Monthly Archives: August 2008

Trying to Understand What Web 2.0 Really Is

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According to Wikipedia, Web 2.0 is a term describing changing trends in the use of World Wide Web technology and web design that aims to enhance creativity, information sharing, and collaboration among users.

We’ve been hearing the term for a few years now, and it seemed to be an ambiguous term. On a basic level, it refers to the increase of interconnectivity and social interaction on the web. Examples of this would be Google Docs, Facebook and YouTube.

It seems that more of what we do, be it productivity or play, involves interacting on the web. When creating your website, thinking in these terms will help you keep your site relevant.

The Benefits of Using Tags

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One aspect of Web 2.0 that has been most useful are “tags”. By tagging posts or pictures, you can make them easy to access. All you need to do is think of how people might search for your content, and then add a tag. Multiple tags are helpful, although I wouldn’t go overboard.

If I write an article about the newest iPhone, I would give it these tags: iphone, apple, 3g, at&t. This way, when someone enters a search for iphone or apple iphone, they will find that article easily.

By tagging accurately, you can enable quick and useful searches. This helps in two ways.

  1. You can promote certain articles by tagging with specific words or phrases.
  2. People are able to find what they’re looking for quickly. If people find useful information quickly, they’ll come back to your site often.

Is Google AdSense worth it?

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Google AdSense is a common way for websites to generate money. It’s easy, and it’s free.

Before you add it to your site, you first have to decide whether it would be a benefit. Does it make your site look professional? Does that matter? If your site is recreation or hobby oriented, then AdSense won’t really detract from anything. It is a less formal setting in the first place. On the other hand, if it’s a company site, AdSense tends to look amateur. Companies would be better served setting up direct advertising partnerships.

If you can first decide the purpose of your site, you’ll be on your way to deciding if Google AdSense is right for you.

What Are Favicons?

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Favicons are the small icons that sit in the toolbar of your web browser. They are also one of the more overlooked elements of web design. They fall below most people’s radar, but are noticeable when when they are present. If you have bookmark folders with several bookmarks, you know which sites have favicons.

These little icons are a great way to help market your site. Whenever someone bookmarks your site, it will stand out. Favicons are only 16×16, but pack a big punch in helping your site look professional.