A website refresh may be all it takes to drive in untold amounts of new business. Here are some of the main reasons websites get revitalized.
Outdated design- Has the site been up and unchanged since 1997? Odds are, if it has, visitors can see that and move on thinking that the company hasn't stayed with the times. Fresh, modern design communicates the idea that the business is up-to-date and ready to compete in today's modern, global marketplace.
Difficulty of navigation- Often going hand-in-hand with outdated design, is less than intuitive navigation. This could be several things ranging from a complicated menu system to dead links. When it comes to on-site navigation, simplicity is key. If your customers can't find what they're looking for, they'll go somewhere else. Once a visitor has made it to your site, aspects like simple navigation will help keep them there.
The site isn't well-suited to the business- If your business sells some kind of product but the website has no way for customers to purchase the product, there may be a lost opportunity. The goal of any website should be to offer potential clients and customers your products or services easily and effectively. Whether e-commerce or purely informational, a website should deliver your product to the customer.
Keeping your website design and functionality up-to-date and in step with your client base can only pay dividends in the future. Great web design will keep your company at the front of your client's minds and help drive business. The web design and development team at Urban Geko can transform an aging site into a we presence that attracts clients and makes it easy for them to find just what they need. Our experienced staff have the technological knowhow and and an eye for design that will take your website to a new level.
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Monday, August 10, 2009
Cost Effective Communication
Everyone likes to make the most of their money, but recently, it's been more important than ever. Advertising can be expensive, especially in media that reach vast numbers of people, but here are a couple of ways to get your message out without breaking the bank.
e-Newsletters- These are a great way to keep current, former, and potential clients in the loop when it comes to what your business is up to. e-Newsletters can give the company a more personal feel and help you reach out in a "non-sales pitch" way. They also act as a completely customizable outlet for your brand communication because it's easy to spell out exactly what you want to say to your client base. e-Newsletters are a great way to relate personally to the people you already do business with and those you would like to start working with.
Email Blasts- Think of this concept as a postcard without the need for printing, postage, and mailing houses. e-Blasts can be sent out quickly to exactly the group that you'd like to target. They can range from simple announcements to promotions and everything in between. Infinitely customizable, e-Blasts are a great way to get your message in front of the people that matter, and do it quickly.
Each of these options are cost and time effective and can generate interest, buzz, and website traffic for you. However, creativity is key; without sharp, eye-catching design and a subject line that grabs the recipient's attention, both can fall by the wayside. Appealing to the people you want to your message to reach is critical and the team at Urban Geko has the knowhow and expertise to make it happen. Our design and creative writing can help cut through the clutter, get your message heard, and start generating results. Now, more than ever, we're committed to helping you stretch your dollar further and make the most out of corporate communications.
e-Newsletters- These are a great way to keep current, former, and potential clients in the loop when it comes to what your business is up to. e-Newsletters can give the company a more personal feel and help you reach out in a "non-sales pitch" way. They also act as a completely customizable outlet for your brand communication because it's easy to spell out exactly what you want to say to your client base. e-Newsletters are a great way to relate personally to the people you already do business with and those you would like to start working with.
Email Blasts- Think of this concept as a postcard without the need for printing, postage, and mailing houses. e-Blasts can be sent out quickly to exactly the group that you'd like to target. They can range from simple announcements to promotions and everything in between. Infinitely customizable, e-Blasts are a great way to get your message in front of the people that matter, and do it quickly.
Each of these options are cost and time effective and can generate interest, buzz, and website traffic for you. However, creativity is key; without sharp, eye-catching design and a subject line that grabs the recipient's attention, both can fall by the wayside. Appealing to the people you want to your message to reach is critical and the team at Urban Geko has the knowhow and expertise to make it happen. Our design and creative writing can help cut through the clutter, get your message heard, and start generating results. Now, more than ever, we're committed to helping you stretch your dollar further and make the most out of corporate communications.
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Is your website costing you business?
The answer may be "yes", and you might not even realize it.
More specifically, a website that isn't designed well or user-friendly could be losing potential clients before they know about the product or service you provide. Here are a few reasons your site might not be making the impact it could.
