Monthly Archiv: October, 2021

20 Beautifully Designed Coming Soon Pages for Inspiration

If you are working on a new website, service, or app, you should consider getting a jump start on your marketing campaigns by having a presence online that you can show to potential users or buyers, so that when you do launch, you can hit the ground running.

Coming soon pages are the first step in that process. You certainly aren’t showing the finished product – but it’s enough to start building up a social media following, gauge product interest, or even to get users to register for beta testing when ready.

But just because it’s only a temporary landing page, that doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be thoughtfully designed. The quality of the coming soon page you create can greatly impact the success of your product.

As it’s so important to have a thoughtfully designed coming soon page, we have a collection of some of our favorites. The coming soon pages are all fairly recent examples of pages that we think do a great job of explaining the product and building hype and excitement for those people who would be the service’s target audience.

If you are working on a startup or are looking to create your own prelaunch landing page, we hope this collection gives you plenty of inspiration and ideas.

Coming Soon Page Concept by Oksana Zenicheva

concept coming soon page web design inspiration

Coming Soon Website Template for Figma & Photoshop by Peter Draw

Website Template Figma Photoshop coming soon page web design inspiration

The Oleos Coming Soon Page by Designesia

The Oleos coming soon page web design inspiration

Minimal Coming Soon Concept by Hijin Nam

Minimal coming soon page web design inspiration

Under Construction Figma & Photoshop Website Template by Peter Draw

Under Construction Figma Photoshop Website Template coming soon page web design inspiration

Flow UI Coming Soon Design by Ildiko Gaspar

Flow UI coming soon page web design inspiration

OceanSide Coming Soon HTML Template by WpWay

OceanSide HTML Template coming soon page web design inspiration

Coders at Work Coming Soon Page Design by Abhinav Khare

Coders at Work coming soon page web design inspiration

Iosoon Coming Soon HTML Template by Brandio

Iosoon coming soon page web design inspiration

We Are Coding Coming Soon Page Idea by Eddie Enkhtuya

We Are Coding Idea coming soon page web design inspiration

Base Apparel Coming Soon Page by Gary Byrne

Base Apparel coming soon page web design inspiration

VYPO Coming Soon Page by Jorge Toloza

VYPO coming soon page web design inspiration

Innovo Coming Soon HTML Template by ThemeStarz

Innovo HTML Template coming soon page web design inspiration

Raftel Coming Soon Illustration by Nugraha Jati Utama

Raftel Coming Soon Illustration page web design inspiration

Khronos 2.0 Coming Soon Page by Styleshout

Khronos 2.0 coming soon page web design inspiration

Flight Coming Soon Concept by Nathalie Tran

Flight coming soon page web design inspiration

Coming Soon & Error Page Ideas by Huyền Nguyễn

Error Page Ideas coming soon page web design inspiration

Hermes Grau Personal Coming Soon Page by Hermes Grau

Hermes Grau Personal coming soon page web design inspiration

Zoon Coming Soon Template by Styleshout

Zoon coming soon page web design inspiration

Riot & Rebel Minimal Holding Page by Alex Dixon

Riot Rebel Minimal Holding coming soon page web design inspiration

Hero Section Coming Soon Concept by Irshad Meer

Hero Section coming soon page web design inspiration


Generally, the best pre-launch or coming soon pages all do three things well:

  1. They build excitement by giving a quick, short insight into what the product will do, and what problems it solves.
  2. They give some finer details about the features and benefits that it will have.
  3. And finally, and perhaps most importantly, they give visitors the ability to sign up and register interest.

That last step is fundamentally crucial, as it means that – come launch time – you have a (hopefully large) list of potential users or buyers that you can contact to let them know your new product has launched. Good luck!

The post 20 Beautifully Designed Coming Soon Pages for Inspiration appeared first on Speckyboy Design Magazine.

Extension Operations for ML

Package:
Extension Operations for ML
Summary:
Implement math operations used in machine learning
Groups:
Algorithms, Conversion, Graphics, Math, PHP 5
Author:
Rafael Martin Soto
Description:
This package implements math operations used in machine learning...

