Archive for July, 2007

Before I start, I want to say, that my job is to get you results with your business. Web design is so much more that just something nice to look at. Seriously, think about it. Myspace.com is bought for a huge amount of money. Youtube.com was bought for a gazillion dollars. Why? Because the internet is the most powerful media source available today and if you want success like I do, you need to make it and be the best you can be. The truth is designs age within a couple of years, much like cars or cell phones. With my new iphone in hand, I look at my wife’s blackberry and laugh at how outdated her phone is.

Is it time to redesign?

As overwhelming of a task as it may seem, your website is your company’s image and needs to look professional and up to date. Ask yourself, how long have I had my current web site design? If your answer is more than 2 years, then its time to start thinking redesign.
Web technology advancements are very rapid and every year the industry breaks through with new and improved web applications, usability, design and back end programming. As a reference, Car manufacturers usually change their models every 3-5 years. Always introducing something new, sleeker, faster, with up to date technology etc. In fact car manufacturers make minor changes every year to give their customers something new to look forward to. Just like cars, web sites also need a fresh design every once in a while.

Don’t be left behind, if you aren’t going to do it, your competitors will. Your site may look great to you, after all you approved on the design and paid for it, but in reality it may not be all that great in today’s standards.Unfortunately, no matter how great your product or service may be, if your web site doesn’t grab your potential customer’s attention within the first 3 seconds, chances are they will leave your website. Shoppers aren’t very patient and need something that makes them take the next step.

Evaluate your site’s look and feel, does it look old, are you still using tables or frames. If so, it is time to redesign. Have a third party look through your site, and see how well it conveys your products and services to someone who knows nothing about it.

Get your hands on a web analytics report that tells you how many users have visited your site. Let’s face it; a successful website is all about conversions. If you are getting a lot of traffic than disregard my article.Remember, you only get one chance to make a first impression, so make it the right one. If you don’t your competition will.

I aspire to be more, to do more, and to make more. What about you?

Last week I received a phone call from a client that hired a freelance designer and after a year of going back and forth with the freelance designer, their website was still not completed. Needless to say, they were extremely upset and rightfully so. Freelance designers can be a great cost effective alternative to an established design company, however, it is more likely than not to go sour.  

Why hiring a freelancer is a bigger risk .So many creative freelance designers work out of their homes and only dedicate part time hours to their clients. Most have no idea on how to do anything other than design. For example, Web design is not solely about design. It is an elaborate combination of concept, design, strategy, marketing, and follow through.  Don’t set yourself up for failure: If your company is serious to you, you need to hire an established company that has taken their own company from concept to success and one that has a track record of doing the same for their clients. Starting a business is not an easy thing to do. It is more likely that a new business will fail than succeed. If you hire the wrong people in the crucial concept and development phase of your business, you are setting up a huge barrier for yourself.   Success comes with hiring a successful company. They can help you get to the next step quickly because they have done it for themselves. First impressions count and don’t forget it. Whether you’re contacting a creative professional for the first time as a business or in a personal capacity there are a few words of advice for all concerned.Be clear of your goals
First off, take time to work out exactly what your requirements are and the budget you have at your disposal. The more experience the design company has, the more they can help you with this process. If you’re hiring a creative professional take time to review their skills, experience and pricing. Above all ensure their past work marries with any expectations you may have about the style of work you hope will result from your association.

Conclusion
Use common sense, only a successful company can help you build success. My company consists of three full time designers, one internet marketing expert, and a programmer. I have taken my business from nothing to a nationally recognized brand.