Author Archives: Brenda

Website Promotion: Can I do it with low or no budget?

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Actually, yes you can. Here are a few free or low cost ways to promote your website and your business: (WARNING – some homework may be required!):

  • Write press releases and submit to local publications (announce anything new with your business- new employee, new website, new offering, new location, etc.)
  • Create a links page and ask complimentary businesses to link to your website – one hand washes the other- I’ll add a link to your website, will you link to mine? Think of other business that would be good referrals sources for you, or compliment your services.
  • Make sure that any membership organizations that you belong to have current data and a link to your website – (IE local Chamber, business associations, etc.)
  • Make sure your web address is included on ALL printed materials (I.E. letterhead, business cards, vehicles, advertisements, brochures) that you use – and are included in all media outlets (Yes, even the press releases).
  • Make use of business directories and free online business listings (see Free Listings below)
  • Surf and search the Internet to see where your competitors are coming up. Investigate to find out how much it cost to be there too.
  • Search online to see who comes up first in the non-paid section of search engines results. Click the link to see if they offer free listings, free advertising, or low cost membership.

Free Listings: As with all things in life, sometimes we need to pay attention to the old sayings we’ve heard over and over. In this case, “You get what you pay for” or “Nothing in life is free”, may be applicable. Some companies, or online organizations, will let you submit your business information for free, with little hassle or obligations. BUT some, although they do not ask for money, do NOT come without any cost. For instance, once you submit your information to a free business-listing directory, normally you will receive an email that must be confirmed. Sometimes by confirming, you have automatically agreed to their terms and conditions. So use caution and pay attention to what these so called “free” listings want from you in return. Another thing to watch out for is automatically subscribing yourself to newsletters, email lists, et cetera. Some of these free services may want you to add a reciprocal link to your website. Other free listings are only temporarily free and will convert to paid advertising in order to maintain the listing. Beware of the terms and conditions that you are agreeing to when providing your data or submitting your website URL (address) and/or email address.

Testimonials

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Lewiston Auburn Economic Growth Council

“Some web companies are good at designing sites, and others are good at the technical side of mapping them out. TH Creations is a very rare breed indeed: they are masters at the front end, i.e., designing a beautiful site, and the back end, ensuring it is functional, well thought out, and accessible. They have far, far exceeded my expectations in creating the “It’s Happening Here!” site. The best way to put it is this way: they took my “dream” site and made it a reality that everybody’s talking about. Their team also makes it a point to remain connected with the industry. With TH, you get big-firm expertise with small-company service.”

-Paul Badeau – Marketing Director

 

Home Conceptions

“I want to thank all of you for a great job. It’s been hard for me to find honest, reliable people since we became Maineiacs, and it is greatly appreciated. Your customer service is outstanding and will serve you well as your business continues to grow. Feel free to use me as a reference.” Thanks again,

-Phil Daigle – Owner

 

What is a hosting service?

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A service provider that rents server space, a specific location that you could think of as an apartment for your web pages. A web server is simply a computer that supports Internet access and serves web pages for the public to view via the Internet.

Which extension (TLD) should I use for my domain name?

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The extension, or TLD Top Level Domain, that you choose for your web address can vary depending on availability, the type of business, the location of the business and a variety of other factors. Today there are many options. Common TLDs include .com (commercial), .org (organization), .edu (educational institutions), .net (networks), .gov (U.S. government)and .mil (U.S. military). Some of these options are only applicable to certain qualifying companies or organizations. For instance, only the US government agencies can register a domain name using the . gov extension. Other restrictions apply. The most commonly used extensions for US companies is the .com. You may want to consider using a .net, if your first choice domain is not available, but keep in mind that you may unwittingly send your viewers to a competitor’s site.

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What is a domain name?

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A domain name is simply a web address. For example, “www.yourbusinessname.com”. It is your online identity. It is also known as a URL, or a Uniform Resource Locator, which simply refers to a resource on the Internet (such as a document or an image) by its location.

Once you have registered a domain name with an Internet Registrar the domain name belongs to you and cannot be registered by any other party at that point, however, domain registrations are limited to a specified time and will expire after the time specified. Domain name renewals are necessary to protect your ownership.

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What are web standards?

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Web standards are the formal standards and other technical specifications identified by the web community that define and describe aspects of the World Wide Web. In recent years, the term has been more frequently associated with a growing trend to ensure simple, affordable access to web technologies for all.

Why do I need to know about web standards?

Building with web standards benefits both site owners and users by increasing accessibilty for users (i.e. hearing impaired, those who use screen readers, et cetera), allowing a harmonious relationship with search engines, and enabling site developers to identify and make changes with ease and efficiency.

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Future Fuel Technolgies launches new website!

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www.futurefueltechnologies.com – This website was launched on 05/20/2007 for Future Fuel Technologies, located in Lewiston, Maine. The website was designed and developed by T.H. Creations, Inc. This website employs a content management system and a blog for posting articles written by Frank Norman, degreed Chemist and CEO, of the company. Site viewers can register to post their comments on Frank’s published articles, providing an easy communication tool to interact with their audience, on the hot topic of “Saving Gas”.

Pineland Lumber

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pineland

www.pinelandlumber.com – The Pineland Lumber Company’s new website was launched February 1st, 2007. This website was designed by Gilbert Creative Designs, website development was provided by T.H. Creations, Inc. Since this new website employs a Content Management Sytem, Pineland Lumber Company can now modify the various sections of the site in-house, without having to call a developer or incur additional maintenance costs every time something about their business changes. This modern design and structure was scripted in web standards compliant format, increasing both user accessibility and search engine readability. This modern design and format will serve the Pineland Lumber Company well, for many years to come.

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What is a Content Management System?

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As the name implies, a content management system allows a site’s owner to easily manage the content within their website. A Content Management System (CMS) uses an online database for managing the site’s content. Utilizing a user name and password, the site’s owner can login directly to the hosting server to modify, add, delete page contents on-the-fly. Once the owner, or administrator , “saves” changes on the server, the new content is immediately available on the world-wide-web.

Our CMS employs an easy to use administrator that does not require any specialized computer knowledge. A simple text editor automatically converts the data into HTML. Image handling and file management capabilities can easily be added to the administrator for handling non-text content. Our CMS also enables the use of an internal search engine , so your site visitors can find what they are looking for quickly and easily. By building CMS websites, we can provide our clients with the ability to easily maintain their websites in-house… no waiting for production time, no additional fees every time something in your business changes. Our sites are built with an expandable foundation to easily accommodate future growth.