1.1. How to Contact Practis Inc.

Contacting Practis Inc

How to Contact Us

Office Location

Use Our Contact form: http://www.practisinc.com/contact/ Obtaining Support for applications or CMS Support Phone: (704) 887-5300 Option 2 Submit a Support Request: Support Form Email Support: helpdesk AT practisinc.com Instructions: Online Help Requesting Website Updates Email: updates AT practisinc.com Instructions: How to Request an Update If you do not receive a response within 24 hours contact us by phone. Phone: (704) 887-5300 Option 2 Contact our Sales Department (800) 238-0095 (Charlotte NC Office - Sales Only) (704) 887-5300 (Charlotte NC Office) Fax: (866) 204-1275

Charlotte NC Practis, Inc 8720 Red Oak Blvd Suite 220 Charlotte NC 28217

1.2. Tips for selecting Photos & Images for your website

Tips for Image Selection

Overall, image selection will largely depend on the design of your web site. Listed below are some general guidelines to assist you with this process.

Downloadable Forms

Authorization Form to Utilize Images

Web Resources

Stock Photos:  www.istockphoto.com
Free Photos:   www.everystockphoto.com
Background Patterns: www.kollermedia.at/pattern4u/classic
Selecting Colors:  www.colourlovers.com
Favicon Creater: www.chami.com/html-kit/services/favicon
Icon Finder:  www.iconfinder.net

Add a slide show to your website
SlideShow:  www.slideshowpro.net

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General Tips

• Use royalty free images - they are considerably less expensive
• Select subjects/people that represent the perception or feeling you want to convey
• Request images from equipment vendors, request authorization to use
• Select closely grouped people
• Select people who are generally looking at you
• Select images that follow the orientation and color scheme of your site. Generally speaking, horizontal images work best in most designs.

Taking your own pictures?

• Use high resolution setting - optimal size listed (images will likely range from 1.2 - 2mb in size)
• Use a tripod, where possible
• Take a few pictures as examples and then send to your Project Manager for review before
• taking all your pictures.

Compile your list of photos and forward to your project manager, identifying the following:

• Title of picture or image
• ID and vendor (istockphoto, Getty, ...)
• Where the image should be placed on your site Flash Banner
• No clipped or chopped subjects (people, equipment)

Interior Pages

• Basic Templated Sites include use of only one (1) image for both your home page and interior pages
• Additional interior page image(s) are optional at time plus materials (image cost)

 

Does Practis Inc keep Stock Photos available for my use?

We do not stock photos.

You can use http://www.istockphoto.com/ to find pictures that you would like to use. You can then either purchase them yourself and email them to me, or you can have us purchase them
and we will just add the cost of the photos to the billing for the update reqeusted.

You will want to pay very close attention to the cost of the
photos. The "small" size should be 10 credits or less. Some of them
can cost hundreds of dollars so make sure whatever pictures you select
have a 10 credit or less version. You can check the credits by
clicking on a the thumbnail for the photo.

 

Questions?
Should you have any questions, please contact us directly.

1.3. How to request an update or change to your Website

How do I request and update or change to my website?

Depending on the interactive features installed with your site, you may be able to complete simple updates on your own. However, at times you may want to contact our team, so that can can make some of the more advanced updates or enhancements for you.   Such changes may include, alterning the site's navigation, adding new pages; adding video, flash, or custom tools like a News or Job Manager.

To request an upate or change to your website, follow the guidelines presented below:

• Submit all change and update requests to: updates AT  practisinc.com
• When submitting update requests be sure to identify:
  • The domain name (website address) where the update should be applied.
  • Add the website address to the subject line of your email or request form.
  • Where the content should be placed.  Provide the link to the specific pages of your site.
  • Any specific details that we must address such as order of copy, physicians, biographies etc.
• Submit all updates in electronic format.  Do not Fax or send Scanned text.  There is a fee for transscribing text.
• Send text copy that is ready to be published.  Copy will be added as is to the website according to your instructions, so be clear and provide as much detail as necessary.   Send links to pages to be modified.
• When submitting updates remember the web page length is equivalent to an 8 ½ x 11 sheet of paper, including page navigation and images. (For best viewing of website pages, we do our best to limit the vertical and horizontal page scroll)
• To help us more effectively address your request please add [website address AKA domain name] to the subject line of your update request.
• If you are an Adobe Contribute user, please indicate this in your update request message.  Please also indicate the website pages that you have updated so that we can download a recent copy to our local systems.