Read more at https://www.phpclasses.org/package/12245-PHP-Implement-math-operations-used-in-machine-learning.html#2021-10-13-15:07:03

PHP Convert Images to WEBP

convert_color_sepia
Package:
PHP Convert Images to WEBP
Summary:
Apply effects on images and convert their formats
Groups:
Graphics, PHP 5, Utilities and Tools
Author:
Rafael Martin Soto
Description:
This class can apply effects on images and convert their formats...

Read more at https://www.phpclasses.org/package/12240-PHP-Apply-effects-on-images-and-convert-their-formats.html#2021-10-13-14:02:09

The 10 Best Free One-Page Themes for WordPress in 2021

When you’re just getting started with your business, you might not have a lot of information for a full-featured, multi-page business website. If that’s the case, a one-page WordPress theme is exactly what you need. A one-page website will make it easy to share important information about your business and even provide your visitors with a better experience as they won’t have to click through multiple pages.

You don’t have to spend hours searching for the perfect one-page WordPress theme, though. We’ve done the research for you and compiled the best free one-page themes for WordPress in this collection.

Shapely – One Page WordPress Theme (Free)

The Shapely theme is a versatile WordPress theme that’s suitable for a variety niches. The theme has plenty of sections to showcase your skills, portfolio, testimonials, and more. You can also add parallax sections which are perfect to add a call to action.

Shapely free wordpress theme wp responsive one-page single page scroll

Griddr – Animated Grid Creative WordPress Theme (Envato Elements)

The Griddr is a perfect choice if you want to stand out from the competition. The theme has stunning animations and a responsive, grid-based design. Griddr comes complete with portfolio, team, and various blog layouts.

Griddr Animated Grid Creative wordpress theme one-page single page scroll

Illdy – One-Page WordPress Business Theme (Free)

The Illdy theme is a perfect choice for small businesses and startups looking to get online. The theme has several sections for showcasing company history, sharing past projects and skills, and displaying testimonials.

Illdy free wordpress theme wp responsive one-page single page scroll

Pixova Lite – Customizable One-Page WordPress Theme (Free)

Try the Pixova Lite theme if you want your website to have a stunning parallax effect. The theme is fully responsive and offers a plethora of customization options.

Pixova Lite Customizable free wordpress theme wp responsive one-page single page scroll

Catch Fullscreen – One-Page WordPress Theme (Free)

The Catch theme is a perfect one-page theme for bloggers and business owners. It comes with features such as header media, featured content, featured slider, several layout options, portfolio, testimonials, and more.

Catch Fullscreen free wordpress theme wp responsive one-page single page scroll

The Agency – Creative One-Page Agency WP Theme (Envato Elements)

If you’re looking for a perfect one-page theme for your creative agency, look no further than The Agency theme. Not only will you be able to share all the important information about your company but you will also benefit from responsive and customizable design.

The Agency Creative agency wordpress theme one-page single page scroll

FreeBook – Ebook Landing Page WordPress Theme (Free)

The FreeBook theme is perfect if you need to promote your upcoming book release. Share snippets from the book, reader testimonials, and invite visitors to buy the book or sign up to get it.

FreeBook Ebook Landing Pag free wordpress theme wp responsive one-page single page scroll

LandingSumoWP20 – One-Page Landing Page Theme (Free)

Consider the LandingSumoWP20 theme if you want a one-page theme that’s easy to customize. The theme comes with an easy to use drag and drop page builder and plenty of customization options.

LandingSumoWP20 landing free wordpress theme wp responsive one-page single page scroll

Fagri – One Page WordPress Theme (Free)

The Fagri theme is a great choice if you’re looking for a one-page WordPress theme with WooCommerce integration. On top of that, the theme is highly customizable, responsive, and optimized for SEO and fast loading times.

Fagri free wordpress theme wp responsive one-page single page scroll

Cimol – One-Page Portfolio Theme (Envato Elements)

If you need a one-page theme with portfolio options, the Cimol theme is for you. It includes a drag and drop page builder, several premade header and footer layouts, and predefined blog templates.

