Urban Geko - Award Winning Web Design and Graphic Design Company in the California

Does Your Website Need a Facelift?

2009-08-12T15:12:00.000-07:00

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Outdated design- Has the site been up and unchanged since 1997?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Difficulty of navigation- Often going hand-in-hand with outdated design, is less than intuitive navigation.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.

Cost Effective Communication

2009-08-10T10:57:00.000-07:00

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.

Is your website costing you business?

2009-08-05T20:27:00.000-07:00

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.

Logo Redesign In A Tough Economy

2009-07-30T11:26:00.000-07:00

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.

Pepsi and Walmart have also revisited their logos and given them a more casual, contemporary feel. Even though the brands are still easily recognized, they bring a fresh feeling of being connected to their target audience, which keeps them appealing, even in an economic slump.

Investing in your logo, especially if it's established and well-recognized, is the type of move not many companies would consider. However, if the new look is conceived in strategic thinking and designed with the customer in mind, a fresh logo can call attention to the brand and drive sales even in a struggling economy.

At Urban Geko, we approach each logo design project with the same sound strategy and attention to the target audience, every time. Whether your business is brand new or is looking for a facelift, the brilliant design team at Urban Geko will skillfully craft a logo that looks sharp and gets results.

4 Tips For E-Commerce Success

2009-07-20T16:57:00.000-07:00

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!

Urban Geko Launches OnQueStyle's New Site

2009-07-17T09:12:00.001-07:00

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.

Honesty Is The Best Policy

2009-07-06T15:57:00.000-07:00

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.

3 Factors for Website Success

2009-07-02T16:36:00.000-07:00

Simplicity- This simply cannot be overstated. Far too many websites loose visitors because the content is too cluttered and difficult to follow. The user's experience should be easy and informative. Boil down what you want to say to it's core and give the visitor exactly what they need to know.

Use White Space- Along the lines of keeping the site simple, white space keeps the design modern and easy to follow. Without a lot of clutter, the important information that you're trying to convey will get noticed and serve its purpose.

Keep the User's Attention- Plain and simple, people have short attention spans and a website that's too wordy and complicated will loose the visitor's attention quickly. It's important to keep the content relevant and interesting to the people you're trying to reach.

At Urban Geko, we know that these, among other principles, need to remain at the foundation of any website that is going to be successful. We understand that effective website design is much more than a fantastic design; without flawless functionality, a site will struggle to meet its goals. Urban Geko has a proven track record of producing stylish, modern sites that rely on sound reasoning and tactics, and achieve results for our clients.

What's In It For Me?

2009-06-29T16:59:00.000-07:00

This is likely the first and most important question that comes to mind for anyone learning about your business. The answer, however, is what's important to your customer.

In the business, we call it "the benefit statement" and it's what every single piece of information that bears your company name should pay homage to. Whether the answer is "the best price in town", "unbeatable service", or "the largest selection west of the Mississippi", the benefit to your customer should be crystal clear and relevant to their needs.

Without a clear answer to that crucial question, it's likely that your potential customer will move on. Not because your product or service isn't the best, but because your marketing or advertising message was unclear, or altogether hidden, and didn't tell the customer that you're the best around.

The more obvious, relevant, and consistent the brand's benefit statement is, the less apt the customer is to forgetting or completely missing it. A great answer to that ever-looming question is what can set your business apart from the crowd and keep your name (and what you'll give them) at the front of the customer's mind.

At Urban Geko, our seasoned staff of creative professionals dive deep into your brand and help answer the question of "what's in it for me?". You can rest assured that creative design and marketing from Urban Geko will leave your clients with only one question; when can you start?

How's your branding?

2009-06-18T17:16:00.001-07:00

"Just fine", you may say. Here are a few things you may want to think about what your brand says (or doesn't say) about your company.

Branding is monumentally more than a company's name at the top of a weekly memo. It's the face of the company for the entire world to see. Branding is quite literally the foundation for a company's entire marketing communication. Without solid, well thought out branding, everything else is far less effective. Your brand is what establishes your credibility as a provider of goods or services and acts as a promise to your customer. Good branding for any business, large or small, begins by having a solid fundamental sense of who and what the brand is and stands for. Ultimately, effective branding will express who the company is and what it offers to your customers in the blink of an eye.

Arguably, branding is one of the most important aspects of a company's identity. In many ways, it is the company's identity. Why, you may ask? 1.) Because your brand is the voice of the company. 2.) It's what customers identify with and relate thoughts and feelings about your company to. 3.) A brand is a company's personality, and we all know how much personality says about anyone or anything. Branding is so important, in fact, that it alone can be the key to success because it's what greets the customer before they even know what you offer.

So, we've established that your company needs rock-solid branding, but what should it say about your you? First and foremost, your company's branding should communicate your mission and deliver a brand promise. One of the major reasons successful companies focus so much of their effort on branding, is because it's what ultimately differentiates them from the competition and raises them above the "noise" in the marketplace. The most efficacious branding campaigns are able to convey a message and feeling about the company in the shortest of instants. Think Nike, Coca Cola, Microsoft. Each of these companies have brand identities that instantly communicate their value and mission without any confusion.

One of the most recent and successful branding ventures was Barack Obama's 2008 presidential campaign. The message was strong, the logo clean, and the impression memorable. Whether you voted for him or not, the message was consistent and not easily confused or lost in any clutter. Comparably well done has been the "I'm a Mac, I'm a PC" campaign by Apple. The message is unchanging and always answers the question, "why should I buy a Mac?" or "why is a Mac better?". Their clean design and memorable content also helps them stand above the crowd and has helped the campaign reach icon status.

At Urban Geko, we eat, sleep, breathe and live branding. Outstanding design is only one of the tools we use to achieve a strong, cohesive and memorable branding message. In order to develop the most effective branding campaigns and packages possible, we strive to become as knowledgeable about your brand as you are. Once we understand the very essence of your brand, we use our keen sense of design to craft a message that will tell your clients exactly who you are, what you stand for, and what you provide. Our creative capacity will help to establish your brand, increase recognizability and maintain consistency. Whether you're starting from scratch or breathing new life into a moth-eaten brand, Urban Geko can put you on the path to success.

Creativity Gone AWOL?

2009-06-15T15:46:00.000-07:00

Creative block. It happens to all of us eventually, and to some more often than others.

So, what happens when the creative juices are clogged, choked, plugged or otherwise stopped up? The obstruction needs to be cleared by whatever means necessary. Here are some ways to thwart the beastly block of creativity.

• Sleep on it.

Your brain borders on hyperactivity at night while you're dreaming, often solving problems from your creatively stumped waking hours.

• Walk it off.

Take a 10 minute break from work, go outside and get some fresh air. Even a short break can give you an opportunity to look at your project with fresh eyes.

