eNewsletter 5 - February 2006

You spend hours designing and developing your Web site, working on the look with designers, crafting your message with writers, getting it all to work smoothly with developers... and only five people have visited your site. What can you do?

Get things moving with search engine optimization (SEO). You can get a lot of exposure for your organization for free from traffic sent by search engines if you practice SEO. SEO is a process for making your Web site rank well in the major search engines. The process should be used in two areas of your site: infrastructure and content.

SEO & Infrastructure The infrastructure of your site is the “techie stuff,” such as how your site is designed and hosted. You want a reliable host, because if your site is down when a search engine such as Google comes by, your site may be dropped from its index. Certain design characteristics also make your site more accessible to search engines. Interestingly, these characteristics will also make your site more accessible to physically challenged visitors. The bottom line is accessibility is good.

To help your site design rank well in the search engines: • Avoid using Flash. If you must use it, do not put it on your home page. • Avoid using Javascript menus. Often the same effect can be achieved with cascading style sheets (CSS). If you must use Javascript for your menu navigation, put an HTML site map at the bottom of each page. • Put meaningful “alt” tags on all graphics that appear on your site. For example, the alt tag on a graphic of your organization's logo should say, “My organization's name logo.” This is also helpful to people using screen readers.

For more information on SEO go to www.katetallentdesign.com/resources/index.html

Unsure how effective your message is? Want to put out the word about your business and know how it's being received? Implement an e-Newsletter system for sending HTML e-mail messages to any recipient list, including your members, donors, the media and other constituents. You can compose your newsletter, format it and even include pictures by simply filling out a short form. All e-mail messages can match the lookandfeel of the Web site or feature a custom design. With the click of a button, the system will automatically e-mail the newsletter to each person on your list. You will have full control — you can do this monthly, weekly or as often as suits you. Work with KTDC to develop a customized e-Newsletter package that will get your message out effectively and ensure you know how you're doing with your growing client or donor base.

“Let us help you untangle the Web,” says Host Designs founder and CEO Mark Koncurat. Baltimore-based Host Designs is a full-service solution for your Web hosting needs. Offering domain registrations and reservations, site maintenance and free site statistics, Host Designs allows you to customize services so that you pay only for what you need.

We are thrilled to work with Mark and Host Designs not only for their excellent work and professionalism but for their personal touch. “When you call Host Designs, you talk to people” says Mark. KTDC client National Latina Health Network is one of many happy customers hosted by Host Designs.

“Ten years ago, I started developing Web sites. My first big project was developing a site for the United Nations Development Programme. Shortly after this contract, I decided it was time to become an official company and started Host Designs. Host Designs has come a long way in the past seven years. We know what it's like to be a small business and have limited resources. This is why we focus on providing high-quality services for reasonable prices.”

Host Designs maintains its own network and can therefore provide the solution you need for your Web hosting. It is currently enhancing its business with additional bandwidth, a new look and additional services.

Mark and his wife are the proud parents of five redheaded girls. As a past member of the Philadelphia Boys Choir, he has performed worldwide and even sang in “La Boheme” with Pavarotti.

KTDC is pleased to expand to include video services provided through a new partnership with Virtual Studio member John R. Dudley Productions. While we provide the art-direction and work directly with you to fine-tune the script and storyboard the video, Dudley Productions provides a full range of video production services. The company works with a variety of broadcast, corporate, government and not-for-profit clients nationwide. Dudley Productions develops and produces projects such as commercial and PSA spots; VNRs; corporate, instructional and campaign-results videos; and live and live-to-tape arts and entertainment projects.

Dudley Productions is capable of producing in multiple formats including analog and digital standard definition, 16mm film and high definition. Post-production services include editing on one of two AVID suites or on a mobile Final Cut Pro editing system.

Additional post-production services include 3-D graphics, animation, audio mastering, live-streaming video Web casting and more. John R. Dudley Productions provides big-time talent and creativity.

John and his wife own two dogs and live in northern Virginia. He also plays drums and owns the independent record label NFI.

Monday, March 13 — Derek Smith presents, Leadership in Paper and the Environment, hosted by RIS Paper and KTDC at the Hilton Washington Embassy Row, Washington, DC. Smith, a 35-year veteran of the paper industry, explores the dramatic impact of environmental reform on the paper and print industry. 11:00 am to 1:00 pm. This free session is only open to KTDC clients and includes lunch. Seating is limited; please e-mail kate@katetallentdesign.com to reserve a seat or for directions.

The team that brings you this edition of the KTDC e-Newsletter is made up of the trusted folks with whom I collaborate on design and communications projects, from print to Web to video. Read more about KTDC's Virtual Studio partners at: www.katetallentdesign.com/about/virtualstudio.html

David Andrews – copywriting / Jesus Navarro Saracibar – Web development / Kate Tallent – design