Cimol portfolio wordpress theme one-page single page scroll

One Page Portfolio WordPress Theme (Free)

One Page Portfolio is creative multi-purpose WordPress theme.It’s clean and modern and allows you to showcase your past projects and share your knowledge in style.

portfolio free wordpress theme wp responsive one-page single page scroll

BeOnePage – One-Page Creative WordPress Theme (Free)

The BeOnePage theme is perfect for designers, artists, photographers, illustrators and any other creative freelancer. You will find sections that allow you to showcase your skills and past projects as well as display testimonials from past clients.

BeOnePage free wordpress theme wp responsive one-page single page scroll

Parallax One – One-Page Business Theme (Free)

The Parallax One is a perfect choice for a one-page business website. The theme is fully responsive and easy to use, on top of being SEO-friendly and translation-ready. It also includes plenty of customization options to make this theme your own.

Parallax One business free wordpress theme wp responsive one-page single page scroll


One-page WordPress themes are perfect when you don’t need to share a lot of information about your company and when you want a simple theme that loads fast. Choose any one-page theme for your WordPress website from this list and get your site up and running in a matter of hours.

The post The 10 Best Free One-Page Themes for WordPress in 2021 appeared first on Speckyboy Design Magazine.

30 Fantastic Branding Identity Mockup Templates for Photoshop

Branding isn’t just what you do. It’s also how you present yourself. So when you’re creating your next branding strategy for your own products or clients, it’s important to take visuals into account.

Yes, you could create a few versions of the branding materials and call it a day, letting your client pick the ones they like the most. But let’s be real: it’s one thing to see your design on a computer screen, and it’s another to see it in real life.

What would your design look like on stationery? Would the logo fit on the pen your clients are planning on giving away to their own customers? Does the business card carry the weight of expertise, backed by professional design and structured information?

If you’re a designer, you know how much a single branding identity material can say. It’s a game-changer. So the next time you prepare branding identity materials, look into mockups.

Realistic representations of what your designs would look like in 3D and when placed in various settings, branding identity mockups help you assess your own designs and convince your clients.

From business cards and coffee cups to stationery and contextual mockups, there’s something for every project you’re passionate about in this beautiful collection of branding identity mockup templates for Photoshop.

You might also like our inspiring collection of beautifully designed brand presentations.

Craft Branding Mockup Templates (Photoshop PSD)

Natural and versatile, this craft branding mockup template set lends itself perfectly to your artistic vision. You’ll get 10 different mockups to create a professional stationery branding kit in Photoshop; from envelopes, to business cards. You can completely adjust colors, backgrounds, and shadows to get beautiful, photo-realistic results.

Craft Branding Photoshop PSD Mockup Template

Corporate Identity / Branding Mockup Templates (Photoshop PSD)

Simple and professional, these branding identity mockup templates are perfect for companies and corporations. You can pick from 3 different styles for phone, envelope, business card, and other mockups. You can hide the ones you don’t want, and easily win over your audience with a photo realistic presentation!

Corporate Identity Branding Photoshop PSD Mockup Template

Corporate Identity Branding Mockup Templates (Photoshop PSD)

Minimalist and incredibly professional, these isometric corporate branding identity mockups for Photoshop are perfect for B2B audiences! Composed of crucial mockups such as stationery, business cards, small boxes, and envelopes, this set offers a simple way to showcase your design. Add it to your branding toolkit, and wow your clients!

Corporate Identity Branding Photoshop PSD Mockup Template

Coffee Cup & Business Cards Mockup Templates (Photoshop PSD)

There’s nothing like the smell of coffee in the morning. Evoke that feeling in your clients with this beautiful coffee cup and business cards mockup template set! It’s easy to customize both the colors and designs of business cards, coffee cups and bags, and sugar packets.