• Art imitates life.

Look to your personal life or hobbies for ideas or concepts that may stir up the winds in your creative doldrums.

• As good as new.

Try doing something you've never done before. Many times, new experiences prompt your mind to work in different ways, possibly unearthing ideas.

• Clear as mud.

If you're at a complete and total loss for even the smallest shred of an idea, get another briefing on the project. A little clarification can do a heap of good since creative blocks can sometimes be the result of a lack of information.

• Anything.

Sometimes, something truly accidental can break a creative block. From the mundane to the insane, an act as simple as eating lunch can spark an idea that launches into the stratosphere.

Is Graffiti Art?

2009-06-09T09:44:00.000-07:00

Graffiti can be defined as "unauthorized writing or drawing on a public surface" and has been in existence in some form or another since before the days of the Roman Empire.

The word "unauthorized" can imply that the result is somehow unappealing or offensive, which in many instances and to many people, it is. But what if the unauthorized drawing is a work of art worthy of being framed or placed on exhibition?

Several artists use graffiti as a means to express themselves, and whether authorized or not, it can be hard to dispute the graffiti's value as art. One artist in particular, an anonymous Briton going by the pseudonym Banksy, has been using the medium since the mid 1990's as a forum for social commentary. The themes of his art are generally anti-war and anti-establishment in nature and in some cases, have become so popular that the property owner has allowed the art to remain.

The question is this: where does the line between a nuisance and art get drawn and who draws it? Should a property owner remove graffiti regardless of artistic value or public acceptance of the art? Is one person's eyesore another's Mona Lisa?

The answer truly lay in the eyes of the beholder.

Giving Back To Our Community

2009-06-02T15:19:00.000-07:00

At Urban Geko, we are committed to doing our part to keep our community and environment clean. Starting this weekend, we will be donating our time to local beach clean-up efforts and doing our part to give back. We believe that keeping our beaches clean is especially important considering southern California is home to some of the most beautiful and popular coastline in the country.

In 2007, there were 22,571 beach closures recorded as the result of pollution, much of which could have been prevented. Although there is no single cause for beach pollution, heavy rain that overwhelms sewage treatment plants and storm drains, and forces waste into the ocean through discharge pipes is a major contributing factor. Swimming in the ocean when pollutant levels are high can be dangerous and cause everything from rashes to respiratory irritation and even hepatitis.

A natural occurrence called a red tide, which is a bloom of microscopic algae, can also be exacerbated by pollutants that the algae feed on like sewage, fertilizer and farm runoff. These algae release a potent toxin which is harmful to sea life, as well as humans, and can cause potentially serious illness.

How can you help the problem? Simple. Don't leave any trash at the beach on your next visit, minimize runoff from your property, and make sure that the only thing going down storm drains is water. We'll be doing our part, leave a comment and tell us how you're doing yours.

The Big Book Of Self Promotion

2009-06-02T15:12:00.000-07:00

The Big Book Of Self Promotion, published in 2009 by Harper Collins and Crescent Hill books, is a compendium of all things promotional. From in-house to client promotion and everything in between, the book is an abundance of creative material by hundreds of firms, including Urban Geko.

Of the over 1,500 firms that submitted work to be published, only 220 were selected and Urban Geko was among them, having work featured on 6 pages in various sections throughout the book.

We consider this both an honor and a treat, to be featured along side the hundreds of other firms around the world as leaders within our industry. You can count on us to graciously accept this fantastic praise and take this as an opportunity to challenge ourselves creatively and continue to act as trailblazers in the design world.

The Big Book Of Self Promotion is available for purchase online or in bookstores everywhere.

What Makes A Website Stand Out?

2009-06-02T15:10:00.000-07:00

Many people have tried to answer this question and only the best can get it right.

First off, simple navigation is essential. If visitors to the site are overwhelmed with too many choices, they'll end up confused and click the "back" button. Hand-in-hand with easy navigation is clean, elegant, and creative design. A site only has a few seconds to make a great first impression and show the visitor the "wow factor". Without first class design, intuitive navigation can only do so much.

Next, the content needs to be relevant, fresh and engaging for the visitor. Anyone can dish out the basic "who, what, when, where and why", but turning them into interesting and meaningful components of the site takes true creativity and forward thinking.

Lastly, on top of great design, easy navigation, and intriguing content, the site needs a call to action. Every web site has a purpose and the call to action should fulfill it. Whether "contact us", "request a quote", or "checkout", the call should be clear and easy for the visitor to find.

At Urban Geko, we keep all of these (among other) important ideas in mind when designing web sites for our customers. Our goal is always superb design, intuitive navigation, and customer service that's second to none.

Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn

2009-05-26T16:20:00.000-07:00

http://twitter.com/urbangeko http://www.facebook.com/people/@/1807771571 http://urbangeko.blogspot.com/

Going Green: Home Electronics

2009-05-26T13:04:00.000-07:00

The term “green” gets thrown around a lot these days, but what does it really mean and how far does it go? Everyone knows (or should know) the three basic R’s; Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle. We may want to add “Recharge” to the list and rethink our environmentally friendly tactics.

Unplug

Sure, you may drive a hybrid car and use canvas shopping bags, but what about your 50” plasma TV? Even though it may be turned off, it still draws power, which costs both you and the environment. Here are some ways to help reduce your electronic carbon footprint and save some green at the same time.

For any power-hungry device, like some older digital cameras, consider purchasing rechargeable batteries and a smart charger instead of traditional alkaline AA or AAA batteries. Although it may be a slightly more expensive initial investment, newer technology enables the cells to be recharged in as little as 15 minutes. Over the long run, these systems will pay for themselves many times over and reduce unneeded waste.

As for that plasma TV, you might be surprised to learn that roughly 40% of the power it uses is drawn while it isn’t even turned on. Many high-technology home electronics are energy “vampires” and use much more electricity that you realize. A way to combat these wasteful devices is to use smart power strips that detect when a component is turned off and truly cuts power to it.

When the time comes to get rid of the old iMac in your garage, what then? Even if it doesn’t work, it still has value. Many companies will buy back old electronics or give you a credit towards new ones. Craigslist and other online auction sites are also good to keep in mind, considering many people buy their electronics used and you may be able to recover some of your initial cost. This is a good practice if the parts still work because it lengthens the product’s useful life-cycle and limits the amount of waste that needs to be recycled.

Even though electronics are being recycled, the process still requires energy, much of which is focused on managing the toxic ingredients like mercury, lead and cadmium that went into producing the product. As much as 70% of all hazardous waste that is generated are discarded electronics. Many manufacturers are going to great lengths to greatly minimize the extent to which they use these hazardous elements, including Apple, who is making progress in eliminating mercury from displays and brominated flame retardants from other internal components.

