Recently, many websites that had been Google’s “pets” so to speak have had their legs knocked right out from under them. Now and in the future, web design and exceptional content are going to determine whether your site soars with the search engines or bites the dust.
Is your website on shaky ground?
If you haven’t yet had your website designed and are in the beginning stages, you may want to pay particularly close attention.
Recently, I walked to the local farm and was watching the male Peacocks trying to get the attention of the females. The male was diligently flaunting himself with a full plume of feathers’ to an unimpressed female. After a few seconds he gave up and tried to entice another impassive female. He was so adamant in his proposal that he started shaking his feathers and dancing for her.
Well she wasn’t impressed, but I certainly was.
This got me thinking about graphic design. Design is about presentation but also goes beyond that. You may have a beautiful presentation but if it’s not scoring the client what can you do? Many of us in visual communications have experienced this, have you?
Like most businesses I’ve noticed an effect on my small media design business. It’s unpredictable, sometimes frustrating and full of pleasant surprises. I think of Disneyland and Mr. Toads wild ride. Seems your on a straight course and suddenly there is a crazy turn. You’re jerked here and there, uncertain of the path and wondering where the ride ends. Though I know in this case, since I’ve been on that ride so many times (the one at Disneyland) that it does end.
Will the crazy unpredictable ride end? We don’t know.
But regardless of the risks and uncertainty, business and entrepreneurs are still taking risks and pursing their causes and dreams and that is the spirit of winning and hope and the spirit that I enjoy when working with my clients.
Whether I am working on a large scale website, total branding package or simple business cards and brochures, I put my best into it.
My job is about making my clients look good and get results.
Over the past few weeks I’ve enjoyed working on a couple large ongoing projects and smaller print projects which are shown here. Keeps my job interesting and also keeps me in a place where I am ready for the crazy turns. Though I am in a niche industry, I draw on my years of experience and I stay flexible for the large and small jobs.
Whether freelancers, small agency founders or website owners, too many of us work alone.
Can you relate to this statement? I sure can.
The downside of the digital revolution is isolation. The Web allows us to do alone what previously would have required a team of people. It also frees us from the constraints of geography, allowing us to work from home.
But while these are benefits, they also leave us isolated.
Click here to read the Blog post by Smashing Magazine.
to women and men…we really are different!
I read a great Blog post by retailcustomerexperience.com today on the “Seven-Principles for Marketing to Women,” and I must say they are right on target!
Consider this when developing your messaging:
“The female is oriented the conceptual, to underlying dynamics, to the relationship between things, and to stability over the long-term. The female understands and sees patterns over time.
Males act and say things like: “You’ve got to act, you can’t wait too long.” “You must know how to look at the environment, know what the data and specs mean. Then pounce.” “My goal is feeling powerful and getting peoples’ attention.”
Females act and say things like: “It takes time to have things in order.” “I want to feel good about where I am and what I’ve done.”
This absolutely connects with me and most of the women I know. This is why…
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.
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.
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.