Original Article from IntelliSites, the smart choice for web design (and SEO!)
The end is nigh for those hefty phone books cluttering up your home (or taking up space in the recycling bin.) According to a recent article from the Associated Press, Verizon is doing away with the white pages. There are plenty of statistics showing the decline in phone book usage that definitely justify Verizon's decision to no longer produce the mostly useless, costly, and wasteful residential phone book. And it's no surprise. When was the last time you didn't call someone directly from the stored number in your cell phone? Yeah, I can't remember either.
Beyond Verizon
This trend is national, and it doesn't look good for the future of the phone book. Check out this article about how the Yellow Pages Association is suing Seattle, Washington over their city ordinance that charges fees for phone book distribution and penalties for unwanted delivery. There's even an entire organization dedicated to banning the phone book. No surprise they're sponsored by an online directory.
Even the Business Listings?
Business listings are holding out for now, but probably not for much longer. Typically the internet (which is accessible on most cell phones) is the first place someone looks for a business's phone number or address. And since most businesses have a website, have posted their address and phone number on all the major search engines' map features, and have submitted listings to all the major online directories, then there's no trouble in finding them. You can totally bypass flipping through the phone book and getting your fingers all smudgy from the ink on those tissue thin pages. Sometimes a phone call isn't even required since savvy businesses post their hours of operation, maps, directions, products, services, and coupons all on the internet anyway.
So if you're a business owner and haven't done all that already, then you better do it fast (we can help you with that by the way), because the internet, and Seattle, are killing phone books.
Monday, November 29, 2010
Is It Web Design or Web Development?
Original Article from IntelliSites, the smart choice for web design (and SEO!)
Web design/web development...po-ta-to/po-tah-to, right? Not so much.
A lot of people mix up the terms “web design” and “web development” or think they mean the same thing. But although they have common ground, they're not really synonymous. I surfed my way to an article by Warren Baker the other day about web design vs. web development and decided that it'd be a good idea to clarify the difference between the two for you.
When we talk about “web design,” we really are talking about (surprise!) design. Web design includes jobs like developing eye-catching layout, writing killer content, and selecting the right colors for your site. These elements come together to create your website's overall vibe. And the aspects of your website that result from web design are the things your visitors will see right off the bat when they visit your site.
“Web development,” on the other hand, refers more to working out the behind-the-scenes elements of a website. If we're working on web development, we're doing things like enhancing your website's usability and functionality. We're writing code that makes it possible for your website to do cool things, like collect visitors' e-mail addresses or let them order online. We're giving your website a purpose and bringing it to life.
Both web design and web development are key to the creation of a new website. Web design without development would be a non-functioning work of art, and web development without web design would be an ugly machine.
Luckily, at IntelliSites, we're experts in both web design and web development, so our clients walk away with beautiful websites that can do really super stuff. Welcome to the best of both worlds.
Web design/web development...po-ta-to/po-tah-to, right? Not so much.
A lot of people mix up the terms “web design” and “web development” or think they mean the same thing. But although they have common ground, they're not really synonymous. I surfed my way to an article by Warren Baker the other day about web design vs. web development and decided that it'd be a good idea to clarify the difference between the two for you.
So...Which One's Which?
When we talk about “web design,” we really are talking about (surprise!) design. Web design includes jobs like developing eye-catching layout, writing killer content, and selecting the right colors for your site. These elements come together to create your website's overall vibe. And the aspects of your website that result from web design are the things your visitors will see right off the bat when they visit your site.
“Web development,” on the other hand, refers more to working out the behind-the-scenes elements of a website. If we're working on web development, we're doing things like enhancing your website's usability and functionality. We're writing code that makes it possible for your website to do cool things, like collect visitors' e-mail addresses or let them order online. We're giving your website a purpose and bringing it to life.
Both web design and web development are key to the creation of a new website. Web design without development would be a non-functioning work of art, and web development without web design would be an ugly machine.
Luckily, at IntelliSites, we're experts in both web design and web development, so our clients walk away with beautiful websites that can do really super stuff. Welcome to the best of both worlds.
Monday, November 22, 2010
6 Mistakes Tech Businesses Make on the Web
Original Article from IntelliSites, the smart choice for web design (and SEO!)
Check out this article about mistakes small technology companies make when marketing on the web. These folks came up with some bang-up examples of things to avoid in the web design process.
The post addresses commonplace web marketing no-nos such as
I think this is a really solid list of blunders to avoid, but there's one mistake I see a lot that is actually the root cause of a lot of these others.
