What is good design worth?
In today’s business world, websites are no longer in the periphery. Businesses are using their websites as the cornerstone of their marketing efforts, even replacing brick and mortar stores.
So it begs the question…what is good design worth? What would you pay for a website that attracts new visitors, reflects your company’s unique values, and converts visitors into customers?
Here is what one customer had to say about what our design means to her small business.
The most impressive thing about working with eye9 is their ability to respond to my requests and develop a site based on my personal design tastes. Not only is the site aestheically pleasing, but it also suits the needs of my small business
Keri Welch, MementobyKeri.com
Your Colorado web design company – Recent work
eye9 Design is a leading Colorado web design company that provides…well, let’s let our clients do the talking.
When I began working with eye9 Design I had a pretty specific idea in mind. In the end, they far exceeded my expectations. People are amazed when they look at the site! Thank you for working so hard to perfect our website. You guys rock!
Jessica Yost, T. Garrett Construction
As one of the leading Colorado web design companies, our process-driven design achieves results every time. We start by listening to your needs, and have you fill out a web design questionnaire that gets at the purpose of the website, and who you are trying to reach. It also helps understand your website design preferences, so that we start off the project in the right direction.
Four Design Myths
Tall tales. Urban myths. In this article we tackle four design myths we occasionally encounter.
- If you have space…use it
- >>> !!! *** Be catchy *** !!! <<<
- Web content and printed content are the same
- It pays to be different
Myth #1: If you have space…use it
You paid your designer to create an effective marketing piece for you and they returned a comp that is 1/2 a blank page! Why is your designer wasting costly marketing “real estate?”
This “blank” area is termed negative space, whereas an image or graphic would be considered positive space. To a designer, negative space is just another tool at his/her disposal. Often negative space can be used to emphasize composition, create visual paths, direct the focus of the viewer, and increase the dramatic effect of the overall piece.
Great design is often strikingly simple.
Myth #2: >>> !!! *** Be catchy *** !!! <<<
Some people hold the sentiment that crazy shapes, bright colors and seductive ’starbursts’ are always helpful in attracting attention. Florescent pink anyone? The fact is, just because something catches the eye does not necessarily mean the viewer will be interested enough to open, click, or otherwise respond.
A good example of effective advertising is Apple. Their marketing campaigns are quite minimalist in appearance: black and white, vast amounts of empty space, and a subtle use of color. Their collateral is elegant and reflects an attention to detail. Apple users will attest that even opening the product box is an experience in itself. People buy into the (expensive) Mac lifestyle because its aesthetics tell you this is a quality “must have” product, not because their designers resorted to cheap, flashy design tricks.
There are a variety of ways to attract the eye of the visitor, and your industry and target audience always guide these. What is effective for a used car sale advertisement may not work for a software company website.
Myth #3: Web content and printed content are the same
In most cases, your website content should be different than the content from your printed marketing collateral. All your copy should focus on your target audience and be guided by your overall marketing strategy. However, website content is unique in several ways:
- Keep it concise: website visitors have, shall we say, very short attention spans! If your visitor gets the impression that finding the content she desires will be like finding a needle in a haystack, you can be sure she will leave and likely not return.
- Click here for more info: while brevity is essential, you also want your site to be an effective online resource about your services/products. Towards that end, you can allow visitors who want to know more to dig deeper. If you have 5 reasons your product is superior to your competitor’s product, provide them in synopsis form on your products page. Each reason can conclude with “click here for more info” which guides the interested visitor to a more in-depth discussion of the topic.
- Internal Linking: one of the benefits of the web is internal, contextual linking. By using hyperlinks, you can direct users in one section of your website to another relevant section with a simple click. Make the attempt to have at least a half dozen links in the content of every page that allow the visitor to move with ease throughout your site.
Myth #4: It always pays to be different
In business, we are always looking to distinguish ourselves from our competition. Companies can do this by emphasizing a unique philosophy, an improved formula, and better customer service.
