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New websites developed using DNN portal solutions

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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

New Google Sites for Stowe Law

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Stowe Law Firm website overhauled using Google Sites CMS New Google Sites website designed and deployed for local law firm The Brief: Internet showcase for local legal services Reach new customers via Web search Solidify Online brand ID The Method: Design:  Custom graphics designed in Adobe Fireworks CS3 Google Apps:  Google Sites framework with Google Docs and Google Maps Search Engine Optimization:  Author unique page titles/descriptions, XML sitemap, Webmaster Tools and Google Analytics Social Media : Integrate Google+, Facebook, and micro-blogging gadget The Result: Marketing tool will reach local audience and attract new business Site style is clean and professional which parallels the client's existing brand Content maintenance is accomplished via Google Sites browser-based Web CMS Patrick LaJuett manages a website design agency : + LaJuett.com , where he supports clients as a Web technology consultant and search marketing strategy advis

ICON Creations Custom Google Sites Deployed

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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

Making the Cut - Karl Driesel's New Google Sites Website

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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.

Summertime Logos

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Here are a few summertime logos designed for clients. Folk Foto - Sports Photographer Usage: Facebook page, photo proof watermark Software: CorelDraw X6 Fonts: Highway Gothic American Legion Baseball Team - Hiscock Fishbaugh Usage: Uniform logo Software: CorelDraw X6 Fonts: Marketing Script ProMuscle Nutrition - Supplements, diet books and custom nutrition plans Usage: Brand marketing Software: CorelDraw X6 Fonts: Masque Team Valle - 14U Travel Baseball Usage: Baseball uniform, signage Software: Adobe Fireworks CS3 Fonts: MLB Tuscan Patrick LaJuett manages a website design agency : + LaJuett.com , where he supports clients as a Web technology consultant and search marketing strategy advisor.

Valle Gets a Responsive WordPress E-Commerce Site

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  Responsive website design with WordPress and WooCommerce The Brief: Create an ecommerce site that is visually appealing, stable and easy to use Integrate with social media   The Method: Strategy : Main function of site is to showcase and sell the Valle Training Glove line. Web Design and Development : Valle wanted to be portrayed as an innovative industry leader. The overall style for the website is "sporty" and fresh.  High-end photography is key. Technology : Built using WordPress CMS platform. Plugins: WooCommerce, WordPress SEO, WP Smush.it Theme: pk2012 Sold! Widgets: MailChimp, Twitter The Result: The Valle Training Glove website is responsive, easy to navigate, and matches the existing brand. Visit the website Patrick LaJuett manages a website design agency : + LaJuett.com , where he supports clients as a Web technology consultant and search marketing strategy advisor.

Local Business "Pitchin" Clients with Google Sites

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New Website: Fastball-U.com – Classes now in-session Local business gets new Google Sites powered website The Brief: Use the website as a means of attracting new pitching students Create a website that is easy to find via search   The Method: Focus on optimization for search and responsive mobile device rendering Light-weight and modern styling Utilize  Google Sites platform  to enable content maintenance via a web browser   The Result: Website features custom logo design, which ties into the business's educational theme Visit the FASTBALL-U website     Patrick LaJuett manages a website design agency : + LaJuett.com , where he supports clients as a Web technology consultant and search marketing strategy advisor.

Lessons Learned from a WordPress E-Commerce Project

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Responsive WP e-commerce Project Responsive WordPress ecommerce website design for Valle Training Gloves Launched a WordPress e-commerce website yesterday.  The project was a conversion of an existing DotNetNuke website.  Here are my takeaways from the development process: The Good: Themes are inexpensive, plentiful, and super easy to install Plugins are copious, one-click activation makes life easy WooCommerce set-up is intuitive Dashboard navigation is straightforward Quality hosting providers are abundant The Bad: Theme documentation is sparse WP forums can be slow or unresponsive, so you will be on your own when troubleshooting Small changes to CSS can cause issues in responsiveness "mobile" view Media (images) can be a pain to upload and replace Performance can be sluggish In Summary: The development process was fairly straight forward.  But like every other WP site I have developed, it seems like there are always issues with managing media files.

Google Sites Gets Much Needed Update

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More Customization of Google Sites Themes Now Possible! Earlier this week, Google Sites added improved functionality to enable more theme customization.  The update removes previous limitations set on the sizing of text, specifically in the horizontal navigation interface. To access the new Google Sites features: Manage Site - From the "More" menu, select "Manage site". Themes, Colors, and Fonts - From the "Manage Site" screen, select "Themes, Colors, and Fonts". Customization - Select "Horizontal navigation" to set font size, colors and backgrounds. When finished, Click the "Save" button. Result - Horizontal navigation font size is now customizable.  Previously the nav text size was locked at 10pt. These new Google Sites features enable customization of elements which were previously unchangeable. This flexibility is a welcome UI improvement for Google Sites web designers, site owners, and visitors alike. N

Responsive website developed for "Navigate the Exchange"

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Responsive website design with Google Sites cloud based CMS The Brief: Use the website as a means of educating consumers about the new healthcare exchanges Create a website that is informative and easy to use Integrate with Google Apps   The Method: Strategy: The main function of this site is to educate and guide consumers through the new healthcare exchanges. Web Design and Development: Navigate the Exchange wanted to be portrayed as professional and authoritative. The overall style for the website is contemporary and clean. Technology: Built using Google Sites CMS platform .  The CMS allows for easy management and updates – from anywhere in the world.   The Result: The Navigate the Exchange website has a custom look and feel which matches the existing customer brand. Visit the Navigate the Exchange website Patrick LaJuett operates a website design and marketing agency where he supports his clients as a Web technology consultant and search market