Armed with this knowledge, your next home technology purchase will be easy, better for you, and better for the environment. Being green can be as simple as insisting on efficient, Energy Star rated products that are manufactured without toxic substances, and using smart power strips once you get them home. Remember that being earth-friendly doesn’t stop once you un-box your new gadget. Extend its lifespan, recycle responsibly, and you’ll contribute to keeping the environment healthy for many years to come.

How To Protect Your Online Reputation

2009-05-26T13:01:00.000-07:00

In business, reputation is everything. A good one can land you the job of a lifetime, while a bad rap could cost you everything. As constructive as they are, social networking sites, blogs and forums can just as easily become your worst nightmare. Here are some concepts that will give you the insight to keep everything running like a dream.

Staying smart

A strong Internet presence via company Twitter and Facebook pages is seen by many businesses as must. But how can you keep them from spinning wildly out of control and damaging your reputation? Here are some things to think about. Remember, your two least favorite words are “damage control”.

Using the name of your company or your full name online can inarguably increase brand awareness, name recognition, and spur business. On the other hand, it leaves nothing to the imagination if any faux-pas or gaffes are made, so consider this one carefully. It should also go without saying that mentioning your clients by name or any jobs that are in progress without explicit permission can be a huge liability. Not only is your reputation at stake, but your client’s as well.

Extending beyond company-branded social networking sites, are discussion forums and blogs, which can be just as influential. When blogging or posting on behalf of your company, keep in mind that even though social sites are casual and conversational in nature, staying professional is critical. It’s easy to let your guard down and become too personal for your own good. Discussion forums in particular, have no obligation to remove something that you may regret posting, which makes retroactive damage control difficult, if not impossible.

Just as with your non-online life, it’s generally good practice keeping business separate from your personal agenda. Using an alias can minimize the chances that your actions online could negatively impact your company’s reputation. Couple that with carefully considering what you’ve written before you post it, and you should be in good shape. In combination with good, old-fashioned common sense, you can minimize the chances that the reputation you’ve worked for years to create isn’t torn down in a matter of minutes.

The reputation of a business is one of its most valuable assets and you have the right and responsibility to influence what is said about you online. With all of these ideas in mind, you can help keep these powerful online business tools working for you, and not against you, ultimately building a stronger brand.

The Business of Social Networks

2009-05-26T12:53:00.000-07:00

Social networking is for kids and college students, right? Wrong. Businesses large and small are using them to cash in.

So, how are businesses embracing online social media sites? Much like the mid-90’s when companies realized that a presence on the Internet was essential to business, social networking sites are being viewed as a necessity. Virtually exploding on the scene, these sites are offering businesses an opportunity to build a strong constituent of online brand loyalists that will present the company in a favorable light.

With Google being such a pervasive component of any kind of research these days, anyone seeking information about a company’s products and services will likely see a search result pertaining to an unsatisfied customer’s complaints. Unfortunate? Sure. But this is where a strong online following of brand fans becomes the silver bullet that slays bad publicity and protects a company’s reputation.

Sites like Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn make it easier to reach an audience with a customized brand message, which is an important part of implementing unified corporate communication. And, after doing our due diligence here at Urban Geko, we couldn’t agree more. These new, growing outlets for networking and brand communication are far to powerful to be left untapped.

Urban Geko is now on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn. Click the links below and follow us on these sites!

http://twitter.com/urbangeko

http://www.facebook.com/people/@/1807771571

http://www.linkedin.com/companies/urban-geko-inc%2E

Do ugly websites sell more?

2008-12-06T00:36:00.000-08:00

Have you heard about the article written by Mark Daoust entitled The Surprising Truth About Ugly Websites? According to this article, ugly websites sell more that there attractive counterparts but I disagree with his claims.

While unattractive websites can be successful, my belief is that the more attractive ones can outperform them easily. The article cited the case of Plenty of Fish, a dating website which is also running AdSense. Other examples included eBay, Craiglist, IMDB and even Google. Although all these sites are not aesthetically appealing, they are not truly ugly.

Why do I say so? Well, let’s look at the case of Google, Craiglist, eBay and IMDB for the meantime. While these sites are plain, they have functionality which is lacking in other sites. When we do a search in Google, it returns thousand of results. If want to buy and sell something, the interface to do that in eBay is simple. Craig list also allows you to post unlimited number of classified ads. Although these sites lack the color which can be seen on other sites, they have certainly made up for it by being useful.

Also, another claim made by the site is that ugly websites convey trust. Through an amateurish design, customers will have an idea that a business is being run by a family; hence they are less likely to get scammed. Unfortunately this is not true. Ugly sites means that the owners cannot be bothered to invest atleast $100 for their venture, and this can also mean that they do not care about their clients.

Three things to keep in mind for a better ecommerce website

2008-12-05T00:33:00.000-08:00

As a web designer, you goal is to convey messages to your site visitors in an efficient and effective manner. No matter how much you’ve learned about designing, only one thing is certain - simplicity is still the best. This is even truer when it comes to a small business website. While interactive graphics can help you win web design awards, it won’t probably win you customers. As a matter of fact, it is the more complicated designs which have greater risks when it comes to delivering messages. In most cases fancy bells and whistles are best avoided.

For most small businesses, a four or five elegantly designed website is enough to get the job done. Also, these sites are much cheaper compared to sites which have classy multimedia playing. If your goal is to improve sales, then pay attention to these guidelines for a more effective ecommerce site.

1. Make your website easy to understand. In order for you to get leads, you need to ensure that your site is consumer and reader friendly. So, make sure you use short sentences and paragraphs; you can also use dark text on light background. At present, a lot of white space is a norm.

2. Make your site easy to navigate. Put a search bar or a table of contents (index) if you can. Check for broken links and fix them and you can even use lists for better navigation!

3. Make sure your site loads quickly. Sometimes, flash animation does not add value to a website. Ensure that all elements have a purpose; if not better remove them so as to reduce the clutter.

Invest your money wisely!

2008-12-04T00:31:00.000-08:00

If you are working as a freelance web designer, then you ought to know that aside from web design being your profession, it is also your business. As a businessman (or woman, whichever works for you), you need to invest your money properly so you can make the most of your available resource. Also, whatever you earn in web design is not totally yours except for that 10% of your earnings which you can use for your living expenses. The rest should be reinvested in your business and of course, you’ll also need to pay your tax. But the question is, where should you invest your money?

1. Stock photos. Whether we’re talking about printed media or the internet, it is always true that a picture paints a thousand words. Sometimes, you don’t need a thousand words to describe the message you want to convey, all you need is a great picture chosen to fit the topic. Professional web designers collect premium and high quality photos and they are not afraid to purchase photos which are really good.