And this sixth web marketing mistake that small tech businesses often make is...doing a DIY job on their websites. It's something I see all the time – technology-related companies generally have people on staff who have the know-how to put together a website, so they go for it.
The trouble is...there's more to designing a website than being able to put one together. In addition to the technical magic, it requires some marketing IQ. Web design companies generally have someone on their team with the marketing background to put your content together the right way. A marketing wizard can do things like identify your true niche, play up your company's best qualities, and promote the ways that your company's technology benefit your clients. In other words, a web design company will hook you up with someone who will help you to avoid all the mistakes the article advises against.
Putting your website together in-house may seem easier and cheaper, but it's not a corner you should cut. (Office birthday parties, on the other hand, could probably be phased out if you're looking to save a few bucks.) Web design companies like IntelliSites can help you avoid these five and other common mistakes, and avoiding mistakes will generate more business and bring more clients knockin' at your door.
Check out this article about mistakes small technology companies make when marketing on the web. These folks came up with some bang-up examples of things to avoid in the web design process.
The post addresses commonplace web marketing no-nos such as
- overusing the term “quality” on the home page
- emphasizing what equipment you have rather than what it can do
- claiming that you can take care of your customers' every conceivable need
- promising that you can serve every type of client
- being wishy-washy about the precise services you provide, especially in your first sentence of your home page
I think this is a really solid list of blunders to avoid, but there's one mistake I see a lot that is actually the root cause of a lot of these others.
The Sixth Mistake...Or Maybe the First
And this sixth web marketing mistake that small tech businesses often make is...doing a DIY job on their websites. It's something I see all the time – technology-related companies generally have people on staff who have the know-how to put together a website, so they go for it.
The trouble is...there's more to designing a website than being able to put one together. In addition to the technical magic, it requires some marketing IQ. Web design companies generally have someone on their team with the marketing background to put your content together the right way. A marketing wizard can do things like identify your true niche, play up your company's best qualities, and promote the ways that your company's technology benefit your clients. In other words, a web design company will hook you up with someone who will help you to avoid all the mistakes the article advises against.
Putting your website together in-house may seem easier and cheaper, but it's not a corner you should cut. (Office birthday parties, on the other hand, could probably be phased out if you're looking to save a few bucks.) Web design companies like IntelliSites can help you avoid these five and other common mistakes, and avoiding mistakes will generate more business and bring more clients knockin' at your door.
Monday, November 15, 2010
Make More Money on Your Website; Own the Most Targeted Search Phrases
Original Article from IntelliSites, the smart choice for web design (and SEO!)
When it comes to SEO, there's no crystal ball that predicts exactly which keywords will work best for everyone. But our experience in the world of SEO has taught us about a few strategies that help businesses develop the right keywords to attract buyers.
Many of our SEO clients want to place for phrases that are a combination of relevant and highly trafficked. And that makes a lot of sense if you play your marketing like a simple numbers game. Drive lots of traffic, and hope to turn a small percentage into a sale. And for some companies, in some circumstances, it works out.
But if you get a little deeper into search marketing, you realize that some search phrases are more likely to send more buyers to your site instead of browsers. And everyone would rather have one buyer than ten browsers any day.
Bring Me the Buyers
So let's talk about these magic phrases that lure more buyers than browsers. Let's say you own an Italian deli. Many people would consider targeting search phrases like 'sandwich shop' or 'deli.' And if your site is optimized for those phrases, you'll probably end up with a bunch of visitors to your site. And in all likelihood, you'll make some money from doing business with a few of them.
But, instead, let's say you optimize your site for phrases like “Italian deli,” “Italian sandwich shop” or even “fresh sausage.” Those phrases are more specific, so clearly the guy who is typing them in knows exactly what he's looking for and is most likely actively shopping. If your site pops up when those phrases are googled, the googler is much more likely to choose your business because it's exactly what he was searching for. Sure, less people are looking for “Italian deli” than “deli,” but people seeking an Italian deli are the ones you want to reach anyway, right?
Hit the Bullseye
So at the end of the day, broad keywords can yield lots of hits, but narrower keywords can get the right hits. And IntelliSites can work with you to find a winning combination that will bring the right kind of traffic straight to your site.
When it comes to SEO, there's no crystal ball that predicts exactly which keywords will work best for everyone. But our experience in the world of SEO has taught us about a few strategies that help businesses develop the right keywords to attract buyers.
Many of our SEO clients want to place for phrases that are a combination of relevant and highly trafficked. And that makes a lot of sense if you play your marketing like a simple numbers game. Drive lots of traffic, and hope to turn a small percentage into a sale. And for some companies, in some circumstances, it works out.
