Website design is important in building a brand identity. NEX Transport, an Ohio-based international contract packaging, distribution and export company, has created a new website to display their services to the shipping industry. Flash animation was used to enhance the website and the opening is great.
Get the Flash Player to see this player.
Apple is one of the top brands in the minds of their target audience. Their TV commercials quickly point out the difference between themselves and their competition. A large number of consumers go to the Apple website soon after viewing one of their (very funny) commercials. You can take a page out of Apple’s playbook by re-energizing your company’s brand image. Attracting more visitors to your website begins with good website design, SEO and creating effective marketing and advertising vehicles as well. Build a better brand in the mind of the target audience and you will attract a large audience to your company’s website.
Morrison Sign Company, located in Columbus, Ohio, has created a new website for their business. The website design for this company effectively promotes their products and services. The portfolio page in particular displays photos of their work in a creative manner. Flash animation adds interest to the website as well.
Lawhon & Associates, an Ohio-based environmental engineering services firm, created a cool website design for their business. The company brand is established with prominent logo placement, good color palette and Flash animation. It’s rare to see engineering firms with a bright looking website.
NY Times article ‘Publications on Fitness and Health Head to Web’ describes the trend of publications to increase their website efforts. Hearst Corporation is seeking to improve the branding of their publications. The NY Times article covers the financial side of the business very well. It would be helpful to the reader if the article spoke towards publication website design as well. Good website design allow users to dig deeper into relevant information quickly and build a strong relationships. Strong relationships mean repeat visitors to the website.
Here’s an example of another well-designed website located in Columbus, Ohio. This website is for the Ohio Air Quality Development Authority (OAQDA). Flash animation was used to show a portfolio of photos about OADQA. The navigation is easy-to-follow and helpful for the target audience.
Designing a website is a lot like climbing a mountain. It takes discipline and focus to accomplish your goal. Here are some ideas to help with your journey to the top.
- Develop a passion for your online business
- Make a commitment to succeed
- Explore other websites
- Know your target audience
- Research competitors
- Develop a strong brand image
- Create a comprehensive content outline
- Create and produce the best work possible (or hire someone to help)
- Adapt to changing conditions
- Accomplish your goal by publishing the website
- Measure results
- Update frequently
After you’ve built a great website, let folks know about your business. Your online marketing efforts should include; Choosing a variety of promotional vehicles, delivering a consistent message and budgeting aggressively.
Another great example on how to improve your website design using Flash animation. Ohio Technical Services is an asbestos inspection and removal company located in Columbus, Ohio. The Home page effectively leads you to more information about the company.
Who says that teaching can’t be fun? Lively website produced by the Ohio Insurance Institute (OII) focuses on explaining weather safety issues to children in Ohio. OII even created a club for the school-aged children to join. Looks like a great tool for teachers. Flash animation website design at its best.
Solving real marketing issues requires a fresh look at your business. Below is a ‘Top Ten’ list of new marketing ideas to get your business going in the right direction. Get excited and be open to thinking outside the box.
10. Develop a professional website for your product or service. If you have a product or service line, create a well-designed company website. Your website should solve customer problems and provide relevant information.
9. Survey existing customers. How do your customers feel about your products and services? Stay in touch through informal lunches or a professionally coordinated survey campaign. A survey is an excellent method for taking the pulse of your audience. The survey should include detailed questions about your products and services and how they directly benefit the customer.
8. The customer is always right… always. The time to prove this statement is when the customer experiences a problem with your product or service. Make a point to take responsibility and solve any problems that a customer might have immediately. Satisfied customers turn into repeat, long-term customers.
7. Develop a new brand identity. How long has it been since you’ve updated your website or marketing materials? Maybe it’s time to take a fresh look and redesign your image. Customers and prospects respond to new ideas and information.
6. Take a customer out to lunch. Now is the time to ask a reliable customer out to lunch. Touch base with them to see how your company is solving problems and meeting their needs.
5. Be positive in your outlook. It’s important to feel good about yourself and enjoy what you do for a living. If you have a positive attitude about your job, you will succeed by transferring that enthusiasm to other employees, customers and prospects.
4. Make a list of your strengths. Are you the low price leader? Is your business the most experienced? Do you have the highest quality product or service? Try to list between 50 and 100 different and measurable strengths. This is a great exercise to develop new ideas for your marketing campaigns
3. Establish an annual marketing budget. A good rule-of-thumb estimate for your marketing budget is 3% to 5% of annual sales. Retail businesses need to budget 7% to 10% of annual sales for their marketing budgets. Your budget should include a breakdown of all marketing costs including printing and advertising placement.
2. Develop a solid marketing plan. Plan the work then work the plan. Think of a marketing plan as a “road map” to success. Your marketing plan should include measurable goals and the means to accomplish those goals. Include the marketing budget as a part of the marketing plan in order to measure the results of your company’s spending. This enables you to determine what works and what doesn’t.
1. Hire a professional company for all of your marketing needs. Good business decisions begin with choosing the right partner. Your business should enlist the help of a professional marketing firm that is experienced and has a track record in the areas of marketing, advertising and website development. Your business can be successful with creative and cost effective campaigns.
