Website 101 Podcast

Written by: Sean Smith Mike Mella & Amanda Lutz
  • Summary

  • The Website 101 Podcast offers advice on how to build and manage websites. Whether you’re a web developer, or someone who manages your organization’s website, learn how to do your job better. Hosted by Sean Smith, Amanda Lutz, and Mike Mella, who each have 15+ years of experience in the industry.
    Copyright 2024 Sean Smith
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Episodes
  • Introduction to Website 101 Podcast
    Jan 1 2019
    In this episode I talk about the guests, topics and format of the show.

    An introduction to the podcast, the goal of the podcast, the format and the target audience. A brief introduction to Sean, the host of Website 101 Podcast.

    Advice for both DIY website owners and for those working with a web professional. I hope you enjoy the show and continue to listen. If you have any questions or suggestions, I'd love to hear from you; send me an email.

    Show Links
    • Caffeine Creations
    More Website 101 Podcast
    • Email the Podcast!
    • Twitter
    • Sean on LinkedIn

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    8 mins
  • Planning, Structure, Goals
    Jan 8 2019
    In this episode we discuss project management and the various strategies and tools that will help you to with building a successful website.

    The website is for the client not for you. It should be addressing what your potential clients are looking for. Take some time to plan your website and online presence before starting.

    Your customers are not everyone who breathes. It's important to choose a niche and narrow down your target before building your website and writing copy.

    Themes are one size fit all. You can use a website builder and it will get you online quickly but it won't be as effective as a design that is custom to your clients and needs. Themes look like every other site, but a custom site is unique and driven by your content.

    Don't get caught up in the tools, use what works for you. Try a couple of different tools until you find one that fits. It's not necessary to use what other people use.

    Plan before you build. You won't have to start over and will not regret the extra focus it provides. This is really important to do when you are doing it alone. When working with a professional this is often called discovery.

    Show Links
    • Slick Plan
    • Google Drawing
    • Google Slides
    • FreeMind
    • Mind Meister
    • Trello
    • Basecamp
    • Team Work
    More Website 101 Podcast
    • Email the Podcast!
    • Twitter
    • Sean on LinkedIn

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    47 mins
  • Web Design Shortcuts You Should Never Take
    Jan 11 2019
    In this episode myself and Mike Mella discuss several webdesign shortcuts you should never take and the reasons why many businesses continue to make these mistakes.

    We talk about some things that businesses often do to save money by cutting various parts of their websites. Avoid shortcuts if you can, but sometimes its unavoidable.

    Usability testing should be conducted to help you make your website the best it can be. It's not as expensive as you think it might be. Testing should be done with people in your target audience but not from your organization. They should be unfamiliar with your website to get the best results.

    Do not use a predefined theme for WP or a website builder if possible. You content should determine the design not the design determine the content. When using a theme, the design shapes the content and copy which results in sub par messaging and a website that is not memorable or unique.

    Common issues include avoiding pop-ups, don't use the phrase click here, and pdfs. There is no fold. Don't worry about above the fold.

    Show Links
    • Should I Use a Carousel
    • Steve Krug (usability expert)
    • CRA
    • Presto Card
    • Eight common user experience problems (and solutions) for nonprofit websites: Part one
    • Eight common user experience problems (and solutions) for nonprofit websites: Part two
    • Why you shouldn't say "Click Here"
    • Content Carousels/Sliders on the Homepage
    • I am the Fold
    More Website 101 Podcast
    • Email the Podcast!
    • Twitter
    • Sean on LinkedIn

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    42 mins

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