LaJuett - Digital Marketing Blog

The New Google Sites is great for quickly building mobile friendly (responsive) websites.  I have migrated three sites in the past few weeks.  The drag and drop GUI makes it super easy to get a website up and running.  Here are a few examples below. Patrick LaJuett is a digital media architect in the Lake Norman area of North Carolina. Patrick has more than two decades of experience in visual communications, information technology and brand marketing.

Relax It's Parallax Here's an example of a parallax scrolling single page website built using DNN 7.4.  Parallax scrolling involves a background image moving at a slower rate than foreground content.  This creates a layered effect as you scroll down the page, providing a subtle element of depth. In the example below we focused on "call-to-action" from traffic arriving via a display ad banner campaign. http://replacementwindowmilwaukee.com Patrick LaJuett manages a website design agency : + LaJuett.com , where he supports clients as a Web technology consultant and search marketing strategy adviser.

Teamed up with YOW! Australia to develop a family of related conference and event websites. http://melbourne.yowconference.com.au Patrick LaJuett manages a website design agency : + LaJuett.com , where he supports clients as a Web technology consultant and search marketing strategy adviser.

Easy, stable and connected to the Google Apps for Work product suite. Baseball team website developed using Google Apps for Work - Google Sites Enabling customers to manage their own content is the right way to go.  I choose Google Sites as my go-to web CMS platform.  Here are a few reasons why... Integrate Google Calendars Embed Youtube videos Instant micro blogging platform SEO friendly Hosted in the cloud Patrick LaJuett manages a website design agency : + LaJuett.com , where he supports clients as a Web technology consultant and search marketing strategy adviser.

Building a WordPress Website in version 4.1.1 Just launched a new WordPress website for a custom home builder.  We took the html website originally designed years ago and migrated the content into a clean WP installation. WordPress design features: Mobile friendly theme (Real Property) Image slider (Revolution) Real estate property search widget Integrated Google Map Links to social media Responsive navigation Responsive form (Jotform) On-page SEO (Yoast) Most modern WP themes now have the ability to inject custom CSS (goodbye PHP code hacks). I like to use Chrome's built-in "inspect element" to reverse engineer the styles.  This allows me to preview CSS overrides in real-time.  Then it's a simple copy/paste/save to apply the site-wide theme changes.   Pinnacle Homes website Patrick LaJuett manages a website design agency : + LaJuett.com , where he supports clients as a Web technology consultant and search marketing strategy adviser.

Website Resign: Diamond Pro - DNN7 Diamond Pro The Brief Update website with responsive design Update Online branding The Method Design: Updated skin with custom graphics and CSS tweaks Platform: DNN7 with plugins (Revolution Slider) Hosting: ASP.NET 4.0 (Cloud) Social: Add links to Google+, Facebook and YouTube The Result RWD auto adapts to user device for best presentation (desktop or mobile) Improved page speed load and overall site performance Visit the Diamond Pro Website Patrick LaJuett manages a website design agency : + LaJuett.com , where he supports clients as a Web technology consultant and search marketing strategy adviser.

Site Launch: Costich Engineering - WordPress Costich Engineering The Brief Showcase engineering, land surveying & landscape architecture projects Reach new customers via organic search Update Online branding The Method Design: Modified theme with custom graphics and CSS tweaks Platform: WordPress with plugins (W3 Total Cache, WordPress SEO, Smush.it, Revolution Slider) SEO: Author unique page titles/descriptions, XML sitemap, Webmaster Tools and Analytics Social: Add links to Twitter, Google+, Facebook and LinkedIn The Result Marketing vehicle will reach potential engineering clients in Western NY Content management system will facilitate posting of new project details Design auto adapts to user device for best presentation (phone, tablet or desktop) Visit the Costich Website Patrick LaJuett manages a website design agency : + LaJuett.com , where he supports clients as a Web technology consultant and search marketing strategy advi...

