Ready, Set, Go! My Blogging Challenge to Myself

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For the past couple of years, I have been toying with the idea of blogging more frequently.  Like, a LOT more frequently…as in daily.  I have also toyed with the idea of opening the blog up for guest submissions in the areas of marketing and design (graphic, web, UI, etc.).  Currently, all of the blog posts you read here are written by me and something new posts to the blog once a week.

While I enjoy writing, I have been afraid of starting something that I might not be able to keep up.  I did not want to set a standard or an expectation from readers (not that I have many), and fail them and myself if I fell off of the wagon.  I realize that is the problem with fear.  You never get started.  You never get a chance to prove yourself right or wrong.  You never get a chance to fail or succeed.  So, today I start.

I might fail.  I might succeed.  I will not know either, if I do not start.  My challenge to myself is to blog almost daily.  Almost, because I am sticking to the work boundaries I have set for myself of not working on the weekends.  When I shut my computer down at 5pm on Fridays, it does not turn back on until 8am on Monday.  That will remain the same.  So my challenge is to blog everyday, Monday – Friday.

I have to give some credit to Chris Mance and his blog post here:  3 Reasons Why Blogging Daily is Easier Than You Think

Reading this post helped to push me make my decision to in the words of Nike, “Just Do It.”  I’ve also decided that I would like to have guest posters, but that’s a topic for another post!

Behind the Scenes: My Logo Design Process

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I thought I would take a little time to give a behind the scenes look at my logo design process.  Because I like to think of my logo design services as more of a development process, I thought it might be cool to see what steps I take to get to the final finished design.

Each project begins with a logo questionnaire.  I send it to the client and while the basic questions in the questionnaire are standard, I usually add additional questions that I may have that are unique to that client.  I ask a lot of questions!  For me, this helps me to get a better understanding of the client’s business, their goals, what they envision for their business in the present/future and what they like stylistically.  It is important to me that the final product not only represent the business, and be effective in doing so, but also represent the client as well.  I want it to be something that they are proud to show off.  In a way, a logo that you are proud of can be a confidence builder.  It is the difference between standing in front of a group of people to present in an ill fitting suit and doing so in a tailor-made suit with a perfect fit.

Once I receive the questionnaire back from the client, I look over it to see if I have any additional questions.  If I do, then I ask, if not, I launch in to the marketing research phase.  I use the answers in the questionnaire to guide me in terms of what to research, where to look, etc.  The more I know about the client’s market and demographic, the better I can design for them.  I research colors, shapes and fonts.  In one case, I researched colors and how they were viewed by different cultures for an international client.  I wanted to make sure that the color choice would not be offensive or have a negative connotation to the culture they were planning to market to.

InterNaturals_Logo_Support

After I wrap up my research, I write up a report and send it to the client to review.  If there is something further they would like for me to research, I will do so, otherwise, I move into the design phase of the project.  I take the information I gathered from the marketing research and I create a color palette to work from.  I like to have all of my “pieces” in place before I actually start designing, so not only do I select my colors and shades, but I also look through my font library and choose fonts.  If I am not satisfied with what I have or I need something different, I will look for additional fonts to use/purchase for the project.  I also brainstorm ideas and look for inspiration.  My inspiration comes from a variety of sources and usually is either spawned from a brainstorming session or a run.  I like running because it allows me to clear my head and think.  Usually when I return from a run, I am full of new ideas.  Another place of inspiration is the shower.  I am honestly contemplating installing some kind of notebook/writing instrument in the shower to jot down my ideas!

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Once I have all of my “pieces” in place, I am ready to design.  By this point, the ideas easily flow and come together on screen.  I honestly feel that my best work is done from following this process.  When I deviate from it, I am not satisfied with my work and if I am not satisfied, there is no way that I am going to send it on to the client.  I think part of the reason is that I am equal parts “thinker” and “designer.”  I need time to think about things and brainstorm.  As a designer, I can visualize things in my mind and how they may or may not work together.  I guess in a way, I design in my head and by the time I am at the computer, I am really just pouring out everything that I visualized and saw in my mind on to the screen.

