RSSA website is an investment. If you invest enough, which includes time, the better your business will benefit from the site. If you are willing and understand what a site can do for your business, you will want to have it created correctly. Most often, business owners just know that an online presence is needed but are unwilling to invest the resources necessary. In the past few weeks, I’ve encountered many sites belonging to businesses that have a lot of potential, but the online presence is lacking. I have asked several individuals if he or she uses the internet to research a business before deciding on purchasing a product or service. From my very informal survey, all said that a proper online presence has a major impact on this decision. If you are a business owner or have the honor of making decisions on who should produce your website, I would advise to take some time and know what you want to portray to your audience. Do not settle for a cookie cutter, template website. It will cost you more in the long run.
7th
Bringing Up New Talent
Talent is hard to find these days, so I thought we would recruit within, and teach early. Seriously, I love getting to draw with Phillip. He is going to be good.
2nd
Being Busy is Good
We just finished a website for Jon & Gina Brunson, and their tv show Addicted to the Outdoors. It has been great working with Jon, and we feel like it has turned out great. Keep an eye on the site because we will be adding things shortly.
9th
Found Letterform #4
Walgreen’s in New Orleans, LA. Photo courtesy of Glenn Mosher. Great, photo, great guy.
9th
Young Life poster design – Stomp The Barn
We recently did a simple poster design for Young Life Chattanooga. Stomp the Barn is an annual event to promote quest, the leadership training program for Young Life.
21st
Found Letterform Friday #2
These are in no way ending up on Friday. However, I will keep calling them that until they finally do end up on Friday.
Here is some very cool letter-form that is near downtown Chattanooga that I have been meaning to photograph for a while now. Let me know your thoughts.
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- Chattanooga, TN
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- Chattanooga, TN
7th
Domain Name Do’s & Don’ts
Your website domain name (also called URL) is one of the critical factors in gaining visibility for your web site. It is important for 2 primary reasons:
1. It is a key component in Search Engine Optimization—A relevant domain name is one of the primary ways search engines know how to find and index your site.
2. A unique and/or easily remembered domain name will enable your customers/clients to remember your site long after their initial visit. Read the rest of this entry »
6th
Apple Mighty Mouse
Ok, here at Level2D we have been having some trouble with Apple’s not-so Mighty Mouse. I don’t know how we lived without the scroll ball in the first place. Anyway, every Mighty Mouse that we have had, the scroll ball has quit working all together or work intermittently. I did some searching today to see if anyone else has had this problem, and of course, others have. Let’s take one step back. I have tried cleaning the mouse with a damp cloth and even alcohol with no luck. The post that I found on Apple said to turn the mouse over on a blank sheet of paper and press, with some force, and roll the ball around to clean it. I thought there is no way that this would work. Well, I tried it for giggles. To my surprise, the Mighty Mouse is now working. Go figure. Try it out.
Blessings,
Philip B.
5th
Writing Website Copy is Hard
The copy for my website stinks . . . .
We’re not all copy-writers, or English majors, so writing copy can be a difficult task. It’s important to be succinct and grammatically correct, while also getting your point across. Here are a few pointers that will help you write effective copy for your website.
1. Brevity – Web audiences don’t like to read. Fewer words are better.
2. Graphics/Images – Support your brief text with a good picture or image. Remember, “a picture is worth a thousand words.”
3. Lists – Bullet points or numbered lists can be very effective.
4. Hierarchy – Important information must stand out. Font weight (bold), size, and color matter. A box containing key phrases from the text will be read before the text itself. Use the boxes to insure your main points are conveyed, especially when large amounts of text must be used.
5. Proper Grammar – Use proper tense consistently (first person, third person, etc.). Here’s a helpful link Elements of Proper Grammar
6. Keep it Simple – Although tempting to use big complex words and descriptors, don’t. You’ll only confuse the reader.
Broadly speaking, the short words are the best, and the old words best of all.
– Winston Churchill
7. Quotes – Use well-known sources and quotes to support your copy. Testimonials can add credibility, and are more likely to be read.
8. Key Words – Don’t forget about Search Engines – Be sure to include keywords wherever possible, but don’t be tacky. A good rule of thumb is to use a keyword no more than 5-7 times per 250 words.
9. Proofread – Show the text to 3 people who will provide honest feedback.
10. Avoid Clichés – Phrases such as “state-of-the-art,” “high quality,” and “high tech” are overused and ineffective. If it doesn’t sell you, it won’t sell the reader.
Using these helpful copywriting hints will greatly improve the text and readability of your website.
