When we sit down with a new client to talk about a web design project, lots of topics come up naturally: Topics such as branding, online revenue, social media, and hosting platforms, to name a few.
But one thing that’s mentioned surprisingly less-often is the company’s current image and profile… or the one they would like to have.
Much of the time, of course, it’s thought of an off-hand way, usually as part of the overall look and feel, or the incorporation of a logo and photos. But even so, it’s odd that a lot of business owners don’t think about the way they want their site to be perceived – especially when a website is usually the company’s most important way of presenting itself to the world.
And so, with that in mind, we would invite you to spend some time thinking about not only what your site says, but what it says about you as a business, no matter what stage of the design process you’re in. Here are a few questions to get you started:
Are you heavy on flash, style, or substance? Contrary to popular belief, there’s nothing wrong with emphasizing any of these. Do clothing designers worry about their content, or the “tone” of their writing? Of course not; they’re all about giving you something with glitz, and it works for them.
On the other hand, if you sell something that’s highly technical, or needs lots of explanation, it’s probably better to have a site that leaves people feeling more informed than they were in the past. The point isn’t that any one idea or feel works best, but that it should be consistent with the feeling you want people to have when they visit your pages.
Is your website a good reflection of your company off-line? Naturally, there’s a fine line here. If you work at home in your pajamas, there is no need to share that with the buying public. But at the same time, your website should feel like an extension of your company’s culture and personality.
Does your new design reflect your future ambitions? Likewise, if there is a direction you want to take your business that is different, but your site is stuck in the past, then you’re going to have a problem making the transition to reality. Remember, your company’s website is going to be the first – and often last – part of the business people are going to see, so make sure they get a taste of what you are, or what you’re trying to become – not the way you worked years ago.
Your website can be a profitable part of your business whether it has all the latest tricks and tools, or features a few pages of simple, clean layouts. Either one, or anything in between, is fine – but only if it accurately fits your company’s image.
Need help with your website design so it’s more in line with your branding vision? Contact Marcy Design today and we’ll walk you through the process start to finish.
The bigger the client, the more likely it is that an executive, owner, or employee is going to bring up branding at some point during one of our initial meetings about website design. Don’t get us wrong; branding is a great topic, and one that any business, large or small, should take seriously. We don’t think the mistake is in considering the branding implications of a new site, but in thinking about them differently in the first place.
In other words, for most companies, the website is the most important part of the brand.
For a lot of years, this wouldn’t have been the case. Logos, printed collateral material, and even television commercials would all have factored in more prominently. These days, however, your website is likely to be a potential customer’s first impression of your company. And in some cases, it might be their last – either because they complete their transaction online, or because they weren’t interested enough to stick around.
This might sound like an academic point, but it isn’t. That’s because, for all the notions that business owners and marketers come into the web design process with, the idea that they need to “stick with their brand” is one of the most pervasive. And, as we hope you’re starting to see, it’s also backwards.
If you want to establish a strong brand and set the tone for the future, start with your web design project. It’s the place most customers and colleagues are going to see you first, and the one resource that they are likely to come back to time and again as they look at your products, news, and business developments.
Your company’s website is probably the most important part of your ongoing branding efforts. Talk to us at Marcy Design to see how you can make a stronger impression on customers than others inside your industry.
Popular TV show titled ‘The Big Bang Theory celebrates nerds everywhere. This show is a great example of focusing on a target market and keeping it accessable for a wider audience. And it’s just plain funny.
‘Live long and prosper!’ The Star Trek franchise which is over 40 years old, has done just that. I remember the classic TV show from the 60s. Much like the cowboy shows at the time, Star Trek had action, adventure and intrigue. However, the show had a captain instead of a sheriff. Captain Kirk, along with Spock, Bones, Scotty and Sulu, traversed the cosmos in search of new worlds to explore. The show was canceled eventually, but science fiction fans kept the brand alive through fan clubs and conventions.
I actually attended a Star Trek convention, for the most part to see if it was like an old SNL skit staring with William Shatner. It was. Although I must admit that I almost bought a Communicator (with authentic sound!) and a Klingon dictionary.
