Happy Dog Web Productions

A large custom Joomla Portfolio

2011-12-30T06:59:00.001-08:00

This is a link to a very large, mostly Joomla portfolio. See the many directions you can take Joomla!

http://www.happydogwebproductions.com/frontpage/happy-dog-portfolio.html

Pretty sweet Joomla Video

2011-12-29T09:31:00.001-08:00

I looked at the code and this is in HTML5. Looks good. If I were in MN I'd use them.

http://www.happydogwebproductions.com/what/what-we-do.html

Designing for websites in 2012

2011-12-29T08:58:00.001-08:00

This is a great post about different design techniques that should be used in 2012. A lot of these techniques are overlooked, which compromises the quality of the website.

http://www.happydogwebproductions.com/item/designing-for-2012-websites-and-more.html

Staying connected

2011-05-14T20:30:00.000-07:00

It can be a chore. Staying connected. There are so many different channels to use. Some have faded, and some are rock solid. Which is the best? It all depends on your target audience and what you are trying to convey. We at Happy Dog utilized a live Facebook page app, live Twitter feed, 12 social media links for following us on, our own personal blog, a stream of testimonials and a convenient QR code. I can tell you they all work great for different reasons.

The main thing is to keep the content updated often. That is the chore part. But in the end, your clients can view you from all aspects of the internet, and increasing visibility is a vital part to company growth!

Rocket your site to the moon

2011-03-24T22:24:00.000-07:00

This will be a short blog post.

Happy Dog is tops in joomla development.

Rocket 55, a Minneapolis web design company, brings traffic to websites.

Combine the two, and you have enough power to rocket a powerful, content managed site to the moon!

By "the moon" I mean the top of Google

By "the top of Google" I mean relevant traffic, #1 rankings, and a smile on your face.

Now that I spelled it out for you, check either company out.

Bella Tan :: MN, St Paul tanning at its finest

2010-11-03T19:10:00.000-07:00

Bella Tan :: MN, St Paul tanning at its finest

2010-10-24T08:57:00.004-07:00

Lamanai Ruins

The trip begins

After a honeymoon registry and a wedding we went to Belize for our honeymoon. We took a tour of the Lamanai Ruins in the tropical jungle just off the coast of Belize. This was the first time either of us had done something this exciting in a long time, so the anticipation was great. All we knew about the trip was just that it was long and that we would see some ancient Mayan ruins. The trip started off with a long boat ride. We started to go through the mangroves.

The mangroves were a type of swamp with a bush that was super thick and harvested all types of wildlife. There were crocodiles, huge termite nests, all types of birds and flying things. The ride was served with a can of pineapple juice that quite honestly had probably 80% pulp in it. It was like a slimy snack, kind of gross. They also had sandwiches. There was around 8-10 of us. We all were strapped like tourists, backpacks and cameras hanging around the necks. Either way, we were really excited to see what was ahead.

A magical jungle

We finally made it!

Getting to this place was an adventure in itself. It took a one hour boat ride through the mangroves, then a one hour bus ride on the bumpiest road that I've ever seen, then ANOTHER one hour boat ride through some small third world countries. Then, finally we made it!

What to do, what to do.... We were greeted by a stray dog when we got off of the dock. There are stray dogs all over Central America apparently. Our tour guide led us to a picnic table where we had a lunch made for us. It was some spicy fish meal, not quite sure how they made it. Either way I was dying for some of that pulpy juice just to cool my lips off!

After that the tour began. We started to walk around the reserve down some windy paths when it became very apparent, the plants and trees around here are incredibly bigger than anything I had ever seen. Even the leaves were big! It really made me feel like I was a small kid in a Disney jungle movie where everything is huge. Even the leaves on the plants that grow in the ground were gigantic! Let's just hope the bugs aren't as big.

The heat had climbed to a pretty high temperature at this point. I ended up being really sun burned after this excursion, but it was worth it. Too bad my Gilligan hat didn't save my neck.

The Ruins

Interesting Temples

To think that these ruins have been here for thousands of years is truly mind boggling. You see it on TV or the movies and think, "That's pretty impressive". But then when you see it in real life, you think, "How did they do that? It would be a huge project currently even with our technology. They had nothing!"

The Jaguar Temple

One that stood out to me was the Jaguar temple. It stood out because of how much respect they had for the jaguar. The jaguar was like a God to the Mayans, largely due to its ability to kill and be the top of the food chain in the jungle. The structure is twelve feet shorter in exposed height than the High Temple (highest temple there), however a significant amount of this temple is under the ground, having been covered by dirt on its front side, and jungle roughage on its left side (when facing the front of the temple). Stones were made to form angular (blocky) jaguar heads that adorn the front. Seeing it in person truly shows how dedicated these people were to the jaguar

There was also a grassy court. It was kept in immaculate condition. The tour guide started out by saying that "games" were played there. The game actually was a very primitive... field hockey if you will. Sounds like fun and games right? You wouldn't want to be the loser. The loser was usually killed right there on the spot. Talk about tough consequences. Survival of the fittest must have been the motto there, and I'm sure there is no doubt that the Mayan warriors were very capable warriors. I just wonder if the field looked this pristine back then.

