web design tools

Below are online resources to help in designing a Web site, gaining insight into Web site visitor activity, encouraging social content sharing, and monetization. Building a search engine optimized Web site is also key.

Web Design Validation and Compatibility - ensure people view the site as intended

• W3C Markup Validation Service - indicates if HTML is compliant with Web standards
• W3C CSS Validation Service - indicates if CSS is compliant with Web standards
• Dead-Links.com - broken links checker; also shows redirects
• W3C Link Checker - checks for broken links for a Web site
• Browsershots - checks browser compatibility across multiple browsers (for multiple operation systems
• evolt.org Browser Archive - download old versions of Web browsers, for testing (or just to go retro!)
• Common fonts for Windows and Mac - fonts that are installed with Windows and Mac OS by default (i.e. for use in Web sites while keeping the look consistent no matter what OS is being used).
• Google Webmaster Tools - control what and how Google indexes Web site; tools for Webmasters
• URL Spell Check - check spelling for any URL

Design Resources and Inspiration - build a more visually appealing Web site

• ColorSchemer - suggests colour schemes once you input one colour
• CSS Vault - collection of creative site designs using CSS; links to techniques, resources and hacks

Analytics Services - gain intelligence on how people find a Web site, and their engagement

• Google Analytics - free, detailed analytics for Web sites; integrates well with Google AdWords and Google AdSense
• ClickTracks - paid service (based on traffic volume); great for detailed analysis on a budget; one aspect of the service is the ability to narrow down visitors who entered on a specific Web page

Social Media Sharing Tools - allow visitors to share content with others

• ShareThis - one click tool to allow visitors to share Web page with others, whether by posting on social media sites, reposting on blogs and social networking sites, or by email; bookmarking as well; statistics available if sign up for an account; customizable
• AddThis - one click tool to allow visitors to bookmark or share Web page with others; statistics available

Web Site Monetization - generate revenue from Web site

• Google AdSense - monetize Web site with contextually chosen ads; choose from text and/or display ads of various sizes; paid on a per-click basis