Your update request should be sent to: updates AT  practisinc.com

The subject line of the request should include your domain name, for example:   
subject: practisinc.com  - Add new MD biography

Remember to clearly advise us as to what it is you would like changed or added, how you would like it changed or added and the page where the updates should be applied.   Most updates will be completed within 24 hours and you will receive an e-mail when they have been completed.

If you do not hear from us within 24 hours please contact our office at 704-887-5300 Option 2 - to make sure that your request was received.  Remember, email is not perfect!

Please Note: Updates are billed as they are completed. If you have a maintenance agreement with us then most textual updates are covered under that agreement and you will not receive an additional invoice.  If you have questions as to whether an update is billable or not, please contact your account representative.

If you are having problems with a website application, your CMS or you merely have a technical questions, contact our Support Team.  You can also submit a request through our support form.

Maintenance / Updates on an "As needed basis"
Per page, per occurrence, basic text updates on existing pages only. Examples of updates include changes to staff/physician bios, updates on events, programs, news, and additional external links changed or added, updates to office hours, policies, phone or fax numbers, updates for news, programs, etc.

Maintenance Options

Please visit our website for the latest pricing and maintenance options.  You may also call or email us at:
Main line:      704-887-5300 Option 2

1.4. How to get support for website applications or Content Managment System (CMS)

Getting Support for applications or Content Managment System

We back our work with customer friendly support.  If you have any questions or problems with your web site please contact Practis' Support Team.

To obtain support for issues related to your website applications, Content Managment System (CMS), web hosting or if you have other technical question you can reach us by doing the following:

Submit a Support Request: Support Form
Call Us: (704) 887-5300 Option 2
Email Us: help AT practisinc.com

 

Please Note: Certain support issues are billable events. You will be advised at the time you submit your request as to whether the support issue in question is billable.

1.5. How to Upload Files ( SFTP )

Uploading a file with (S)FTP Secure File Transfers

Depending on the web hosting account type or the CMS application that you are using with your new website, the manner in which you can upload files may differ. Please check your "Website Welcome Kit" to determine your setup and the review the instructions that applies.

For improved security we utilize Secure FTP (SFTP) on our dedicated web servers. File Transfer Protocol, is used to transfer data from one computer to another over the Internet. SFTP is a more secure method of achieving this process. You can transfer data and files to your web hosting account using an FTP program the supports Secure connections. Our favorite is a free utility called Filezilla.

Practis CMS

Practis CMS includes a built in File Upload feature. Your website should have been configured to use this feature. Please refer to the documentation in your Welcome Kit for specific details. Please reference our Support Center Documentation or contact our Support Team if you have any questions.

Deluxe CMS (Expression Engine)

Expression Engine includes a built in File Upload feature. Your website should have been configured to use this feature. Please refer to the Delux CMS (Expression Engine) documentation for specific detaials. Contact our Support Team if you have any questions.

Adobe Contribute CMS

1. Open Contribute.
2. Select Edit | My Connections.
3. Select the connection for your website and click Edit.
4. Select Next.
5. On the Connection Information screen, select Secure FTP (SFTP) (the second option) from the drop down menu for "How do you connect to your web server?".
6. Select Next.
7. On the Remote Path Information screen, you will need to alter the path displayed in that box. Add /var/www/vhosts/your_domain.com/ BEFORE the httpdocs that already in the field. Then select Next.
8. Select Next.
9. If the program asks for your Role Information, select Publisher as the role then Next. If the wizard skips this step then don't worry about it.
10. Select Done. Contribute should now be updated.

 

Please Note:  We do not permit SFTP access to third party organizations. This is our policy due to the storage of ePHI (electronic personal health information) on our dedicated database server and the increased potential for data breach and system "hacking".

We realize this can be an inconvenience. However, for the protection of our client's and Practis Inc,., we do our best to minimize the risk of exposure.

 

Learn more:

1.6. Can I allow my SEO Consultant or any Third Party Access to my Website and Web Hosting Account?

As a healthcare web company, for security reasons we restrict access to our dedicated web servers to clients only. Client's that require Secure FTP access to their web hosting account can be granted access upon request.