Coffee Cup Business Cards Photoshop PSD Mockup Template

Colorful Stationery Branding Mockup Templates (Photoshop PSD)

Elegant and sophisticated, this stationary branding mockup template set is perfect for your next presentation. Pick from various elements; from standard branding mockups such as business cards and letterheads, to leather files and CDs. You’ll also get 5 different PSD scenes – there really is something for everyone!

Colorful Stationery Branding Photoshop PSD Mockup Template

Stylish Stationery Branding Mockup Templates (Photoshop PSD)

Feminine and elegant, this set of branding identity mockups is perfect for highlighting your stationery designs. Choose from 3 PSD scenes featuring elements such as: envelopes, jewel cases, CDs, brochures, and more. You can easily customize the mockups and change the background in Photoshop to get beautiful and photo-realistic results.

Stylish Stationery Branding Photoshop PSD Mockup Template

Blank Corporate Identity Set Mockup Templates (Photoshop PSD)

If you want your branding identity to shine, choose this corporate identity mockup set. With plenty of elements (which also include lanyard straps, flash drives, lighters, and more), you can make sure that your design fits your clients’ needs. Easily add your work in Photoshop, and delight your audience!

Blank Corporate Identity Set Photoshop PSD Mockup Template

Coffee Cup Mockup Featuring Sugar Packets & Business Cards (Photoshop PSD)

Pull your audience into the atmosphere of your designs with this adorable branding identity mockup template set. Featuring two paper cups, sugar bags, and business cards, you’ll get everything you need for simple branding presentation! And the professionally-lit and set scene promises beautiful, photo-realistic results for your presentation.

Coffee Cup Featuring Sugar Packets Business Cards Photoshop PSD Mockup Template

Minimal Stationery Branding Mock-Up (Photoshop PSD)

Photo-realistic and elegant, this minimal stationery branding mockup template comes with everything you need to share your vision with the world. From flash drives and business cards, to letterheads, and pens, you’ll get plenty of options to showcase your design. You can even edit background textures and colors!

Minimal Stationery Branding Photoshop PSD Mockup Template

Corporate Branding Identity Mock-ups (Photoshop PSD)

Perfect for tech brands, this corporate branding identity mockup set for Photoshop has everything you need: 8 photo-realistic PSD scenes, elements such as business cards and letterheads, as well as shopping bags and diaries with decorative elements. Mix and match to get beautiful results that seamlessly combine professional and practical!

Corporate Branding Identity Photoshop PSD Mockup Template

Black & Yellow Corporate Identity Set Mockup Templates (Photoshop PSD)

Make your branding stand out with this corporate branding identity set! It’s a perfect fit if you’re working on a corporate project, and want to showcase bold logos in colors complementary to black and yellow. Add your branding to mugs, lanyards, envelopes, flash drives, and more!

Black Yellow Corporate Identity Set Photoshop PSD Mockup Template

Sketchbook Mockup Featuring Watercolor Paints & Brushes (Photoshop PSD)

Perfect for showcasing your art, this sketchbook mockup with decorative watercolors and brushes will delight you! It’s really easy to customize; in just a few clicks, you’ll add two designs, your logo, and even customize the notebook color. Let the world see how talented you are!

Sketchbook Mockup Featuring Watercolor Paints Brushes Photoshop PSD Mockup Template

Multiple Blank Branding & Stationery Mockup Templates (Photoshop PSD)

Photo-realistic and effective, these branding and stationary mockup templates for Photoshop are perfect for putting your designs in the spotlight. Featuring elements such as business cards, pencils, and tablets, this branding identity set offers incredibly photo-realistic results. You’ll get 7 distinct mockups and replaceable backgrounds for beautiful presentations!

Multiple Blank Branding Stationery Photoshop PSD Mockup Template

Branding / Stationery Mock-Up (Photoshop PSD)

Fun, yet professional, these branding stationery mockup templates offer everything you need to amaze your clients! With 7 PSD files, and plenty of elements such as: papers, folders, envelopes, badges, tubes, and pencils, you’ll love showcasing your designs. You can easily change the color of backgrounds and elements!