1. Your site has become a dusty, Internet relic- Generally speaking, users will revisit sites for two main reasons: the information on the site meets their needs, or the site is updated frequently and offers new content. If your site hasn't been updated since it went live, chances are repeat visitors are few and far between. Unfortunately, websites don't age like a fine wine. They need fresh and current content and design to attract visitors and generate business.
2. Your site has become an Internet trend depository- The latest colors, funky fonts, and random animations have all reared their heads at one time or another on websites everywhere. Just remember, just because they're trendy and you can add them to your site, doesn't mean you should. Sometimes, a back-to-basics approach is what will stand out among all the sites that are absorbed in what's popular and trendy. Fads wear out, but clean, contemporary design will always be in style.
3. Your site has become cluttered and difficult to navigate- Even if you've stayed on the ball when it comes to updating your site, it's possible that it has become cluttered and filled to the brim with an overload of information. Keep in mind that a website is only doing its job if visitors are reading and benefiting from its information. Your products and services may be the best, but visitors won't find out if they don't read what's there. Content should be easy to find, relevant, and easy to read.
These are just 3 ways to make sure that your site has the impact it deserves and gets you the business you need. Modern, easy to read sites that don't make use of every single trend out there have a much bigger chance for success in the long run. Keeping your site inviting and useful will help to achieve the entire purpose of a website; growing your business, increasing sales, and promoting awareness of your brand.
The web design team at Urban Geko have years of experience that give them the insight to see through the dozens of trends and Internet clutter to develop a site that works wonders for your business. By utilizing the strategic thinkers and out-of-the-box creative minds at Urban Geko, your website will have the substance it needs to get noticed and bring in business.
More specifically, a website that isn't designed well or user-friendly could be losing potential clients before they know about the product or service you provide. Here are a few reasons your site might not be making the impact it could.
1. Your site has become a dusty, Internet relic- Generally speaking, users will revisit sites for two main reasons: the information on the site meets their needs, or the site is updated frequently and offers new content. If your site hasn't been updated since it went live, chances are repeat visitors are few and far between. Unfortunately, websites don't age like a fine wine. They need fresh and current content and design to attract visitors and generate business.
2. Your site has become an Internet trend depository- The latest colors, funky fonts, and random animations have all reared their heads at one time or another on websites everywhere. Just remember, just because they're trendy and you can add them to your site, doesn't mean you should. Sometimes, a back-to-basics approach is what will stand out among all the sites that are absorbed in what's popular and trendy. Fads wear out, but clean, contemporary design will always be in style.
3. Your site has become cluttered and difficult to navigate- Even if you've stayed on the ball when it comes to updating your site, it's possible that it has become cluttered and filled to the brim with an overload of information. Keep in mind that a website is only doing its job if visitors are reading and benefiting from its information. Your products and services may be the best, but visitors won't find out if they don't read what's there. Content should be easy to find, relevant, and easy to read.
These are just 3 ways to make sure that your site has the impact it deserves and gets you the business you need. Modern, easy to read sites that don't make use of every single trend out there have a much bigger chance for success in the long run. Keeping your site inviting and useful will help to achieve the entire purpose of a website; growing your business, increasing sales, and promoting awareness of your brand.
The web design team at Urban Geko have years of experience that give them the insight to see through the dozens of trends and Internet clutter to develop a site that works wonders for your business. By utilizing the strategic thinkers and out-of-the-box creative minds at Urban Geko, your website will have the substance it needs to get noticed and bring in business.
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Logo Redesign In A Tough Economy
When the financial screws are being tightened, companies often look to where they can cut costs. On the other hand, some companies remember the saying, "you've got to spend money to make money" and look to where smart investments can be made.
Several large corporations have recently revamped their corporate image through a logo redesign to achieve different objectives. For instance, Kraft and Jack In The Box have moved away from logos that use capital letters to ones that use lower case, which convey a friendlier, less domineering feeling in the hopes that it will be more welcoming.