We recently launched a new DNN portal site for Royal EAP.  The site skin is mobile responsive, which means it auto adapts to the user's mobile device for best presentation. Here are some highlights: CMS: DNN 6 Framework: .NET Database: SQL Server Hosting: Cloud Skin: Responsive Web Design (RWD) Scripts: jQuery slider Editor: WYSIWYG Modules: Document Library FAQs Mashups: JotForm Google Maps Engine DNN CMS continues to improve as a Microsoft .NET alternative to the WordPress PHP framework. Patrick LaJuett manages a website design agency : + LaJuett.com , where he supports clients as a Web technology consultant and search marketing strategy adviser.

Create a unique Google Sites website by customizing a base theme We recently completed a Google Sites website for a local roofing contractor.  The site features a unique look and feel, developed by using the base theme "Ski". Google Sites base themes allows you to start with an existing theme and make the following customizations: Site width Color scheme Font family Background images Element sizing Page grid Navigation Visit the website:  http://gregtheroofer.com Patrick LaJuett manages a website design agency : + LaJuett.com , where he supports clients as a Web technology consultant and search marketing strategy adviser.

Google Sites Launch for International Client http://www.indostek.com Here's a project that came in from Jakarta, Indonesia.  It was a collaborative effort with the customer providing the initial copy, diagrams and photos.  We took the input and built a modified Google Sites template based on the "Simple" theme.   Project Summary: Google Sites CMS hosted in Google Apps Design elements include: Custom background to match customer logo Modified horizontal navigation Two column inner page template Site search Homepage slider Sidebar and footer Collaboration method: Gmail, Google Docs and Google Drive  Turnaround time: 2 weeks One of the most enjoyable things about being a web designer, is being able to work with a geographically diverse client base.  Google Apps enables cloud-based collaboration, which simplifies the web development workflow process.  The future is bright!? I'm hopeful that Google with continue to integrate...

An Overview of Google Sites Sharing You can easily control who can view or edit your Google Sites by changing the sharing settings on your site.  To do this, log in to your site, click the "More" drop-down...then select "Sharing and Permissions". From here, you can invite users to be either viewers, editors, or owners. Adding "Owner" level permissions in Google Sites What the Google Sites access levels mean: Users set to "Can view" can view pages only.  No editing rights allowed. Users set to "Can edit" can create, edit, move and delete pages. Users set to "Is owner" can do everything , including deleting a Google Sites. Source:  https://support.google.com/sites/answer/90594?hl=en Patrick LaJuett manages a website design agency : + LaJuett.com , where he supports clients as a Web technology consultant and search marketing strategy adviser.

New family of websites powered by DNN 6 AutoCrafting Solutions in Rochester, New York The website redesign for AutoCrafting.com was recently completed. We took three existing html based websites and migrated them into a single installation of DNN 6 as "child portals". DNN (formerly DotNetNuke) is evolving rapidly.  DNN  has been my "go to" web CMS platform for a few years, and it's getting better with every update. Here are a few takeaways. DNN Strengths: Portals allow you to host and manage multiple websites under one CMS installation MS Office style editor seems to be more intuitive for corporate clients Vast library of add-on modules (plugins) Scalability for enterprise level websites DNN Weaknesses: Native blogging engine is not as feature rich as Wordpress No single-click updates Hosting is a bit more pricey ($20/mo versus $8/mo) Skins a.k.a. themes tend to be more "corporate" versus "creative"...but ...

The Brief: Online showcase for new bridal line of wedding rings and custom jewelry services Site needs to attract new wholesale customers as well as a motivated sales team The Method: UI Design:  Custom graphics developed in Adobe Fireworks CS3 Google Apps: Google Sites framework with Google Docs and Google Drive Photo Gallery : Implement SimpleViewer Flash/mobile HTML5 gallery linked to multiple Flickr sets SEO : Author unique page titles/descriptions, XML sitemap, Webmaster Tools, Google Analytics. The Result: Website features custom UI which ties into the client's cutting edge jewelry theme Site updates are facilitated via linked Google Docs, Google Drive and Flickr XML feed Marketing tool will reach national audience and help recruit top level sales force Visit the ICON Creations Custom website: http://www.iconcreationscustom.com Patrick LaJuett manages a website design agency : + LaJuett.com , where he supports clients as a Web techno...