Distinctive is also good when it comes to web design. It is important that your website is distinctive, from the look and feel of the site to the marketing message it carries. We accomplish this by having you fill out a web design questionnaire that (among other things) asks how you distinguish yourselves from the competition. Our design can then highlight your unique approach and benefit to your clients.
However, occasionally clients want to take this to an extreme, and end up with marketing collateral that is completely dissimilar from others in their industry. The famous Sesame Street song said, “one of these things is not like the others, one of these things just doesn’t belong.” So while it is beneficial at times to buck the system, it is always a good idea to make sure your collateral is in line with the marketing best practices of your industry.
eye9 Design is a Colorado website design company, specializing in web and graphic design, web development, and seo optimization. Denver, CO.
Does the age of my site matter? How to fight the Google “Sandbox Effect”
As they say…”communication is the basis of every relationship.” Unfortunately in your site’s relationship with search engines, that communication is definitively one sided.
It is a given that you want Google to rank your site well. Unfortunately, Google at best only hints about what it wants from your site in order to rank it high in the SERPs (search engine results pages). That is why SEO (search engine optimization) community has closely studied different techniques to identify those that produce higher rankings.
So what about the age of your site? Does it matter?
Absolutely.
As a matter of fact, a consortium of leading SEO professionals ranked it the #4 overall factor affecting your position in the SERPs. Some SEO’s have even developed theories about the existence of a “Google Sandbox” which acts a bit like a probation period for new domains.
If you have a domain that is several years old, this should come as good news. Working with an aged domain makes our work as an seo optimization firm easier. However, if you are starting a new website, this is far from a death knoll. As a matter of fact, it emphasizes the need for effective search engine optimization.
In this article I will address in detail the following questions
- What is the Google Sandbox, and does it exist?
- How can I get out of the Google Sandbox?
If this level of detail is beyond what you are interested in pursuing, here is the bottom line: the age of your site does matter. Since the age of your site is basically beyond your control, it is even more important to address those factors you can control. We help you strategically select a set of target keywords through a database analysis, implement those keywords throughout your meta tags and content, and gain links from other websites. If you optimize a newer site, as the domain aging process takes care of itself you will have positioned yourself for success and maximum return on investment.
For those of you who desire more information…read on!
What is the Google Sandbox, and does it exist?
To start things off, here is a good definition from webpronews.com
Some programmers have viewed Google as uncomfortable to rank newer websites until they have proven their viability to exist for more than a period of “x” months. Thus the term “Sandbox Effect” applies to the idea that all new websites have their ratings placed in a holding tank until such time is deemed appropriate before a ranking can commence.
Why would Google depress the rankings of a new site in the SERPs? SoftwareMarketingResource.com provides a very plausible explanation (condensed here).
As the SEO community figured out the basic elements of Google’s ranking algorithm, inbound links, original content rich with keywords, and the proper use of anchor text, search engine spammers began to take advantage of these elements. Search engine spammers would setup websites that were in clear violation of Google’s policies with the knowledge that eventually their website would be banned from the listings…The idea for spammers was a simple one. Capitalize off of Google’s traffic for as long as they can (before they get banned), then do it all over again with a new website. The method was extremely effective and easy to implement…
To solve this problem, Google determined that it would compromise…All new websites that were launched would be put on probation. As time passed, and as the sites continued to pass any spam filters they ran, the website will not be held back from performing well in the rankings. Eventually, after quite a bit of time had passed, a site would be allowed to “leave” the sandbox and join the rest of the established websites.
This is a very logical explanation for why Google would want to use a sandbox effect, but it certainly does not prove that they do! Depending on who you read, Google has debunked or basically confirmed the existence of the sandbox effect. So what should we make of all this?
- Age matters. This has strong consensus among leading SEO professionals (“…not the date of original registration of the domain, but rather the launch of indexable content seen by the search engines”)
- Many SEO professionals have observed, especially in competitive niches, that it can take 3-6 months or more to see real progress in the rankings. Whether this is due to a sandbox effect, or simply that newer domains key factors like lack aged backlinks…you be the judge.
How can I get out of the Google Sandbox?
