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July 12, 2015October 11, 2018

Reviewing DareBoost: A Web Performance and Quality Testing Tool

Not long ago, I reviewed the tools for testing website performance. In that I listed some well-known tools through which a beginner as well as an expert can test their website.
Last week, I got an opportunity to review another online tool for website testing. Yes, I am here with a review of DareBoost, a Web Performance and Quality Testing Tool.
Before starting, I would like to thank the CEO of DareBoost, Damien in providing me with a free Premium account for some days. The premium account helped me in analyzing and reviewing the product perfectly.
You may have come across with some other well-known website testing tools such as PingDom, Web Analyser, etc, and may have found them awesome. Another website testing tool is here and with a perfection to match the capabilities of fineness. Let us see what it actually has and what it provides to the users.
Around the web world, some people still don’t have an idea about the importance of faster loading of pages and the need of website testing tools. Especially when a user visits an ecommerce website, the developers and owner of these websites should really take care of the loading time. There is always a risk of losing your customer to another faster loading website.
Here are some statistics, that show the significance of fast loading pages:

8% of potential buyers cite extremely slow loading web pages as the primary reason for abandoning their purchase.
Over 75% of online customers opted for a competitor’s site instead of suffering inordinate delays at peak traffic time.
If page load time is 3 seconds or more, 57% of your website visitors will abandon your page.
75% of users exit within 4 seconds.
When compared to business websites that load in 1 second, websites that load in 3 seconds experience a 50% higher bounce rate, 22% fewer page views, and, most significantly, 22% fewer conversions.

Keeping this as the topmost priority, the website has provided an apt stat on the Home Page itself. It says the following:

Additionally, Web Performance impacts are also briefly described on the website.
Have a look!

Let’s start with the review.

Test your website from another location

Let’s say you want to test your website from another location. What will you do? Surely, you will search for a tool which will give you a result on the basis of your required location.
I requested an Asian location and DareBoost notified of the same through an email, ”now your location is available”. That means now I can test my website from an Asian location and DareBoost can provide a new location according to your needs, as a paid option.
You can also request to analyze your website from another location by just filling the below given details:

Performance Metrics

As we all know Metrics is a system or standard of measurement. Here, an area for performance metrics is also defined which looks into the weight, number of requests and other things. As stated on the website,

The delay before reception of the first byte by the browser and the delay before the first paint of the browser, meaning the beginning of the page rendering.

These details are available with an access to the “Performance Timings”. Experts would surely get benefit from these metrics.
Note: For reviewing the tool, I’ll be testing linkedin.com for further analysis.

Monitoring: Weekly and daily digests

What if you wake up in the morning and find a glitch on your website, which is not notified to you from any other source. Generally, this is not a good thing if you’re a developer or a tester of the website. DareBoost has a solution for this. They will notify you of these kinds of issues:

We have detected some issues for your monitoring

Additionally, detailed report will also be sent daily.
Here is the sample of the email received, I kept the test name as Amit Test1:

They also sent a complete weekly report on the registered email. This includes the following:

Average values of the last 7 days.
Distribution of loading time.
Alerts, etc.
Furthermore, other details are provided by them on the dashboard.

Best Practice checks: Accessibility, W3C standards and others

For the first time when you’ll analyze a website, it will say “analyzing web page and checking best practices compliance”.
This is a feature which was not part of my previous review on 5 website testing tools. I should have included it. Here is an image showing the checks done under Best Practices:
Note: Only registered users have access to this feature.

It also checks whether the pages on your website matches the web standards or not. This is possible due to the HTML validation W3C and CSS validation W3C. The same is shown in the following image:

Test from mobile and desktop

Just change the DropDown (Desktop or Mobile) and analyze the page, here you can also change the browser options by selecting from Chrome or Mozilla.

Rewards
In its launch of less than 2 years, they’ve received the following 2 rewards:

Ecommerce Award (technology category – Paris 2014).
Crisalide numérique 2014 Jury and Audience Award in the category “usages of tomorrow”

Pricing

Avail a discount of 10% by using R-AMIT10 as the coupon code.

The Analysis

This is a general review and it may vary person to person.
Note: The images are taken from DareBoost website itself.
I have the following review for this product.

Status: Available

Launched: 2014

Checking for multiple devices	Yes
Checking for multiple browsers	Yes
Accurate Reports	Yes
Timely delivery of reports	Yes (daily, weekly, etc.)
Request and approval of new location for testing the website at another location	DareBoost can provide a new location according to your needs, as a paid option.
Loading Time	The website loads the result at a pace equivalent to other web testing tools website
integrates the best practices of Yahoo YSlow?	Yes
Use Google Page Speed	Yes
W3C Validation	Yes
Accessibility check (Best Practices)	Yes
Dareboost website is responsive?	No

I hope that DareBoost will grow apparently in coming years as they’ve almost all the features to test a website. In its initial year, they’ve provided some exceptionally awesome features for developers, testers and customers. Additionally, I also think the website should be responsive. As we all know, responsive websites are easier to access.

