If you’ve ever heard the phrase “too many cooks stirring the pot,” you know what that means.  Often times when you have too many people involved in creating the overall finished product, one hand doesn’t know what the other hand is doing.  The result can be a confusing mess!  While your website design looks great, your brand, marketing messages and the content on your pages somehow just don’t seem to “mesh.”  In order for you to experience success online and reach your goals, it is critical that every aspect of your business from the color scheme used on your website down to the littlest things such as business cards all “fit” together seamlessly.

Take for example a business that sells energy drinks as their primary product.  Their website may be brightly colored, giving the visitor a surge of energy and a happy feeling.  However, the logo just doesn’t seem to go with the color scheme and graphics, or the content on the page is a bit lifeless and drab, not at all what the other aspects of the website emanate.  In the end, the message can get confused, and any potential clients are left wondering why the whole picture just doesn’t seem to fit together somehow.  This is definitely NOT what you want for your business.

Unfortunately, there are many people who believe that a small design firm simply isn’t capable of handling all of these various aspects of web design and marketing.  It’s just too much work for one service provider to handle, isn’t it?  Not necessarily.  While some companies may “bite off more than they can chew,” a creative web design specialist who works one-on-one with each client rather than trying to juggle multiple clients can achieve phenomenal results!  If you’re not convinced that a single service provider of web design, branding and marketing can handle your needs, you simply haven’t come across one who is dedicated to turning your vision for your company into his or her own vision.

This month we completed an enjoyable website redesign project for PetExec, a web based software program designed for the dog daycare industry.

One of the goals of the website was to create new appeal that “feels” personal, welcoming and friendly to potential clients, instead of the high tech look and feel that many software companies rely on today.

Engaging graphics, a modern color pallet, heart felt stories and improved structure effectively showcase the products/services PetExec offers.  We turned the focus of the website on the results the dog daycare software company can deliver to clients.  PetExec enjoys a very loyal fan base, thanks to the innovative software that helps others in the pet industry streamline their operations and achieve a higher level of success and visibility.

We felt strongly that the new website design should reflect the passion that those who work in the pet industry feel about what they do, giving it a personal and fun look and feel and also sharing some of the business owners stories.  The new website invites interaction, rather than a ‘no touch’ or stand-offish appearance.

 Learn more about this project and the unique services that PetExec offers in our Press Release.

We recently completed a custom website project for LifeNexus a technology company that has designed a cutting-edge product and system for storing personal health records on a pocket size secure card.

This project was a good challenge in that it need to be completed based upon a very strict deadline and the website had to contain a number of key features critical to the requirements and products and services that LifeNexus offers. We worked closely with the team to integrate marketing strategies and design a website that accurately communicates the company’s goals and brings their vision to life.
Read more as I outline the process and what goes into creating a custom website.

How we get started

Blank slate. Since our custom websites are not based on Themes, literally it starts with a sketch that includes various ideas as to what is needed. I create a flow chart of necessary elements: visual, text based. I analyze the key messages, figure out the strongest points and how to visually represent this and also tie it in with the copy (which I also helped to create). Where is the connection, where is the confusion…how can the story be told and connect with the target market? Clarity is important and a contemporary and friendly, yet corporate feel to the message is too.  Open communication with the client is key to make sure it’s all on track and to make sure that I understand the product totally.

Message + Visuals
Visuals can be so subjective, so it’s really important to have objectivity in the design too. Color, balance, harmony is planned out. I use my notes, sketches, and various color and font samples that the client likes. I decide on the size of the website in the browsers and also plan how it will look and work on phones and pads along with sensitivity to the fold (the visual space in the monitor that is viewable without scrolling) and keeping important information like the call to action; above the fold. I create a sitemap based on the pages for the website.

Creating the design in Photoshop   
The design process is extensive and takes a lot of time, several weeks in most cases. All the graphics are created in Photoshop and Illustrator. The layout is designed to be balanced, have harmony and support the message. Photography is integrated. All photography is searched out and found for each client. This can take hours to find the right imagery. It’s all purchased for the client too. We don’t take shortcuts!

