Blog 55

Web design is cleaning up the look of the Internet in 2011.  Aesthetically, web designs are cleaner, sleeker, and over all less cluttered.  Look at websites like Apple, Tumblr, and even Facebook (notice how they have cleaned up all the extra boxes?).

Why is this the case?   Aside from the modern and streamline feel of this “less mess” sites, they also translate better onto mobile devices.

Here’s a nice list of awesome web designs … peruse them.  More trends to come.

World Wide Web Designs

So, you finally decide to make a website.  Excellent.  You have great ideas and an impressive design.  If you are running a business, you probably have an online store and a news/events page … but now what?  Keeping your website up-to-date and engaging is critical to online success. How do you encourage visitors and customers to stay interested?  Time to tap into the world of social media, and you have to keep the content rolling in.

How?  Well, there are a few ways …

• Know your customers.  If you are targeting a more tech-savvy demographic, consider a Twitter account or Facebook Fanpage.  These are great ways to connect with your current and potential clients (see more info in our previous post, Pennies For Your Thoughts).  If you understand and engage with your site visitors, you can build a stronger foundation for your business and increase customer loyalty.
• Timing is everything.  Update your content in a time-appropriate matter and relatively frequently.  This also shows your awareness of current events.  Not all of your content has to be about your product specifically – show others that you are actually a living, breathing human being.
• Make it a conversation.  Being talked at is not nearly as fun as being talked with.  Ask for input, have fun polls, and engage with your website’s visitors.
• Be honest and genuine.  Even though you are communicating through the internet, being plasticity still comes across.  I don’t really like being lied to, and I doubt you do either.

Just think of it as a relationship.  Yes, it takes a little extra work, but building a relationship will turn out to be more fruitful for both you and your audiences.

When designing websites for small businesses, it is important to make the site accessible and attractive, especially when competing with bigger companies and corporations.  The Internet is a growing media outlet and knowing how to stand out is critical when you decide to have your business enter the World Wide Web.

Part of a small business’ appeal is personal interaction.  When building your website, keep in mind that a lot of people choose smaller businesses to support their local communities.  This should be instantly reflected on your website.  By portraying a personal image, your site’s visitors can feel comfortable and confident with their decision to interact with you and your business.

Another important element is designing a site that complements your products and/or services.  You may have a great design, but if it does not work well with what you are offering, your website will be less effective.  Your website’s design should also appeal to the visitors that you are trying to make customers.  Even product pictures can change how people perceive what you are selling.  For instance, a toy in a box is probably going to be less appealing than a poised toy standing outside of the box.

Finally, your site does not (and should not) be a slough of information.  Design, applications, and various other elements on your website will make the website more engaging.  Think of your website like a presentation you are making.  If someone is just in front of a room, reading off projector slides, you are less likely to pay attention.  However, if the presenter has an interesting visual display and interacts with the audience, the information is more likely to resonate.

The Internet is always transforming – new capabilities, trends, and technology – and in 2008, HTML5 made its debut on the World Wide Web.  Now, as we enter 2011, HTML5 is changing HTML code for designers everywhere and revolutionizing technology’s mobility.  Not convinced of accepting HTML5?  Check this out:

Year In Review: Mobility

Expanding mobility and HTML5 are changing the way we interact with the Internet.  Here’s how HTML5 can help you:

• Videos can easily be embedded on websites.  Instead of needing to download a new plug-in or application to embed videos, you can write the video directly into the code.
• A new coding feature is the “canvas,” which allows web designers to create 2-D drawings on entire pages, not just in a tiny box.
• There are new local storage capabilities.
• Drag and drop capabilities are further enhancements, making copying text a lot easier.
• There’s also an improvement on cross document messaging, which is safer than inline scripts and more widely available than IFRAME elements.

Right now, there are only a few browsers that support HTML5 coding, which is the only real issue with the new code at this point.  However, since HTML5 is how must people are designing applications these days for phones, computers, and other Internet devices, it is pretty safe to say more browsers will be picking up the code.