The J. White Collection Logo Design

Once I have all of the concepts done (6-10), I send them on to the client.  I am often told that I make it very difficult for them to choose one because they like most if not all and for very different reasons!  Of course that makes me happy, because if they hated them all, I would need to find a new profession and I quite like what I do.  They get 3 revision rounds, but most clients are usually done by the 2nd round.  Mainly because each revision round normally gives them 3-6 variations to look over.  Once they have made their final selection, I finalize the concept and send them their final files and a logo manual to guide them and any of their vendors with the proper usage and brand standards for their logo.

That’s it!  I hope you enjoyed this glimpse in to my world. 🙂

I Need A Website! Where do I Start?!?

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You have started a business, developed a new product or you are an established business that does not have a web presence.  You know that in order to compete in today’s technologically driven landscape; you need a website.  The problem?  You do not know where to start, what you need or what it even means to have a website.  Clients tell me all of the time during the course of their web projects, that they never really realized what all goes into having a website.  They just knew that they needed one, but did not realize what that would entail.  The goal of this article is to provide some basic and general information to arm you with the knowledge you need to know.

The Basics

First, let’s start with the basics.  When you view a website from your computer or mobile device, there is a lot more going on than just what you see on screen.  It’s kind of like macaroni and cheese.  When you see it sitting in front of you in all of it’s ooey, gooey, goodness; you rarely think about the components and the time and effort that was put into making what you see and are about to taste.  That is unless you are like me, and you are calculating how many extra miles and reps you will need to put in, to keep your left thigh from enlarging.  I digress.  A website is the same way, just without the fitness calculations.

A website is comprised of files that contain code.  The code in those files dictate what you see on screen.  They dictate where images are placed, where forms and buttons go and how they should behave and the text that you see on screen.  There are also image files and files that even dictate the overall styling of colors, fonts, etc for the entire site.

These files need a place to live, much in the same way that your couch, bed, pots and pans need a home or dwelling place.  The dwelling place of your files is on a server with a “host.”  This is also known as web hosting.

The final component to all of this is the domain name or web address.  When you view an advertisement from a company and they list their web address as www.CompanyName.com, you are looking at and typing in their domain name.

My analogy for all of this (I am the self proclaimed queen of analogies) is that a website is like your home.  Your home has a physical street address where the actual structure lies.  Inside of that structure are all of your belongings.  A domain name is like your physical street address; it is the virtual street address for your website.  Web Hosting (sometimes just referred to as “hosting”) is the structure that resides at that virtual address; just like your home’s physical structure.  The files that compose and control the visual representation of your website are like your belongings.

Where to Purchase Domain Names & Web Hosting?

Now that we have covered the basics, where and how do you obtain a domain name, web hosting and create these files?  What are your options?  There are a ton of options and solutions available to you.  Some cost a little, some may cost a lot depending on your needs and technical adeptness.

For domain names and web hosting, there are companies that only provide domain name registration (purchase) or web hosting and companies that provide both.  My personal favorite at the moment is Host Gator, which provides both web hosting and domain name registration.  I wrote about my experience with them and why I love them so much here.  Since the writing of that post, I am still a happy and satisfied customer.

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  • NameCheap.com
  • DomainNames.com

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  • JustHost.com
  • iPage.com

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I always recommend that my clients make the purchase themselves for domain names and web hosting, because it is in their best interest.  It is definitely easier on them if I make the purchase for their domain name, but then I am the registered owner of that domain name and address.  Yes, I am an honest person, but what if I became incapacitated in some way?  Do you really want your brand and website to be under the sole control and ownership of someone else?

If you are using a web designer to build the actual site (files), you retain ownership by making the purchase yourself.  All you will need to do, is give them the information they request to gain access to the hosting server; where they will place the files they have created for your website.  Most web designers have no problems doing this and can make recommendations as to where to purchase hosting and a domain name.  Some web designers also sell hosting space that you can purchase from them, just be sure to read any small print.