Branding Stationery Photoshop PSD Mockup Template

Stationery Set Scene Creator Mockup Templates (Photoshop PSD)

With an already set scene and endless combinations, these branding identity mockup templates are easy to customize in Photoshop. Pick from a plethora of elements such as coffee cups, letterheads, tubes, and flash drives. Then, combine them as you see fit, replace the background texture, and have fun while presenting!

Stationery Set Scene Creator Photoshop PSD Mockup Template

Stationery Branding Mockup Creator (Photoshop PSD)

With photo-realistic scenes and over 60 elements, this versatile stationary branding identity mockup creator is an absolute dreamboat. Add your designs, change the background textures and colors, add layer styles (unlimited foil stamp colors), and more! Add this set to your kit – you can use it for every project!

Stationery Branding Photoshop PSD Mockup Template

Office Stationery Branding Mockup Templates (Photoshop PSD)

Realistic and personable, these office stationary branding mockup templates are perfect for friendly, down-to-Earth brands that want to emphasize their personality. With elements like letterheads and CDs, and 5 different scenes, you can easily bring your designs closer to your audience. All it takes is a few clicks in Photoshop!

Office Stationery Branding Photoshop PSD Mockup Template

Business Stationery Set Mockup 1 (Photoshop PSD)

A professional flat-lay business stationery mockup set, this asset is perfect for presenting your branding identity designs in a simple and straightforward manner. You’ll get a few key elements set against a blue backdrop, such as letterheads, business cards, and envelopes, all easily customizable with Photoshop smart objects.

Business Stationery Set Photoshop PSD Mockup Template

Coffee Branding Mockup Templates (Photoshop PSD)

Coffee branding and merchandising has never looked this good! This gorgeous set of photo-realistic coffee branding mockups comes with all the elements you need: coffee and sugar bags, cups, shopping bags, brochures, and more! And with 5 beautiful PSD scenes, your audience will really wake up and smell the coffee!

Coffee Branding Photoshop PSD Mockup Template

Branding Mockup Essentials Vol. 1 (Photoshop PSD)

You’ve never seen a set of branding identity essentials as comprehensive as this one! With five different PSD mockups, and every element under the sun (from lanyards and tubes, to professional business cards and journals), you’ll get everything you need for a perfect corporate branding presentation!

Branding Mockup Essentials Photoshop PSD Mockup Template

Mugs at a Table with Beer Bottles Mockup Templates (Photoshop PSD)

If you’re working with a beer brand, it’s time to display your designs in an informal setting. And nothing works better than this mockup template featuring two people clinking beer mugs. You can customize the tablet illustration, as well as the beer bottle labels. Have fun!

Mugs Table Beer Bottles Photoshop PSD Mockup Template

Athena Branding Mockup Templates (Photoshop PSD)

Elegant and depicted in earthy tones, Athena branding identity mockup templates are a perfect fit for fashion, beauty, and other aesthetically-conscious brands. You can completely customize the 11 branding mockups: adjust colors, replace the background, and add foil stamping. Make your designs shine with these stunning, photo-realistic branding identity templates!

Athena Branding Photoshop PSD Mockup Template

Corporate Identity Mockup Templates (Photoshop PSD)

A pristine 2D and 3D corporate identity mockup templates for Photoshop, this set comes with all the essentials (tablet, phone, letterhead, business cards, envelopes, and more). You can easily customize these branding identity mockup templates with Photoshop smart objects to create professional and photo-realistic presentations your corporate clients will adore.

Corporate Identity Photoshop PSD Mockup Template

Luxury Branding Mockup Templates (Photoshop PSD)

Nothing says luxury more than this branding identity mockup set! With 6 high-quality background textures, and 11 Photoshop elements, you can paint an atmospheric picture with your designs depicted on leather file covers, crisp envelopes, and business cards that send a clear message: this is a brand you can trust.

Luxury Branding Photoshop PSD Mockup Template

Branding & Identity Mock-up (Photoshop PSD)

This simple, photo-realistic branding identity mockup template set will help you create a convincing presentation! Pick from 9 incredible mockups, change the background color, and add your designs to: lanyards, envelopes, business cards, and other corporate identity essentials. Save time, and showcase your work with these phenomenal corporate identity mockups!