I’m very aware too of how the design will translate once coded. I need to keep it organized and somewhat intuitive for the client to be able to edit the website on the backend (after I train them)  and also integrate custom programming to get all the elements exactly like I want them.

The client will get two different designs created for their business in Photoshop. Both designs take hours even though only one will be selected.

During the review and selection process tweaks will be made and another set of designs will be submitted to the client. Fast forward a few days to creating the final version.

Coding
Every element that will be on the website is in a separate layer including the various rollover and multimedia effects. I design several pages with different templates for the client to use as needed.   Upon approval, the design is ready to be coded. Since I work with one of the best WordPress programmers, anything I design can be implemented and coded with precision. During the Programming I continue to work on copy and strategy. I also apply various SEO techniques to the website before launch.  There are several more steps to the production process.

Advantages to custom work
One size does not fit all when it comes to the web. Our custom websites are designed with the client in mind and to provides a customized solution and web presence that  effectively promotes their business offerings.  Added features for SEO, social media, multimedia, membership areas, e-commerce and more can be integrated if needed. Our clients can be sure that their competition won’t have the exact same website and that their brand will stand apart.

You’re interested in reading more about this project please click here.

Glassware company receives modern slick look for new product line.

Recently we completed a new project for Genus Glassware a custom glassware company headquartered in Scottsdale Arizona. The Glassware company creates cutting edge sophisticated beverage glassware for high end establishments.

What we did
‘G’ wanted a look that was sharp, clean, modern and bold. We designed the look and feel of the website, promotional materials, logo and business cards.  Since this company is unlike other glassware companies by offering one of a kind double walled glasses with ultra modern design, they wanted to to step outside the norm of ‘light and white’ for glassware. We ventured into the darker colors with high contrast. The logo was to be simple and iconic with a bold G that made a statement and that over time will evolve the brand into a recognizable mark.

The branding package included:
- Ecommerce website design
- Logo design
- Signage
- Sell sheet
- Double sided business cards

Spring is a great time to freshen up your brand through multimedia promotions.

Currently we are in the process of doing just that for the Arizona Design Center out in Scottsdale. Twice a year they have an Interior Designer event for the trade and showcase new and exciting interior styles and conduct workshops with top designers to help interior design businesses market their services more effectively.

How we Helped
We came up with a marketing strategy that was a bit on the lighter side with some retro elements to help make the comparison between the old and new. Since marketing continues to evolve into the social media realm, it’s important that designers evolve with online trends.

The multimedia campaign includes the design, production and concepts for the following:

• -email marketing
• -print brochures
• -landing page
• -posters

What’s really great about the multimedia approach is how we are able to track the results of each piece through analytics. Email marketing and landing page marketing is one of the most effective. Overall we have about a 19-25% open rate on everything we send.

Interested in more information on how your company can have a creative marketing campaign and get results? Contact us.

The old logo was designed last year by a graphic design student at the University of Cincinnati. This year they went with the professionals and choose a branding outfit in San Francisco. Let’s see if it will take it to the next level. And let’s also see if they do another rebranding next year!

Just out of curiosity…do you know which brand has had one of the longest life span without a major redesign?
The General Electric Logo. From 1934 on it has had the same typographical elements.

Just goes to show a good logo and consistent message is timeless!

Here are 8 ways that people ruin a potentially great website.

1.  Colors. The colors you use in the design of your website can make it pop, or drive everyone away.  Use too many bright colors, and the look is a bit “nervous.”  The saturation and contrast of your colors makes a difference, as does your niche – particular niches need a particular feel, such as relaxing, exciting, inviting, etc.

2.  Flash intros. Once upon a time, flash intros were all the rage.  Today, there are still some that are informative and attention grabbing, but most visitors to your site do not like to be “demanded” to wait while your intro plays – they want quick access.

3.  White space. Not referring to using white color, white space is the area between the elements.  Unfortunately, some web designers feel that white is “boring,” so they leave little or none on the pages.  The fact is, in your visitor’s eye white space makes everything look neat and organized, so they do not get that sense of clutter – good readability and focus are other benefits.

