Web-Conceptions Agency

Showing posts with label design. Show all posts
Showing posts with label design. Show all posts

Saturday, 15 March 2014

Time for Business Start-up

Looking to develop a website for your business venture, as you know it is absolutely essential. In fact, it is where you will focus your marketing communications initially, as it makes economic sense.


When professionals start talking about Information Technology (IT), websites and/or digital solutions, they tend to start getting all technical and stuff. This can be confusing and scary. Some of them do it intentionally in order to justify outrages costs and add-ons.
What you really want to hear is how can business benefit. How will you get more customers. How will you boost brand awareness and credibility.
The key to developing a successful website is to first and foremost understand business, and how to make the business grow using a digital solution. A web designer might design nice-looking websites, and a programmer might develop intense code, but what do they really know about business and marketing?
I know I need a website for my business
You are either a small to medium sized business, doing reasonably well, with some growth; or perhaps a brand new venture, just starting out and just exploring new opportunities.
You’re looking to build a new website for your business (or organisation), in order to enhance corporate credibility, build extra exposure in your market, and increase your sales distributions channels. Indeed, these are the main reasons anyone needs a website.
Perhaps nothing totally fancy, no E-commerce solution, and no complex IT web platform. All you really want is a website that is simply nice modern looking, efficient, effective and affordable – something like a dynamic brochure that allows existing and new potential customers to find you easily on the Internet and through search engines, like what they see, and then contact you to buy your products or services.
You just want to know the most important things to consider when building such a website for your type of business.
This scenario is the most common we come across here at Web Conceptions, in both Melbourne and Cyprus, as well as in other European markets we’ve worked in. No doubt, our existing portfolio has also built a referral network to such a client profile, i.e. start-up businesses or those relatively new to making a website for their business.
The economic situation in both Europe and Australia has further fuelled this type of demand, with many people seeking to venture out on their own, and kick-start a business for themselves; forced into it or not. Certainly it seems to be the right time to explore such opportunities.
I know I need web design/developer
Indeed, there are many website developers out there, all offering seemingly similar services, together with all of these extra add-ons that simply sound like jargon to you, such as: search engine optimisation (SEO), search engine marketing and pay per click adds, digital communications, Content Management Solution (CMS) – custom, Joomla, WordPress, Drupal, mobile applications, as well as a whole lot of other technical stuff.
Each developer claims different experiences in their marketing spill, from being a gun freelancer on the side a few years while in the music industry, to 12+ years experience at a fancy and hip web development and digital agency with coloured plastic chairs, a fluoro retro espresso machine in the lobby, and a corporate policy aligned to something like Google, working in a ‘creative’, ‘flexible’ and ‘fun’ environment.
As a business owner, you don’t care so much about the web developer’s HTML, JavaScript and other coding skills, and how fantastic they say they are. The fancy office on a popular street in Melbourne or in Paris seems nice and all, but you’re also worried that this will ultimately come out in the end price – after all, what they charge must help sustain their own business practice and costly overheads right. And Nespresso pods do not come cheap! Although it is a tasty coffee.
Sure, you know you need a robust and functional website solution, as well as a creative user-friendly web design. We are all Internet savvy now, and so we know that this must help in the business side of things. As will of course the whole marketing idea/concept behind the website.
But at the end of the day, you just know you need a website, and you want it to help drive business activity and bring in extra revenue. Especially when starting out, minimal costs are also important for long term sustainability.
What you really need is a business consultant that understands web and digital
With all web projects, Web Conceptions are fully involved with the client’s business or organisation – part of your team. We do not simply design a website for the client. We work very closely with them to understand their business and goals, thereby deploying the best possible solution. Among other aspects, this primarily includes:
  • In-depth research on their business and market
  • Competitive benchmark and analysis
  • Target and potential clientele
  • Ideas and concept phase
  • Research and writing of absolutely all website content, thereby achieving true organic Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) – as content is the most important thing with this.
  • Customised Content management System (CMS) to allow you to dynamically create new pages and manage some of your content
  • Website design, development and functionalities for user experience (UX)
  • Digital marketing communication strategy
Above all, we stand by them from the very beginning, working together to help them establish their business and get it off the ground. This includes ideas and consultation on best business practice, organisational strategy, as well as marketing communications – both on- and offline.
Offering an affordable and simple solution to get the ball rolling, bring in some customers, and then expanding the website as the business grows.
A business consultant understands business and marketing. Web Conceptions have this experience and knowhow at an international level (especially in Cyprus, Europe and Melbourne), as well as the skill and expertise in web and digital, translating and implementing all the technical IT stuff into what really matters to your business.
Web Conceptions provide the right business formula for your digital solution.