2. Tools and other programs. If you’re using Photoshop for your web design then you should know by now that there are a lot of plug ins you can install and purchase to make your design standout. By purchasing effects and plug ins, you can save time since you won’t have to do it over and over again.

3. Invest in icons. These take a long time to create and can be a waste of time if you do them on your own.

4. Enhance your skills. They say life is about continuously learning of new things. As a web designer, it is important that you learn the latest trend in your craft. Enhance your skills by purchasing videos, trainings and seminars.

Two tips to become a great web designer.

2008-12-03T00:29:00.000-08:00

Working with big companies as a web designer has lots of benefits. First, you get referrals for doing a great job and if those referrals are happy with your work, you get even more referrals. This is basically a dream for many web designers – to get paid doing the things that they are good at and being appreciated for it. Unfortunately, getting hired by giant corporations is not so easy. First, you need to have superior skills in order to get noticed. There are a lot of designers who are good with their imagination but cannot express it in their work. On the other hand, there are designers who know the ins and outs of design software but have no creativity to start with.

So, how do you improve your web design skills? There are actually a number of ways. The KISS principle is one of the most widely used technique in the web 2.0 arena. If you can keep the design as simple as possible, then you can be sure that you’re on the right track.

Ever heard of the phrase “Good artists copy, great artists steal”? The two people who were documented saying these words are two of the world’s richest men – Bill Gates and Steve Jobs. You don’t need a major breakthrough just to be known in the design world. What you need is a good grasp of the basics, the ability to manipulate and change elements so that you can make them uniquely yours.

How can you add animation to your site?

2008-12-02T23:06:00.000-08:00

One sure fire way to catch a reader’s attention is by using animation. Adding it to a webpage is fairly easy as long as you know how to work the software which are used to create it. At present, there are two most common ways you can add animation to your site – frame based animation and Flash.

The oldest form of animation is GIF. It is also considered as the most common format of graphics on the web. Animated GIFs are like traditional animation wherein each frame is a part of a sequence. Each frame does nothing on its own but the animation starts when it is played. Frame based animation can also be used for different graphic formats such as PNG (portable network graphics) and MNG (multi image network graphics. The great thing about these other formats is that they support more colors than GIF. Frame based animation is fairly easy and you won’t need to purchase expensive software to do it. On the downside, more complex animations will eat up disk space and you can’t add sound effects.

Flash is becoming a popular animation format because of its capability to produce beautiful, rich content using your own images. Aside from these, it also allows amazing sound effects to be added. Its best selling point is that all animation look the same, no matter what kind of system or browser you use.

Some things you need to know about flash

2008-12-01T23:04:00.000-08:00

Whenever the term “flash” is mentioned, the first thing that comes to mind is animation. If you want it more accurately, it’s actually about moving graphics which is far more superior compared to simple animation. In order for people to see flash on WebPages, their browsers need to have plugins.

According to a report published by Macromedia, maker of flash, which was published in 2000, there are about 85% of internet users who are already using the Flash 4 plugin. On the other hand, Flash 5 plug-in has about 35% and 95% of all internet users already have Flash working on their systems. Using the 1999 estimate of internet users and the number of people is found at 320 million people!

One of the biggest advantages of using Flash in websites is that it helps insulate platform differences so you won’t have to worry about the limitations of HTML. Now, Flash is no longer just about simple animation, it can do much more. Now you can use any typeface of sensible size, put it on any part of the screen, in any color. You can put it at an angle, make it jump around, and even hyper link it!

Remember however, Flash is not yet indexed by search engines, so it cannot totally replace HTML. If you want your site indexed, you can set a meta tag in the page’s "HEAD". Also, if you want your site to be bookmarkable, set different movies to different pages – you can’t bookmark inside the movie, just the page that hosts it.

All about animation

2008-11-30T23:03:00.000-08:00

Animation is one of the best ways you can draw attention to a particular part of your web page where an important message lies. For example, there are several sites today which uses an animated banner saying “HOT!” to draw their readers away from the text towards whatever you want them to see, for example, the latest discounted products or the newest book released. Others also use a glistening log for “email us” or “specials”.

One thing you need to keep in mind when using animation is that there will always be an overhead or delay in loading the page. For example, with an animated gif image (an image constructed using multiple still frames and saved as a single file), instead of a seamless movement, the frames can become apparent when viewed in a slower connection.

Like audio, animation needs to be used appropriately. Use it to enhance the website in a meaningful way. Some designers recommend animations only for websites which cater to a corporate target audience since most of these people do not have the time to go through each of the pages of the site to find the information that they need. One rule of thumb when it comes to animation is this: “if in doubt, cut it out”.

8 rules for using graphics

2008-11-29T22:50:00.000-08:00

The main goal of a web page is communication. When words are not enough to get the message across, you can use pictures and other graphics. As a web designer, you are a communicator first, an artist second. It is your job to create pages that look good and can send messages clearly. If you are planning to add other elements in your web design, follow these rules to minimize, if not eliminate, clutter in the pages.

• If you’re going to put an image, you need to make sure that it has a purpose. Does it illustrate the message you want understood? Can it contribute to your purpose?
• Make your fonts legible, for some web designers, 7 to 10 words on a single line can be too much.
• Highlight the important parts of the page. That’s why italics, bold and underline were invented, so make sure you use them when needed.
• Use the best images possible, the fewer of them, the better.
• Charts and tables can sometimes communicate the message better than blocks of text. Use them especially when you’re dealing with groups of people who are in a hurry.
• Make your sites standout so your readers can remember them as well. Use daring colors if you want, but always remember compatibility.
• Simple designs are easier to understand than complicated ones. One to two column designs are easier for most readers to comprehend.
• Lastly, sometimes, it is best to hire a professional if you want the best looking website. A branding manager can help enhance your presence on the web while a marketing guru and bring help bring in the traffic you need.

Graphics and fonts on a webpage

2008-11-28T21:44:00.000-08:00

Today we’re going to talk about other basic principles of design such as graphics and layout. If you love using them on your site, then you ought to know these simple tips to avoid annoyance of your readers.

Graphics should not be larger than 12 kb since bigger graphics can make the page pull up slowly, yes, even when you are running a T1 line. Slow pages is one of the ways you can lose a potential client. Aside from this, you should also use graphics that fit the content. So if you are talking about colon cleansing, don’t put up a picture of your dog, unless it has a connection with the text.

What kind of fonts are you going to use? It is best to stick with serif for headlines and sans serif for text. Sans serif fonts are easier to read on computer screens.

I know there are so many fancy fonts you can download today but you will need to limit the number of fonts used on a site. if you keep changing their design are amateurs so try using 2 or 3 standard font families which are easy to read and looks professional. Some standard fonts you can use are Verdana, Arial and Helvetica.