The views were astonishing from atop the high temple. They have you walk all the way up the temple with no rail, just a rope that drags on the ground. After the decent sized workout of climbing to the top, you are treated with views that are simple amazing!

There was much more than you see here on this tour. You got to see howler monkeys in the trees; you would not believe how loud those animals can get! All in all, if you are in or near Belize, I recommend taking a tour. It is an experience to be had, and it really lets you look back into history.

For the best honeymoon registry go to Paradise Registry

2010-10-24T08:57:00.003-07:00

Today's virtual marketing

What seems like a long time ago, small business owners usually had to do a local campaign. This meant doing expensive advertising and brochures. This also meant trying cold calling, direct mail, joining the local Chamber of Commerce or even something crazy like BNI. One major player was the good old phone book.

Now a days, you can work with a all types of business planners and professionals all the way across the country. Now a days, if you do it right, people come to you, not the other way around!

Welcome to the era of the online customer. Yet, even though the Internet has made it attainable to land a big time client you have never met, it has also created high expectations among consumers.

Prospects can search local business profiles to find businesses. Sites like Merchant Circle lead this trend of many, many sites. Prospects can also just flat out "Google" you. Irregardless, when they find you, they expect you to look good and keep up with this technological age, or else you may suffer in not being used.

Your online First Impression

When you meet someone in a matter of seconds you develop first impressions. Many of us now form "first impressions" through the world wide web. Just like in person, prospects can be quick to judge your site and presence online. Think about it. You have probably used the Internet to look up a company or a freelancer you're thinking about doing business with. This has to work the other way around, right?

Get Influential online

Just as some famous or popular speakers have a gift of influential speaking, your website has that chance too. You can start by sharing inside knowledge with your prospects. This builds trust, and places you higher in esteem. Participate, listen, contemplate, and offer thoughtful responses to your clients and prospects. Never be afraid to say your two cents. Make sure it is known that you are the leader in your industry. Be resourceful as a leader and give lots of information.

Packaging it as one

Now you have a well thought out, established online presence that commands attention. There is one simple way to connect you with your target audience. Go to your local SEO company and have them get your started on a campaign that suits you best!

The Best marketing lists can be right under your nose. Online marketing lists can work for you! Try Bdirect Marketing today

2010-10-24T08:57:00.001-07:00

BEWARE!

Beware of bad SEO companies

When performing SEO for your website, it is critical to do an effective campaign otherwise you will be waiting a long time to see a return on your investment, if at all. To dumb SEO down, just for the sake of this post, you must create backlinks and optimize your sites coding and content for success. Obviously, you want to run a campaign that represents your site. Google can tell when you are just trying to get hits. Plus your conversion would be lower anyways.

SEO companies use special software to guide them in creating great backlinks for your site. The back links can range from article posts, blog submissions, relevant link posting, directory submissions, etc. There are many ways to create backlinks. So now you know what you need, and a good SEO company should give that to you.

When I contacted a large SEO firm a long time ago, they described SEO thoroughly. They even had special software that kept track of every link they made. I went ahead and signed up. They claimed their rate at $30/hr, which to me seemed more than reasonable for a US company. After a couple of months I checked on what exactly they were doing. The first month was a bunch of directory submissions, clocked at 10 minutes a piece. I was curious about this, so I tried to use the software for my self in the do-it-yourself section of their business. It was giving me 10 minutes credit for each submission. So I checked other types of links. Article posts got credit for two and a half hours! Blog submissions were an hour and 15 minutes! Just doing the SEO myself I timed it out to each directory submission takes only 30 seconds to a minute, and everything else was around 10 times quicker to do than what gets credit for.

I then asked why I was being billed for 6 directory submissions each hour, when it should have been 60-80? They just explained that each submission is worth that much time. It makes no sense.

It is companies like this that say they offer $30/hr service and in reality you are paying $300/hr. So, beware of the tricky SEO companies.

If you want to skip SEO and use the best mailing list possible, including online mailing lists, check out BDirect Marketing

2010-10-24T08:56:00.001-07:00

Honeymoon Registry

What is it? It is a service, usually on the web,that helps engaged couples in paying for special portions of their honeymoons.

History

They began around 20 years ago as an option provided by travel agencies. There are some agencies that still offer this. Today's honeymoon registry has evolved from just the booking and planning of the overall honeymoon. With the wonderful power of the internet, they can go online and sign up with a company that offers this as a service. Usually they will receive their own customizable page that they can share with their friends for signing up.

The average Honeymoon Registry

These specialty websites allow each couple to customize and create a web page with details and photos of their upcoming honeymoon. Each couple that gets this service will get to ask anybody they desire to help out, usually via email. The people that are asked are then usually redirected to the registry site so they can help with either a portion of the overall cost of the honeymoon or even pay for specific purchases or activities help make the honeymoon more memorable.