February 13, 2015October 11, 2018

Book Review – "Back to Basics – Transforming Life" by Murali Nandula & Anuja Surve

There comes a time in everyone’s life where we tend to glide towards being receptive to our inner voice. Some do it early, some a bit later. But, nevertheless the universe makes sure that we heed to our inner voice at least once in our lifetime.
Popular media addresses such introspections as “stop to smell the roses” or “take stock of your life goals”. Those who have been-there-done-that on this self evaluating exercise will confirm that, the revelations have been life changing.
The author projects a project-management-approach to ‘a’ life. Should we consider every living being as a project, then the very life of the being is a project in progress. Even though he does not apply project management principles per se, you tend to see some striking similarities.
Self confessed reading enthusiast, and having read innumerable religious, philosophical and motivational texts, in the traditional and modern order, the author begins with the belief that the principles that govern our life can be classified under 6 major heads.

Design and purpose
Order and rhythm
Abundance
Freedom
Oneness
Responsibility

Murali Nandula also brings forth the stages of development (in the biological sense) such as the infancy, toddlerhood, adolescence, young adults, middle age, and the senior years. It appears that the intent was to philosophically attune the reader’s mindset with the traits specific to these growing stages. However, it gets a bit too literal and does not generate the desired effect. The anecdotes still make a great read.
After reading the book from cover to cover, I was left with an overwhelming feeling of having read a compiled version of an assumingly large volume of self-introspection-epic-saga. The references to the works of other philosophers (Maslow, Blanchard, Miller, Caslow, Muller & popular religion) overshadow the conclusive thoughts of the author. This is bad, because we don’t get to listen to the author’s voice, instead just popular quotes resonating into our minds. This is good, because very few of us can afford the luxury of time to quench the innate desire to read voraciously, while taking part in the rat-race that we call profession / business.
That said, I personally see an underlying message in the way Murali Nandula has gone about structuring this book. The way we live today, is but the compilation of experiences until yesterday, with the lessons for tomorrow. By quoting popular beliefs, cultures, religions and creations of other authors, the author emphasizes our innate urge to look back into our experiences of the past, derive lessons for tomorrow and act for today.
In a nutshell, the book, “Back to Basics – Transforming Life” by Murali Nandula & Anuja Surve gives a step by step DIY approach (with worksheets at the end of every chapter) to self-evaluation, to those in the fast lane, who cannot afford the luxury of time to read multiple authors on the same subject. After all, fast food is food too; and for some of us, this is survival-food. In that order, this book is a good start for time-strapped philosophy enthusiasts.

January 29, 2015October 11, 2018

Featured at WomenSpiringWednesdays, a Back to Front initaive

It was a pleasant surprise to receive a message on Facebook from Anjali Gulati of the Back to Front initiative. We women are capable of drawing inspiration from vacuum.. yet there comes a time when we too would love some attention and spotlight. It not only keeps the flame glowing, but also lights up other wicks in need of light in manners that surprise us in unimaginable ways.
So, here is my journey featured at Anjali Gulati’s Women Spiring Wednesdays

December 3, 2014October 11, 2018

Invoicing for freelancers – ShimbiMyBilling

Accounting Nightmares happens every billing cycle. Unless a professional accountant, these nightmares grow only scarier as the business prospers. Here is a Guest post written for Shimbi Mybilling, an online Invoicing tool at its simplest best. For a non-accounting work from home / freelance professional, things cannot get any better than this.

November 12, 2014October 11, 2018

Social Media Engagement : Metrics that matter

Social Media – Love it, or hate it, one just cannot afford to ignore it.
That is Social media in a nutshell.
With every customer turning a critic, writing reviews about products/ services at the click of a button, word about the business spreads like wildfire. Like begets like, Good reviews from customers attracts more signups for your business, while the opposite is true as well. A single bad review could send other potentials running to your competitors.
It is time to take initiative and drive the social media chatter in your favor. Creating useful content, engaging with your customers on the social platforms contribute to your social media presence. However, the success lies in monitoring these engagements and see which ones actually culminate into sales.
Here is a piece on tracking social media engagement written for a client.
Client Content, Do not Copy or Reproduce without permission.
Cover image credit : Social Metrics Pro

November 7, 2014October 11, 2018

Cross Device Reporting

Marketing and Advertising are an ever-evolving realm. What works today may not be so useful tomorrow, and what works for Facebook, may be rather detrimental when used with LinkeIN. The point being, Marketing Experts (the strategists and the analysts) have to be on the constant look out for new techniques that measure their efforts, or else risk losing the early adopter advantage to a fellow competitor.
Here is a piece written about cross device reporting, and how marketing efforts get redefined – Client Content

Client Content - Deepa Govind — Client Content – Deepa Govind

October 31, 2014October 11, 2018

Are you, Your family, and Your home pet ready?