The Brief: Create a website that is easy to find via keyword search Site will attract new customers and sell products The Method: Design wood grain theme using Adobe Fireworks CS3 Utilize Google Apps platform: Google Sites, Gmail, Google Docs Implement E-Commerce: JotForm with secure PayPal backend Search optimization: Keyword rich page titles and descriptions, micro-blogging gadget, XML sitemap, Webmaster Tools, Analytics. The Result: Website features custom UI which ties into the client's wood crafting theme E-Commerce enables client an inexpensive method of reaching and selling to national client base Patrick LaJuett manages a website design agency : + LaJuett.com , where he supports clients as a Web technology consultant and search marketing strategy advisor.

One of the most powerful features of Google Sites is the ability to control user access.  For example, you can create a private site (hidden from the general public).  This private site can be accessed via a secure login as defined in the Sharing and Permissions settings. The workflow we use when developing a new Google Sites website is to initially set permissions to "Private".  This way we can freely collaborate with stakeholders without concern of a random visitor stumbling upon the work-in-progress. We rough-in, then refine the site's content as a team.  When ready to launch, all we have to do is "flip the switch". Here's a tech post on how to make your entire Google Sites visible to the public: https://lajuett.zendesk.com/entries/23826192-Make-your-Google-Sites-public Note, permissions can also be set on a individual page basis. Google Sites permissions - Ready for the world. Patrick LaJuett operates a website design an...

Responsive Website Design with Google Sites New responsive design website deployed using Google Sites.  The new  Wild Cane Tours  site features an integrated Google Map, micro blog and e-commerce gadget. Utilizing Google Sites' responsive design framework, the site will also detect mobile / handheld devices and render the screens appropriately. What Is Responsive Web Design? Responsive web design (RWD) is a web design method which provides optimal viewing experiences across a wide range of devices (desktop computer monitors, smart phones and tablets). Custom Google Sites website design with responsive template. More Information Check out Google's recommendations for building smartphone-optimized websites: http://googlewebmastercentral.blogspot.com/2012/06/recommendations-for-building-smartphone.html Patrick LaJuett operates a website design and marketing agency where he supports his clients as a Web technology consultant and search marketing ...

New Google Site features embedded Google Calendar, Picasa Web photo gallery, and more. Need an inexpensive website up and running quickly? Try Google Sites. The rapid development cycle, along with simple to use interface, is very hard to beat. There are limitations on the level of customization. (No JavaScript or inline CSS).  And quality third party gadgets are still rare.  However, the ability to integrate Google apps is a winner.  The built-in micro blogging widget is probably my favorite feature...they just need to open up the public comments. Springer's Keuka Haven - cottage rental website built with Google Sites Google Sites is a structured wiki and webpage creation tool offered by Google as part of the Google Apps Productivity suite.   Patrick LaJuett operates a website design and marketing agency where he supports his clients as a Web technology consultant and search marketing strategy advisor.

We helped develop the new WordPress blog for Hochstein School of Music. Check it out here .

Google Sites website designed for South Lake Union Endodontics in Seattle WA. Link to new website:  South Lake Union Endodontics Website created using free CMS solution from Google (Google Sites). Getting sweet on Google Sites.  Pardon the Valentine's Day reference...'tis the season The more we use GSites the more we like it.  Google Sites is a great alternative to the more prolific CMS platforms out there.  Definitely some design constraints, but for an affordable quick to market website, it's a worthy solution. Free SEO friendly Custom URLs Browser based editing Granular permissions Integration with Google Apps

DotNetNuke version 7.0.3 now available Download from CodePlex here:  http://dotnetnuke.codeplex.com/releases/view/101046 DNN 7.0.3 Major Highlights Fixed issue that prevented non admins and non hosts to save HTML content as a template Fixed potential endless loop when using the device redirection on a new site Fixed UI issue where sub menus could go off screen Fixed issue that stopped users from switching sites from the control bar Fixed CSS issue for disabled menu items Fixed issue with link in the Journal when a site is restored in a different server Fixed issue that prevented pop ups from closing when a window would not use the default alias for JQuery Fixed errors when registering or logging in using a Twitter account Fixed issue that stopped users from updating the Max File Size value Implemented functionality in the Admin > Advanced Configuration > Languages so that users are able to re install and upgrade language packs Fixed error in the HTML Edit...