We do not, however, permit SFTP access to third party organizations. This is our policy due to the storage of ePHI (electronic personal health information) on our dedicated database server and the increased potential for data breach and system "hacking".

We realize this can be an inconvenience. However, for the protection of our client's and Practis Inc,., we do our best to minimize the risk of exposure.

Requesting Access to your Web Hosting Account

Client's can request access to their web hosting account from their office location(s). This is accomplished by adding your Public IP address to our hardware firewall and web servers. This will enable you to access the website via Secure FTP client software using a computer that is located within your corporate network or office. You can check your IP by visiting http://www.ipchicken.com/.

Adobe Contribute Users

Client who manage their websites using Adobe Contribute are permitted access to their web hosting accounts using Contribute and Secure FTP.

If your SEO firm provides you with changes, you can make them on your own, or you can send them to our updates team at updates AT practisinc.com to address on your behalf. Fees will apply.

If you are unable to access your website via Adobe Contribute, we may need to update our firewall rules with your Public IP address. If you find that you are unable to connect to your web hosting account via SFTP or Adobe Contribute, please ask your IT department for your Public IP Address and forward to our Support Team directly.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact our Support team:

By email: helpdesk AT practisinc.com
By phone: 704-887-5300
Online: Submit a Support Request

 

1.7. Resources for maintaining your Website

Tips / Tricks & More

Tips	How to keep your website fresh and up to date.
Web Terminology	Explaining Web Terminology in plain english to non-web-developers.

Photo & Image

Photo Resizing	Free image resizing
iStock	Search forroyalty free stock images and photos or browse a giant selection of stock photography
Every Stock	Search engine for free stock photos and clip art for the stock photography community including images of creative commons and public domain.
Getty images	High-quality, diverse and relevant stock photos, stock footage, stock music and editorial images for creative professionals.
Fotolia	Affordable Royalty free stock photos, cheap stock images and stock pictures.
Favicon Creator	Web tool for creating still and animated favicons from regular image.
Icon Finder	Iconfinder provides high quality icons for webdesigners and developers in an easy and efficient way.
SlideShowPro	Photo and video publishing software for your web site. Create custom slideshows and photo galleries with ease.

Colors & Patters

COLOURlovers	Find design inspiration with thousands of palettes and color schemes for your website.
cloford	Web design resources - 500+ named colours / colors for your website.
Kollermedia	Web design resources - 500+ named colors and patterns to choose from

Tools You Can Use

Slideshare	A place to share and distribute your powerpoint presentations. Upload your files and then share them with a link, tag, comment or embed in a blog.
yousendit	Send us files that are too big for email or being rejected by a mail scanner. By using the free service YouSendIt.com you can send files up to 100 mb in size for free and without an account. When using this service, please send all files to updates@practisinc.com.
Site Down Checker	Enter your website address into form to determine if only you simply can't see it or if your site is really down.
Health News Feeds	Index of the latest Health and Medical RSS Feeds and News Syndication from MedicineNet.
whois	Who.is has a large suite of tools related to whois, websites, domain names and ip addresses.
Google Translator	Google's free online language translation service instantly translates text and web pages.

SEO & Copywriting Tools

Marketleap	Marketleap provides 100% organic search engine marketing services.
Keyword Density Analysis	Useful tool that check the density of your website keywords for seach engine optimization.
Copyscape	Searches for copies of your page on the web.

 

1.8. How to Link to Healthwise Articles

Linking to HealthWise articles requires a bit of additional work. The Healthwise interface is contained within an HTML element called an iFrame. It's nescessary to call the parent page and then pass along parameters for the specific article we would like to view.

