The Power of a Pretty (Inter)face
How important is ‘the pretty factor’ for a regular business website? I’m talking about websites for basic businesses, like accounting, plumbing, coaching services, that sort of thing. Not lifestyle products that already have great visuals built in. Let’s assume you’re selling something that is not glamorous, but is incredibly useful. Like, accounting software. Your average user—a small business owner— wants to […]
FreshBooks & Xero: Why I Still Love Them
Three years ago, I wrote a comparison review of online accounting software. I thought it would be a good idea to share which ones have stood the test of time, and remain my favorites. 1) Freshbooks.com At times I have grumbled about the $20/month price tag. But when I compare it to the alternatives, or doing […]
Which Mobile Stylus is the best for iPad? Intuos Creative or Bamboo Stylus Solo or Pencil?
Which mobile stylus is the best for use on an iPad? Most of them will work as a basic stylus for typing and clicking (or launching an Angry Bird or two) on any touch screens (Android included). They will also work, kinda-sorta (see yellow check marks), in all drawing apps, but there are some differences […]
Comparing Slide Presentation Software: Keynote vs. PowerPoint vs. Prezi vs. Google Docs
It makes no sense to re-invent the wheel. So here’s the best (and funniest) comparison review of slide presentation software I’ve seen on the subject. Excerpt: “There’s also the rising trend for browser-based presentations. As if browsers aren’t abused enough. Google’s online presentation tool is essentially PowerPoint 97 in a browser. Sound like a bad […]
Video conferencing comparison: Skype vs Google Hangout vs GoToMeeting.com vs AdobeConnect
So you’ve tried Skype video and you love it. Me too. It’s phenomenal for one-to-one video chats. You get to “see” friends who live on the other side of the planet anytime you want. For FREE… Fine, but now you want to add another person (or five). Suddenly it gets complicated. Can my WiFi handle it? Will my webcam have a meltdown?
Fret not, sugarplum, this is your lucky day. I’ve tested out 3 of the best so you don’t have too. (See? You just got a whole lot happier.)
Online Invoicing & Accounting: Freshbooks vs. Harvest vs. Billings vs. FreeAgent vs. Kashoo vs. Xero vs. Wave vs. LessAccounting
Ah, the magic of the internet. Finally, we can integrate our front-end (invoicing) with our back-end (accounting) and do it all from any computer anywhere in the world via a web-based interface. If you’re running a small business that is service based (i.e. Freelancer, Consultant, Web Designer, Developer, etc), the sooner you start using these […]
Advice on the Best Ecommerce Solutions and Shopping Carts
So you want to add ecommerce… well, young Jedi, here’s how it breaks down, in order of complexity and pricing. Scenario 1: Single item (small quantity, one-size-fits-all, one price) You want to sell a single T-shirt design. Or a single painting. Or a subscription to a single newsletter. PayPal is the answer to your prayers. […]
Best Online Tools for Virtual Web Teams
A quick roundup of the most useful web-based tools for designers and developers, as debated at a NEWDA (New England Web Developers Association) gathering last night (Mar 27, 2009)