Another alternative is to go with a company that is an all-in-one shop and provides everything.  There are companies that offer domain names, hosting and web design all for one price and/or monthly payment plan.  The benefit of using a company/service like this is that you do not have to deal with the hassle of trying to navigate making purchases for a domain name and web hosting.  The downside is that the company will be the registered owner of your domain name and should you become dissatisfied with the service and wish to take your business elsewhere, you may not be able to take your actual site (files) and domain name with you.  Some companies have clauses in their contracts to allow you to do so, but usually at a price.  Just make sure to read any fine print and enquire about such things.

DIY Alternatives

While I advocate hiring a web designer, there are options available that allow you to design a website on your own and without the aid of a web designer.  With a web designer, in my opinion you will get a better final product.  It will probably look better, function better, be more intuitive and user friendly for your site’s visitors.  However, if you are so inclined, you can use the WordPress platform and a basic template, or a site like Webs.com or Wix.com to create a website on your own.

Choosing A Web Designer

If you decide that you would rather hire a web designer, here are some tips for finding and choosing the right designer for you and your needs.

Ask Around for a Referral – If you have a friend, family member or business associate that has a website that you like, ask them who did their site for them.  Ask them how there experience was with the designer and whether or not they would recommend them to someone else.  If their review is favorable, ask them for the designer’s information and contact them.

Check Their Portfolio – If a designer tells you that they make websites, they should be able to show proof that they really can do what they say, with work that they have done.  You would not hire someone to cater your party, wedding, etc, without first seeing proof that they can actually cook and cook well?  The first bit of proof should be the designer’s actual site.  If they do not have one, run away.  Far, far, away from them!  If you visit their site and you do not like what you see, you may not like what they build for you either.  Granted, as designers in general, our own materials may not show our full potential.  Mainly because we are so busy putting in work for our clients that we sometimes neglect our own stuff.  However, we should at least be able to show you client work that we have done and our own site should be presentable in the very least.

Ask Lots of Questions – No matter how stupid you may think it sounds, ask it if it is something you are unclear about.  Chances are, it’s something that someone else has asked us as well, which makes the question an intelligent one and not a stupid one.  Most designers will send you a detailed estimate with the scope of the project, what it will entail, and what you can expect to receive.  If there is something that you feel is missing, ask about it to make sure that it is something that will be included.  If need be, ask that it be worded into the contract that you sign as well.

Read the Fine Print – Before signing any contract, make sure that you read all of the fine print!  Most of it may be benign, but make sure you read it anyway.  There may be something in the fine print that you did not think of or that you may have assumed would be included/standard.  This will help protect you from an unwanted surprise or hiccup in the process.

I know this article was a little long, but hopefully if you made it this far in reading, you now feel you have a better understanding and some tools to complete the task of having a website built.

*Note:  The links for Host Gator are affiliate links and if you sign up for one of their hosting packages after clicking the link; I will make a small commission off of your purchase.

Landing Pages: The What & Why

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If you are an e-commerce business or you are a small business focusing on an online marketing strategy; you have probably heard the words “Landing Page.”  What are landing pages?  They are single web pages designed to get the visitor to commit a very specific action or to deliver a very specific set of information.  They are pages with a specific purpose that usually help to drive sales in some way.

The Why

The premise behind why these types of pages are needed, is to cut down the amount of noise and distractions a visitor to your site might face in order to get a specific message across.  For instance, if you owned an olive oil company and wanted to push sales for a new flavored olive oil, you might want to create a landing page for that specific purpose.  Yes, you could create internal sidebar advertisements or banner advertisements throughout your site that called attention to this new product, but it will not be as effective as combining this strategy with a landing page specifically for the new product.

