Even though most internet connections are getting faster, it's become increasingly important to build faster, smarter, and more light-weight websites. Yahoo and Google now factor load speeds into their rankings, which makes it even more important.

In order for a website to load quickly it must be built correctly from the ground up. Images, scripts, stylesheets, codes, etc all must be optimized for the web. I'm not going to get into building a fast site from the ground up, rather, I want to discuss a few ways that you can speed up your site without changing any code.

1. Combined JavaScript and CSS files.

Most developer use a variety of JavaScript and CSS files in their code,to reduce HTTP request, it's important to combine these into one...

Continued...

Ive recently been doing some iphone dev and ran into these two problems. I traced the issue down to the fact i had been doing JailBreak development with xcode before enrolling in the apple developer program. When setting up xcode to not codesign I set a couple plist values as NO. Specifically ENTITLEMENTS_REQUIRED, the two problems described are a result of this. If you are having this problem, either restore your backed up plists or reinstall xcode and try to build your project again. You may need to clean your targets.

Continued...

Why Apple Hates Flash

1301330141ipad1

When the iPhone first launched without Flash enabled browsers it was not a big deal at all. How can you expect that little device to handle some of the interactive flash sites you see nowadays. Even with the release of iPhone OS 3.x.x its not that big of a deal. Most people use their iPhone for web, mail and those awesome apps. But when the iPad came out without a flash enabled browser it seemed like this Apple vs. Flash battled ragged on. Here is my perspective on the issues.

First off, the iPhones memory and cache just cant handle some flash which is alright, especially considering that the iPhone is not a primary web surfing device. The iPad, on the other hand, is exactly that: its the best way to experience the web, email, photos and...

Continued...

One of the most common questions I get asked prior to project engagement is How do we prepare for the project? or What do you need from us?. Throughout the years I used to make a checklist for each client. Although it was quite tedious, it got the job done.

So after reflecting on the previous years, Ive decided to put together a comprehensive guide to help clients prepare for a web project. Just a little disclaimer, this guide is intended for common website projects, not for large scale applications or systems (that guide will come in the future).

1. What Kind of Client are you?

The first step that each client needs to express is their involvement in the project. Some clients are much more trustworthy (or just completely disengaged) and...

Continued...

Whenever we engage in a web production, we always build a site map. A site map is the architectural framework for the project, whether a large scale system or a five-page website. When clients understand how to build site maps, the web design process becomes increasingly efficient for both parties. The following is a resource weve created to assist clients in preparing and organizing for small to medium size websites.

Since information architecture in large scale applications and systems is a bit more intricate, well stay away from that and focus on small to medium size websites, including small five-page sites to larger, more dynamic websites.

For this tutorial, well build a site map for a small business consulting company. Feel free to...

Continued...

Social media has emerged as one of the most important forms of communication for businesses and consumers alike. In the past year that Ive been actively engaged in Twitter, Facebook, Diggs, Stumble Upon and so forth, Ive found a new world of resources, experts and friends. But it wasnt until the day my mom asked me how to join Twitter that I actually realized the value of these networks.

Over the past few months every single business imaginable has created an account for all social networks. While some business are doing an amazing job marketing and connecting with their customers, other are doing the exact opposite. Although there is not right way for every business to utilize social media successfully, this article should help you understand...

Continued...

On Versioning The Web and The Future

With the dawn of Web 2.0 it became apparent that the Internet and the World Wide Web was evolving. At that point in Internet time there had been so many advances in the technology, infrastructure and potential of the web that nobody could resist its importance to the future of our cultural and economic future. The only problem was that nobody could accurately define what the hell Web 2.0 meant. That loose, ambiguous word was devoid of any defining characteristics of the actual version of the web, and consequently, versioning the web became tedious.

On the Previous Versions of the Web

Every time period in our history has been defined as a version, era or saga. If we think of the last millennium youll notice a variety of distinctively separate...

Continued...
Trust

While every business is realizing that Social Media is a powerful and dominating marketing channel, most fail to realize one of the basic, underlying principles of effective communication: trust. In order to effectively utilize social media to reach audiences, build relationships and grow your business you must understand the importance of trust.

Most business jump on Twitter and Facebook and start promoting their products and services without ever taking the time to learn about their followers. This is primarily where they fail. In order to build an online reputation you must gain their trust. The following are 5 simple tips to help you gain trust.

1. Meaningful and Relevant Content

Content is the most effectively way of attracting audiences....

Continued...

Over the past few months Ive been collecting a list of some interesting and helpful articles about social media and business development and marketing.

Most of the time people just dont have the time to find these resources that can truly help their business grow through social media. Therefore, weve put together this comprehensive list of great article that should help your business understand and utilize social media more effectively. Im sure there will be more of these lists in the future. For now, enjoy!

Continued...

Blogging is one of the most important social media channels available to any business. Its great because its free and its easy to do. The only problem is that most people have no idea what to blog about. My response to all clients is the same: Blog about your industry and what you know about it. Here at kohactive we blog about technology, web development, social media and our iphones. Note that we blog about what we know and do. And not only that, but blogging has made us money and it can absolutely do the same for you.

Calm down, I know youre getting excited but I need to set up the situation. A few months ago I was looking for a solution to a problem with regards to Flash Web Development and MailChimp Integration and when I couldnt find...

Continued...