But if you get a little deeper into search marketing, you realize that some search phrases are more likely to send more buyers to your site instead of browsers. And everyone would rather have one buyer than ten browsers any day.
Bring Me the Buyers
So let's talk about these magic phrases that lure more buyers than browsers. Let's say you own an Italian deli. Many people would consider targeting search phrases like 'sandwich shop' or 'deli.' And if your site is optimized for those phrases, you'll probably end up with a bunch of visitors to your site. And in all likelihood, you'll make some money from doing business with a few of them.
But, instead, let's say you optimize your site for phrases like “Italian deli,” “Italian sandwich shop” or even “fresh sausage.” Those phrases are more specific, so clearly the guy who is typing them in knows exactly what he's looking for and is most likely actively shopping. If your site pops up when those phrases are googled, the googler is much more likely to choose your business because it's exactly what he was searching for. Sure, less people are looking for “Italian deli” than “deli,” but people seeking an Italian deli are the ones you want to reach anyway, right?
Hit the Bullseye
So at the end of the day, broad keywords can yield lots of hits, but narrower keywords can get the right hits. And IntelliSites can work with you to find a winning combination that will bring the right kind of traffic straight to your site.
Friday, November 12, 2010
Experts vs. Order-Takers
Original Article from IntelliSites, the smart choice for web design (and SEO!)
Discrepancies between web designers and their clients regarding the look and feel of a website are not unusual. Rarely does a website get made that the client and designer can completely agree on without a few compromises being made along the way. Unfortunately, there are times when the client and designer seem to disagree on almost everything. The designer will create a stylish design that he or she thinks is in-line with the requirements for the project, only to have the design turned down by the client. Sometimes these disapprovals from the client will happen multiple times. This can create a cyclical pattern of redesigns that eat up time and patience from both the designer and the client. Avoiding this cycle is ideal, but requires a strong level of communication and mutual understanding. There are essentially two forms of compromise that can occur between the designer and the client, and both stem from defining the designer’s role.
A designer can either take the role of an Expert or an Order-Taker. These roles are at opposite ends of the spectrum and deliver different results, which result the client prefers should be established early in the client-designer relationship.
The Role of an Order-Taker
An Order-Taker does as the name suggests, and takes orders. This role places a large portion of the creative control of a website’s design in the hands of the client, who will give the orders that the designer fulfills. The advantage for the client is that they will eventually get what they ask for and likely feel as though the finished product is due in large part to their influence. This requires a large investment of time on the part of the client however, since they are required to check in on the progress of the project and weigh in and give more orders. Ultimately, the designer’s creativity will be stifled and the client’s demands will inhibit the experience the designer has in the field from coming through in the final website. A website that lacks a professional appearance is surely not what a business owner wants as the face of the company’s web presence, and isn’t something the designer will be proud of either.
The Role of an Expert
Conversely, an Expert is a professional with a depth of experience in the field that is exhibited in the quality of the final product. An expert will take information from the client, consider recommendations and requests, and while following the guidelines for the project, will put together a website or page that is aesthetically appealing, functional, and in compliance with the most current web standards. If the project guidelines aren’t specific enough, then the designer is more likely to create something that doesn’t coincide with the client’s vision, and revisions will then be necessary to satisfy the client. By clearly defining both the role of the designer and the project guidelines early on, costly delays and discrepancies can be minimized. When the designer takes the role of an expert, then the client needs to trust that the designer will act as one, and work without need for frequent check-ins, reviews, and approvals, and ultimately deliver a web product that lives up to the quality standards of an expert in the field.
Which Would You Prefer?
Clearly the role that a professional web designer should take is that of an expert. This requires a clear understanding of that role before the work is started, and requires that the client trust the expert’s abilities. If the client prefers that the web designer merely be an order-taker, then they should realize that the project will be a lengthy and likely frustrating process that results in a substandard product.
Discrepancies between web designers and their clients regarding the look and feel of a website are not unusual. Rarely does a website get made that the client and designer can completely agree on without a few compromises being made along the way. Unfortunately, there are times when the client and designer seem to disagree on almost everything. The designer will create a stylish design that he or she thinks is in-line with the requirements for the project, only to have the design turned down by the client. Sometimes these disapprovals from the client will happen multiple times. This can create a cyclical pattern of redesigns that eat up time and patience from both the designer and the client. Avoiding this cycle is ideal, but requires a strong level of communication and mutual understanding. There are essentially two forms of compromise that can occur between the designer and the client, and both stem from defining the designer’s role.
