The Wonderful World of the Web

by Amelia David
(an interview with Tony Montano)

Becoming User-Friendly

Back Stage also asked for input from Tony Montano, whose Web design background originally was in the area of website "usability" (creating websites in a way that makes for an easy and pleasant experience for the site visitor). According to Montano, Jakob Nielsen is a leader in this field. Periodically, Nielsen summarizes everything in a list of the "Top 10 Web Design Mistakes." His useful list for 2002 can be found at www.useit.com/alert-box/20021223.html.

Montano suggests it's very important to look at a designer's portfolio. His style may or may not match your personality and what you want to convey. Depending on your needs, it may be preferable to go with a designer just starting out, as they are willing to negotiate. Montano has designed sites for performers, and for the Cabaret Conference at Yale, but he still sees himself as new. Since he knows his own limitations, he strongly suggests that you discuss exactly what you expect technically with your potential designer in order to make sure he or she has the necessary expertise.

Montano has found that the more technology required, the more expensive the site gets. Also, some designers create a new design for each client, while others offer a package where you choose a design from various templates already created. The latter is a little cheaper, and there's nothing wrong with using a template. He also believes that music playing in the background on sites can be nice, but it does add more download time and, after a while, it can get annoying to your visitor.

Montano recommends learning about search engines. He says that within six months of your site being published, most of the major search engines will have found it and added it to their database. You can check for info on getting a listing on Google, one of the more popular sites, at www.google.com/webmasters/1.html. Some search engines charge a fee if you are in a rush, but otherwise it's usually free. Montano suggests staying away from websites advertising that they will get you listed in hundreds of search engines for a fee. He insists, "There are only a handful of major search engines to be concerned about and it's very easy to submit your site to them yourself."

Montano also advises readers that for this type of website, it's rarely necessary to meet the designer. So, as you shop around for prices (most designers aren't willing to list prices on their websites), remember that if a designer in Ohio has great quality sites at a cheap price, there's no reason you can't work with him - no matter where you live. Montano also suggests that if your budget is tight, you can start with one page and then add on as your finances permit.

On average, he says, creating five pages takes about two weeks' work. This would include ordering the domain name and then getting it hosted with an Internet Service Provider (ISP). If you'd like to find out if the domain name you want is available, go to www.networksolutions.com and enter possible names to check their availability. When you find one, you can simply order it right there.

Don't forget you need that ISP to host your site for you. This is a small monthly expense that you need to take into consideration. There are hundreds of them out there, and if you want to do research, you can see many of them at www.thelist.com. Montano uses and recommends LFC Hosting. It's usually about $18 per month for them to host your site.

Amelia David
Back Stage
May 9 -15, 2003