Top 10 tips for a better website

2008-11-27T21:43:00.000-08:00

We all know how important a webpage is in today’s time. We also know how important it is to have a great web design. Now, the question is, how can you make a great website where visitors can visit over and over? Here are top 10 tips to make your site more popular and user friendly.

1. Know your audience and keep them in mind when you make a web design, or even when you write. If your target audiences are teens, make your site fun to read, give them trivia that they will enjoy.
2. Keep your pages short. In order to minimize scrolling and readers can get your message at first reading, a good screen size you can use is 640 pixels wide and 480 tall.
3. Jakob Nielsen has proven through his surveys – only 10% of users will scroll beyond the first screen of text. If you can only have a short first page, make sure it’s already your table of contents.
4. Large images takes a long time to download and can annoy some internet users. This is why it is best to use smaller images.
5. Use browser safe colors to ensure that your readers will see the page and images you intend them to see.
6. Avoid lots of text. Unless you are running a blog, people don’t read the text. Most times, they just skim over it.
7. Use a spell checker, everytime.
8. Make sure your links are still valid. Running a link checker will make your life a lot easier.
9. Annotate your links so people know exactly why you love another website.
10. The web is dynamic and interactive. If there are comments and suggestions about your blog, you should have a contact form they can use to contact you directly.

Three things you need to consider when creating a logo

2008-11-26T21:41:00.000-08:00

Before any logo is created, there are several questions that a logo design company will need to answer. Some of the most basic questions are: “who is the client?”, “who is the audience?” and “what is needed?” Every design teacher reiterates: the problem should dictate the solution, rather than imposing an idea into a problem. A logo should organically provide the answers to these questions. All too often, logo design companies ignore this because it can be interpreted to mean that a designer’s vision will be sublimated in order to obediently follow the client. While this may be true to some extent, it also means that information must be gathered in order for a creative work to be created – all in the control of the designer.

Who is the client? This question basically tried to determine the company’s values, goals and attitudes. By knowing what these are, a designer can very easily create a logo which communicates these to their intended audience. Who are the audience? Is the company manufacturing products for athletic women or young professionals? Who makes the final decision in approving this logo? The logo you will be designing needs to appeal to all these people in order for it to work.

You will also need to consider your client’s long term plan and whether the logo you are going to create will be timeless – will it still deliver the same message after 10 years?

What is a Logo?

2008-11-25T21:30:00.000-08:00

If we use the dictionary, the answer to this question is pretty simple: “it is a distinct symbol of a company, object, publication, person, service or idea. It is usually found at the bottom of a television or the top of a cereal box.

But the term “logo” itself has many complex meanings and there are a number of words used to describe it. A logo can also be a “mark”, “trademark” or even a “signature”. You can also use the terms “woodmark” (a company name with the proprietary letterforms, e.g. Mobil, which uses the Pegasus logo), “symbol” (e.g. the Nike swoosh, the Apple’s apple and the CBS eye) and a “monogram” (letters which are used to denote a brand such as GE and WE).

Logos are used to differentiate a company for their competition and provide clear identification. Through frequent viewing of these logos, you can create a special relationship with your audience. You can now communicate your company’s mission, vision and goals, giving you greater credibility and more merchandising opportunities.

A brand name is the perception of the audience about your company. This is not something you can ask another company to do for you. A logo is not the brand name associated with the product and service you are offering; it is a combination of typeface, colors and imagery unique for your company.

Why do you need a logo?

2008-11-24T21:26:00.000-08:00

Man’s claim for ownership is an inherent trait. We carve our initials in trees, sign our drawings, all in the attempt to protect our identities. This is the same reason why we use a logo for our businesses – to redefine our motives and make our individual goals become the goals of a collective.

The need for a logo is not a new invention, but is something that can be traced as far back as the Mesopotamians and Egyptians. From porcelains to printed books, logos remained a standard, though it can be found in different forms. The usage of trademarks as we know them today started in the 1950s, when multinational corporations started offering a wide range of products and needed a tool to maintain a cohesive message. For example, the ABC network meant “clear and cohesive advertising and communications”. This was symbolized by the use of negative space, combined in a simple circle.

Today, the need for a logo hasn’t changed but its role has now evolved. With the web 2.0 and greater communication enabled by the internet, we now place a strong emphasis on teamwork and the creative process. Logos are no longer just about communicating with an audience, but rather, it serves as a visual support mechanism for the team. By allowing everyone to identify with their groups, things can now be done more effectively, if not efficiently.

How do you achieve color harmony?

2008-11-23T21:25:00.000-08:00

Using colors on a website helps add interest to an otherwise boring page. Learning about color schemes is much easier than what most people think, fact is, it’s almost like kindergarten, when you started studying about the color wheel! To create visually appealing web pages, you will need to review basic color theory in order to get color harmony. There are three kinds of combinations which make colors blend together beautifully.

• Analogous colors: these are the colors which are next to each other on the color wheel. Green, yellow green and yellow are analogous colors, so are red, red-orange and orange. Play with the different saturations of analogous colors for a more pleasing effect.
• Complementary colors: these are colors which are opposite each other on the color wheel such as blue and orange or red and green. When you use complementary colors, you can create schemes which have a high contrast, which makes them so much brighter and vivid.
• Color triads: imagine a triangle on the color wheel. Some of these triads include red, yellow and blue, green, purple and orange. Using color triads will help you create color schemes which are full of life.

One of the best inspirations for color harmony is nature. The different colors you see in nature such as green, yellow, brown, blue, red and many others, are typically harmonious despite the fact that they don’t go together according to color theory.

Color theory and the use of browser safe colors

2008-11-22T21:22:00.000-08:00

When you are using color for your website, you need to understand that while your screen might show the background as light green, another monitor can interpret it as grey and it all depends on the setting that the monitor uses. Some monitors are on 24-bit and while your monitor shows color palette #dddddd as light grey, an 8-bit might interpret it as goblin green. This is because #dddddd is not a browser safe color. Now, if you want your page to look the same every time for any monitor, consider using browser safe colors, there are actually a number of them.

Now, when you’re building web pages that uses colors, it is very easy to setup a color scheme which clashes, making it difficult for readers to view for a longer time. By understanding color theory, you can understand how color can be more effectively used for your website. We all know that the primary colors are red, yellow and blue. Orange, green and purple are secondary colors and many other variants can be made when all these are combined. How do you combine all these so that your site will not burn the eyes of your readers? You will then need to learn about color harmony.

The use of color in web design

2008-11-21T21:18:00.000-08:00

Color is a basic element of design but very few web designers realize that it is not a required element. A lot of great designs are done only with a touch of one color, the most famous of which is black and white.

