[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]In most circumstances a business wants to make more sells and turn over more orders. In fact many people might even say that the amount of sales a business accrues are a direct determining factor as to whether they are successful. That being said, we have compiled a list of 7 tips that most designer’s probably won’t tell you because they want to sell you more products and/or services, but we’re not most designers. We are a successful web and graphic design company that operates on a philosophy of providing our clients and potential clients value in not only marketing but marketing advice as well. So, let’s begin!

  1. Looks aren’t everything. In fact, most marketing firms agree that good branding is better than great logo design or great t-shirt design. Let us elaborate, while logo design, brochure design, or even web design is never a bad thing it isn’t the only thing people consider when shopping. Digging even further, focusing on the design elements fails to analyze the more important perspective of your business which is simply put, it’s integrity. Arguably, many marketers might agree that brand identity is the sum of a lot of things but it can be said that the combination of these things represent the integrity of the business, the emotion it evokes in their consumer, and the trust they have established which all obviously garner brand loyalty.
  2. You probably don’t need to re-design. Hey! we don’t like to turn down business, our clients can vouch for us but there are many cases where that re-design is simply not necessary. Imagine the ordeal of attempting to become more attractive to the opposite sex. Ask a barber, he’ll tell you that you need a haircut, ask a make-up artist, you need a makeover. As a cell phone sales representative, and… you get the picture, you don’t need that new iphone.So what do you think happens when you ask your average designer how to improve your web site?Exactly.What we’re trying to illustrate is that you should re-design your website because it’s something that your business needs not because of a sales pitch. Some times a website just needs the copy writing edited and improved. Find what makes your web site tick (or not tick) and improve it, understand what your dealing with and that your voice matters a lot, don’t let a designer dictate the terms of your marketing efforts.
  3. You don’t need to spend a fortune. We get it you want value and believe us in most cases you really do get what you pay for. However there are too many designers out there preying on your ignorance, charging exorbitant rates for profit. Decide your budget and find a designer that will work with your business under those terms. Look for a designer that fits the style of the site you’d like for your business. Visit other sites you liked and find out who designed them. Ask for quotes, take your time, and shop around – you will save thousands! Don’t settle for less.
  4. Maintaining a website shouldn’t be expensive. Many business owners are often set up on a plan that is not necessary or set up on a hosting-only plan which is even worse. We encourage our clients to setup a monthly maintenance contract only because we believe it should be constantly updated. SEO is always changing and the algorithms google and other search engines use to determine search result rankings are becoming harder and harder to track like an elusive unicorn. Many of the world’s elite web firms will agree, that content is king, so in order for your website to obtain success and garner the results your looking for your  going to need to constantly update it. We are really good at crafting copy writing and we are always available to keep your website updated and content-rich.
  5. Conventional Design > “Unique” Design. In other words, you don’t have to opt for the most fancy customized design that’s going to take a lot of design hours and dig deep in to your pocket book. It’s true that you want to separate yourself from your competitors but many new and some older designers take the idea of unique so far that it limits your branding and breaks way too many rules – and not in a good way. Your stunning beautiful site ends up looking like a hot mess with navigation that puzzles your visitors and graphics that seem to go out of style quicker rather than later. People will not spend time on a website that isn’t easily navigable.
  6. Branding is something only the pros understand. Most graphic designers are great at making logos and brochures. Most web designers are great at making websites. However most designers in general are not very skilled in developing brand identities. When working with graphic or web designers always probe them about branding and their perspective on it. It’s important that any designer working on elements of your marketing (digital or print) understand the bigger picture that is your brand.
  7. Design isn’t just about Photoshop or WordPress, It’s Psychology. The secret to a great website isn’t having a pretty interface with sparkly photographs and compelling content. The real secret is the level of psychology you incorporate in your design to deliver pre-determined measurable results.

We hope you enjoyed this weeks read, stay tuned for more interesting marketing articles from your local Humboldt county design agency.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]