Tag: web design

Posted on

Get Your Web Presence In Shape

As appeared in the Presence Pointers column of the January 2008 issue of “Business Watch” magazine.

So here we are and in the immortal words of John Lennon—“Another year over, and a new one just begun.” There’s something about the natural break between years that always make it a wonderful time for reflection and planning.

So as you get ready for the new year to unfold… have you set any goals, made any plans, or even made any resolutions for the new year? Perhaps to get in better shape, maybe lose a little weight, improve your appearance, do more networking, get out and socialize, or improve your knowledge? Of course, I’m talking about your web presence—you’re on your own everywhere else. Continue reading “Get Your Web Presence In Shape”

Posted on

It’s Not About You

As appeared in the Presence Pointers column of the November 2007 issue of “Business Watch” magazine.

What is your website? Is it a marketing tool? Is it a sales tool? Is it a source of information? These are important questions, but they aren’t the most important question you should be asking. There are six fundamental questions, (who, what, when, where, why, and how) and there is a reason why “who” is the first question. Without “who?” the other questions just aren’t as important anyway.

Unfortunately, many websites answer this first question wrongly. So what’s the correct answer? Let me give you a hint…it’s not about you. You may develop, manage, and even pay for your site, but it’s your target customers’ or potential customers’ site. If you doubt this-seriously, when was the last time you visited your own website anyway? Continue reading “It’s Not About You”

Posted on

Is Your Website Flash In the Pan?

As appeared in the Presence Pointers column of the August 2007 issue of “Business Watch” magazine.

Flash in the pan is a catchy saying that derived from a very literal meaning. It generally means “something or someone that disappoints or fails to deliver anything of value, even though its showy beginning promised otherwise.” Literally though, it referred to the firing of muskets, which had small “pans” that held the priming used to ignite the main firing charge, and the priming ignited but failed to ignite the main charge. So, you’d end up with a “flash” but no results… the musket didn’t fire.

So what does this have to do with your website? Well there is a very generic connection, but I have a very specific reference in mind. There is a technology called Flash®, which you have probably experienced online. It has many uses… delivering video or audio, site navigation, interactive banner ads, and even entire websites. Continue reading “Is Your Website Flash In the Pan?”

Posted on

You Are Your Website

When customers or potential customers come to your website, they aren’t just visiting your website, they are interacting with you. From their perspective, there is little distinction between interacting with you personally and your website.

There are many important elements to a website, far too many too to cover in just a few paragraphs. I’ll try to hit on a few key thoughts, but the most important step you can take right now is backwards. Take a step back and look at your website through the eyes of your customer or client. Forget everything you know about your business as you consider some of the key elements below in regards to your website. Continue reading “You Are Your Website”

Posted on

You Don’t Need A New Website

Okay, this may sound a bit surprising, but it’s true. Contrary to what you might initially be thinking, you may not need a new website. Your current website might not be doing it for you any more, but you shouldn’t be too quick to toss it out.

Often when things aren’t working like you had hoped with your business or your website, the first response is to start talking to your designer about a new website. You don’t hop in your car, drive to the dealership and say, “I need a new car,” just because your current car needs a good cleaning. Continue reading “You Don’t Need A New Website”