Branding Identity Photoshop PSD Mockup Template

Blck Branding Mockup Kit (Photoshop PSD)

Let your audience get up close and personal with your design through this atmospheric branding mockup kit. The scene is staged – and it’s time for your designs to shine! Change colors and backgrounds, experiment with foil stamping, and make this mockup work for you and your brand.

Blck Branding Kit Photoshop PSD Mockup Template

Corporate Identity Set on Desk Mockup Templates (Photoshop PSD)

Envision your designs in their true environment: a desk. This corporate branding mockup allows you to add your logos and other graphics to elements such as: screens (laptop, tablet, phone, and Mac), letterheads and envelopes, coffee cups, tubes, and more! Add designs in Photoshop, and your clients will love you!

Corporate Identity Set Desk Photoshop PSD Mockup Template

Branding & Identity Mockup Templates (Photoshop PSD)

Dynamic and interesting, these branding identity mockup templates are a perfect fit for engaging brands! Easily add your designs to letterheads, tri-fold brochures, calendars, hangers, and more! You’ll definitely get plenty of options, including 2 photo-realistic scenes. Not even the sky is the limit with these branding mockups!

Branding Identity Photoshop PSD Mockup Template

Copperstone Branding Mockup Vol. 3 (Photoshop PSD)

Create a stunning brand presentation with these beautiful branding identity mockups. Copperstone branding templates for Photoshop contain 10 PSD files, as well as plenty of options such as selective foil stamping, customizable backgrounds and colors, and more! Professionally lit, these mockups offer incredibly photo-realistic results that your clients will love.

Copperstone Branding Photoshop PSD Mockup Template

Coffee Branding Mockup Templates (Photoshop PSD)

Working with a coffee brand, or just designing visual identity for coffee lovers? These coffee branding mockup templates are the perfect choice! With plenty of elements (including coffee bags, shopping bags, and labels), and customization options for shadows, backgrounds, and colors, you’ll love creating your next branding presentation!

Coffee Branding Photoshop PSD Mockup Template

Back to School Office Supplies Mockup Templates (Photoshop PSD)

Can school actually be cool? You bet! These back-to-school and office supplies mockups prove that everything is possible with a design as gorgeous as yours. Pick from plenty of elements (notebooks, screens, envelopes, erasers, glue, and more), adjust the background and colors, and get ready to amaze with your presentation!

Back to School Office Supplies Photoshop PSD Mockup Template


Show your brand’s personality! Your design is the first gateway to your brand. And when you’re creating branding identity materials, you have to make sure that they’re enticing and keep the prospect interested in your products.

Fortunately, you no longer have to rely on your hunch. Instead, pick one of these beautiful mockups, and show your clients how they’ll win over their customers. From coffee cups to stationery mockups, you’ll get plenty of incredible options.

More Mockup Templates: Banners, Books, Booklets, Bottles, Box Packaging, Dresses, Flyers, Frames, Hoodies, iPads, iPhones, Laptops, Logos, MacBooks, Magazines, Mobile Apps, Mobile Devices, Mugs, Packaging, Sweatshirts, T-Shirts, Tote Bags.

The post 30 Fantastic Branding Identity Mockup Templates for Photoshop appeared first on Speckyboy Design Magazine.

PHP Parse DOCX to HTML with Images

Package:
PHP Parse DOCX to HTML with Images
Summary:
Convert Microsoft Word DOCX document to HTML
Groups:
Files and Folders, HTML, PHP 5
Author:
Timothy Edwards
Description:
This class can convert Microsoft Word DOCX documents to HTML...

Read more at https://www.phpclasses.org/package/12250-PHP-Convert-Microsoft-Word-DOCX-document-to-HTML.html#2021-10-13-02:33:44

In Web Design, Easier Doesn’t Always Mean Better

There are a massive number of products and tools aimed at the web design industry. And it seems like something new arrives every day.

