We all know how web sites seem to take on a life of their own. As number of pages increases maintaining site can be a time consuming task...!

The use of "Page Include" files makes task of editing web pages a lot easier and faster. An additional benefit is that it reduces size of a page, thus improving page load time. This article takes a brief look at three forms of "Page Include" files. CSS Includes, SSI Includes, and Javascript Includes.

1.. (CSS) Cascading Style Sheet Includes

CSS can be used to format page margins, font, link colors, and much more. Create a file in your text editor, and include all common stylesheet declarations for your pages, now save page with a .css file extension.

Note: declaration tags are not included in an external style sheet. This reference is in Link Relevant tag used to call up stylesheet.

For this example we will call stylesheet page "main.css". h1 {color: #ff0000; font-family: arial; font-size: 14px; text-decoration : underline; } p {font-family: verdana; font-size: 10pt; color: #ffffff; } td {font-family: verdana; font-size: 10pt; color: #ffffff; } a {font-family: arial; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: bold; } a:link {color: #0000ff; text-decoration: none; } a:visited {color: #800080; text-decoration: none; } a.menu:link {color: #ffffff; text-decoration: none; } a:hover {color: gold; text-decoration: underline; }

In tag area of page "main.css" stylesheet is called up using LINK REL tag.

Now when you want to add or change your page format, just edit this one file. The changes will appear on any page where stylesheet is called up.

For more on CSS see: http://www.mompswebdesign.com/css/index.html AOL Users Click Here

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2.. (SSI) Server Side Includes

SSI is a great way of controlling site content that appears on multiple pages across a web site.

Requirements: 1..your web site server must have SSI enabled. 2..most web hosts require SSI pages to have a file extension of .shtml in place of .html or .htm 3..the file extension used will depend on operating system used on web hosts server.

Windows servers use .asp file extension. Windows script:

Unix/Linux servers use .php file extension. Unix/Linux script:

This example will build a navigation bar for bottom of a page. My web host server is Linux so we will use .php file extension.

Create a file in your text editor and include HTML code for navigation bar. Now save SSI page with a .php file extension. Any HTML coding can be used in a SSI file, but file should only include code for specific item. We will name this file "bot_nav.php" and place it in a sub-directory called "ssi"

As a new freelancer, there is nothing scarier then starting your first project. This article will take a closer look at steps you should follow when in charge of a project. Hopefully, if you are aware of what process should be, you won't be as concerned about getting things right. Since I am assuming that this is your first client, return business is essential to growing your business. Follow below steps from start to finish and you should have a happy client and a check in your hands.

1. TRACK TIME

It is important to track your time when you are working on a project. Start logging time as soon as you start to give your attention to a project. Place a time log into a new docket and write onto this log start and finish times along with other detailed information every time you work on this project.

Take a look at a good time log at Figure I.

FIGURE I. ================================== DATE ================================== TASK / ACTIVITY ================================== COMMENTS ================================== ========START===FINISH===TOTAL TIME

For several reasons, it is important to use time log accurately. First and foremost, your client might expect you to break down your hours for him so they are aware of where their money is going. Secondly, in order to increase your productivity, examining where your time is being spent is essential. After freelancing for a while you will be able to figure out how much to bid on projects easily from experience.

2. OPEN UP A DOCKET

A docket is a huge envelope or sleeve to keep all papers together. Nothing looks worse than going to a meeting with a client and forgetting essential paperwork. In order to escape this possibility, I suggest using a docket for each individual project.

I recommend using a black marker to distinguish this project from other projects. I have always named my project's computer files and dockets by company's name and then follow this with consecutive numbers. So for example, XYZCompany001 would be XYZ Company's first project.

3. NEW CUSTOMER?

If this client is working with you for first time you should start an information sheet on him or her. You might not think that this is important, but if this client ends up being a dead beat, you will be glad to have his or her address and phone number. After you have completed this form, place it in your docket.

4. SCHEDULE STAGES OF A JOB

Start every job with a piece of paper. List steps that need to be involved in order finish production. Otherwise, you might get stuck with having to go backwards three steps in order to go forwards again. Sometimes stages of a project will need to be reworked because you didn't take time to write down your game plan. Try not to let this happen to you.

5. CONTRACT

Protect yourself against problem clients by writing a contract. Make sure to have your client sign and send back contract before starting project. You can find generic contracts for your business on Internet. Here are some places to find contracts to customize for your own business:

Manage Jobs Software Digital Contracts Online Smart Agreements Contract Swipe File Law.net Legal Documents Online Sample Freelance Contract

6. ORGANIZE YOUR THOUGHTS

A great way to begin your project is to plan out how web site is going to be organized. A mind map is one way to do this. You can do this by taking a blank piece of paper and placing your pen onto middle of your page. Write down a word or two that matches subject of your previous notes. Branch out with lines to related topics. Take a look at Figure II as an example.

FIGURE II.

Your mind map is now similar to a Flow Chart. Make sure that all navigational routes have been mapped out. If possible, have someone else take a look at your Flow Chart to see if you have missed anything.

7. STORYBOARDING

Storyboarding is a device used to layout design and navigation of a site. It could simply be a rough sketch on a scrap of paper. However, I always send out a storyboard to a client before starting to actually layout site. I recommend laying out rough sketches in Illustrator or Freehand. Use your mind map or Flow Chart to help guide you through this process. Ask your client to sign off on bottom of this Flow Chart.

8. THINK ART

One of most engaging attractions of a good web site is its graphics. Listen carefully to your client carefully in order to find out what he wants. If client can't explain what he is visualizing, help out with a few questions. The following five questions can be used.

1. What sites are visually appealing to you? 2. On a scale of 1 to 10, how important is a fast-loading site to you? 3. What colors are you partial to? 4. Do you already have existing collateral (brochures, catalogs, etc.)? If so, what flexibility do I have with your fonts, logo, and colors? 5. Do you have any art that we need in order to complete this project?

If you are having a hard time finding your creative self, I suggest taking a look at CoolHomePages.com to get a few ideas to build on.

Once you have an idea of what your client is expecting you are ready to storyboard site.

9. PHOTOSHOP

Now that your client has signed off on your storyboard it is time to start design process. Finally! Follow these steps to ease design process.