Just a quick reminder: Registration on LearnWebDevelopment.com’s WordPress Bootcamp is ending this week – May 23, 2013 at midnight.

If you want to learn WordPress – and create your first website in just a few days – this is the bootcamp for you! You’ll learn how to build a fully-functioning website using WordPress faster than ever before. Grab your seat today.

And, if you secure your seat by Thursday at midnight, you won’t have to wait for this unique training. Go here now to see what you’ll learn and what others are saying about LearnWebDevelopment.com’s training.

Did we mention that your success is guaranteed in this bootcamp?

LearnWebDevelopment.com guarantees if you keep up with the assignments, do the weekly homework lessons, and ask questions when you have them, you’ll become a successful web designer by the time the Bootcamp is over. If you don’t, they’ll refund every penny you paid. Learn more here.

We have randomly selected the winner of our giveaway, which was sponsored by WPMU DEV. First I like to say thanks to WPMU DEV for this great giveaway and also to all the participants in this contest.

About WPMU DEV

WPMU DEV is offering a one year membership that includes unrivaled WordPress 24-7 support, plugins, and themes. Sign up today and to use our themes and plugins, as well as unlimited access to our talented team of developers.

You will also get access to their MarketPress plugin – the easiest to use, best designed and most powerful ecommerce / shopping cart plugin available for WordPress today.

To find out more about WPMU, visit their site, blog or find them on Google+.

The Contest

Winner will get an annual membership worth $219, that allows you to get high quality themes, plugins and 24-7 WordPress support.

Winner

I’m pleased to say that we’ve selected winners at random from all the people who entered the contest. The winner is:

• Jordan

Congratulations to all winners and be sure to look for more contests from us in the future!

With the technological advancements of the internet, it’s obvious that there would be changes in web design trends. 2013 also would have the new trends and changes in website design as the previous earlier years. It will likely be an exciting and fun year in web design, and below is a list of 7 most popular and user admired website trends which can be expected in 2013.

Responsive Website Design

Responsive web design is the method of developing codes to ensure that the website design is displayed irrespective of the screen dimensions. For instance, you might see one variation from the design on a desktop, different on a tablet horizontal display, different on tablets vertical display, and also a different display on Smartphone. Responsive design is a content-focused approach to building web encounters, and is future-focused in that the look is fluid and may adapt to new technology on a continuing basis.

With the proliferation of screen dimensions-not only more compact mobile dimensions, but additionally extra-large desktop shows and screens on many new surfaces for example car dashboards and kitchen counter tops in the long run-expect responsive web design to be considered a major trend continuing to move forward.

For any couple of good examples, take a look at bostonglobe.com, mashable.com or catalystsearchmarketing.com (created by Internet Marketing NOW).

Full Screen Design

A wave of greater visual design is here. Observe the current redesigns of social networking websites like Facebook, Google+, Linkedln and twitter, and it is apparent that probably the most popular websites are also determined to get a new and more pleasant visual experience of the web. Also, it is expected that more companies would implement and go for the more visual appeal websites with full screen website designs.

Good examples of full-screen website designs have: tristangaland.com, tatchies.com and culinariafoodandwine.com.

Vertical & Infinite Scrolling

We’ve observed increasingly more websites with very long, vertical-scrolling pages. Probably the most popular vertical-scrolling sites, which really signifies “infinite scrolling” is Pinterest. The website constantly loads new hooks effortlessly because the user scrolls lower the page. Pagination turns into a non-problem, and also the user-experience is employed by the websites like Pinterest, Facebook etc. Infinite scrolling doesn’t work for every website, however in scenarios when you are trying to showcase various images or content in a single page, it shows to be highly effective and user accepted.

Parallax Design

On of the many cool advancements in web design fields have been the parallax design, which incorporates the usage of advanced scrolling methods, where background and foreground images are scrolled at different paces. This gives an illusion of 3D like appearance. The result can be truly amazing.

Large Buttons

Sites with buttons related to actions are everywhere. However, at times websites go ahead and take the concept to a completely advance level, and much advance incorporation can be expected in future.
Using extra-large call-to-action buttons might help simplify a website to its core, and may help site site visitors get what they’re searching for faster.

Social Networking Integration

Social networking integration in the past was buttons of social networking sites, and nowadays the live activity feeds on Facebook or Twitter in sites. These good examples of incorporation are restricted, and appealing for integration of feeds and user engagement. It’s time to exceed “Share this.” Way beyond!

In relation to fundamental tools, Click To Tweet is a great choice in that it hones in on the specific bits of data that could be most shareable, instead of forcing the consumer to share the whole page. We recommend the tool.

