Website 101 Podcast

In this episode we discuss the advantages of using a boilerplate to start a new website build and what to include or not include when establishing a boilerplate. Github stars and forksPackagistWhat is a boilerplateSave time by pre-configuring settings for all projectsWireframe componentsWhat to include in a boilerplateWhat to exclude from a boilerplateDisadvantages to a boilerplateReadMe file and documentationFeature requests for your boilerplatePersonal conventions Show Links Sean's Craft CMS boilerplate Packagist Swup MatrixMate SEOmatic View Episode Transcript More Website 101 Podcast Email the Podcast! Twitter Sean on LinkedIn Mike on LinkedIn Amanda on LinkedIn

In this episode we discuss motivation, burnout, and imposter syndrome including our experiences and strategies on how to handle Kevin's origin storyHow important is doing work that you enjoy doing?Routine work vs cool projectsLuck is when preparation meets opportunity - Roman philosopher SenecaImposter syndromeDon't beat yourself up, go for a walk, talk to a colleagueThe industry changes so rapidly its impossible to keep upWe're all partial stack developersThere's always somebody better than you. The person you should compare yourself to is yourself.BurnoutIdeas to get over burnout The ancestor to every action is a thought - Ralph Waldo EmersonFeast or FamineMoney managementThe juggernaut of fear, guiltSchedule time for yourself (self care)Set boundaries and limitsInspirationTimestamps[00:00] Intro[00:40] Introduction of guests[01:31] Kevin's origin story[02:23] Kevin's work as a freelancer[06:22] Importance of enjoying the work one does[13:06] Imposter syndrome and how to deal with it[22:17] Burnout

In this episode we talk with Mitchell Kimbrough, founder of Solspace, about strategies to help with when work is slow. How Mitchell helped Sean start his freelancer journeyMitchell's encouragement to people to start freelancingYou'll never be ready to start a business. Better to start it then later in life wonder What if?Customer serviceSoft skillsMost important thing to do when you realize you don't have enough workSelf careHire expert help for sales and marketing - delegate workAbundance mindset vs scarcity mindsetFocus on current tech stack vs pick up something newVertical markets / ideal clientsHedghog Concept - Jim CollinsHow to find and vet help for marketingSocial media Show Links Solspace Solspace Podcast Jim Collins list of books View Episode Transcript More Website 101 Podcast Email the Podcast! Twitter

In this episode we discuss various project management tools, and the pros and cons of each. Additionally how best to communicate with clients. Email from NatalieWhat is a project management toolRequired featuresCentralized communicationUI DependenciesCostEmail notifications - batches, individuallyAgile Browser extension Show Links S01 E02 Planning Structure, Goals Gqueues Asana Treelo Basecamp Notion Getting Things Done Jira (Atlassian) Air Table Notion Milanote View Episode Transcript More Website 101 Podcast Email the Podcast! Twitter Sean on LinkedIn Mike on LinkedIn

In this episode we discuss when and how to say "No". We talk about when developers need to say no as well as when a client should say no. When to say to no to a brand new client.Talk about budget early.Client requirements are unclear.Include expiry for proposals.OverbookedEthics & MoralsReputation and rumors.Advice when working with a developer.Keep it positive.Give better options.How to say no.Mental health. Show Links Web Jargon part 1 Web Jargon part 2 View Episode Transcript More Website 101 Podcast Email the Podcast! Twitter Sean on LinkedIn Mike on LinkedIn Amanda on LinkedIn  

A discussion on plugin development with Ben Croker who has developed plugins for Craft CMS and previously for ExpressionEngine. We discuss when to use a plugin, when a plugin should be commercial, how to price a plugin, and providing support to end users. Ben's origin storyWhat is a plugin?CMS acquisition of plugins in order to add to core functionalityWhen to use a plugin or build it myself?How do you come up with an idea for a plugin?Commercial vs Free pluginsSupporting pluginsNo code vs bring your own code and technical knowledgeSupport tickets/issuesGitHub issuesEmail (good for sensitive information)Ticketing systems Feature requests and pull requests How to decide the cost of commercial pluginsBreaking changes in the CMS Plugins that work with other pluginsWebsite security and plugin evaluationAdvice for developers new to plugin developmentUSE an IDE Show Links Code Igniter ExpressionEngine Craft C