Web Conceptions Contact Details
Cyprus: +357 99 01 28 01
Melbourne: +61 452 436 456
Skype: Web-Conceptions.com
E-mail: info 'at' web-conceptions.com
Website: www.web-conceptions.com

Responsive Website Designs for Mobile Devices

Make sure site has optimal user experience no matter what device they are using. This is what responsive website design achieves, whilst also boosting SEO. Just ask Google.


We are entering a new era of website design – Responsive. In other words, the website automatically adjusts dimensions (width) to fit the device it is being viewed on, i.e. mobile, tablets, PC.
Responsive web designs are developer’s response to the changing dynamics of new devices. Indeed, there are so many devices out now to surf the web – all sorts to tablet sizes, all sorts of mobile sizes, fablets, and more. Responsive web design ensures your website is properly viewed across the board on all these devices.
There are so many Internet devices available nowadays - and more continually being introduced to market. A responsive website ensures your site is adaptable to all of these, and therefore reaching, and more specifically satisfying a great segment of the market. It offers consistency in browsing, content, functionalities and search engines optimisation across multiple devices.

Responsive to the user web experience
This year, mobile Internet users will overtake PC users and will continue to grow. In some markets around the world, users have actually jumped directly to mobile Internet, skipping the whole PC stage altogether. The same holds true for some demographics. For instance elderly people never having used a PC before are now finding it much easier to browse the Internet with their smartphone.
Of course the fact that mobile devices are far more accessible simply means more and more people are using them on the go – at school, work, on transport, anywhere. Furthermore, most people utilise the Internet on a mobile devices whilst multitasking, i.e. watching TV, commuting on transport, at a bar waiting for their friend, or even talking to someone (annoying I know)!
Essentially, this means your website must adapt, and ensure the user experience is easy and satisfactory on mobile devices; tablets and Smartphones.
Consider people travelling to work on the train, or standing waiting for a bus browsing the web. They are far more likely to enjoy the web browsing experience if your website is easy to use on their phone. Responsive design reduces the width of a website to single column navigation, making it much easier to scroll up-and-down with your thumb, click different links, and see everything the website has to offer in one single column view.
If they are more satisfied, they are far more likely to be converted into some form of ‘call to action’, i.e. buy your product/service, sign-up to your group.

Mobile website or responsive design?
The alternative is to have a mobile version of your site that re-directs to another URL (web address). This does indeed work well in some situations. Larger companies that simply want to offer some aspects of their website to mobile users, especially when the website is heavily dependent on specific interactive components.
Overall, which option is best for your business/organisation will no doubt depend on your case, your users' habits, and, of course, your budget. Each has pros and cons.
The main limitation to responsive sites however, is that in order for it to be adapted to mobiles it must offer a reduced (lighter) version of the website. In other words, it does not provide all the website’s content. But how then can you assume what the visitor is seeking exactly? Perhaps they are missing out on reading some valuable information, and in doing so, you missing out on a valuable client. Responsive on the other hand provides absolutely all the website’s information. Nothing misses out.
The other flaw of mobile website version is its impact on search engines optimisation (SEO). Since it has two separate URL, it seriously runs the risk of dividing page rank.