The main social platforms each offer a variety of integration options, too. Although, Facebook and Twitter are good examples of present day integrations, what should be considered is the true integration and incorporation of social networking sites.

Rather, designers and customers alike will eventually come to focus on the web experience, including all communication and customer satisfaction. The idea to be “social” like a stand-alone activity will end up old, and the website would ensure higher real time interaction and user engagement. 2013 is expected to be heading into this path.

Designed Fonts

In earlier years, for enhancing of a website, an artist would generally just consider good images. In 2013, expect fonts to be considered a critical design element in some.
You will find a variety of font formats for that web, including EOT, STD, TTF, SVG, OTF, etc. which makes font selection crucial and challenging for todays designers. However, with using the CSS3, designers may have an unlimited quantity of custom fonts with which to work. Possibly eventually in the foreseeable future web font embedding will end up the default design practice, enabling just about any typeface and then any font style, much like in print design.

Do you know the legend about the Tower of Babel? The story explained the confusion of tongues: variations in human languages. Humans competed with the Lord and he punished them making them speak different languages.

For thousands of years humanity spoke 3000-6000 various languages. The photo below shows Cuneiform, the earliest form of written expression.

• The population of the Earth is more than seven Billion people;
• There are more than 190 languages worldwide, some of them claim to the title of international languages (like Chinese and English), and some are used by small communities;
• In comparison, the population of China is two Billion people, and India’s population is approaching to three Billion of people;
• More than 50% of Google queries are received in foreign languages other than English. More than a third of such requests are in European languages other than English;
• In the European Union every year, even during the economic crisis, there was noted an increase in sales in more than 20 Billion Euro, 5 Billion Euro of which is in Germany.
• A company’s website content, performed in the native language of the client, can hold a user at your website almost 2 times longer. As a result, it’s 4 times more likely his stay will result in a successive purchase or an agreement that depends on your company’s services.

Let’s consider a specific example. Taobao is a huge online market place popular among people from all around the world. Products featured at Amazon, eBay etc can be bought on Taobao at half price, though there is one BUT! There is no adequate English translation, the texts you’ll find there sound like a set of words that make no sense at all, making it pretty hard to shop.
Localization is really important for every website, especially when it’s targeted for an extremely diverse audience. Multilingualism can be found everywhere, within every country there are communities that talk and write using languages of different groups.

So let’s have a look at localization modules for the most popular content management systems: WordPress, Joomla and Drupal.

Localization modules for WordPress

76 Translation Files for WordPress

Although WordPress displays in U.S. English by default, the software has the built-in capability to be used in any language. The WordPress community has already translated WordPress into many languages, and there are Themes, translation files, and support available in many other languages. It is also possible to create a multilingual blog with the help of Plugins.

Codestyling Localization

Localize WordPress

Backend Localization

Pure PHP Localization

This plugin converts gettext binary message catalogs to an array of strings. It allows users to save some amount of RAM on a shared hosting server and works with plugin and theme text domains as well as with the default ones.

Localization modules for Joomla

MultiTrans

JV Bing Translator

JV Translate

NS Translate

Browse Your Website in 35 Languages

Localization modules for Drupal

Webform Localization

ICanLocalize Translator

Localization client

Media Translation

Automated Text Review

Final Thoughts

Keeping eye on the languages your website is presented you can reasonably extend the audience of your resource. Feel free to consider modules mentioned in this blog post.

It’s time for a another great giveaway here on webexpedition18.com! Today we are giving away a annual WPMU DEV membership worth $219, with full access to all their WordPress themes, plugins, and support resources.
Read on and find out how to win!

About WPMU DEV

WPMU DEV is offering a one year membership that includes unrivaled WordPress 24-7 support, plugins, and themes. Sign up today and to use our themes and plugins, as well as unlimited access to our talented team of developers.

You will also get access to their MarketPress plugin – the easiest to use, best designed and most powerful ecommerce / shopping cart plugin available for WordPress today.

To find out more about WPMU, visit their site, blog or find them on Google+.

The Contest

Winner will get an annual membership worth $219, that allows you to get high quality themes, plugins and 24-7 WordPress support.

How to Enter

All you have to do is:
Create an account at http://premium.wpmudev.org/join/#signup and then leave a comment on this page with your username.

It’s that simple!

Deadline

The contest ends on Tuesday, April 9th, 2013, and the winner will be picked randomly.

Good luck!