In this episode we discuss internet privacy with Michael Geist who holds the Canada Research Chair in Internet and E-commerce Law. Artificial Intelligence and phishing scamsChat GPTGovernment TikTok BansBill C11 - Canadian content requirementsPotential negative consequences to how YouTube's algorithm shows Canadian content.Pentagon Leak on DiscordGDPR and cookie consentBill C-27Surveillance capitalismElon Musk & TwitterSocial MediaCanadian Telecoms, mergers, and consumer protectionWebsite account deletion Show Links Micheal Geist Law Bytes Podcast Bill C-11 Bill C-27 View Episode Transcript More Website 101 Podcast Email the Podcast! Twitter Sean on LinkedIn Mike on LinkedIn Amanda on LinkedIn

Rebroadcast of a Season 4 Episode - Pimp Your Typography - Time to pimp your website typography with Oliver Schöndorfer. Learn the fundementals of typography and why it matters to your website and message. We start off by defining what Typography is. Then the various types of fonts including serif and sans-serif fonts and when to choose which to choose. I (uppercase I), l (lowercase l), 1, a, g testThe difference between legibility and readabilityComic Sans and Helvetica fontsAvatar and PapyrusHeading, body fonts, and fonts that can be used everywhereOliver Judges Sean's website headingsTips on how to choose fonts for a websiteWeb font marketplaces5 common web typography mistakes and how to avoid themLeading and line heightline lengthOliver gives a review of the Website 101 Podcast website typography. Show Links Pimp My Type YouTube Channel Oliver's Newsletter Stop Using Open Sans

We talk with Sarah Lutz, self proclaimed metal queen of the universe, about working remotely overseas. Sarah has travelled all over South America while working and has plans to travel Europe next year. Business location for tax purposes can be different from the location you are working from.Working locations - hotel, coffee shops, beach, restaurant...Dealing with time zone differencesPros/Cons of working overseasLanguage issuesHealthcare and accommodationsLong term living abroadTips to live abroad and work Show Links Looters View Episode Transcript More Website 101 Podcast Email the Podcast! Twitter Sean on LinkedIn Mike on LinkedIn Amanda on LinkedIn  

In this podcast episode, Mike Miller shares his experience with RFPs in web development, discussing the advantages and disadvantages of using RFPs and providing insights into how to navigate the process effectively. What is an RFP?Inviting to tenderWhere to find an RFPRFIRFQThe reasons why Mike does not like RFPsis it common for the vendor to be pre-selected in the RFP process?Pros of using an RFPCons of using an RFPExpectations of RFPsAlternatives to RFPs Show Links RFP.ca How much does a website cost? Website 101 Podcast YouTube Channel View Episode Transcript More Website 101 Podcast Email the Podcast! Twitter Sean on LinkedIn Mike on LinkedIn Amanda on LinkedIn  

Sean and Mike attended PodCamp Toronto 2023, a conference for podcasters. This is our recap of the event and key takeaways for listeners. Day 1 The care and feeding of an AudienceFeedback page for the Website 101 PodcastPodcast Networks and how to pitch your showAnalytics: What numbers do you need to look atBehind the scenes with CBC podcastsYeah but how do you manage a podcast (Project Management)Don't fear the Mic: how to Host a successful PodcastStories from the podcast trenches Day 2 How to make a HUGE Impression with a Niche PodcastTop 10 things I wish I knew before I started my podcastThe (AI)caster: Using AI to start or enhance and boost your podcast.How to pitch yourself to sponsors Show Links PodCamp Toronto 2023 Feedback for the Website 101 Podcast Planning, Structure, and Goals View Episode Transcript More Website 101 Podcast

Advice from, Jane Atkinson, a veteran online business owner and coach on how to succeed in running an online business. Jane's backgroundStarting her online school for professional speakersCourse PlatformsMarketing & newslettersEngagement and having a systemCommunity - Facebook and other optionsRecruiting members is hard and costlyWhat is a Mastermind?MetricsMistakes were madeWriting six books Show Links Speaker Launcher Wealthy Speaker Learn Dash Thinkific Thrive Cart Stripe Active Campaign Mighty Networks View Episode Transcript More Website 101 Podcast Email the Podcast! Twitter Sean on LinkedIn Mike on LinkedIn A

In this episode of the Website 101 Podcast, Amanda presents the topic, “working with conflicting personalities.” We’ll discuss sexism, failing upward, swoop-and-poop feedback, and tactics to avoid Chatty Kathys. My life is work PersonSet Boundaries and realistic expectationsOld school views - it's always been done this wayA person who doesn't know what is going on or doesn't have a clueBubble boy - a person who lives in a bubble not realizaing what they don't know.Promoted to their level of incompetency.Swoop and Poop feedback.The Know-It-AllLogical fallacy - Appeal to AuthorityDistractions in the workplace - people who interrupt you while working to chatTwo stories of extreme workplace conflictFinal adviceWatch this episode on YouTube. Show Links REESE'S Milk Chocolate Peanut Butter Family Size Candy Bar Thou shalt not commit logical fallacies View Episode Transcript