Responsive optimisation (SEO) to Google’s demands
One half of all local searches are now performed on mobile devices. So you really want to implement the best solution.
Responsive website design is the best solution when it comes to search engine optimisation. Everything is handled from one URL, so page rank does not get divided, and everything works fine. All web code and content is centralised, therefore can more quickly build credibility with search engines, trust, build and share links, and ultimately greater impact in organic search engine ranking. It also helps search engine's algorithms assign indexing properties for it.
From a web owner’s or master’s perspective, it is also much easier and more efficient to manage content.
Overall, responsive sites create a more efficient and consolidated SEO strategy, as well as for general branding. Search Engine Giant Google prefers the responsive option as opposed to mobile specific websites. Google co-founder and CEO Larry Page offers his opinion on responsive Vs mobile website:
“We don't necessarily want [our advertisers] to have mobile sites... I find I get frustrated on my phone when I hit these mobile sites... I just find it confusing... As an industry, we need to improve these experiences... I'd almost say that we shouldn't be designing for mobile. The kind of mobile phones we have now, the state of the art, are a little bit beyond, and those experiences [i.e., full websites] should work on those devices as well. I'd like to see us move in that direction.”
This is the world's leading search engine telling you how to manage your mobile website solution. As a website owner, I'm guessing this is the approach you should want to take.

Standalone mobile Applications: mobile apps fill the gap in content and feature-rich experiences left by their mobile website. While apps can be much more powerful than mobile websites, the downside is that it requires a user to install and refer specifically to it. In other words, they do not capture organic search visits. They also need regular updates, and need to be constantly installed on the deice – these days many people are uninstalling many apps they are either not satisfied with or do not absolutely require, as it chews up their device’s power.


Web Conceptions Contact Details
Cyprus: +357 99 01 28 01
Melbourne: +61 452 436 456
Skype: Web-Conceptions.com
E-mail: info 'at' web-conceptions.com
Website: www.web-conceptions.com

Friday, 7 May 2010

Website Concepts & Branding

Building a website is like building a physical structure or a piece of art; a cheesy statement I guess, but bloody true. Solid foundations, creative architecture, layer-upon-layer and selective touches. Before the entire solution can happen however, a concept must be born; an idea. This is what Web-Conceptions.com is all about. And being freelance, the idea comes form within.

Of course, many of us would say that web designing is this exactly this - a website concept & idea. However, I don't think this is always the case. Website concepts & ideas is truly understanding your client's business or organisation - working very closely with the client to achieve total creativity, uniqueness, functionality and in turn complete success. As freelance web designers, I believe we are in the best possible position to achieve this - a lot more flexible, personalised and customised.
As the Internet continues to expand at a pace never quite seen before, websites must quickly adapt and offer the best possible presence. Web designers/developers, freelance or not must offer the best possible solution.
Web surfers are now, more than ever, and of course forever evolving, a lot savvier. They know what they like, and they know what they don't like. Skim surfing, link, hit, move, go back, move forward, have a coffee, come back, log off, log on - you know, we all do it. It really is a mad house. And things are not going slow down, only get faster, crazier.
Your website must be found, (i.e. SEO and Internet marketing), attract attention (i.e. clear and concise titles and descriptions), and above all, hold the viewer and properly inform/serve its purpose (i.e. your design and written content). But just like the physical structure or art form, the concept and idea is what will truly ride the wave and win everything over.
A wining website concept and idea will achieve three key points:
  1. Allow the entire building and fabrication of the website to be smooth, consistent, balanced and in line with online targets. This includes all website-building components, such as design, development, copywriting, visual elements (pictures videos, dynamics, search engine optimisation, Internet marketing, etc.
  2. Captivate the imagination of your business/organisation and indeed of the web audience like no other; creativity, unique or more specifically USP (unique selling proposition), and professionalism.
  3. Achieve "business art" status, whereby the website has developed its own concept and brand, consistent with an overall corporate or organisational identity.
Topic: Freelance Website Concepts & Branding - a business art
Key tip: Spend plenty of time brainstorming, on your own when you can gather your thoughts, as well as with a team when you can all share ideas. Go through the entire website and plan it well; design process, content headings and content, graphics, programming and functionalities, marketing, overall online and organisational goals, targets and purpose. Then, take a break and relax for a while. Come back to it. Being fresh-minded is the most creative and clever you can be.
Relevant websites:

101 Personal Website Ideas

Where to get ideas for a niche website

How to Create a Website - Tips and Ideas


Web Conceptions Contact Details
Cyprus: +357 99 01 28 01
Melbourne: +61 452 436 456
Skype: Web-Conceptions.com
E-mail: info 'at' web-conceptions.com
Website: www.web-conceptions.com

Saturday, 27 March 2010

Freelance Web Development - Is it really so different?

Freelance Web Development - Is it really so different?
The world is always changing, with new concepts and new ways of working. Freelancing is not new. It has been around for as long as we our race has learnt the value of service; of doing something for someone else. Care, friendship and helping out.In this changing world, of new online technologies, Internet business, innovative websites, multi and mass media, how is the value of a freelancer sustained and enhanced?

In truth, freelance website developing is quite different to corporate or company-based work. It's an entirely different business philosophy; different approach to creativity, customer service, and overall attitude. Both are of course services, and offer a finished product; but then differ in so many ways. In how the service is carried out, how the customer benefits, and what overall web product/service is received.

Cost wise, freelance web developing is undoubtedly a lot more affordable, as freelancers do not have any overheads such as what companies do, thus can afford to offer clients better/cheaper deals. That's not to say that if a freelance website developer is in high demand price will not be high. Just more affordable than if this same freelance developer was part of a company.

The other major point is that freelance developers have greater flexibility – working for themselves and only for a specific client and web project in question. Again, benefiting the client, in that the freelance developer can fully adjust, fully compromise as per specific web needs and requirements. In reality, the only other person working on a website project with the freelance developer is the client themselves, acting in some sort of directing capacity, and of course only to the extent they desire. In other words, the client can choose to be fully involved or offer complete direction and trust to the freelance developer; perhaps because they don't know much (or anything at all) about websites and Internet business or because they have faith in the developer abilities.

Freelance web design and developing, or any sort of freelance for that matter is no doubt the way of the future. It brings back the community touch to a global world; to a global virtual world to be more precise. It's better for the environment, as it cuts travelling to and from work, as well as saving on common office usage and emissions.

Finally, freelance web design and development, especially in the case of
Web-Conceptions.com offers something extra, something unique – exclusivity. Complete focus and attention to one project – a one client-at-a-time concept. That a freelance developer only works on one website project at any one time, and only moves on to the next when ready; whether its working on design, programming, content writing or editing, Internet marketing, Search engine optimisation (SEO), Search Engine Marketing (SEM), website consulting or online business strategies.

Topic: Freelance Web Design & Development

Key tip: As a client, try to be involved in first steering ideas and what's your business or organisation all about, as well as initial planning and brainstorming – this will help to kick-start everything properly and set off on in the right direction. But just as importantly, allow the freelancer plenty of breathing space and flexibility thereafter to show what they can do. Point-of-contact and communications is of course still vital, but let the experts achieve results. After all, isn't that why you selected them in the first place?

Sites: Some related website about freelance
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Freelancer

http://www.freelancersunion.org
http://www.freelanceuk.com
http://www.freelancers.net
http://www.getafreelancer.com
http://www.freelanceadvisor.co.uk


Web Conceptions Contact Details
Cyprus: +357 99 01 28 01
Melbourne: +61 452 436 456
Skype: Web-Conceptions.com
E-mail: info 'at' web-conceptions.com
Website: www.web-conceptions.com