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Customer Production Tips


1. DNS Info & the Launch Process
2. Image Tips
3. Sending Files
4. Success Story Creation
5. Step 1 Website Creation Form

1) Website Settings Needed to Launch a New Site

Provide the login credentials for the domain (url) Registar account (GoDaddy, Web.com, Enom, Network Solutions, etc) to TWP upon contracting for the new site and we will check the settings and be ready for launch.

The launch process and DNS explained.

Url Settings; also referred to as DNS
There are 2 important parts to your url (DNS) settings:

  • Website Server Information – A Records
  • Email Settings – MX Records
  • Other setting exist for tracking and verification but are not discussed in this article.

It is possible and common for different companies to host the website and emails for a company.


DNS settings can be maintained in 2 different places

  1. Url Registar (GoDaddy, Web.com, Network Solutions, Etc.)
  2. Website Server (TWP or current host)
    • Both paths work well, although housing the DNS information in your url domain Registar account allows easier direct access.

* It is best to provide the login credentials for the domain (url) Registar account (GoDaddy, Web.com, Enom, Network Solutions, etc) to TWP upon contracting for the new site and we will check the settings and recommend the best process for the launch.


DNS Options to launching the new site

  1. If your DNS settings are housed in your Url Registar account…
    1. *Provide TWP the login credentials for the url Registar and we will change the settings
    2. TWP can provide the A record IP address for the new site server and you can change the A record in the URL Registar Account. Change all of the site A-records
      • www.
      • @
      • none
  2. If your DNS settings are housed within a different host that you plan on continuing to use for email, I.e. Microsoft 365, or a contracted IT company…
    1. *Provide TWP the login credentials for the current host and we will change settings.
    2. TWP can provide the A record IP address for the new site server and you can change the A record in the DNS setting sections of the current host. Change all A-records
        • www.
        • @
        • none

  1. If TWP Will be hosting your website and Email…
    1. *Provide TWP the login credentials for the url Registar and we will change the settings
    2. TWP can provide the DNS for the new site & email server and you can change the custom DNS setting sections in the Registar account.

* Recommended Path



2) Image Tips

Image/File Formats

1. Images of equipment and facility – jpg file is optimum

2. Images of products – png file is optimum as that allows us to remove the background which is often helpful during site design.

Image File Size –  Ideal file size for web site use on standard images (products, equipment, etc.) is a max of 500K , or if the file is for a home page header 1 Meg.  Providing larger files is acceptable, but we will have to edit them to reduce the size and ensure your website loads without delay.  And this file size is based on photos with limited area to be cropped.  If you are taking pictures of small items with a lot of area to be cropped off, please send larger (higher pixel count) files.

Logo Files – Logo files should be in either jpg or png with png being ideal.  Minimum file size is 250 pixels in both dimensions.

Image /File Names – It is best to title each image with descriptive text.  This helps us identify the image and know where it should be placed during production, plus it is a good search engine strategy.

Resolution/Image Size – 300 -600 dpi

    • Products/Equipment 300 dpi – (700 – 1,000) pixels in each direction
    • Full width images for headers 300 dpi (1,800 – 2500) pixels in each direction
    • Products/Equipment 600 dpi – (1,400 – 2,000) pixels in width
    • Full width images for headers 600 dpi (3,500 – 5,000) pixels in width

Backgrounds – When taking pictures of products it is best to have a contrasting SOLID background.  Do not have multi colored or multi-textured backgrounds.  Solid backgrounds allows for the digital manipulation of imagery. If the products are light colored have a black background and if they are dark a white background.  Also, Foam board or something flat is better then draping clothes to ensure a completely uniform image.

Lighting – Use uniform lighting to minimize shadows.  Some shadows can be removed in production, but it can be time consuming.



3) Sending Files

Email/ Send Files- We can accept files up to 20M via email.  If sending more then a handful of images it is typically best to store the files in one folder and zip them for sending.  Or if you have 25 or more images, we suggest setting up a folder on Google Drive and sharing that file with us. Click on the following link for Instructions on setting up a Google Drive account and folder, no charge services.  https://support.google.com/drive/answer/2424384?hl=en



4) Gathering Content for Anecdotal Success Stories/Case Studies

Adding success stories to your website helps to serve 2 needs.

  1. Attracting users.  The stories are typically about a specific project and can be keyword rich making them ideal spyder food for the search engines.
  2. The messaging bytes about unique solutions your company has developed to serve other customers are often ideal to help “Engage” users online and prompt them to take actions.

TWP services include content writing and word smiting of your stories, we just need topics and facts.  To add stories to your site please think about recent projects and solutions for your target markets and contact your salesperson or TWP admin. No reason to prepare anything in writing, although if you have information or project outlines that is helpful, form below.  If you would rather talk about the story we will setup a phone interview to gather the information, create a working copy, and ask you to help fill the gaps after our review.

Anecdotal Success Story Examples:

Basic Informational – https://pentarstamping.com/index.php/case-study/
Basic information with imagery – https://www.dynmet.com/case-study/

Basic information with Imagery & project scope 1 – https://bernierinc.com/category/case-studies/
Basic information with Imagery & project scope 2 – https://mayconveyor.com/case-studies-may-conveyor-advantages/
Basic Information with imagery& project scope 3 – https://www.doublehmfg.com/case-studies/
Basic information with Imagery & project scope 4 – https://www.elsonsinternational.com/case-studies/
Basic information with Imagery & project scope 5 – https://american-power.com/category/case-studies/

Detailed Spec Information – https://aimetalfinishing.com/case-studies/medical-industry-laser-cutting/

Success Story Format Outline (Form) for Submission:

Success stories/case studies can be submitted in any form/format via email or complete the following form and TWP will refine the information into copy.
Word Doc Success Story Form – Anecdotal Success Story Outline Form
PDF Success Story Form – Anecdotal Success Story Outline Form
Submit to [email protected]
or
Fill out Success Story Form Online:
Anecdotal Success Story Form



5) Step 1- Website Creation Form (optional)

TWP will walk you through each phase of web production, from start to launch.  We will schedule online meetings and calls with each milestone keeping you up to date and informed on the process.

We will begin the process with a kickoff call to learn about your company and website objectives.  Also, you have the option of completing parts or all of the following form to provide details prior to the kickoff call.
Word Doc Website Creation Form – WebSite Design Build Form Step 1
PDF Website Creation Form – WebSite Design Build Form Step 1

Submit to [email protected]

 

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