Other Features

Some sites offer assistance with thank you cards.
Customized honeymoon registry invites.
Custom landing page for the couple's registry with photos of the couple.

Is it proper etiquette to do this? Will people be offended?

In 2008, the Wall Street Journal reviewed popular Honeymoon Registry services. They came up with this conclusion.

"A honeymoon is a perfectly appropriate gift to request."

"There's no objection to it from an etiquette point of view."

Good Points

The couple may not have been able to afford certain activities or services before using.
Couples can register for things that can mean more than just items from a store.
Sometimes this can go seamlessly with a wedding registry, creating a smooth and sophisticated approach to invitees.
Items received are more likely to create lifelong memories.
Sometimes, the thank you card can be almost completely customized and automated, alleviating any stress on the newlyweds.

Bad Points

There are not many bad points. There may be some bad service providers. Make sure the company specializes in honeymoon registries and has been in business for a while before using.

For the best experience with your honeymoon registry, check out Paradise Registry.

BDirect Marketing - The best mailing list and online mailing lists company

2010-10-21T13:18:00.000-07:00

BDirect Marketing - The best mailing list and online mailing lists company

Bella Tan :: MN, St Paul tanning at its finest

2010-10-21T13:11:00.000-07:00

Bella Tan :: MN, St Paul tanning at its finest

Online mailing lists, even double opt in

2010-10-05T19:09:00.000-07:00

From the best mailing list to the famous double opt in online mailing lists, BDirect Marketing has the game figured out. Check out EZine Articles and read all that BDirect marketing has to offer. There is some great advice in there.

Thanks for your support

Mailing Lists for all

2010-10-05T19:06:00.001-07:00

Best mailing list award should go to BDirect Marketing. Their double opt in online mailing lists have been a proven winner with many companies.

BDirect Lists

2010-10-05T19:05:00.001-07:00

Best marketing list around has to be from BDirect Lists.

Check out their double opt in online mailing lists

Bella Tan :: MN, St Paul tanning at its finest

2010-09-29T21:17:00.000-07:00

Bella Tan :: MN, St Paul tanning at its finest

Sample Work. Websites, e-commerce, logo, graphic design, joomla, cms

2010-09-25T12:25:00.000-07:00

Sample Work. Websites, e-commerce, logo, graphic design, joomla, cms

This is the online portfolio for Happy Dog

MN web designer, Minnesota SEO, St Paul Minneapolis web design, joomla | Happy Dog Web Productions

2010-09-25T12:23:00.000-07:00

MN web designer, Minnesota SEO, St Paul Minneapolis web design, joomla | Happy Dog Web Productions

Happy Dog Web Productions :: St Paul and Minneapolis web design

2010-09-07T20:07:00.000-07:00

Happy Dog Web Productions :: St Paul and Minneapolis web design

Happy Dog Web Productions :: We are the specialists for Minneapolis web design and St Paul web design

2010-08-09T20:09:00.000-07:00

Happy Dog Web Productions :: We are the specialists for Minneapolis web design and St Paul web design

Well, what computer should I buy? | Happy Dog Blog

2010-07-27T21:00:00.000-07:00

Well, what computer should I buy? | Happy Dog Blog

Give your font that wet and dripped look :: a Photoshop tutorial | Happy Dog Blog

2010-07-19T19:17:00.000-07:00

Give your font that wet and dripped look :: a Photoshop tutorial | Happy Dog Blog

Design Fun :: Create an abstract, urban Gotham style poster using Photoshop CS4 | Happy Dog Blog

2010-07-11T12:50:00.000-07:00

Design Fun :: Create an abstract, urban Gotham style poster using Photoshop CS4 | Happy Dog Blog

Remote Control Software :: TeamViewer establishes itself | Happy Dog Blog

2010-07-08T19:43:00.000-07:00

Remote Control Software :: TeamViewer establishes itself | Happy Dog Blog

Ten things to think about when choosing a content management system | Happy Dog Blog

2010-07-08T14:09:00.000-07:00

Ten things to think about when choosing a content management system | Happy Dog Blog

10 Web Marketing Trends for 2010 - Internet Marketing Trends - Entrepreneur.com

2010-07-06T18:56:00.000-07:00

10 Web Marketing Trends for 2010 - Internet Marketing Trends - Entrepreneur.com

Whats it like here?

2010-06-19T18:04:00.000-07:00

www.whatsitlikehere.com is a website created by Happy Dog Web Productions. It is a conceptual site - a travel blog / social networking website. You can easily sign in with Facebook and in seconds click to places around the world and find out what it is like there.

The site owners, a company called Four Eyes Two Guys LLC based out of a St Paul / Minneapolis suburb (Lakeville), plan on selling ad space on the site to create revenue. For now, it is an ad-free site, which is hard to come by these days for a site with a conceptual design. Check it out today!

Whats it Like Here?

Happy Dog Web Productions. We are the specialists for Minneapolis and St Paul web design.

2010-06-16T16:05:00.000-07:00

Happy Dog Web Productions is geared towards small business. We are the specialists for Minneapolis and St Paul web design.