For any internet firm, the first source of getting good business is always through positive client referrals and the second one in my opinion will be ofcourse through client reviews and testimonials. From my personal experience as a Web Consultant, I can tell you that small businesses have often leveraged on well-written client appreciations that are actually another kind of referrals. My article compiles some unique pointers on how firms can obtain valuable testimonials and why are Client Testimonials important for a business.

Client reviews are one of the primary ingredients that appear in search results of popular search engines like Google and Yahoo. Moreover, it is the special web page present in a website, which motivates a satisfied client to go ahead and write a fantastic review about the service provider. (Ofcourse, you need to offer a praiseworthy service to the client too).

Effectiveness of Client Testimonials and Reviews

Three essential elements that are necessary for the smooth functioning of a client-firm relation are credibility, security, and believability. Client testimonials and reviews act as a powerful step in establishing all three of the above-mentioned success pillars. Credibility assists a firm in breaking the natural marketing barrier and establishes a sense of trust among the clients, who may consider you as an unfamiliar service provider at first.

Client reviews are kind of a support or a motion of confidence that a third party instills in your prospects through the magic of words. For example, a company repeatedly singing about its own quality would be a bit skeptical for the prospective client. On the otherhand, you have an existing client singing the same song about the service provider, not only the thing will be a satisfactory but more believable too.

Why people believe the client??? Just because he does not have any economic interest or to keep it simple, He doesn’t give a damn about you and your company’s future!

Local Edge and Competitive advantage

It’s a very acknowledgeable fact that in a local market segment, a local vendor has a sharp edge over the large business sharks. Local vendors have the liberty and ability to communicate with the clients directly without any communication channel in between, which is why they are able to satisfy them better. Obtaining realistic reviews through direct interaction will prove to be much effective than traditional surveys.

Testimonials and Advertising

Advertising and Testimonials always go hand-in-hand! Don’t believe me? Then, try finding out an effective weight loss campaign without client testimonials or any great rehabilitation advertisement without client reviews. For gods sake, even mobile phones have client reviews now! My point is that testimonials have the unique ability of overcoming disbelief much effectively than any other traditional marketing tools.

Testimonials can also be included in direct mail piece or even to the sales letter, so as to add credence. Including realistic testimonials is a better way of making things sound more realistic.

Allow the Client to Provide Testimonials Easily

I have included this point in the end to simply remind you of the fact that one should never pull a client out of the comfort zone, just to get a testimonial. Now, this is where your real professionalism lies, which is thinking of a perfect way to make the client deliver a testimonial realistically. Create a centralized local resource section in your website that clients and visitors find easy to locate. This centralized location will have well-trafficked review website wherein a client can easily post testimonials. Clients normally use these websites to review service provider’s work, which is why posting another review will never be a big deal for them.

Did You Ever Know that Client Testimonials are Essential for Search Rankings?

“Effective Client testimonial = Good Market Image + Better Business + Better Search Visibility”

Now, how can one ignore the value of client testimonials, especially after what I mentioned above?

Client testimonials and reviews do have a very favorable effect on the local search engine rankings, which is why major search engines show client reviews in search results too.

Conclusion

Somehow, I have a feeling that after reading the contents mentioned above you might have a different take on the value of client reviews or testimonials. However, if you still don’t care, then think again or the deteriorating image of your brand will force you to change your opinion. Reading what others think of a particular service provider is enough to break a prospect’s doubts and establish an authoritative sense of credibility. On the otherhand, the clients who provide you with the testimonials develop a sense of pride and joy due to the promising association so far, which is the reason they are offering to write their feelings publicly.

Small business enterprises or units have a major advantage in getting client testimonials due to the level of proximity they have with their prospects. However, make sure you satisfy your clients too with your work quality and professionalism. Internet has opened us a gateway to many possibilities, which is why constant research has been my kind of a hobby. Do let me know how you feel about the information mentioned till now and feel free to share the knowledge.

Today we are having a look at 30 beautiful vector wallpapers. The wallpapers you will find in this collection is by no doubt inspiring and mind tickling to look at because of their bright and beautiful colors.

Each and every wallpaper also offers a unique artistic touch, which of course adds a lot to the complete impression. All wallpapers are available in most screen resolutions to make sure you find something suiting your desktop. Once you have found a wallpaper you like, simply click the image and download it.

Put some life to your desktop and get inspired everyday!