Monday, July 20, 2009
4 Tips For E-Commerce Success
Many, if not the majority of retailers have a strong, online e-commerce presence. Whether you're an established retailer with a recognizable storefront, or a start-up without the brick and mortar, here are some e-commerce tips that may help boost your sales.
1. Have complete and comprehensive information for your products
A great looking photo gallery of your products with detailed descriptions of each will make it simple for your customers to get the vital information they want at a glance. One of the biggest mistakes an e-commerce site can make is not making the details that the customer wants easily accessible. If your customer can't find out what they want to know, they'll move on to somewhere else; probably a competitor.
2. Offer online-only specials
Besides an appealing and easy to use interface, special offers can encourage visitors to buy online even if you have a "brick and mortar" establishment. E-commerce is more than just selling a product on the web; it's an opportunity to reach out to customers and help build a brand. By offering special deals to online users, an entirely new customer base can be established and catered to.
3. Ship large orders for free
Similar to online-only specials, free shipping is a huge reason for visitors to buy from your e-commerce store. Many times, it can make or break an online sale. A customer might have been ready to check out with plenty of items in their cart, then seen the shipping cost only to promptly cancel the transaction. If you have a policy that, say, any order over $50 ships for free, then there's an added incentive for the customer to use you as well as hit the dollar requirement for free shipping.
4. Provide outstanding customer service
Arguably more important than even your products or services, first-class customer service can make all the difference in the world. In fact, some shoppers base their decision to use or not use an online retailer simply on previous customer service experiences or customer service reputations. Shoppers are more prone to look past slightly higher prices or a mild discrepancy as long as the service was friendly, prompt, and resolved any issues without excessive effort on their part.
Although we can't tell you what promotions to run, the team at Urban Geko can design and build an e-commerce site that will meet your every need and impress your online visitors. Whether you need a new e-commerce site, or your existing site could use a tune-up, we can ensure your site will be appealing, intuitive, functional and customizable. Email us today to see how we can help your e-commerce business grow!
1. Have complete and comprehensive information for your products
A great looking photo gallery of your products with detailed descriptions of each will make it simple for your customers to get the vital information they want at a glance. One of the biggest mistakes an e-commerce site can make is not making the details that the customer wants easily accessible. If your customer can't find out what they want to know, they'll move on to somewhere else; probably a competitor.
2. Offer online-only specials
Besides an appealing and easy to use interface, special offers can encourage visitors to buy online even if you have a "brick and mortar" establishment. E-commerce is more than just selling a product on the web; it's an opportunity to reach out to customers and help build a brand. By offering special deals to online users, an entirely new customer base can be established and catered to.
3. Ship large orders for free
Similar to online-only specials, free shipping is a huge reason for visitors to buy from your e-commerce store. Many times, it can make or break an online sale. A customer might have been ready to check out with plenty of items in their cart, then seen the shipping cost only to promptly cancel the transaction. If you have a policy that, say, any order over $50 ships for free, then there's an added incentive for the customer to use you as well as hit the dollar requirement for free shipping.
4. Provide outstanding customer service
Arguably more important than even your products or services, first-class customer service can make all the difference in the world. In fact, some shoppers base their decision to use or not use an online retailer simply on previous customer service experiences or customer service reputations. Shoppers are more prone to look past slightly higher prices or a mild discrepancy as long as the service was friendly, prompt, and resolved any issues without excessive effort on their part.
Although we can't tell you what promotions to run, the team at Urban Geko can design and build an e-commerce site that will meet your every need and impress your online visitors. Whether you need a new e-commerce site, or your existing site could use a tune-up, we can ensure your site will be appealing, intuitive, functional and customizable. Email us today to see how we can help your e-commerce business grow!
Friday, July 17, 2009
Urban Geko Launches OnQueStyle's New Site
Urban Geko has just finished and launched the new website for OnQueStyle, the premier, high-fashion boutique studio located in Corona Del Mar, in Orange County.
Designed to reflect the sophistication and class that OnQueStyle represents, the site gives visitors all the information they would need, and integrates smoothly with OnQueStyle's online eBay store. Modern and contemporary, the site functions as a portal to access the latest in fashion trends and keeps visitors current on the events that OnQueStyle often hosts.