If you are advertising online and in traditional media to drive traffic to your site to buy this new product, your visitor may become distracted once they reach your site.  Even if the direct link they followed brought them directly to the product page, they may become distracted by other suggestions, advertisements on your site, or just the design of the site and navigation buttons.  While they are touring your site, they may forget why they came there in the first place and leave without making a purchase at all.  This is where a landing page built specifically for the new product can come into play.

If instead, a landing page was design that focused only on that product and included great and high converting sales copy, you could potentially land that sale.  Instead of driving traffic to your home page, product page or general store area of your site, drive the traffic to the landing page.  Visitors that followed your direct link to the landing page, will be more satisfied because the content they are seeing is directly related to their reason for the visit.  Landing on your home page may put them in the general category, but it does not relate specifically to what they were looking for.  The more relevant their “landing” on a “page” is to what they want or are looking for, the higher the chance is of you making a sale.  Relevancy is key.

Characteristics of a Great Landing Page

High converting landing pages utilize minimal graphic elements, are “clean” in their design presentation, simplistic and present information in an easy to digest format.  A visitor should arrive on the page and know exactly what you want them to know and what you want them to do.  Going back to our olive oil company example, the new product’s landing page should tell them the what, and the why.  The why needs to also be relatable in terms of why they need the product to begin with.  An easy way to do this is to combine using the AIDA (attention, interest, details, action) concept with the visitor’s need to know “What’s in it for me? Why do I need this?”

Avoid adding to many “actions” that the visitor may become distracted by and try to perform.  For example, navigation links, social media links, newsletter sign-ups, ebook downloads, etc should not be included unless that is the focus of the landing page or is pertinent to the call to action (CTA) on the landing page.  Make sure that it is very clear what you want them to do and as much as possible, keep that particular action “above the fold.”  In design speak, anything a visitor sees when they land on a page without the need to scroll, is considered “above the fold.”  When a visitor has to scroll down to see the rest of the content, that information is considered below the fold.

When designing your landing page, assume that everyone has ADD or a short attention span.  In our go-go-go society, people often do not have the time, patience or attention span to read long, boring copy or wait for you to get to the point with your copy.  Think PowerPoint presentation and keep it short, relevant and use bullet points.  Use big buttons and CTA text that stands out and calls attention to the action that you would like for them to commit.

Including testimonials, user reviews, and social proof (tweets and status messages on social networks from others) are also great ways to help reinforce why the visitor needs to buy your product or commit the action you are trying to get them to commit.

By removing a lot of the noise and distractions a user might face on your main site; you have a better chance of getting higher conversion rates from your visitors. Streamlining things and putting a laser like focus on what you want them to do, keeps them more focused on that task than they would be if you directed them to a more generalized area of your site.

This is especially helpful and beneficial if you use pay-per-click (PPC) advertising platforms like Google’s Adwords.  Link those ads directly to your landing page and you will see better results and conversions.

Free eGuide: DIY Mobile Content Creation

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I often get remarks by those that follow me on Instagram, about the quality of my photos and many are surprised to learn that 90% of what I post on Instagram is shot by me with my iPhone and edited on my iPad.  People assume that because I am a graphic designer, that the visual text postings and photos with text were created in one of my “fancy” design programs on my computer.

They are even more surprised when I tell them that they can do the same with the same level of quality themselves.  No graphic designer needed.

Social media marketing is a fast paced strategy that requires a lot of content creation and the bulk of that content is visual.  Depending on the type of business that is utilizing this marketing strategy, one needs to be able to quickly put together content to post on the various social media networks.  For instance, if your business is hosting a live event, posting photos from the event live in a compelling way is a great way to show your audience what they are missing out on and why they need to drop what they are doing and head your way.

Corralling the official event photographer, asking them to remove their memory card and upload the raw, unedited images for your immediate social media needs, is just not going to work.  Instead, you can take a photo, edit it, add some text, watermark or brand the photo and even add a hashtag for them to follow, all from your mobile device.

To help you learn how to easily create this type of content, I put together an eGuide to show you how.  To grab your free copy and start your on-the-go social media blitz, fill out the form below to sign up for my email newsletter and download your copy today!