Webrunner Blog

Spam, Spam, Eggs & Ham?

Spam is definitely one of those topics that everyone is having to deal with these days. From pharmaceuticals to sexually explicit content, if you have an email address, you get spammed! There are ways to minimize the amount of spam by remembering things like:

1. Don’t open emails and especially attachments form people or companies that you are not 100% sure about.
2. Keep virus and spy ware programs up to date on your computer.
3. Avoid questionable websites, especially e-commerce sites that do not offer proper encryption.
4. Unless you are very sure of the source, do not follow links found in emails…for example you want to check your account balance and have a link in an email that appears to be from your bank…you are much better off (more secure) if you type in the main URL to your banks website to assure you are going to the right place!

Unfortunately to date there is no complete way to eliminate spam altogether. There are some interesting programs that have limited success, and there are even programs that seek to “retaliate” spammer sites! One such retaliation type software is currently in Beta testing from Blue Security. I am in no way endorsing there product as it is contriversial and will need some time to bear its true fruit. An interesting summary of this product is available HERE

How does your website rate?

OK, its time for me to rant a little about website appearance! There are some really great looking websites out there, but there are a whole lot of really crappy ones too! When it comes to website design, there are some basic rules of thumb that are common sense and actually follow similar guidelines to technical writing and visual aesthetics!

Now here is an example of a cluttered site… no offense to the owner…they just need a designers help!

The very first thing to remember is the old KISS method…Keep It Simple Stupid! Sites need to be easy to navigate, not cluttered with banners and links that overpopulate each page. While it is “cool” to use flash, video, and animated gifs, don’t over do it. Have you ever been to a web page that flashes so much it gives you a headache?

Remember: If a visitor doesn’t get your message in within a few seconds of reaching your page…they are gone.

FTP Client Resources

Uploading web pages to the internet is not too difficult, but can be a source of aggravation if you are unfamiliar with the file system and protocol for doing it. When a site is hosted at WebRunner Domains, you do have the option to upload web pages of nominal size directly from your control panel, however, a preferred method of upload is by use of an FTP (File Transfer Protocol) client. Below I have listed a few that range from free to a few dollars to purchase. most of these are easy to understand and actually provide a wizard to help you in setting up your site for upload. Enjoy!FTP ResourcesFTP Resources

• LeapFTP - A great FTP client.

• FTP Voyager - A first class FTP client from Rhinosoft.com, featuring drag and drop file transfer and automatic connection to FTP addresses copied to the clipboard.
• CuteFTP - Deservedly popular FTP client, now in version 3.5.
• Fetch - Mac users have their own dedicated FTP client, and it’s no slouch.
• WS FTP - A very popular FTP Client for Windows (30 day eval version).
• FTP Explorer - FTP client that seems a bit more reliable than the old standard WSFTP.

WHAT’S IN A NAME?

I must confess that the first thing that comes to mind when I hear that question is the lyrics from an 80’s Samantha Fox hit! Of course what we are referring to here is Corporate branding!
So often when we begin in business, we are mislead into thinking that “if we build it they will come”. We assume that just because we have graced the web with our presence and have a beautiful website that folks will be rushing to our pages to buy our stuff. Though we may offer the finest products and services in our business, we will never have more than marginal business if we fail to market ourselves properly. It is a widely know fact that people buy from people right? So, is it reasonable to think that consumers would buy from someone they are not familiar with?

Trust and familiarity are big issues with any business, but even more critical on the web. With a storefront business in a city or town, potential customers will pass by or read ads that will over time gain familiarity. On the web however, we are often given only ONE chance to convince our consumers that we are trustworthy and of value to them. Competition on the web is fierce to say the least so how can we convey our business’ personality effectively?

There are many great marketing programs on the web today that will help you propel your business forward but the first and foremost concern must be the look and “feel” of your website. It is often overlooked that a website has a “personality” which must be conveyed to achieve the desired results…SALES! On the web you can purchase great packages that will have you up and running with an online business in no time. These are great to get you started, but it is highly recommended that you morph your website into your own concept, to distinguish it from the masses. Though it seems basic, many businesses fail to develop a crisp clean and inviting website first! Avoid the temptation to market your website before it is ready. Be patient and build the foundation first to assure a strong and profitable business in the future. We will have more on these topics, so check back often!

Website Completed!

We are excited to announce that all the elements of our WebRunner Domains are online and functional! Of course you can still get supreme quality domain management, email, and hosting, but we have added a tips page that offers great pointers for web design, domain names, and e-marketing. The news page offers feeds and links to tech, design and product review. We continue to find ways to improve and enhance your experience at WebRunner Domains. We welcome your comments!

Realtors - This could be your web domain!

WebRunner Domains is pleased to offer for sale the exclusive domain name WEDOMLS.COM. This top level domain is perfect for the real estate professional that wants a short descriptive web domain. As promised we will be offering domains from time to time for auction and sale. We will gladly entertain all legitimate and realistic offers for this domain. To make an offer, please follow these steps:

1. Send your offer to sales@webrunnerdomains.com (be sure to mention which domain name you are bidding on)

2. If your offer is accepted, we will contact you with secure payment options.

3. Once we receive your funds, we will send you the authorization code so that you can begin the transfer process through your WebRunner Domains account. Good Luck!

Domain Exchange

WebRunner Domains is pleased to announce that we have an inventory of unique and valuable Domain names that we will offer from time to time. We are also considering, based on demand, opening an auction page where our customers can post domain names for sale, or trade. We welcome your comments!

Unbelievable!

So cool to be up and running on the NEW WebRunner Domains Blog! Many many thanks to Patrick at Fliipixel for the awesome website! Check back often as we will offer lots of tips and quips about web hosting, domains, marketing, websites and such…We are offering some fantastic hosting packages that you won’t want to miss!

WebRunner Blog up and Functioning

Today the Webrunner blog was successfully launched with custom Web Runner Theme and looking smashing.

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