Coloured Strokes

Fantasy Island

The Retro

En Voyage

Rainbow Concepts

Colorama

Sailing in Blue

The Ultimate Cute

Retro Color Rainbow

One Planet

Paprika

War And Peace

Retro Profile

The Wolf

Vintage

Quikitsujin

This Chaos

8 Arm Creature

Blend

Typography

A Trip To Wonderland

Little Yellow Submarine

Clean

Dots

Tree

Stats

Colour Everywhere

Dawn In Japan

Retro

Vector City

One of the common trends amongst successful startups – or at least, startups that are popular and often talked about – is an eye for great design. Whether it’s the design of the product, or the website that markets it, design appears to be a common factor in most successful new businesses.

It’s unlikely that great design alone makes or breaks a company, but a beautifully designed homepage is likely to perform better. It increases the chance that visitors will stick around and read what you have to say, which can then result in more attention and more sales.

While larger, more established companies can get away with not focusing as much on design, the smarter startups know that it can help to swing the odds in their favour. Startups are also less concerned with playing it safe, and so they are often more comfortable with adopting some of the more adventurous and creative design trends.

We’ve created a roundup of some of the most visually appealing, beautifully crafted startup homepages to help get you thinking about your next website design project.

LayerVault

Spacebase by Parallel Universe

Kippt

Flutter

Referly

ShopLocket

Cloudsnap

KISSmetrics

New Relic

Squarespace

Grouper

Proto.io

Ballpark

Blimp

Rdio

Have you found any beautifully designed startup homepages that you think should be in our roundup? Let us know in the comments!

For potential customers to notice your business, they must have something to remember you by. This is often done with logos. Creativity in a logo design will go a long way in bringing in more clientele. Logos are a big part of the brand identity of your business. Often it is the logo that will stick out and be noticed the most. When designing a logo, you need to create one that will make people notice it and remember it so they can pass the information to others.

Colors and Creativity

Besides hiring a professional to help you with the creative part of your logo, think about the colors you want to use. Colors make a huge difference in what a person feels towards a business. Bold and warm colors like orange, yellow and red tend to excite people and will often pique their curiosity. You can do a lot with warm colors that will make your logo stand out. This isn’t always what you will want, however. There are times when you want people to feel relaxed and comfortable with your business. Logos that contain cool colors like blue and green will give these feeling to people. Creativity in logo designs will need to include taking the colors into consideration.

The Design

You can use your company name in your logo so people will associate the logo directly with the name. Some names don’t really look right on a logo, though. This is when you want to use colors and shapes in the creativity process. Often a certain shape is used for customers to remember a certain brand. When they see that shape elsewhere, they will often think of your business. This is good for you since they may see shapes all around them that could make them flash back to your logo.
Being creative is necessary to call people to your business. They need something to associate your business to what they need. Once there is an association made, they will be more tempted to do business with you. This is true of logos online or offline.

Where to Use a Logo

Whenever you are advertising your business and want your brand noticed, you can rely on your logo. The more creative you are with your logo, the more people you can draw to it. Online or offline, you will be using your logo to draw people. That means you need a memorable logo that will be noticed but conveys the right feeling. That is why creativity is so important to your logo design. When people make the connection between what they need, the logo and your business, you will begin to see a big improvement in how much traffic you draw. Use your logo on business cards, flyers, online and offline advertisement, on your website and anywhere you think people will see it.

What’s Hot and What’s Not

Since your logo is important to your brand identity, it is important to choose a logo design that will be noticed for many years. You don’t want people to turn away from it or turn the page on your logo without giving it a chance. Often the hot look only lasts for a year. You need to consider the future and what people may be drawn to then, too. Creativity needs to consider what the future is going to hold for your business. This can be done by using your imagination. Remember that you want to draw customers. You want what they will notice. You may like a particular design, but will your customers like it? They are what is important if you want to use your logo to establish more business. Don’t use what is in style if you think that style is going to fade quickly. You need to give people time to take notice of your logo. Eventually, they will know it by heart, and then it will be a household name. You have then established yourself in the eyes of your customers.

Creativity in a logo design is very important to your business. Without using creativity, you will end up with a logo that people will sweep under the rug and be done with. You can be noticed for years to come when you have a logo that has used your creative juices.

In the good old days airplane ticket was a little booklet filled with information about your flight, your reservation, timetables with flying hours and so on. It is the same case with baggage tags, back in the days they were beautifully designed, colorful and worth collecting.
In this post you’ll see some vintage airline tickets and baggage tags from the various airlines.

Fasten your seat belts we’re about to take off!

Tickets

Baggage Tags

As you can see from the examples above the design itself is far more appealing than the traditional baggage tags that we see today.
Its quite a shame that the airlines nowadays can’t adopt a better design for the baggage tags and for the boarding passes.