Color in web design can be used in a number of ways: in backgrounds, text and foregrounds, images and accents. It is very easy to add to websites but and if you are new to CSS and webdesign, there are three style properties where you can add color”

• Color: for the font and text of the foreground
• Background-color: to change the color of the background element
• Border-color: change the color of the borders around the elements

The most common use of color is found in images. Those images which have millions of varying colors are usually in a JPEG format while those with flat colors are in GIF. When used properly, colors can add interest and vitality in an otherwise dull page. Use color to breathe life to your site but it is easy to overdo so make sure you learn the different symbolisms of color, and use browser-safe colors to that everyone can enjoy the beauty you created.

Using contrast in web design

2008-11-20T21:16:00.000-08:00

Today we talk about contrast, which means the “accentuation of differences between elements”. When people hear the term “contrast” the first thing that comes to mind are colors such as black and white, but when it comes to web design, the use of contrasting colors can sometimes be overdone, so it is important to make subtle differences in different elements.

To incorporate contrast in your design you can try changing the fonts. Headlines usually have a lot of contrast surrounding the text – font size might be bigger than all the others and they could also be in bold. Sometimes, you can use a different font family to focus to direct your readers to the headline. Sometimes, you can use a different font family to focus to direct your readers to the headline.

Those who have anchor text in their content, the use of an underline is a great idea to identify the link from the rest of the content. Also, if a certain page focuses on the text, you can choose to make all the other elements such as images small, and the text size bigger.

One of the most common ways of showing contrast is through the use of a dark text over light background, sometimes it is done the other way around. Whatever method you use for your site, it is important that you aim for readability and ease on your readers’ eyes.

Visual flow and the use of images in web design

2008-11-19T21:15:00.000-08:00

Two important aspects of web design in the flow in design are the kind of motion which is conveyed by the layout and the media used. This is usually called as the visual flow also defined as the way the several elements in a design are balanced so that one is prominent over all the others and no other element can overshadow. A lot of web designers use arrows to describe this flow but it can sometimes be misused and is way too obvious. Visual flow can be achieved in a number of ways.

If you are using media such as photos, adding sequential images or text elements can suggest visual flow. Sometimes you can also use animation to show movement. Some web designers use the sizes of object surrounding another object in directing human eyes to the focus of the website.

If you are using a photo featuring people, always make sure that the eyes in the photo face the content. Many eye tracking studies have shown that readers see the face on websites and they unconsciously follow the direction of the eyes to see what the picture is “looking at”. If you have ads, the best place to put it is right where the photo is looking at.

Three Web Design Boo-Boos You Should Avoid

2008-11-18T21:13:00.000-08:00

In honor of the “recently concluded” Halloween, we’re going to talk about scary websites. Nope I’m not talking about content – I actually meant web designs which can be considered as the “Worst of the Web”. Instead of making people come back, they actually scare people away.

You need to understand that web designs are not meant to be scary – yes, even when it’s Halloween. Your site’s design should actually get your readers in the mood stay in your site. Therefore, it’s important that you keep in mind these common boo-boos and avoid losing visitors.

1. Unless you are a professional web designer, using black as background for white (or light) text color is not a good technique. In most cases it doesn’t work well, and can even look pretentious.
2. The use of black background for dark text is a definite no-no. It is difficult to read! Some of your readers might try to highlight the page, but a lot are not that patient.
3. Busy tiled background images are popular with new web designers these and very few of who use this design realize that it makes the page illegible. These also add to the download time, so unless you have a very good picture (or reason) to tile, don’t do it!

To Flash Or Not To Flash?

2008-11-17T06:13:00.000-08:00

Many web designers consider Flash animation as an integral part of web advertising. Through Flash, it is now easy to create attractive banners with a targeted message – advertising has never been as visually compelling as it is today.

Two of the major factors that web owners consider in deciding whether to employ Flash or not in their web design are file size and search engine optimization. There are a couple of businesses online which used Flash and found that it wasn’t working for them. A lot of them had flash animation which were poorly designed and were sluggish and slow in pulling up. This is possibly because the Flash designer didn’t take the time to optimize the website Flash before finishing the work. We all know that internet users today do not wait more than 8 seconds for a website to show and if your Flash-driven page takes too much time to pull up, there will be a higher bounce and conversion rate.

Although Google and other search engines have already started indexing the embedded flash content on a site, there is still a long way to go before Flash sites can become SEO friendly. Fortunately, there are already a couple of professional web designers who have found a way to tag a Flash file so that search engines can find it. Also, the use of non vector fonts can help optimize Flash content.

The Importance Of Flash Animation

2008-11-16T06:11:00.000-08:00

The convenience of the internet has enabled us to get information in just a few clicks. Now we can do our holiday shopping without going out of our homes, we can book our tickets without so much as talking to a travel agent.

But the internet has also allowed for greater completion among companies. From content to web design – all these are now a factor of profitability. With the millions of websites which are now online, more and more technology are being developed to capture the imagination of a greater number of people. Now it’s possible to enhance your brand’s image through movement, style and pizzaz – that’s the beauty of flash animation!

When used effectively, flash animation is visually stunning and can be used to create functional online and offline demos. Through custom made presentations, it is now possible for your clients to gain greater understanding of the products and services your company offers and its functionalities and what they can expect from your offers. Flash banners have also become a big part of internet advertising allowing moving graphics which are effective at generating clicks. Let your product speak for itself, use visually compelling presentation – use flash animation today and gain more clients!

How To Make Your Site More Accessible To The Disabled

2008-11-15T06:10:00.000-08:00

Contrary to what many web design companies believe, there are lots of people with disabilities and mobility impairments who use the internet daily. While there isn’t much we can do about the hardware that these disabled people are using, there is a way you can design a website so that it is more accessible to them.

WebXact’s HTML checker redisplay’s your page into images with annotations which can help you determine which pages might be inaccessible to the disabled. It also checks for browser compatibility problems. Remember to check your site with WebXact so you know what improvements you need to do before you deploy it. Here are five common errors you will encounter:

1. No alternative text with images. Alt text helps people who use screen readers know what the images are. Also, some people view the internet with images off so that web pages can load faster. By having alt text on your site, you can help them choose which images they should view.
2. Not noframes version. A completely replicated noframes version is accessible for most browsers since it runs on any browser.
3. No text only links for pages which are heavy with images. Text loads faster and it would be helpful to include a text link. Aside from that, a text only site can help screen readers do their job more effectively.
4. Audio and movie files have no descriptive text. Audio files may be a help to the blind but these are inaccessibly to the deaf. On the other hand, movie files are more helpful to the deaf but can be of no use to the blind. This is why descriptive texts are important - it allows these files to be accessible to more people.

How can you use whitespace to change your site’s tone?