The new prequel movie will reintroduce the Star Trek brand to movie-goers. Heck, the kids that probably will attend are younger than a Tribble. The actors are also young and the action will be 3G enhanced. From the trailer it looks like The Fast and Furious in space. With the new Star Trek movie, the torch is being passed to a new generation. And I will boldly go to the new movie with my son.
Going Green Landscaping is a commercial and residential landscaping business located in Dublin, Ohio. The web site design won an international platinum award from the Davey Awards. The photo album is easily viewable from the Flash animation. The web site was produced by Marcy Design.
Segway of Ohio is an authorized seller of Segway products. The Segway is a self-balancing personal transportation device with two wheels; can operate in any level pedestrian environment. Segway of Ohio has 5 retail stores located across Ohio and is currently using their web site to communicate with businesses and consumers in an exciting way. This striking Flash animation contains photos, text and videos. The web site was produced by Marcy Design.
Got Myspace? Indeed, who would have ever thought that a website that aims to connect people will be such a hit, with millions of members from all over the world? What’s more, this is not the only one—there are plenty of them. In fact, Facebook is coming in close to Myspace in terms of market share.
Business wise, though, this only means one thing: you have a huge potential market in social networking websites. Making your marketing ploys a lot easier is the fact that there are several built-in applications that you can use to promote your products and services. To give you an idea, read below:
1. You have the blog. Admit it, people will always be hungry of information, whether it is about the weather, social issues, your business, or even about the life that you live. Your entries can be read by your friends, and if it is good, they can even be passed on from one person to another. Simply put, a blog can offer you a very effective free publicity.
2. You can set up groups. Would you like to have a very good idea about the size of your target market? Try to set up an online group right at your chosen social networking website. In here, only those who have interest in what you are offering would definitely like to join. You cannot really expect many, but you know that they will be ones that are the easiest to convince. You can update them about your business, share more information, or invite them to your mailing list, which then allows you to promote your products through their e-mail.
3. You can build up your authoritative character. Why are there some ridiculous products that still get sold every day? Well, it only proves that in business, it is not really what you have per se but how you are able to present them to your market. There are a number of social networking websites that have message boards that you can participate in. If you can just check on them, there could be some questions that you are relevant to your chosen niche. You can share your knowledge and expertise to others, thereby increasing your reputation as an authority in your own field. When there is trust, there is no way that you will not be able to persuade them to accept your business and make it part of their lives.
4. They are free. When you’re in e-business, social networking websites give you an opportunity to save yourself hundreds of dollars in advertising costs and yet be able to reach out as many people as possible. Most of these social networking websites, if not all of them, are completely free. All you need to do is to sign up.
5. You can choose your friends. If you’re using social networking sites to gain contacts, you might as well choose your friends. Fortunately, you can narrow them down by using the Advanced Search option. You can identify the profiles of your potential market.
I will tell you upfront that I love old cartoons. Tom & Jerry, Road Runner, even The Flintstones. Cartoons of the past told simple stories and used a lot of slap-stick routines. The Cartoon Network has created a series of commercials that blend a variety of cartoons together from the past and present. Even your kids might appreciate the comparisons.
I will tell you upfront that I love old cartoons. Tom & Jerry, Road Runner, even The Flintstones. Cartoons of the past told simple stories and used a lot of slap-stick routines. The Cartoon Network has created a series of commercials that blend a variety of cartoons together from the past and present. Even your kids might appreciate the comparisons.
YKM, one of Turkey’s largest department store has created a very eye-catching shopping bag. The most interesting feature is the handle which represents a jump-rope. The concept works whether someone is carrying the bag or setting it on the ground. Why not let your shoppers help advertise your business?
When we sit down with a new client to talk about a web design project, lots of topics come up naturally: Topics such as branding, online revenue, social media, and hosting platforms, to name a few.
The bigger the client, the more likely it is that an executive, owner, or employee is going to bring up branding at some point during one of our initial meetings about website design. Don’t get us wrong; branding is a great topic, and one that any business, large or small, should take seriously. We don’t think the mistake is in considering the branding implications of a new site, but in thinking about them differently in the first place.