The same principles apply whether you are in a probationary period (if it exists) or if you have a finely aged 10 year old domain. We help you strategically select keywords and implement them in the essential areas. This is the foundation of our seo optimization process.
Here is how it works
- You submit a list of keywords related to your website/services/products
- We run these keywords and related variants through our database of data from all the major search engines
- This analysis tells us two important things about your keywords and related variants: the amount of traffic and the level of competition
- Based on this data, and the relevance of the keywords to your site, you select a set of keywords
- From these keywords, we optimize the following tags: title, description, keywords, and alt
- We have you or your copywriter create SEO rich paragraphs for inclusion on your index page and/or landing pages
- Links…links…and more links: it is essential that you obtain links to your site from other sites (called “linkbuilding,” we are available to assist you with this)
Conclusion
So there you have it. Google will always play “hard to get” when it comes to the specifics of how domain age or any other factor affects your rankings in the SERPs. However, by following tested and proven seo optimization techniques we help position your website for success. Maximize your return on your website investment and optimize your site for search engines today!
eye9 Design is an seo optimization firm based in Denver, Colorado.
Finally…flexibility in the ecommerce website and graphic design process
Flexibility. Adaptation. “Rolling with the punches.”
We begin every project with a website questionnaire. We supply you with a time line for completion, and guide you in what input we need from you. Years of project management have helped us create a smooth process for turning out incredible web work.
That same experience tells us that there will always be curve balls, and often from the client. That is ok with us! We are used to it, and plan for it. Hear what Peter Breese of Billygoose.com said about our work.
A truly positive experience; eye9 delivered a functional site with all the bells and whistles. Not only did eye9 tolerate my ever changing vision, but they made every effort to incorporate all of the elements I thew at them.
As the design and development process progresses, it often reveals our clients’ preferences. The layout, colors, fonts, or navigation you thought you like now seem…unappealing. We work with you to accommodate your changing needs…often without any additional charge. Where a change in scope is required, we clearly articulate your options so as to choose the most strategic and cost effective option.
Flexibility. What you would expect from an elite Denver graphic and web page design firm.
CMS – the freedom to manage your own website
Over the past several years, we have observed a strong trend towards using content management systems in website design and ecommerce development. Increasingly, clients ask for the ability to manage their own website.
First of all, what is a CMS?
CMS stands for Content Management System. As the name indicates, it is a back end tool (invisible to the website visitor) that allows you to update text, pictures, and links without any knowledge of HTML. Some CMS systems even allow you to add audio, video, and PayPal buttons.
Why use a CMS?
If you frequently update your site with news, product information, product pricing, pictures, or other information, a CMS makes sense. It also makes “cents!” Having a CMS allows you to update your content, and focus your budget towards filling holes in your web strategy. For example, have you considered how much potential business you are losing by not having a search engine optimized site? Or, for ecommerce websites, adding expanded product profiles and user interface improvements (like picture zoom in/out) can increase your sales.
Can a CMS work with any website?
There is a CMS for every major website language.
- HTML: we recommend Contribute, Adobe’s (formerly Macromedia) best selling editor. It is simple for us to integrate with any HTML website, and is unmatched in ease of use. Features include the ability to include PDF’s in your web pages, add audio/video files, include PayPal buttons, and more.
- Example of Contribute in use: Zahr & Associates
- PHP and PHP eCommerce: we recommend Mambo, an open source CMS. It is widely used and widely documented, which allows us to adapt it for just about any need. Mambo is our CMS of choice for eCommerce web site design.
- Example of Mambo in use: Billygoose.com
Implementing a CMS
Whether you already have a website, or are just about to get going, a CMS is an important tool to consider. It gives you freedom in managing your own website, and allows you to redirect budget dollars towards essential improvements of your website.
Google Goes Universal
Last week Google made the most significant change to its search results in years. I have devoted increased space to this change so you can be informed about what is changing, why it is important, and what you can do about it!
What is changing?