We talk about website maintenance, tips for planning maintenance, and maintenance contracts. What is involved in maintaining a websiteOwing a website is a lot like owning a car, a house, or a garden.Unplanned expensesKeeping the CMS and server updatedOnce click updatesWaiting too long for maintenance could make your site more difficult or impossible to updateToo many pluginsWho, in your organization, is responsible for the websitePruning usersWorkflow and image editingBackups - offsite backups are important!Maintenance plans/contracts Be sure to checkout our Website 101 Podcast YouTube channel. Show Links A Website is Like Owning a Car The Dangers of Over Reliance on Plugins in Website Builds Why Website Maintenance is Important Backup Sheep Jetpack Backups (WordPress) View Episode Transcript More We

We talk all about choosing a CMS - what to look for and pitfalls to avoid and how to evaluate a CMS. CMS (Content Management System)Do you choose it based on what your friend is using, the most popular cms, or is there a better way?Everyone is aware of WordPressWhat features do you require? Ensure the CMS has these options built in.Plugins MaintainabilityA CMS is only useful if end-users/content editors want to use it.Price does not equal cost.Author experienceDeveloper communityOfficial support optionProfessionals network/listingThemesNo Code Solutions (subscription services such as Square Space, Wix, etc..)When a CMS moves in a direction that you disagree withCommunity brain drainHeadless Show Links Web Jargon Pt 1 Web Jargon Pt 2 The Dangers of Over Reliance on Plugins in Website Builds A Website is Like Owning a Car How to Choose a CMS

We talk with David Canton about the ins and outs of contracts for creative professionals. Follow up episode to Contract Opinions from not a LawyerThis is not legal adviceWhat is legally binding? Verbal contractsPlain language contracts vs legalese3 reasons to enter a written contractNon-competition clausesCombine contracts and compromiseWhat is "Work for Hire"?Software licenseHow often should a contract be updated and/or reviewed?Wet signatures vs digital signatures Show Links HP Tech Law HP Tech Law Newsletter Docusign View Episode Transcript More Website 101 Podcast Email the Podcast! Twitter Sean on LinkedIn Mike on LinkedIn Amanda on LinkedIn  

We talk about tools of the trade that we use in our day to day work life. We talk about the following topics Project Management ToolsWeb Development ToolsSet Up Aliases for your terminal (github gist)Design ToolsBusiness ToolsPassword ManagersScreen Recorders Show Links Basecamp Trello Jira Wrike Monday Airtable gQueues Visual Studio Code Sequel Ace Navicat Database Beaver Table Plus cmder (terminal) iTerm Github Desktop Source Tree DDev Figma PhotoPea Gimp Invision App

We talk to new developer Shopnil Mahmud about learning web development at Seneca College and starting work in the field. Questions were submitted by current students at Seneca College. Web technologies Learning new frameworksIs what is taught in a course enough to get a job?Side projectsUX/UI Design vs DeveloperContinuous learningWhat was the most important thing you learned at school for your current job.Dealing with stressJob search & InterviewsAdvice for new developers Show Links View Episode Transcript More Website 101 Podcast Email the Podcast! Twitter Sean on LinkedIn Mike on LinkedIn Amanda on LinkedIn  

We talk to Tim Scollick about working with freelancers and agencies both using and not using a contract. Tim's history as a freelancer.Contracts are super important but they don't always have to be legally binding.Break work into smaller chunks helps to build trust.Lawyers are expensive.Non competition clausesSmall claims courtRed flags Show Links View Episode Transcript More Website 101 Podcast Email the Podcast! Twitter Sean on LinkedIn Mike on LinkedIn Amanda on LinkedIn  

Explore Alpine JS, a popular and simple JavaScript framework for web development. Learn about its unique features, including the Alpine Day conference and new components, in this episode of Website 101 Podcast. What is AlpineJsThe origin of the name AlpineCaleb's background and historyOnline coursesAlpine Day conferenceTailwind and Alpine - a perfect pairAlpine in your HTML markupAlpine componentsAccessiblityThe future of Alpine Show Links Laracon Laravel Livewire VueJs Code Course Laracasts Alpine Weekly Newsletter Alpine Day Conference TailwindCss CSS Zen Garden Alpine Components View Episode Transcript More Website 101 Podcast Email the Po