Posts Tagged web developer
New Facebook Profile App – Hurry, it’s Launching!
Posted by Deborah Pauley in Advertising, Marketing, New Media, Social media, Social Networking, Technology, Uncategorized, Web on October 3rd, 2011
Back in September during the Facebook F8 Developers Conference, Facebook announced their most significant changes to the Facebook Platform since its launch in 2007. Once of the most talked about is the ‘re-invention’ of the Facebook Profile through the use of TIMELINE.
Broken down, Facebook Timeline will essentially tell the story of you (yes, you ala your Profile) in roughly three parts – Stories, Apps and an inventive way to allow you to express who you are. The layout will have stories appearing at the bottom of the page. In the middle, there will be tiles to display all of the Apps and the things you have done with them. The neatest thing is the ‘Timeline’; displaying years so you can literally go back in time.
Although currently available in beta stage, developers (apps developers) can try it out! Not a developer? Become one – it’s quite simple. Below are some guidelines to get started:
1. Visit FACEBOOK to start the developer access process.
2. Click ‘Create a New App’ and name it whatever you want. Of course, you’ll have to agree to the Platform Privacy Policy. Then click on ‘continue’ – you will then have to submit a CAPTCHA.
3. Go to your app’s main settings screen and find ‘Open Graph’ on the left hand side. Once there, you’ll be directed to ‘Getting Started Using Open Graph.’
4. Test It Out! Follow along the test route and type in any VERB in the first box and then any NOUN in the second; then click ‘Get Started.’
5. You’ll almost there! You’ll be taken to a new page where you should change your default settings. Of course, there will be a few pages of settings to swim through.
6. Visit the Facebook Home Page; and there should appear an option to tryout the new Timeline on your home page.
Just a note that until this is live (rumors have it that October 9th will be the day); only other developers will be able to see your new timeline.
Here are my ‘Before’ and ‘After’ photos so you can see the difference!
BEFORE – OLD PLATFORM
AFTER – NEW PLATFORM
WOW! Huge difference, don’t you agree! Needless to say, now is the time to play with it before your profile changes on you overnight without knowing it. Heaven knows we’ve seen quite a few changes lately from Facebook; so at least you know have a heads up on this one!
Be sure and share your new profile photos when you’re finished! Would love to see how it turns out!
Hiring a Web Developer Versus a Web Company
Posted by Jennifer Maxfield in Design, Marketing, Web on November 3rd, 2009
Hiring a Web Developer Versus a Web Company
When you are looking to design or redesign a web site, it’s a good idea to get multiple quotes. Often times, the pricing will vary from company to company. Some times, we as an agency quote against a single individual, often a developer who knows how to program web sites. Although, this may be a great option, as it is often less expensive to use a developer instead of hire a web company, there are some things you should consider before committing.
1. Redoing the web site is usually more expensive than doing it right the first time. A web site is not only a monetary investment but a huge time investment, and usually, you get what you pay for. All developers / web companies are not created equal, so make sure when you are comparing quotes that you realize the difference between a developer and a web company.
2. Web developers will often expect you, the client, to drive the strategy of the web site. There is a lot involved in how a web site is put together; what should go on what page; how the site should be organized; what the functionality on each page should be etc. If you are comfortable providing that type of direction, a web programmer is probably a good option for you.
3. Web developers usually don’t come up with your key word strategy or your copy. The client in this scenario often has to provide the copy to the developer and then the developer will drop that copy in to the design. There is often times not a back and forth, consulting, copy-writing role when working with a solitary developer.
4. Developers have a very distinct way of designing. Usually, there is a web designer and then there is a back-end developer, at least two people working on one project. When working with an individual developer, if you are going for a certain type of look, or a certain level of sophistication with your site, I suggest asking for design examples, and make sure they were the one’s that actually designed the site, not just programmed it.
5. Developers are more accustomed to working on one project per day. Multi-tasking, meeting with the client, organizing feedback, providing updates, taking notes on revisions, translating direction and proofing are all examples of tasks that a lot of developers are not extremely comfortable with. This role is typically filled by a project manager or account executive when working with a web company. This individual would manage the job, serving as the liaison between client and artist. This individual is specifically trained to work with the client and make sure the vision and direction of the client is noted and realized.
6. Developers often times do not provide very in-depth proposals. This means, that you don’t have a very clear picture of what is included, which can be problematic. It’s often good practice to have a very detailed and accurate outline of what the web site scope of work is so you know for sure that what you want is indeed understood, and more importantly, that the final product meets your expectations and objectives.
7. Because search engine optimization starts with a SEO-friendly design and programming, make sure that your web developer or web company understands how to design for search engines. Good on-site SEO is very important when investing in a web site, as you want to position your site to grow in search engine ranking over time. Also, you may want to find a web company that can also implement an off-site SEO campaign, like link-building for example. (It may also be helpful to work with a social media web company, so you can integrate all of your online efforts with your web site design.)
Web developers are a really great option for clients that are technically-savvy and confident in their writing skills. It’s also a good option for people that can package and deliver exactly what they are looking for and don’t need the consulting or strategic management indicative of an experienced web company. Also note the additional time commitment on the “client” side as you will be the primary driver for the project. In my experience, if you want a 20 page web site complete in 2 months, estimate out on average 2 hours a day at least if you have to create the strategy and web flow chart, work personally with the developer and write and edit copy.
My final word of advice would be to ask for references, for a developer or a web company, and then actually call the references!
Good luck on your web ventures!