chosen Adam Shaw's FullCalendar.
- Hosted Website Content Management: Fast, Easy Deployment
Once you have your site coded, you need to choose how those coded web pages are going to be delivered. The first fork in the road is to choose between static web site and a content management system (CMS).
Build CMS Websites
- Opening External Links in Another Window: Evil or Convenience?
When someone clicks a link to an external site, should that link open in a new tab or browser window, or should it replace the contents of the current browser window? - Hosted Website Content Management: Fast, Easy Deployment
Once you have your site coded, you need to choose how those coded web pages are going to be delivered. The first fork in the road is to choose between static web site and a content management system (CMS).
- WordPress Sites Hacked Again; Hosted CMS the Answer?
During the past few days, there has been another batch of WordPress sites getting hacked, this time with malicious code that redirects visitors to the site to a fake virus scan page, which then tries to get the user to download an "anti-virus" program that is, in fact, a virus. - Webvanta, Radiant, Ruby on Rails, and Open Source
As we've noted in previous posts, we're fans of the hosted CMS approach. There are times, however, when you need a self-hosted system whose code you can modify—especially if you need to add your own server-side logic. - Should You Use a Hosted CMS?
If you're like most web designers, you may use a hosted service, such as WordPress.com, when you need a quick, simple blog. But when you are building business sites and need full design control, you either build a static site or use a self-hosted CMS, such a downloaded copy of WordPress that you manage. And if you have the budget for a large implementation effort, you may use Drupal, Joomla!, or Expression Engine.
Resources for CMS Designers
- HTML5: Over-Hyped
or the Next Big Thing?
HTML5 has been receiving an extraordinary amount of attention, thanks in part to active support and promotion by Google, Apple, and Mozilla, among others. Despite its high profile, however, the HTML5 specification isn't even complete, much less officially blessed or broadly supported by browsers, and there are only a few pieces that are of immediate practical value. - Webvanta's Design Partner Program Expanding
Since launching our Design Partner Program in the spring, we've been steadily bringing new partners on board and adding customization options. - Online jQuery Conference
In the past few years, jQuery has rapidly risen to become the predominant JavaScript library used by web designers. If you're already using jQuery and want to develop your expertise further, here's an interesting opportunity: On July 12, Carsonified is hosting an online jQuery conference. - Designing for the Web: The Web Design Vocabulary
Readers of books expect to find a table of contents and page numbers to help them navigate. Viewers of web sites expect to find headers, footers, and persistent navigation. If you don't provide it, you significantly increase the chances visitors will get lost, or frustrated, and give up. - Webvanta, Radiant, Ruby on Rails, and Open Source
As we've noted in previous posts, we're fans of the hosted CMS approach. There are times, however, when you need a self-hosted system whose code you can modify—especially if you need to add your own server-side logic.
SaaS CMS Services
- Hosted Website Content Management: Fast, Easy Deployment
Once you have your site coded, you need to choose how those coded web pages are going to be delivered. The first fork in the road is to choose between static web site and a content management system (CMS).
- WordPress Sites Hacked Again; Hosted CMS the Answer?
During the past few days, there has been another batch of WordPress sites getting hacked, this time with malicious code that redirects visitors to the site to a fake virus scan page, which then tries to get the user to download an "anti-virus" program that is, in fact, a virus. - Should You Use a Hosted CMS?
If you're like most web designers, you may use a hosted service, such as WordPress.com, when you need a quick, simple blog. But when you are building business sites and need full design control, you either build a static site or use a self-hosted CMS, such a downloaded copy of WordPress that you manage. And if you have the budget for a large implementation effort, you may use Drupal, Joomla!, or Expression Engine.
PSD to HTML
- Organizing a Photoshop Document
- Hosted Website Content Management: Fast, Easy Deployment
Once you have your site coded, you need to choose how those coded web pages are going to be delivered. The first fork in the road is to choose between static web site and a content management system (CMS).
- Coding Your Web Site with Quality
When you're ready to turn your beautiful design into a live, functioning web site, you need to tread carefully. While many different paths will lead to a site that looks more or less the same, the maintainability may vary dramatically, as may the browser compatibility and accessibility. In this article, we explore coding issues. - Designing Your Site's Information Architecture
Information architecture is a big topic. However you are building sites, it's essential to think deeply and clearly about how best to organize a site's content. If the site is a simple brochure site, then there may not be much to think about, but the more content a site has, the more important it is to invest effort in this area. - Designing Web Sites in Photoshop: Know What jQuery Can Do
Perhaps the biggest difference between designing for print and for the web is the opportunity to use interactivity. Sure, you can build your web pages just like printed pages that appear on screen, but if you do so you're leaving on the table some of the benefits the web has to offer. Interactivity in web pages is provided by JavaScript, the programming language that runs in the browser.
Email Marketing
- Choosing an Email Marketing Service
Choosing an email service provider (ESP) can be a daunting task, given the large number of companies in this market and the subtle variations in the services they offer. Pricing models also vary widely. It's essential to start with a plan for what you expect to do.
- Adding an Email List to Your Site
Maintaining an email list of customers and prospects is perhaps the most fundamental of Internet marketing techniques. Whether what is being sent is a periodic newsletter, a series of tutorials, or customer updates, maintaining an email list is a fundamental technique. - Creating HTML Email That Works
If you've ever had to create HTML emails, I'm betting you found it to be a messy and confusing process. I know I have.
HTML5 and CSS3
- SublimeVideo HTML5 Video Player
- HTML5: Over-Hyped
or the Next Big Thing?
HTML5 has been receiving an extraordinary amount of attention, thanks in part to active support and promotion by Google, Apple, and Mozilla, among others. Despite its high profile, however, the HTML5 specification isn't even complete, much less officially blessed or broadly supported by browsers, and there are only a few pieces that are of immediate practical value. - Using HTML5's New Structural Tags
HTML5 includes a handful of new structural elements that are designed to make markup more meaningful. You can use these elements today; they don't really do much, so browsers don't need to explicitly support them. And it takes only a little trickery to make them work even in IE. - Video That Plays Everywhere:
HTML5 (MPEG4 & Ogg) + Flash
At its purest, the HTML5 video tag is a very simple. To deliver video that plays in Firefox and Safari, however, requires two different video formats, and you still need Flash for IE. Here's the code to make it happen. - HTML5 Video:
Get Used to Multiple Formats
Video on the web is a mess. Web standards have never fully embraced video. Until HTML5, there was no video element, so the only way to play video was to depend on platform-specific software. HTML5 provides a video element, but you're going to need to provide video in multiple formats.
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