It may rock to you, but what are other people saying? You should ask them. The reason is, sometimes you can be too close to the website to see where it may be lacking.

Now, this advice does come with a disclaimer. There are always going to be people who pick things apart to a fault, but the general idea is to get a broad consensus that includes the opinions of people new to the website who could be potential customers. You could ask relevant friends and family or even take it one step further and ask for feedback on your Facebook page or other customer communication methods. In general, here are some questions you might pose:

1. Read More »

1. Make your copy (verbiage) readable. Almost conversation-like at the level of your audience.
2. Use real photos. Not cheesy stock photos, real photos of you and your staff that are more than just smiling headshots. Show off your flair.
3. Show off your penmanship. For example, you can use images of your actual handwriting for things like your name on a bio or contact page. Read More »

Okay so your sweet grandma should be able to use your website, but a teenager should want to read it. They way we talk, read and understand things has changed a lot… and rather quickly. People don’t want to take the time to understand verbiage, they want to skim it and be stimulated visually… especially the younger generation.

So how do you keep their eyes on the message? Here are a few tips:  Read More »

First things first. As a business you must understand your audience. Knowing crucial things about your audience-base has everything to do with the marketing strategies behind design.

Before you get started on your next promotional piece or website updates, take a moment to honestly ponder these questions: Read More »

Finding relevant key phrases for website SEO purposes can seem a bit overwhelming, but there is a light at the end of the tunnel. First, it starts with asking. Ask your customers for key words and phrases that describe your company. This is helpful because words you might use are not words the general public might use to find you so talking like your customer is the most important. Read More »

You might not know where to start in this foreign world of Web and graphic design, but be assured you’re not alone! A good place to start is to first think about what you hope to get out of the project. What are your end goals for the project?

Then, make sure to ask potential designers these questions once they too are aware of your project goals to see who fits the bill: Read More »

Does your nonprofit or cause need a new website? So far we’ve only got one entry for our A Cause to Design program and we need YOUR entry to make it interesting. Use your Flip, your webcam, your cellphone, whatever! Just tell us in under two minutes why your cause needs a new website and rally up the troops to vote for your video when it’s posted! For all the details check out the official A Cause to Design page. Let’s do this!

Not only should this be done before your website ever goes live, but also as time passes and browsers update. You see, sometimes these browser updates can be no bueno for how your website displays on them.

What to do? Check your website out from time to time in various browsers and if things start to look funky, it’s probably time you made an update to your website anyway! Read More »

We don’t think this cool little button got the hype it deserved. Maybe it’s because LinkedIn didn’t do a fantastic job of telling us how it works. I had heard about it, but I didn’t think I needed anything beyond the generic share button I already had until I happened to stumble upon the ShareIn button on Social Media Examiner. In an instant I was sharing relevant content as my status update, with PR and social media groups of mine and a LinkedIn connection I knew would specifically be interested in the info… all in little popup window. How cool is that?

Okay so now your wondering why I would want to do that and more importantly, why it’s important for a blog to allow its readers to do that.

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Do you know an awesome cause with a not-so-awesome website? Help us spread the word about this year’s call for entries going on from now until September 9, 2011.

The winner, determined by public vote, will get a full-fledged, pro bono website by yours truly.  The best part is there’s no lengthy writing or entry requirements… we’re visual people you know!

Entrants just need to submit a video less than 2 minutes in length and a simple form, that’s it! Make sure you stay up to date by visiting the a CAUSE to design Web page frequently.