Comments on: Authors! 8 Tips For Your Website’s Usability and Design

By: John

John — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 15:16:12 +0000

Great advice. I learned new points and now that I am building new sites, I must say I should apply your tips.

By: Harry Connolly

Harry Connolly — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 19:45:09 +0000

Thank you both.

By: Monica

Monica — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 17:11:56 +0000

@sfwaadmin I'm sure that you know that Google has recently (e.g. within the last year when they released tools like Page Speed) identified GA to be a barrier to a fast load time. They have been making strides to fix the code in that area, though you are right, the footer can be a better place for the code. Good tip!

By: sfwadmin

sfwadmin — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 06:07:24 +0000

@Monica – The only suggestion I would change is to put the Google Analytics code in the footer instead of in the header. With it in the footer it will load after the rest of the page and if there is any issue with resolving or posting to the URL it won’t impact the user’s experience.

@Harry – The SFWA site does use a WordPress plugin to manage Google Analytics. The code route is rather simple but the plug in takes the functionality out of the theme and since I don’t know who the next webmaster might be it is a bit safer to keep it out of the template.

Thanks for the great article Monica!

By: Monica

Monica — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 16:03:50 +0000

@Harry – I don’t use a WordPress plug-in. To place the Google Analytics code, you simply have to copy the code when you sign up and then put that above the tag in your header on your WordPress theme. If you don’t know where that is, Google usually has an explanation when you sign up for analytics.

Of course, you can use a plug-in, too, which “should” do the same thing. If you go that route, I’d look for a high-rated (or reviewed) plug-in.

- M

By: Guest SFWA Blog Post on Website Usability and Design | MLV Writes

Guest SFWA Blog Post on Website Usability and Design | MLV Writes — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 02:02:31 +0000

[...] Hop on over to the Science Fiction & Fantasy Writers of America website to read my latest guest post entitled, Authors! 8 Tips For Your Website’s Usability and Design. [...]

By: Harry Connolly

Harry Connolly — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 00:16:49 +0000

Monica, I’ve been wanting to mess with Google Analytics for my WordPress-based blog, but there are so many plugins to choose from that I am unable to decide. Do you prefer one in particular, assuming you have a preference.

Now I’m going to go off and spend a little quality time with my beloved splash page before I have it put down.

By: Jaleta Clegg

Jaleta Clegg — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 22:47:09 +0000

Good advice. I’m going to go check my website for functionality, accessibility, and usability. Thanks!