A designer can either take the role of an Expert or an Order-Taker. These roles are at opposite ends of the spectrum and deliver different results, which result the client prefers should be established early in the client-designer relationship.
The Role of an Order-Taker
An Order-Taker does as the name suggests, and takes orders. This role places a large portion of the creative control of a website’s design in the hands of the client, who will give the orders that the designer fulfills. The advantage for the client is that they will eventually get what they ask for and likely feel as though the finished product is due in large part to their influence. This requires a large investment of time on the part of the client however, since they are required to check in on the progress of the project and weigh in and give more orders. Ultimately, the designer’s creativity will be stifled and the client’s demands will inhibit the experience the designer has in the field from coming through in the final website. A website that lacks a professional appearance is surely not what a business owner wants as the face of the company’s web presence, and isn’t something the designer will be proud of either.
The Role of an Expert
Conversely, an Expert is a professional with a depth of experience in the field that is exhibited in the quality of the final product. An expert will take information from the client, consider recommendations and requests, and while following the guidelines for the project, will put together a website or page that is aesthetically appealing, functional, and in compliance with the most current web standards. If the project guidelines aren’t specific enough, then the designer is more likely to create something that doesn’t coincide with the client’s vision, and revisions will then be necessary to satisfy the client. By clearly defining both the role of the designer and the project guidelines early on, costly delays and discrepancies can be minimized. When the designer takes the role of an expert, then the client needs to trust that the designer will act as one, and work without need for frequent check-ins, reviews, and approvals, and ultimately deliver a web product that lives up to the quality standards of an expert in the field.
Which Would You Prefer?
Clearly the role that a professional web designer should take is that of an expert. This requires a clear understanding of that role before the work is started, and requires that the client trust the expert’s abilities. If the client prefers that the web designer merely be an order-taker, then they should realize that the project will be a lengthy and likely frustrating process that results in a substandard product.
Monday, November 8, 2010
Make More Money on Your Website; Be the Most Usable
Original Article from IntelliSites, the smart choice for web design (and SEO!)
People like easy.
Whether we're talking about straightforward electronic gadgets, simple recipes, or usable websites, the less time and thought involved these days, the better.
But not everyone on the web is completely on board with “easy” just yet. Who hasn't ditched an online shopping experience at one point or another because the checkout process of a particular site was too time consuming? Who hasn't been annoyed by a poorly laid out website and tabbed over to another company's site out of frustration?
Since there are clearly some sites out there that need an “easy” makeover, having a usable site can set you apart from the crowd. If online shoppers are happy with the usability of your website, they're likely to return for more business.
One example of this is my cell phone carrier's website. As far as ease of use, it's top notch. If I want to pay my cell phone bill in full with the same credit card I used last month, I can log in and get the job done in two clicks. That's Click. Click. Done until next month. Whenever I think about getting a new cell phone provider, one of the things that stops me is fear of the unknown with a new company's website. What if I have to click four times? Or, even worse, type something in? After having it so easy with my current company, I just don't know if I could live with that.
If you're not sure whether your company's website is user-friendly enough, why not get some friends to test it out against the websites of your competitors? If your site isn't the simplest to use in town, working out the hassles can be a great way to win clients by making their lives easier.
People like easy.
Whether we're talking about straightforward electronic gadgets, simple recipes, or usable websites, the less time and thought involved these days, the better.
But not everyone on the web is completely on board with “easy” just yet. Who hasn't ditched an online shopping experience at one point or another because the checkout process of a particular site was too time consuming? Who hasn't been annoyed by a poorly laid out website and tabbed over to another company's site out of frustration?
Rise Above The Rest...With Usability
Since there are clearly some sites out there that need an “easy” makeover, having a usable site can set you apart from the crowd. If online shoppers are happy with the usability of your website, they're likely to return for more business.
One example of this is my cell phone carrier's website. As far as ease of use, it's top notch. If I want to pay my cell phone bill in full with the same credit card I used last month, I can log in and get the job done in two clicks. That's Click. Click. Done until next month. Whenever I think about getting a new cell phone provider, one of the things that stops me is fear of the unknown with a new company's website. What if I have to click four times? Or, even worse, type something in? After having it so easy with my current company, I just don't know if I could live with that.
If you're not sure whether your company's website is user-friendly enough, why not get some friends to test it out against the websites of your competitors? If your site isn't the simplest to use in town, working out the hassles can be a great way to win clients by making their lives easier.
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Social Media – How to Maximize Your Efforts
Original Article from IntelliSites, the smart choice for web design (and SEO!)