They may vary widely in scope, but most have one thing in common: the promise of making our job easier. Whether they’re writing superb code, promising can’t-fail functionality, or adding killer special effects, these solutions aim to do the dirty work for us. How convenient!

I, for one, feel a bit disappointed. Despite the hype, I’m not convinced things are that much easier. It’s not as if artificial intelligence (AI) has replaced my most monotonous tasks. In many respects, web design seems to have become even more complex over time.

Besides, much of what advertises an “easier” process tends to come with some serious tradeoffs. Unfortunately, easier doesn’t always mean better.

With that, here are a few things to consider before you trade the tried-and-true parts of your workflow for a quick fix.

Will You Be Locked Into a Bad Situation?

When it comes to designing and building a website, just about every decision requires some sort of buy-in. This is part of the process.

If you’re creating a layout mockup in Figma, Photoshop, or Sketch – you’re making a commitment. As your project progresses, you’ll need to come back to the chosen app again and again. The same principle applies to everything from DIY website builders to programming frameworks.

The difference is in the required level of commitment. Pick the wrong tool, and you may be stuck with it for longer than you’d like. Becoming locked into a specific path may limit your ability to evolve along with the web. And those new features that everyone else is using? It could be that they’re unavailable to you.

That’s why it’s vital to know what you’re getting into. An untested solution may seem attractive now, but where will it be in five years? If it doesn’t hold up, you could end up starting from scratch again.

In some cases, it may be worth the risk. But there’s also something to be said for having future flexibility.

A locked gate.

Easier to Build, Harder to Maintain

The promise of a quicker path to launching a website has always attracted the attention of the design community. Skip over the hard stuff and get paid sooner – who wouldn’t want that?

It certainly sounds wonderful. The problem is that, sometimes, an easier start means more difficult maintenance down the road.

Take, for example, the culture of content management system (CMS) plugins. With a platform such as WordPress, it’s incredibly easy to build a website, piece by piece.

It’s certainly possible to build a site that works well enough with this approach. But there is danger in having bits of related functionality controlled by multiple plugins. It’s akin to using string to keep all of your favorite books together. Take one book out of the stack, and things are going to fall apart.

Likewise, if your functionality needs change, this delicate balance can start to crumble. Some plugins may no longer be suitable or are simply too rigid to achieve your goals. That could mean swapping out critical pieces and trying to patch a gaping hole.

This doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t use plugins. But it is worthwhile to think about sustainability. Determine the most sustainable path forward. That may take a little more work up front, but will save you from future difficulties.

An assortment of tools.

Cost vs. Benefit

Quite often, products advertised as making your job easier also tout cost savings as well. But is the easiest way forward really the cheapest?

That depends upon the factors mentioned above. If your website is up and running weeks earlier because of a specific tool, that’s great. But if it makes future maintenance a nightmare, any upfront savings may be short-lived.

Then there’s the ability for future growth. For example, subscribing to a proprietary website platform can get you access to a certain level of looks and functionality. But what happens if that service cannot provide the advanced features you’ll need down the road? And, in the meantime, how much money have you spent to continue using it?

Even if you end up with some savings, you may find that they simply weren’t worth the included hassles and limitations. Trading a few extra dollars in your pocket for a less-than-ideal website is unlikely to make you feel very good.

Before making any decisions, it’s wise to weigh the potential costs, benefits, and pitfalls of a given solution. This ensures that you’re thinking with both the short and long-terms in mind.

A potted plant surrounded by coins.

Beware of Easy Website Solutions

It’s worth remembering that every path to building a website has a cost associated with it. Whether you utilize free or commercial tools, there will always be time and effort required to use them. Beyond that, there’s also the cost of future maintenance.

Sometimes, you can find a solution that makes web design both easier and more cost-effective. However, it takes careful scrutiny to determine if that’s the case.

There are a lot of products out there that make such claims. Don’t take them at their word. Instead, conduct your own research and find the tools that will work best for you.

The post In Web Design, Easier Doesn’t Always Mean Better appeared first on Speckyboy Design Magazine.

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