2008-11-14T06:09:00.000-08:00

Often, when we are building web pages and customizing our web design, we usually focus on the fonts, colors and images. Most cases we forget about the “whitespace” between the elements. In design, whitespace is the negative space between the elements, but many web designers think of whitespace as an empty space – the space that could be filled with content to get people to read, click and buy. But it is more than just that. The whitespace also sets the tone of your design and can affect the usability of the site dramatically.

Whitespace is defined by characters that doesn’t print anything when you type them, for example, tab, space, and return. It is also the spaces around the elements of the design which helps them standout. It includes the spaces in the margins, and the padding around the pictures and text. It is also the spaces between the lines of text and letters and can sometimes be called as kerning. Although named whitespace, it doesn’t really have to be white – it is basically the background of the design. Now imagine a webpage without a whitespace, how would it look like?

In web design, using lots of whitespace can convey an elegant tone and a more down market tone. Now, try playing around with the whitespace in your site – how does it change the tone of your site?

Lines – A Basic Element Of Design

2008-11-13T06:04:00.000-08:00

Lines are used to add style to a design – they enhance comprehension and readability. Lines are sometimes used as borders or they can become dividers between other elements. In web design, lines can also be used as contours around elements and as a decoration.

If you wish to add lines to your web design, there are three ways you can do so:

• Add the

tag for horizontal lines in web page documents. You can also style the

tag for better looking lines.
• CSS also provides several ways to add borders to elements.
• Images can also be used as lines and borders to create a decorative effect.

A line’s function in design may be that basic, but it’s definitely one of the most important elements of design. It gives“punctuation” in your design, emphasizing the whole page. These lines also add up color to a page. Just imagine a plain paper with no lines as borders, wouldn’t the paper look too plain? The same thing happens in a web page, without lines, it can look a little too bland. A lot of famous and wonderful websites around the net actually have striking web designs and they really play with lines to make their site catchy.

The Connection Between SEO And Web Design

2008-11-12T20:03:00.000-08:00

If you are engaged in the internet business then it is almost definite that you’ve heard about internet marketing. Today, this is a primary tool for promoting business – it is considered as the fastest and most effective ways of reaching customers.

Did you know that there’s a connection between web design in North California and internet marketing? Whether you have your site designed by professionals or you did it yourself with FrontPage or other software, it is important for you to realize that your web design has a huge impact in your ability to compete with other sites. Here are a few elements you need to incorporate with your marketing strategy:

· You need to determine what kind of website you need. Some will only need an online brochure while others will need an inventory list. Some sites will need an interactive menu. There are lots of software that can help you make an inventory and a brochure. Several webhosts offer free templates. But if you need an interactive menu, you might need professional web designers for your site.

· A website needs to look professional, especially if you’re in it for the long haul. You need a company logo, a mission-vision statement, or other forms of your company’s identity. Branding is the key term here.

· SEO and web design go together, especially when we are talking about META tags. You want Meta keywords, and Meta descriptions to attract search engines but you need a natural approach so that all the information you need to put on your site doesn’t crowd it.

How Do You Know That A Site Is Made By A Professional?

2008-11-11T19:59:00.000-08:00

Too many web design companies California claim that they have professionals working on your site. For those who have been in the internet business, discerning whether a site is made by a professional or an amateur is much easier. Unfortunately, if you are a newbie, this can be a huge task.

For me, one obvious giveaway that a site was made by an amateur is when all of the text on the site is centered. For some reason, people think that having the text on the center is the way to go. Today, there are a lot of automated web design tools but these work as templates and will have several limitations.

Professional web design is composed of four elements – contrast, repetition, alignment and proximity (that’s why they call it designing with CRAP). The use of contrast makes various elements of the page stand out from each other. Dark text on a light background is usually used. Bold or italicized text is also used.

Repeating similar elements together lets the viewer know that they belong together. Pages of the same site usually have the same heading – this lets you know that you haven’t left the site. Another example is when the navigation panel is always on the same side of the page.

Alignment, just like repetition lets you know that elements of the website belong together. It also has a soothing effect to the reader as it shows organization and order.

Lastly, but nonetheless as important – proximity means placing elements that belong together near each other while those which differ are far apart. These are visual clues which give you clues that a website was made by a professional. Before you decide to hire a company which offers great web design in California, check out their portfolio and see if the CRAP elements are there.

What’s The Importance of A Good Web Design?

2008-11-10T19:55:00.000-08:00

Do you wonder why so many people need a successful web design firm to prepare their sites in California? According to a study conducted by researchers from the Carleton University, internet users form an impression of a website in the first 1/20^th second they see it. They create opinions about your site based on the aesthetic value of your web design. This ultimately means that your chosen web firm in Los Angeles has a big role in the success of your website and all online businesses.

As an owner of an online business you need to know what things that makes up a good design. In a time where competition is at its height, the beauty of your web design is just one of the factors. Imagery and fancy flash animation isn’t what internet users are looking for.

Most internet users prefer to interact with websites which have a professional web design appeal. You can tell an amateur site from a professional one based on a number of factors. An amateur site contains a lot of clutter making it difficult to distinguish a page element from another. Some websites use colors which are too bright that it sometimes hurt the eyes. A website created by a professional has a flow – all page elements belong together and colors are used to highlight important points.

Is it possible to build a website on a tight budget?

2008-11-09T20:01:00.000-08:00

Working on a tight budget? For many entrepreneurs who have a small budget for their ventures, hiring a professional web design company in California is out of the question. Never mind that people keep saying that a good web design sells, what’s important is that they get to build a website and start their businesses.

But this is a definite mistake, especially with competition getting tighter every day. If you are thinking of putting up a web site, keep this in mind – a good web design in Los Angeles goes places. Not because you are working with a professional web design company Los Angeles doesn’t mean you have to spend hundreds of thousands of dollars. Fact is, it is possible to create a website on a small budget. Here is a checklist of your must-do’s:

1. Know who your customers are.

2. Research keywords related to your site and decide what you want to use.

3. Plan your website carefully.

4. Get a proven effective content management system.

5. Get a website template.

6. Improve your template’s usability.

7. Make the template accessible.

8. Invest on good content.

9. Promote your site.

When we talk about template, we don’t actually mean grabbing the first free template you get. Basically, you need to ensure that your pages have the same appearance (hence the term “template”) and improve on the page elements through simple HTML or CSS if you know how. Ensuring that you have a search bar or a navigation panel can help aid your visitors find what they need.

Why Get Professional Web Designers?

2008-11-08T20:02:00.000-08:00

Okay, so used the term “budget” in my previous post. I want to make it clear that when it comes to web design, the term “budget” does not mean “cheap”. Budget in this case means estimating how much you are willing to spend and how you are going to spend it. Which sections of the site can you do yourself and when will you need professional help for your web design in? What CMS are you going to use? What free tools can you make use of?

