From a time when I was just starting to become interested in business, the internet, web design, and the idea that I could mix them all together I was faced with the position of being a Dreamer. There are many of us out there and it seems like almost everyone I meet has that great idea that will change the world. If there are so many of us out there why is more not getting done?  The answer is that you are not doing it right.

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Tags: Business, dreamer, facilitator, great, idea, ideas, Inspiration, learning

How do you change the world? It is an idea that I have been working with for a number of years now. The first step to answering the question is to define what a change in the world means. I have come to define it as a positive change in one’s perceived reality. This allows both big changes in the world that effect many people as well as people who ultimately effect individuals. One of the greatest challenges when facing a problem such as this is that you have to be willing to fail. Meaning ultimately that you have to be willing to try and try again.

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Tags: education, Inspiration, knowledge, learning, school, thoughts

I am an artist at heart. It is difficult and taxing work. For a while now I went through a period of creative drought. I was working on new projects and trying new things. Trying to find inspiration once again to take me by the hand and guide me in the next direction. Much of what I do is dependent on my clients, and that adds a dynamic to every project that takes certain aspects beyond my hands and adds difficulties. I am writing this in a time of upturn for me. Things are starting to move in new directions. The business is flowing and soon enough I will find myself in the weeds once again.

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Tags: Blog, Business, Designer, frustration, process, thoughts

There are many businesses and other entities out there that could benefit from good design. One sector that constantly seems to have a lack of good design yet is there to make a difference is non-profit charities.

Only a few charities out there get IT. Design is all about communication. It has the power to turn the tables for any kind of organization.

Shitowa Foundation: Making a difference for women and children in the Congo.

The Goal: To share their message of hope with the world and create new donors that can become excited in making a difference.

The Plan: Create new print materials, a new website, and establish marketing goals.

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Tags: Advertising, Charity, Design, Hear Congo, Marketing, Non-profit, Search Engine Optimization, Social Media, Website

Speaker: Andy Budd

Andy Budd, at Build Conference 2009, thinks looks and first impressions do matter, especially in design, and he shows how such principles can be applied to “seducing” users through design.

Andy Budd – Seductive Design from Build on Vimeo.

Notable Quote:

“Often [seduction] is seen as a negative thing, it’s seen as bad. People think of it as leading people astray. However, I actually think that seduction can be a good thing, it can be a fun thing.”

Related Link:

• More videos from Build Conference

• 25 Beautifully Colorful Websites | Vandelay Design Blog – Thank you for visiting the Vandelay Design Blog! Inspirational mini-galleries like this one are a regular feature of our blog, so if you would like to receive more inspiration from us, please consider subscribing to our feed by RSS or …
• 25 Impressive Blog Footers Vandelay Design Blog – Updated regularly with articles, resources, and inspiration for web designers.
• 50 Gorgeous Navigation Menus Vandelay Design Blog – Andy, Not as much work as I used to. Surfing around is actually part of my job now, it’s pretty cool. Updated regularly with articles, resources, and inspiration for web designers.

Tags: Conference, Design, Designer, First Impressions, Inspiration, Seductive, Usability, Website

There are many businesses who venture into the creation of a website without a clear understanding of its purpose. One common misconception is that by simply having a website,  the floodgates to untold numbers of new customers will be opened. The reality is far different.  It takes a lot of hard work, a little luck and more hard work to create a website that brings customers to your doorstep.

What is the purpose of a website? A website is an extension of your business. Its purpose is to provide answers, build trust, and answer the question, “what do I do next?”

A website is NOT an all in one marketing engine. You will still need to market your business online and/or offline.

One of the greatest strengths of a website is its ability to provide detailed information about your visitors. This information can then be used to find the strengths and weaknesses of your marketing efforts.  Thus, yielding a greater ROI (return on investment).

Websites need to be updated regularly. Creating interesting content, provides value for your customers and can often help your search engine ranking. Your website is a direct representation of you and your business.

Today, a website is an important part of every business’s tool belt. New customers will check out your business online before they make any other form of contact. Make their first impression count by having a purpose driven website.

Tags: Business, CMS, Content Management System, Marketing, Online, ROI, Website

Do you offer a great product or service and would like to share it with the world? You might ask yourself, “Where do I start?” I recommend first establishing a presence for your business on the Internet with a website.  Your website will become the center of your marketing universe by tying together all of your other forms of marketing. Its purpose is to inform, engage, and entice your visitors.

Once you establish your website you have some options:

-       Search Engine Optimization

-       Search Engine Marketing

-       Banner Ad Placement

-       Blogs

-       Social Media

-       Print Media

These are your primary tools. They range in cost from free to expensive. Just remember, advertising is worth the expense if it yields profitable returns. If you spend $50 to land a $900 job, then it is money well spent.

For those of you just starting out, I recommend starting with Social Media and Search Engine Optimization. These two marketing methods require only an  investment of your time and creativity. Create a business fan page on Facebook and put your profile up on all of the major social media giant websites. As people see your brand more, it will gain value in their minds.

Search engine optimization is the act of doing tasks that can positively impact your ranking on search engines. Some of these tasks include: a good hierarchy of information, using keyword rich text on your pages, using proper markup and creating a network of websites that link to yours.

I want you to imagine a spider’s web with a point in the very center that represents your website. From that point, there are lines connected to other points that represent all of the other websites connected to yours. This process carries out infinitely from these other points. The greater the number of connections, the more value search engines put on your website.

These ideas are the foundation of marketing your business.  Your business card, ad, postcard, Facebook page, etc., may be the only point of contact someone may ever see of your business. Your goal is to engage them, make them want to learn more and take the next step.

Tags: Ad, Advertising, Blog, Multi-Media, Print, Search Engine Marketing, Search Engine Optimization, Social Media, Website