I've just discovered my latest favorite new feature in Drupal 7. Cron Queues. Previously when trying to process large amounts of data (like sending 10,000 emails) we were left with trying to get Batch API and cron to work together. Not the easiest thing in the world.

Our Acquia Drupal Training series is coming up around the corner and what a better way to kick it off then with a 20% discount through this Friday (September 3rd, 2010)! Join us in Dallas, Austin or Houston - just enter the code OCD2010 and you will be on your way to enhancing those Drupal skills!

During my tenure at LevelTen I would estimate that I’ve fielded over 10,000 phone calls or emails from companies and individuals who are looking for some assistance with their web project.

Technical development provides the functionality of your web site. All sites have some level of technical requirements from basic web hosting to e-commerce to complex web applications.

Technical Functionality Tips

• Many inexpensive packaged scripts exist to add functionality to your site. Proper use of these resources can dramatically increase the value and uniqueness of your site for little costs.
• Technical development can be used to tailor site content to the specific needs of the user.

Web site objectives are metrics to determine if your web site is successful in achieving its mission. Objectives should be specific, measurable results you expect from your site. For example, if your mission is to broaden your customer base, an objective may be to increase new customer sales by 10% in the first year.

A plug-in extends the abilities of a web browser. They are small pieces of software that allow your browser to display/execute additional files. Popular plug-ins enable your browser to display animation, play audio, video, etc.

Creative Design generates the graphical and multimedia content within a web site. The majority of creative elements are static graphics yet as the web matures other multimedia mediums are becoming prominent. Increasing importance is being placed on high-quality creative design to elevate the credibility and perceived value of a web site, attract customers and aid in web site usability.

Creative Design Tips

Copywriting generates the text for a web site.

Copy exploration tips

Copy should be:

• Plain: always speak in terms your audience will understand.
• Concise: if you want it read keep it brief and scalable.
• Valuable: your message should be personally important to your readers.
• Transparent: your readers should notice your message not your vocabulary.

Further Reading

Copy Blogger:Copywriting Tips and Info

Copy exploration is an information gathering and organization process that provides the source material from which a web site is written. Most research can be accomplished from existing company literature, but interviews, surveys and other means are also used.

Copy exploration tips

• If you do not have a quality collateral library the exploration process will be significantly longer. To reduce the cost of a consultant you may want to have someone internally create draft documentation before the copywriter begins.

Page element design generates content that is designed to enhance a specific page. This broad category of creative elements can generally be thought of as anything that is not apart of the theme template. The vast majority are graphics, typical examples are; photo portraits in a biography pages, product photos or illustrations in an online catalog, or animated banners.

Page element tips

• Proper use of page elements can add to the decor of a site giving it a unique look and higher perceived value.