I love white space.
Came across this Blog from one of my favorite sites: WebDesignerWall where they are discussing the design trends for 2010.
Here is the short and SIMPLE overview:
1. Clean and simple: As the web evolves, it is our responsibility as designers to keep the order of things. This means fewer pages, less clicks, less clutter and more whitespace.
2. Single page websites: Keep the visitors attention on one page with ’super’ targeted info and creative use of graphics.
3. Sliders: I love them. Get precise content through a simple and visual interface–all on one page.
4. Modal boxes: Allow users to interact with the site without interrupting the flow. These are the cool little pop up boxes that take on the current layout.
5. Smart navigation and taskbars: The taskbar allows you to save, watch or read specific content or topics like a feedreader.
6. Typography as image: The proper use of large and bold typography provides a clean and clear message and can, at times, be more compelling than imagery.
7. Larger page layouts: Utilize the white space, pop the design. Just check out how Apple does it with the phone ads.
Want details? Find them here:
www.webdesignerwall.com
And rude customer service equals lost profits.
Well off to the gym in a few minutes. Not really a New Year’s resolution but something that I need to get back on track with for all the health benefits.
Actually, I am looking forward to it. Joined a new gym that is like a super-charged playground of shiny work-out equipment, classes, health bar, spa…the list goes on.
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I like New Years. There is the anticipation for new projects, starting over, goals, resolutions… hope.
How do you feel about your business going forward into 2010?
Excited, have anticipation or bit anxious? Putting aside all the negativity in the economy and news, I prefer to stay focused on the anticipation and possibilities in the New Year.
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Don't be a Loner--Be part of your community!
Six Do’s and Don’ts From 2009
Well I’ve gotten way off track with my weekly blogs. Few weeks have stretched into at least a month. With the start of a new year, and I believe it’s going to be a great one, I’m reviewing some of the do’s and don’ts that I have learned in the business of graphic and web design.
1. DO!! Follow your gut feeling. Have nagging doubts about a client or project being the right fit for your business? Follow your business model (if you have one), stick to your rules, your goals, your purpose.
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Free Slice of Pizza
Six months ago the local neighborhood pizza place closed it’s doors. Not without effort and desperation. They had interesting branding and great atmosphere, however, the pizza wasn’t that great. They tried a few tactics before giving up such as “Saturday night steak dinner.” Steak dinner, seriously? That didn’t work either.
They weren’t the first to go though. Before they took ownership another small restaurant/grill tried to make a go of it. They too had great atmosphere and they had good food. A bit overpriced for a ‘island’ wrap, but it was better than fast food. However, I did notice the lack of marketing.
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…and get ahead of the competition!
Most Realtors that I know really get marketing. They understand that to stay ahead of their tough competition, they have to attract the client, provide services that hit the mark and once the transaction is done they need to have ’staying’ power.
So what can a small business learn from a marketing savvy Realtor?
They advertise.
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What if all your web traffic had an easy way of sharing their insights about your product or services on any page on your website?
What if you couldn’t moderate the comments?
What if you could add your own insights for others who are passing through?
For better or worse, now you can… Meet the new kid on the social media playground. Google SideWiki.
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What a catchy phrase and attention getting tagline for a carpet cleaning company.
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What can you do to ensure visibility and positive first impressions for your business while avoiding unnecessary costs?
The answer lies in your ability to judge when it’s best to spend a little extra—and when you can get away with keeping your marketing spending to a minimum.
Here are some marketing “must-haves” that are worth a bit of a splurge and some suggestions for ways to make those lasting first impressions.
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There is a very common Russian saying “сапожник без сапог” as “cobbler’s wife is the worst shod.”
So what does this mean in the context of being a web designer and marketer? Especially when I find that all the things I ‘preach’ and do for my clients, I don’t always do for my own business!
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