Urban Geko's clean and inviting design accomplished exactly what OnQueStyle was looking for in a new website. Check back to the site often to stay up-to-date or join their email list for the latest news on special events and promotions.
Monday, July 6, 2009
Honesty Is The Best Policy
Why do your clients use your company? What keeps them coming back?
Because an industry leader? Because you offer your service at the lowest price? What keeps them from taking business elsewhwere? These are all questions that should be very important to any business-minded individual interested in staying afloat in trying times.
Hopefully, one of the answers was, “because we do business with the integrity of our company in mind”. Today, more than ever, people want to do business with companies they trust. Regardless of industry standing, price, and especially geographic location, companies take their business to those who they feel will treat them honestly and truthfully.
Most analysts will say that one of the major components that lead to the current state of the economy was an overall lack of confidence. A few dishonest corporations that spent government bailout funds unethically betrayed the trust of the American public. Many people now feel that businesses employ old tricks, smoke, and mirrors to get what they want; not necessarily business, but money. Right now, being able to offer clients piece of mind that you will conduct yourself and your business ethically, and hold the company to high standard of integrity is just as important as providing the best price.
Not sold on the idea of giving clients the “warm, fuzzy feeling”? Besides making your clients comfortable knowing you’re trustworthy, showing that you have integrity creates accountability. With employees, leading by example and setting the moral bar high is important. If a company prides itself on having high ethical standards, employees know that they will have to answer for their actions, likely dissuading any immoral behavior that could hurt business.
Although a company’s reputation does not rest entirely on integrity, it’s an important character trait that’s difficult to ignore. Unfortunately, integrity is not something that can be picked up and thrown into the mix overnight if it’s lacking. It’s the sort of virtue that should be ingrained in the very fiber of the business and its employees. A company must do everything in its power to gain and keep the trust of its customers, honor its commitments, and meet its obligations. Show your clients that you remember the Golden Rule, and you’ll reap its benefits. Albert Einstein was quoted as saying, “Try not to become a man of success but rather try to become a man of value”.
At Urban Geko, we agree and believe that along with value, comes success. We strive to let our level of integrity, honesty, and good ethics be reflected in the caliber of work we provide to our customers and clients.
Because an industry leader? Because you offer your service at the lowest price? What keeps them from taking business elsewhwere? These are all questions that should be very important to any business-minded individual interested in staying afloat in trying times.
Hopefully, one of the answers was, “because we do business with the integrity of our company in mind”. Today, more than ever, people want to do business with companies they trust. Regardless of industry standing, price, and especially geographic location, companies take their business to those who they feel will treat them honestly and truthfully.
Most analysts will say that one of the major components that lead to the current state of the economy was an overall lack of confidence. A few dishonest corporations that spent government bailout funds unethically betrayed the trust of the American public. Many people now feel that businesses employ old tricks, smoke, and mirrors to get what they want; not necessarily business, but money. Right now, being able to offer clients piece of mind that you will conduct yourself and your business ethically, and hold the company to high standard of integrity is just as important as providing the best price.
Not sold on the idea of giving clients the “warm, fuzzy feeling”? Besides making your clients comfortable knowing you’re trustworthy, showing that you have integrity creates accountability. With employees, leading by example and setting the moral bar high is important. If a company prides itself on having high ethical standards, employees know that they will have to answer for their actions, likely dissuading any immoral behavior that could hurt business.
Although a company’s reputation does not rest entirely on integrity, it’s an important character trait that’s difficult to ignore. Unfortunately, integrity is not something that can be picked up and thrown into the mix overnight if it’s lacking. It’s the sort of virtue that should be ingrained in the very fiber of the business and its employees. A company must do everything in its power to gain and keep the trust of its customers, honor its commitments, and meet its obligations. Show your clients that you remember the Golden Rule, and you’ll reap its benefits. Albert Einstein was quoted as saying, “Try not to become a man of success but rather try to become a man of value”.
At Urban Geko, we agree and believe that along with value, comes success. We strive to let our level of integrity, honesty, and good ethics be reflected in the caliber of work we provide to our customers and clients.
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