4.  Distracting backgrounds. Enough said – we have all seen websites with such a distracting background that we couldn’t focus our attention on the message or content.

5.  Confusing navigation. Easy, clear navigation is one of the most important elements of good web design.  When a visitor has a hard time trying to figure out how to proceed to the next page, or how to find other information they are looking for, they will leave.  Consistent, intuitive navigation is a must!

6.  Clear message. Have you ever arrived at a website, and wondered what it was really all about?  A clear message is a crucial element of great website design; your visitor should understand your website’s purpose from those first critical few seconds.

7.  A “bottomless pit” of information. Content is one of the most important elements of designing a website that visitors will find informative and useful, but some simply have too much.  Have you ever landed on a site only to find that there were so many blocks of text splattered allover the page, you had no idea where to go next, or to find what you were looking for?  Keep the content neat and ordered.

8.  Updates. Every website needs to be updated on occasion; after all, what visitor wants to return to your website to find that it’s the same old images or content they sawn 6 months ago, or, heaven forbid, two years ago?  It’s most important to update your content regularly, but the overall design needs a fresh new look every now and then, too.

Keep these things in mind, and take a close look at your website design.  When it comes to success online, great web design is essential today more than ever before.  Don’t let your competitors out-design you!

If you’re brand seems a bit stale, or you’re simply ready to evolve it and make it do all it can do for you, there are a few things you can do to enhance both your brand and increase your success in the new year.  Are you ready for 2012 to be the year that you finally reach your goals in regards to your business, and have your brand more recognized than ever before?

Give your brand a makeover with our 5 tips!

1. Define your key services/products. Focus on your strengths and avoid casting your net too wide.  Your services/products should be defined in a clear, concise manner so that potential clients don’t get confused.

2.  Take a close look at your own messages and clearly define your audience. Take a really critical look at your own website and collateral materials such as brochures, business cards, your blog, even your email signature.  Are you sending mixed messages, or is your messaging clearly targeted, speaking in a single, clear voice?

3.  Remember that brand consistency consists of the visual, and the personal. If your website looks tired and outdated, perhaps it’s time to give it an overhaul and a dynamic, modern new look.  People are extremely visual, so it is essential that your website attracts their eyes and their attention in a positive way.  On a personal level, you should engage with your target audience through social media, blogging, a newsletter or keeping in touch through email.  Your target audience wants to feel that you take a personal interest in them.

4.   Spy on your competitors. Yes, that’s right.  The best way to climb above the competition is to do what they are doing, only do it better.  What are your competitors’ key messages, and are they communicating something important that you are not?

5.  Tell the world! Unless you let everyone know, the world will remain in the dark and never get a peek at your newly refreshed brand.  Update your blog and share the news, email existing and past clients informing them of the updates, submit a few press releases and share your news on the social media sites.

Branding is the  most important asset you can develop for a successful, memorable business. What should your brand accomplish?  It should project what you desire for your customer to think or feel when they recognize your brand.

Is your brand working for you, or is it time to freshen up for the new year?

When reviewing the effectiveness of a website, you need to explore many layers, both on the surface and below, including the following:

Website functionality
Navigation and information architecture,
Forms and data entry,
Trust and credibility,
Quality of writing and content,
Help, feedback and error tolerance,
Page layout and visual/aesthetic design,
Accessibility and technical design.

Website visitors make judgements about trustworthiness, credibility, competency, reliability, design and style within seconds of arriving on a Web page.  Make sure your website has all the elements for success!

An old design will be detrimental to your product, leading to the declining metrics mentioned earlier. How can you tell whether your website’s aesthetic is outdated?

Look at your competition. Look at hyped-up newly launched services in other sectors.
Your metrics are down. Not sure what this is? You’re really in trouble.
Your web visitors tell you the truth. It’s time to step it up.
It’s been more than 12 months since your last update to your website.

“Clear indications that it’s time to redesign”. This article really sums it all up.