Google actually has multiple search engines for blogs, news, products (formerly known as “Froogle”), books, and more. In the past you would see a small area under the search box highlighting results from other Google search engines. If you search for terms about John Grisham’s “The Broker,” you might see Google Book Search results above the normal results. Now, Google is incorporating search results from some of their other engines into the normal results….hence the moniker “Google Universal.”
Many in the SEO community are calling this search “predictive.” Google is trying to predict based on the actions of other searchers what kind of information you are looking for.
Here are some examples of how this predictive search works:
- David Beckham is easily the most recognized athlete in the world. He is known for his golden foot..and also his golden looks! He is a consistent favorite of photographers and tabloid writers. Notice a search for his name returns image results in the #1 position, and news at #2!
- Search for Michael Jackson’s “Thriller,” and you will find Video results in the 3 and 4 positions. Also, you will see Google suggesting “thriller lyrics” as a relevant search, and including results from that keyword phrase! Talk about predictive…
- Other notes:
- While Google is becoming more “universal” in its results, notice the tabs which allow you to switch to other Google search engines entirely (Images, News, etc). Tabs that are visible vary with each search as Google tries to predict what kind of information you are seeking.
- Blog, news, image results and more can appear in any position in Google’s search results.
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Why is this important?
- First of all, Google is the search engine market leader and expanding its dominance. Anything they do matters!
- Secondly, this means that effective websites will leverage content in a variety of media. Focusing only on textual content may get you bumped to a lower page as blog, news, or video results take the higher positions.
What can you do about it?
How can I optimize my site for the “New Google?”
- Leverage your content through a variety of media. Do you have a series of white papers you could turn into a blog? How about images from your last industry conference, with seo optimized file names? Commercials can be turned into YouTube videos, and press releases can be sent to free press release websites.
- Contact us today about how to optimize your site to take advantage of these media.
Want more information?
This video, from Barry Schwartz at SEORoundtable.com, provides an excellent walk through of the changes.
Web 2.0…am I missing something?
Clients will ask me from time to time, with trepidation on their face: “What is web 2.0?” The underlying question is: “Am I missing something?”
Web 2.0 “refers to a perceived second-generation of Web based communities and hosted services such as social networking sites, wikis and folksonomies that facilitate collaboration and sharing between users” (Wikipedia). Sharing…collaboration…communities….are these really new? As this Wikipedia article attests, the term becomes a bit meaningless when you consider that these capabilities have all existed since the beginning of the web.
It is most helpful to think of web 2.0 as an increased emphasis on participatory websites. Think dialogue…not monologue. Have you considered how effectively your website is engaging visitors? Statistics software like Google Analytics can help you analyze which pages are most popular on your website, and which pages visitors remain on the longest.
To enhance the “stickiness” of your site and increase your return traffic, take advantage of the many community tools available today
- Blogs
- Podcasts
- Videos
- Wikis
Also, many corporations and organizations are effectively using websites like MySpace and Facebook to raise awareness about their services and products.
Are you missing anything with web 2.0? Only if you ignore the opportunity to engage your visitors by deploying today’s community website tools.
Speaking of collaboration…click on “Leave a comment” below and tell us what you think!
eye9 Design is a Denver web development company providing web site development to clients around the globe.
Marketing drives effective Web and Graphic Design
Advances in web design technologies have expanded the tool-set available to designers at a dizzying rate. However, effective web and graphic design pieces are still driven by solid marketing principles.
When we begin a website, logo, or graphic design project, we have our clients fill out a questionnaire that asks questions like:
- How would you describe your company, its personality, attitude and image, using adjectives?
- What is your company’s objective or mission statement?
- Describe your services and/or products, and the benefit to the customer?
- Who are your biggest competitors?
By starting with this understanding of your company, we can highlight your unique benefits to your clients.
As you consider your next design project, or evaluate your current design pieces, ask yourself if your marketing message is front and center. No one knows your services and/or products better than you, and we work together with you to make sure that knowledge is transmitted with clarity in all your marketing media.
eye9 Design is a Colorado graphic design and web design company, providing Denver web page design and Denver Colorado graphic design services.
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