Pets are lifelong partners that bestow you with unconditional love and they are absolutely like adding a new family member. Hence, quizzing yourself and your family with some easy questions can resolve this perplexing query of whether it’s time to get a furry feather companion

What are your comfort zones?
How time-tied are you?
Does your finance allow those vet-visits, accessories, etc
Is it okay to be messy , pets are messy by nature

Published Here

October 21, 2014October 11, 2018

Google Analytics – Event Tracking

Once a website is up and running, the next logical step is to analyse its performance based on user engagement to determine, if the website (virtual presence) has actually resulted in conversions (Business opportunities, new clients). There comes a time when the conversion rate might have reached a plateau, or a new campaign has failed to result in desired conversion rate? Basic reports may not provide the much needed insights.Enter Google Analytics- Event Tracking.

Published Here

October 6, 2014October 11, 2018

Lost are we ? – 12 premium error page designs

Getting lost is a scary thing.
Having to face a visitor who lost his way on our website ie even sacarier,
The dreaded PAGE NOT FOUND – 404 error is an indicator of lost potentials.
But the, webmasters are human, and we cannot possibly think of every situation that could generate this 404 error.
However, webmasters / designers are geniueses at making a mark out this PAGE NOT FOUND – 404 error and getting the visitor stay on the site for a bit longer.
While going through a website, you may have seen broken links, search page with no results, 404 page not found errors etc. What would be the idea of an error page which amazes users with its attractive and responsive design?.
The following are some of the best 404 page designs I found while navigating some websites. In this post we’ll look at some premium 404 page error designs available with psd, template, html-css and other supported formats/files. Just check them and make your website’s error page fantastic.

Wordsearch

Price:$4
Features:

Responsive and modern design.
For 401, 403, 404, 500,and 503 Errors.
Easy to create custom error pages.
Google Fonts and Social Icons.

Missing Jigsaw Piece

Price:$4
Features:

Layered psd is provided.
Responsive design.
CSS3 animations are also included.

Lost in Space

Price:$4
Features:

It is provided with two fully editable and well organized PSD files with Help File.
HTML, CSS and JS template files is also given.
Animated Background.
For 401, 403, 404, 500,and 503 Error pages.

404 Error Mushrooms

Price:$2
Features:

Responsive
Layered psd file.
High Resolution.

Missing – 404 Responsive Page Template

Price:$6
Features:

Responsive bootstrap 3
One page template.
CSS3, HTML5, jQuery and Ajax coded.
Ajax contact form.
Design avaiable with slideshow.

Galaxy404 – Responsive 404 Template

Price:$4
Features:

Bootstrap 3.1
Fully customizable.
PSD available.
Google Fonts used which makes it more professional and attractive.

Windows 8 / metro style 404 error page

Price:$5
Features:

Responsive design.
Background Slider is also there.
Windows 8 like metro style.
Modern design.
HTML5 and CSS3 code.

Calypso – Responsive HTML Error Page

Price:$5
Features:
- 8 color options provided.
- Search bar provided.
- HTML5 and CSS3 code structure.
- Full layered psd and png file.
- Social Icons.
  
  Bavure – Responsive 404 Error Template
  
  Price:$5
  Features:
  - Bootstrap 3
  - Responsive website design.
  - Google Font
  - 17 Social Icons.
  - HTML5 and CSS3 code
  Broken 404 – Custom Error Page
  
  Price:$5
  Features:
  - Easy to add questions.
  - HTML5 and CSS3
  - User Guide provided.
  - psd file
  - Valid HTML5, CSS3 code.
  Modern animated 404 page
  
  Price:$5
  Features:
  - Brilliant design.
  - Fully editable psd file.
  - Amazing animated countdown.
  - Help file available.
  - Google web fonts.
  - HTML5 and CSS validate.
  Price:$5
  Features:
  - Animated error page template.
  - Google Font.
  - Layered psd.
  - Social Media Icons provided.