In a time plagued by economic problems, working on a budget is probably the only way a business can survive. Of course, money is a problem nowadays, but it doesn’t have to be, as long as you plan properly and you work with a professional web design company, you should be able to achieve whatever your goals are for your site.

For those who want to save on marketing, it will also help if the web design specialist you get has a clear understanding of search engine optimization and how usability and accessibility of a site can affect its success. This not only ensures that you will not have technical problems with your site; it will also help you when it’s time to fill it with content or promote it afterwards.

Website Design Company in Southern California, Northern California

2008-11-02T01:32:00.000-07:00

Website design decides the success or failure of your online business. When your life depends on it, it is natural that you should choose the top website design company in Southern California, Northern California. At Urban Geko, we are undisputed field experts in graphic design. Your requirement for website design in Southern California and website design in Northern California might be small or quite big. You might be running a tiny home business or you might be a large corporation having branches all over the world. We assess all your needs for website design in Southern California and website design in Northern California and we compute the market niche you are in. We calculate the strengths and weaknesses of your competitors. Then we design something special for you. That is why we hold the name as the most professional web design company in Southern California, Northern California.

As leaders of website design in Southern California and website design in Northern California, our experts cater to all your needs. Right from the smallest logo design to smart presentations in flash, PowerPoint and multimedia to highly specialized animations and media designs, you get everything from us. Design with Distinction – we believe in that. Our clients agree with us. Do you really want your business to flourish? Call us right now, the best web design company in Southern California, Northern California. You will never be disappointed.

Web Design Company in California, Los Angeles & Orange County

2008-11-01T01:29:00.000-07:00

Today, all of us virtually live on the Internet. Whether we are sellers of products or services or buyers, nothing moves without the net. The web world has made the real world a very small village. With millions of websites existing out there, you would be nowhere unless you really stand out. That is where you need the services of an expert web design company California like us. Your need might be just a logo design or a multimedia presentation or a flash website. Whatever is your requirement of web design California, our specialization cuts across all media and every platform.

Our motto says it all – Design with Distinction. We have the reputation of the best web design company California, the finest web design company Los Angeles and the most excellent web design company Orange County. You do not need to take our word on this. Have a look at what our clients say about us. When it comes to web design California or web design Los Angeles or web design Orange County, we are far ahead of competition. Our solutions reflect the latest web design trends, contain contemporary information and are tailor-made to all your web design California business needs. Talk to us now. Feel the difference.

Builidng a Website in Los Angeles and Southern California

2008-08-07T03:33:00.000-07:00

Building a website is only the first step in a journey that should see your online business develop. There are few web design boutiques anywhere in Southern California or Orange County that have the grasp of website development that we do. Beyond the cutting edge website design and the up-to-the-minute functionality we help you develop your website so that it is always fresh, contemporary and successful. Our understanding of business models in the ultra-competitive Los Angeles and Southern California markets enables us to suggest website design solutions that save you valuable time, money and effort and help your online business succeed.

Website Design Solution in Los Angeles or California

2008-07-17T23:20:00.001-07:00

Los Angeles web design is a field that advances faster than most web design studios can keep up with. This makes the fact that Urban Geko website designs have won awards and are at the forefront of their field all the more relevant. Our web designs push the frontier of the industry bringing direct benefits to your online business. We simply help you attain a better online image, enjoy the kind of website functionality that will be of direct benefit to you and create a website design solution that will leave your competitors behind. You might be targeting Los Angeles or California customers, or you might be working globally. Either way we are here to help you win.

How to create well design for your online business?

2008-07-17T23:19:00.000-07:00

A well-designed website puts together the best possible combination of design, functionality, coding and content layout. This way online visitors respond faster, are left with a more positive image and are more likely to respond to the call for action from your website. We design websites for business based in the most competitive market in the world. Los Angeles and California web design leads the world in terms of innovation and cutting-edge functionality. We understand what makes a good website work and the kind of functionality you need to make a success of your online business. Let us help you win.

Website Design in Southern California and Los Angeles

2008-07-17T23:18:00.000-07:00

First impressions are always important and they are more important than ever when you are on the web. With potential customers just a click from leaving your site the impression that your website’s design creates is crucial in how they respond to your company’s image and your company’s message. Company image management is something of a fine art in Los Angeles and Southern California business. This is why we create award-winning designs for our clients’ websites. We know that when it comes to first impressions no one is prepared to give you a second chance and our website designs make sure your online business will never need one.

Flash Website Solutions in Los Angeles and Southern California

2008-07-17T23:17:00.000-07:00

The use of Flash programming in website design in Los Angeles and Southern California online business is constantly evolving. If you are in need of a Flash website to profile and promote your online business creativity is the most important thing. As an award-winning web design studio whose designs routinely exceed the expectations of our clients we are focused on providing innovative, interactive Flash website solutions that are true assets to your online business. Our Flash website designers and programmers are committed to pushing the envelope of performance with each website they create. The result is that you get the best possible combination of design and programming for your budget.

Flash Website Design in Los Angeles, Orange County and Southern California

2008-07-17T23:16:00.000-07:00

Web design, these days, encompasses a great many different skills. There is, for instance, plain HTML websites, promotional websites created with Flash elements, pure Flash websites and dynamic websites that allow you to change aspects of them without the need to know code. We have made a name for ourselves with clients we have designed websites for from all over Los Angeles, Orange County and Southern California. The reason we are so successful is because we help you, our clients to be. We give you advice based on what you want to achieve and provide the cutting-edge website design that will help you achieve it.

Award Winning Web Design

2008-06-26T03:45:00.000-07:00

Web design and outstanding web programming should not be mutually exclusive terms. Urban Geko has become Orange County’s and Southern California’s premiere resource for outstanding web design and web programming. We provide distinctive website designs that help your online business stand out from the crowd.

Our award-winning web designers have an impeccable track record in creating the type of website design that allows you to project your company’s image and enhance customer relations at the same time. Our creativity and attention to detail will ensure that whether you need a basic HTML website or a more interactive Flash website, you will receive top-notch design and the same degree of creative thinking that are our hallmark.

Graphic Design Company in California

2008-06-26T03:43:00.000-07:00

California is a place where graphic design companies abound. To stand out from this crowd takes the kind of focus on quality, dedication to perfection and innovative, creative vision that we bring to bear on each project we work on.

Our energy, enthusiasm and positive attitude sets us apart from almost every other Graphic Design Company in California and businesses from all over California have benefited from our excellence-driven approach to graphic design projects. Our graphic design projects benefit from our in-depth knowledge of marketing principles. The result is that everything we produce works hard to maximise your business and help you win.