Social media is an incredibly valuable tool that should be integrated when crafting your website. Here are three easy ideas on incorporating social media:
Social media is an incredibly valuable tool that should be integrated when crafting your website. Here are three easy ideas on incorporating social media:
- Consider your website a branding hub for your company. This is where all your online activities should be found. Be sure your messages are clear and consistent, and don’t lose focus of what social media is supposed to do.
- Use easy to read widgets that post your social media feeds right onto your website. Place them in an area that the reader’s eye naturally travels to. Generally speaking, the upper right hand margin is a good location. Check out websites with lots of advertising (such as online newspapers). Ads are typically placed in areas that will receive many glances while reading content. Follow a similar style for your site.
- Allow people to share information from your site on various platforms. Include badges for tools like Facebook, Twitter, Digg, Del.icio.us, and StumbleUpon. This is especially true for any blog you might maintain on your website. You will increase your chances of reaching new customers that way, and will also drive visitors to your website and social networking feeds.
Monday, November 1, 2010
Make More Money on Your Website; Reduce Friction
Original Article from IntelliSites, the smart choice for web design (and SEO!)
Have you ever been to one of those direct sales parties?
There are a lot of different themes out there for these shindigs, many of which are geared toward women – makeup parties, jewelry parties, cookware parties, and the like. If you've never experienced one of these functions, it's a regular party with a very large elephant in the room – a sales person, peddling a line of products to the attendees.
For the hosts of these get-togethers, the goal (besides enjoying their friends' company, of course) is to get their guests to buy things. The more things the partygoers buy, the more freebies the host or hostess receives. So at a direct sales party, the deliciousness of the food and the excitement of the conversation may not be the host's primary concerns – she's often paying more attention to how much money her friends are dishing out.
Since you are most likely selling goods or services through your website, you're in a position similar to that of a typical sales party host. You want people to show up to your party, you want them to have a good time while they're there, but you don't want them to leave without buying something. Having a lot of people party down on your site is a good thing, but what you're really looking for are conversions.
So what can you do to point your party people in the right direction?
There's enough fun at a typical direct sales party to attract a decent crowd. Some snacks, some drinks, maybe some tunes on the stereo. But it's not a rave. And keg stands, bouncy houses, and ice luges usually aren't in the picture. There's entertainment, but not so much craziness that people forget to check in with the salesperson.
Your website should be designed the same way. You want to attract visitors, but not distract them. By designing with selling in mind, you can have a website with enough going on to entice visitors to look around, but not so much clutter that they lose sight of the reason they came. Conversions will happen naturally if your site is well-designed with minimal distractions and plenty of positive suggestions that encourage your visitors to get shopping.
And like the host of a gourmet chocolate direct sales party, if you set everything up right, you can end up with plenty of sweet rewards.
Have you ever been to one of those direct sales parties?
There are a lot of different themes out there for these shindigs, many of which are geared toward women – makeup parties, jewelry parties, cookware parties, and the like. If you've never experienced one of these functions, it's a regular party with a very large elephant in the room – a sales person, peddling a line of products to the attendees.
For the hosts of these get-togethers, the goal (besides enjoying their friends' company, of course) is to get their guests to buy things. The more things the partygoers buy, the more freebies the host or hostess receives. So at a direct sales party, the deliciousness of the food and the excitement of the conversation may not be the host's primary concerns – she's often paying more attention to how much money her friends are dishing out.
Party Time on Your Site
Since you are most likely selling goods or services through your website, you're in a position similar to that of a typical sales party host. You want people to show up to your party, you want them to have a good time while they're there, but you don't want them to leave without buying something. Having a lot of people party down on your site is a good thing, but what you're really looking for are conversions.
So what can you do to point your party people in the right direction?
The Proper Balance of Business and Fun
There's enough fun at a typical direct sales party to attract a decent crowd. Some snacks, some drinks, maybe some tunes on the stereo. But it's not a rave. And keg stands, bouncy houses, and ice luges usually aren't in the picture. There's entertainment, but not so much craziness that people forget to check in with the salesperson.
Your website should be designed the same way. You want to attract visitors, but not distract them. By designing with selling in mind, you can have a website with enough going on to entice visitors to look around, but not so much clutter that they lose sight of the reason they came. Conversions will happen naturally if your site is well-designed with minimal distractions and plenty of positive suggestions that encourage your visitors to get shopping.
And like the host of a gourmet chocolate direct sales party, if you set everything up right, you can end up with plenty of sweet rewards.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)