Any Others?
I liked the “Modern animated 404 page”, what about you? If you’ve seen any other design or created one for your website, please mention it in the comment section

December 5, 2013October 11, 2018

Women & Social Media

Image Credit :http://www.webstarwest.com/Fairies/

The outcome of social media has opened a door of opportunities to everyone. It has given people an ability to communicate, interact, access information, make new friends/contacts and a wide range of things that were not possible with other media. Be it the use of Social Networking using Facebook/Hi5 or social photo/video sharing using YouTube/Flickr. And what more- Social Bookmarking, Social News and Wikis…The connectivity social media has got to the lives of everyone cannot be neglected.

It’s seen in many data surveys that women make it as the maximum users of social media than men. Women can be seen using it as a major source of entertainment and a source of news, content and conversations. It has given them a chance to get connected to the world easily. Women, as we know are good net-workers naturally, and with social media, they are forming more and more women networks and running them successfully.

Anusha Jha Rohom, Freelance Writer/Consultant, Bangalore, says,

“Social media has empowered women to network and connect with people relevant to their profession/business. Not just professionals, even amateurs are leveraging social media to reach out to a larger audience.I don’t think social media offers any particular advantage to women exclusively… both the sexes benefit equally from social media.”

There are many networks available online to connect women like, http://worldpulse.com/ , http://www.womenforwomen.org/, http://socialmediawomen.wordpress.com/

Also many groups are seen on Facebook/twitter like Fleximoms, mycity4kids, Sheroesindia, etc., to help women share their experiences, views, or find jobs. Social media is a great tool for young mothers too.

Deepa Govind says,

“We women have a natural tendency to connect and engage in small talk, have a reputation of being gossip mongers, and very good at that. May be, it is in our genetic makeup and Social Media seems to be the perfect platform for gossip. But it seems we have found a way to convert our vice into virtue.” She adds, “Woman mark her clients after observing a potential’s social media chatter. From here on, she would make attempts to small talk into the client’s needs, and pitch her services / business from a more strategic point of view. This way, she ensures that she is investing her time only on seemingly useful potentials, and not just blind calls.”

Women are specially seen making use of social media to start/expand the businesses. Be it a start-up business or an established one, women are seen advertising, blogging, etc. about it on the web.

Take example of women entrepreneurs like Pam Brossman Amazon #1 Best Selling Author or CEO of SheExperts.com making the right use of it. Or be it the organizing solutions provided by Alejandra at http://www.alejandra.tv/. They get a lot of turnover from their businesses; guess if it was not without social media.

Meet Jessie DSouza, Virtual Business Owner, Mangalore.

She uses social media to communicate and connect with potential clients. She adds,“I use social media to share knowledge and expertise. I have a facebook group, “Work From Home Divas India” where I guide the aspiring work from home moms to start their own businesses from home”.

Take example of Jenny Hogan, Tech-Savvy news anchor at KIRO 7 EyeWitness News in Seattle. (Reference: http://blog.hootsuite.com/social-media-jenni-hogan/, December 5, 2012 by Ulara Nakagawa). Over the past few years, she’s learned how to harness the power of social media and her own celebrity to promote a worthy cause. In 2010, Jenny debuted, “The KIRO 7 Mobile Tweetup with Jenny Hogan,” which broke new ground as a TV news program that fuses social media outreach with local causes. The show, which Jenny both produces and hosts, has been an overwhelming success, winning an Emmy and getting her nominated for a Shorty Award. Now into its third year, the mobile tweetups have generated more than 75,000 items for babies and 6 truckloads of toys for kids benefiting Toys For Tots. And the most recent summer tweetup rose over $11,000 in donations in just three hours, to help support early cancer detection research.

Many parents today have started freelancing for income. We can find many “Mommy Bloggers” today, who make a living off their blogs, write books and even speak at conferences. These mommy bloggers share interesting and informative stories about parenting and are also approachable and open to comments.

Jenny Hogan in an interview to Ulara Nakagawa also said

“I think women are more powerful than they think in social media. As a mother, I see other mothers multitasking, working full time, being CEO of their family and using technology to be more efficient. I think that we are the super users of technology being busy, working moms. Females, without even knowing it, are leaders in this area. Tech companies should let females be part of the discovery process rather than coming up with a product and saying ‘here’s how we think it’s going to be great for you.’ There are a lot of brilliant women out there and if tech companies just listen to what they’re saying, we could find some pretty cool jackpots that will help a lot of people in the future.”

To conclude, it’s seen that there is meaningful and impactful work being done by women using the social web. More and more women are finding their voice, confidence and careers online. Social media has given a safe place for women to learn, grow and aspire. Women have got freedom to define the scope of their life and achieve their full potential.