The process is as follows:

• Search for the Healthwise article you wish to link to.
• Right click the Healthwise article link and choose, "Copy Link Location" from the drop-down menu.
• Paste the copied link into a text editor for safe keeping.
• Next, examine the link you copied. Near the end of the link address you will notice a question mark followed by a string of parameters or ID's. We need to dissect the link and keep just the parameters including the question mark.
• For example, if the link to the healthwise article is, "http://www.healthwise.net/practisinc/Content/StdDocument.aspx?DOCHWID=hw5395" the part we want is, "?DOCHWID=hw5395".
• Next you must append the parameters to the parent Healthwise view page, " http://www.domain.com/health-library/hw-view.php". So the final link will look like this, "http://www.domain.com/health-library/hw-view.php?DOCHWID=hw5395".
• Finally, copy and paste this link into the Web Address (URL) field

2.1. Search Engine Optimization (SEO)

Facts You Should Know About Search Engine Optimization (SEO)

• Free, or organic placement, are displayed in the body of a search engine result page (SERP).
• Paid placement (i.e. Google Adwords) are displayed at the top and right side of a search result page.
• Search engine placement, or rank, is ever changing.
• When it comes to organic search engine placement, there is never a guarantee of how or if a site will rank.
• For new sites, or sites that have had very little content on them, it takes time to be recognized (indexed) by search engines - often up to 4-6 weeks.
• The longer a site lives on the web, the better it will rank because search engines see that the site has stood the test of time.

Your New Website

At the time of Go LIVE, Practis Inc. submits your new web site to three search directories. Google, Yahoo and Open Directory. While this will help to get your new site listed, it generally takes 4-6 weeks time for Search Engines such as Google or Yahoo to crawl newer sites. Once a site is crawled, Search Engines will begin to recognize the site, and the site will in turn begin to come up in the organic search rankings.

Best practices mean enhanced rankings

Even though there is no guarantee on organic placement, there are certain "best practices" that can be done to ensure that sites are set up for success. All properly optimized websites should include the following:

• Submission of the site URL and some meta-data to directories such as Google, Yahoo and OpenDirectory. This prompts those search engines to recognize there is a new site to index.
• Search engines will send their "spiders" or "bots" to automatically crawl these sites. This means they take inventory of site pages and the content within those pages.
• During the development of all of program sites, we build in "best practices". These items make it easier for search engines to properly index your site and crawl its content. To give you a better idea on what to look for:
  • Keyword rich and dense text. Search engines love lots of text and relevant content.
  • Unique and accurate meta-data including descriptions, keywords, page titles that are relevant to the content within the site. This information should accurately describe the content of a given web page.
  • Text that is in your titles and headings throughout the site will get more weight that what is in the page body. There are varying levels of headings to distinguish importance (H1, H2, H3, etc.) that we apply.
  • Well-structured web site architecture that is easy to navigate allows search engines to crawl a site with greater ease. This helps them to identify text and relevancy needed to correlate information with user search queries.
  • Domain/URL. A descriptive URL that reflects the page content is likely to do well as it shows relevance and consistency.
  • Using accurate and descriptive file names for documents, again relevant to the content within the page and making it human readable.
  • Optimize "alt" text for images so that descriptive keywords are used to indicate what images show.
  • Using good, clean and well-formatted code (syntactically valid code).
  • Fresh content. Keeping content fresh is important. Adding a blog is a good option to consider.
  • Web optimized pages that load quickly and reliably. This makes it easier for search engines to recognize.
• Organic search results reward for relevant content. When we develop a web site, we highlight and summarize the content to make it easier for search engines to find. Keep in mind that it is truly the relevance of the content that will determine its organic placement.

So what else can I do to enhance my ranking?

There are things that you can also do to help with SEO.

• Invite credible web sites (associations, societies or organizations they are members of,  hospital affiliations, etc.) to link to your website. This is referred to as "link juice".
• Add content! Search engines understand the Internet is dynamic and changing, so they constantly re-evaluate the pages. That's why content is so important. Keeping content fresh and up-to-date by having lots of keyword rich and deep information will set your site up to be recognized in user search queries.
• To help index your site faster, submit an XML sitemap.
• Keep it local. We all know that healthcare is local. Submit your site to Google local. These are generally the first organic results found on a page.

Questions?
Should you have any questions, please contact us directly.

Stay Informed of New Features, Tips and Services... Check out our Blog at: www.practisinc.com/blog

Follow us on Twitter at: twitter.com/practis

3.1. How To Videos -- Video Tutorials

Practis Content Management System (CMS)

• Video Tutorial

Wordpress - Blog

• Video Tutorial

Adobe Contribute

• Creating a Hyperlink
• Editing Text
• Editing a page
• Editing an image
• Creating a connection
• Adding an image