Archive for November, 2009

What Makes a Great Website

Posted by admin on November 02, 2009
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Johnny Kajitani, Jr.
Were you thinking of creating a website for you company? Or looking for a better creative solution to replace your current website? Make sure you have all the "must have" attributes of a great website.

Ask these 8 questions to yourself while you are looking at your logo; or keep in mind these below when you are brainstorming ideas to create one:

APPROPRIATE

Know your target market and designed your website to serve their needs.

ORGANIZED

An easy navigation system gives comfort and convenience to the users to scan all the information that interest them and allow them to go back to their previous pages. A consistent look and feel throughout the site will give you a bolder and stronger impression to the users.

CLEAR MESSAGE

Say what you mean and mean what you say! Provide valuable, timely information to the user, not lots of data. Check for typos, grammar and appropriateness.

PERSONALIZE

Customize and be specific in talking to your audience. In doing so, you will reach in to your target market as if you are talking in person giving a personal service to them. This will set your company apart from others.

RESPONSIVE

Optimize all images and content for website display. Having a full blown animation and sound in your website may cause longer downloading time. You do not want to make your customers waiting too long and get bored. Use Flash animation and sound sparingly; streaming movie clip let people to watch it as they go.

CONTRAST

Having a good contrast for your text against solid background is very crucial. This allows your audience to read the information clearly.

INTERACTIVE

A good interaction invites audiences to return to the site. Another advantage of interactivity is self-generating content. When your site get more hits, you will likely able to charge more for ad space.

OFFER

Key factor in determining users to visit your website is when you have something that they want in your website. Offer your audience a good portion of information, interactivity, fun and freebies; something more than a 1800 number.

Do you need help in creating website for your business? Consider Halim Design, an affordable website design agency. Our team of professionals will work until your are satisfied. Contact us today to find out how you can get an affordable great looking professional website.

About The Author:

David Halim is a co-owner of Halim Design, a small, affordable website design agency. Halim Design offers a professional website design anywhere from an informational website, blogs, e-commerce to a CMS website. Visit HalimDesign.com to see our works. Get FREE quote with no obligations today.

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Need a Website Redesign? Seven Signs Your Small Business Website is Dead

Posted by admin on November 01, 2009
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Hospital website
Over time, small business websites start to show their age. To stay on top of your game, you need to take an active role in reviewing your site's graphics, content and technology on a regular basis. So, is it time for a website redesign? The following seven clues are strong indicators your small business website is in need of a serious website redesign.

1. If your small business website is badly outdated, it's time for a website redesign.

Above all else, if your site hasn't seen a good scrubbing in years, you need a website redesign. Websites need periodic updates to remain relevant. So if you haven't updated your site with new product images, service information, graphics, photos and other content in the last few years, you need to redesign your website.

2. If your site is winded trying to keep up with competitors, you need a website redesign.

Just because you aren't web savvy, certainly does not mean your customers aren't. It is mission critical you provide relevant content that is continuously updated and differentiates you from the competition. Take a look around at the content, graphics and branding of your competitors' websites. Is your site at the top of the heap? If your site doesn't stand out and brand your business, it's time for a website redesign.

3. Does your website provide a unified brand image that presents your business as the solution? If not, it's time for a website redesign.

For many small business owners, your website will create the first impression customer's have of your business. It's crucial you present a strong visual image for customers to connect with. Play into the emotional needs, dreams and goals of your audience. An amateur small business website or template site is a sure way to crater your image. If your website needs a brand image overhaul, you need to redesign your website.

4. Are you using a website template? If so, there's no ifs ands or buts about it, you need a website redesign.

Sure, free and cheap website templates can save you money on the front end, but it's going to cost your dearly on the back end. Small business websites using FrontPage, Publisher or clipart graphics need to be redesigned. The above technologies will seriously damage your credibility and professionalism. Step up and run with the big dogs! Web design advancements have leapt past these templates and made them virtually obsolete. If you're still using a starter website or free website template, it is definitely time for a website redesign.

5. Is your small business website able to grow with your business? If your site is constricting your online presence, it's time for a website redesign.

Is your website one big colossal headache every time you need to add new content? If you have to redesign large parts of your website to accommodate minor website updates, you need a website redesign. New technologies are making it easier than ever for small business owners to take control of managing their website with little technical experience. Ask your web designer about using a Content Management System, such as WordPress when redesigning your website.

6. If your website's content has more wrinkles than your great grandmother, it's time for a website redesign.

No one likes to read the latest news, only to realize they've been duped. If your website content is badly outdated, and it no longer holds relevance, your customers aren't going to want to read it. And search engines won't like it either! If the majority of your small business website content is outdated, it's a strong indication you need to bite the bullet in favor of a website redesign.

7. Is your small business website built like a catacomb? If yes, it's time for a website redesign.

We all hate the moment when we realize, "I'm lost… I haven't a clue where the hell I am!" The same holds true when it comes to your website. If customers can't find what they're looking for, quick and easily, you need a website redesign. Unlike the offline world, if a potential customer leaves your website because they got lost… they'll leave with their wallet and never come back.

Copyright 2009 Formulis, Inc. All rights reserved.

Notice: Publishers may republish this article in print or on a website, provided the article is used in its entirety and without modification; including the copyright notice, author biography and all website hyperlinks.

Author Biography Is your small business website flopping around like a headless chicken? Visit Ten Questions To Improve Your Website for more in-depth website redesign help.

Michael Borowiecki is a seasoned marketing advisor and the owner of a marketing and web design firm, Formulis, Inc. Since 2003, we’ve helped business owners create powerful small business websites and search engine marketing campaigns that drive results. With clients across the country, we’re a Las Vegas Webdesign firm with a national presence. Visit our website to learn more about our Las Vegas marketing and traditional small business marketing and brand consulting services.

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