Sunday, 31 May 2015

What Is The Difference Between SEO SEM And SMO?

Once you have a website built, the next step is to promote it! While we believe one of the best ways to do so is through traditional advertising and local word of mouth, promoting a website online presents a quick search of confusing acronyms such as SEO, SEM, and SMO all over the place.

So, what does all this SEO jargon mean and what is the difference between these terms? Let us shed some light on the matter by identifying each of them and clarifying the difference between them.

What is SEO?


Google defines SEO (search engine optimization) as follows:

Improving a website’s presence in organic search engine results.
online marketing vocabulary, Learn with Google

 

It would seem to be a simple definition, however let us elaborate more on this. Typically, it is the process of improving the visibility of your website to your online audience via search engine results. In other words, optimization methods that help improve your website’s ability to be listed on the first or second page of organic search results.

In the most simplistic of terms, you want to create unique, fresh, quality content written for your audience and build quality links from relevant websites that point to that specific content in order to generate credibility and authority. Of course, SEO involves a plenty of effect and there have been many books written surrounding the subject, once again if you stick to the basic rules of publishing quality content and building quality links, then you are heading towards the right direction for improving your website’s presence in organic search results.

[tweetlock id="570"]




[caption id="attachment_569" align="aligncenter" width="271"]seo-expert SEO Expert[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_553" align="aligncenter" width="300"]Download Instant Download[/caption]

[/tweetlock]



What is SEM?


Although the terms SEO and SEM were previously used interchangeably in the past due to containing very close origin and meaning they are distinct from one another today. According to Google, the definition of SEM (search engine marketing) is as follows:
The use of online advertising on search engine results pages to help visitors find your website. SEM often uses pay-per-click (PPC), a bidding model that charges advertisers only when someone clicks on their ad (also referred to as cost-per-click, or CPC).

online marketing vocabulary, Learn with Google

SEM clearly involves paid advertisements such as Adwords, Bing ads, Yahoo and any other methods of online advertising. This process encompasses the creation of campaigns and measuring results. You set a budget and expect an immediate return on that investment (ROI). It is the quickest method to get your website to show up on the first page of search engine results. These search results display as sponsored ads on the top or side of the organic search results.

What is SMO?


With a better understanding of what SEO and SEM you maybe wondering what SMO is? Social Media Optimization (SMO) is best described as the following:
Social Media Optimization (SMO) increases the visibility of your social media profiles, your social networking activity and your published content in order to be found by visitors searching for information and resources relate to your content. Social media optimization help drive traffic to your website or blog, making it more accessible for others to share with their circle of influence, build communities around your brand to strength brand awareness, and search engines index your social media profiles, social activity and blog posts more easily.

The take away here is, you have to build online profiles via social media networks that can easily be shared via content created on your website or blog. Furthermore, you should add social media share buttons to allow visitors to easily share your content to increase your reach to others that may also be interested.

Do you use SEO, SEM, or SMO to help improve your search ranking? Have you got any Search Engine Optimization (SEO) tips and tricks to share with other SEO Experts out there? If at any time you get stuck or need further assistance than feel free to contact us with any questions or concerns.

Wednesday, 27 May 2015

What Are SEO Content Article Writers?

What is an SEO Content Article Writer? 


Search Engine Optimization (SEO) content writing is the process of generating optimized content to target specific audiences and create valuable information both the readers and search engine systems can easily understand. Well-written SEO content can assist in increasing page rank and content relevancy for effective search engine hits. Some of this content includes keywords or phrases, positioning of keywords and phrases, length of the article, and the keyword density (amount of times the targeted keywords are used). When this is done with the assistance of a professional SEO service provider, the business will inevitably receive more web exposure and drive traffic with the purpose of converting into leads and potential sales.

The 3 most effective search engines currently online are Google, Bing, and Yahoo. Both Google and Bing have their own search systems, while Yahoo’s provides data from Bing and no longer uses its own system. Google search systems maintain about 65% of all engine searches and also provide results to Comcast.net, Earthlink.com, and AOL.com. This brings Google’s total search engine results up another 2%. Bing is responsible for 30% of searches, including Yahoo. All 3 major search engines play an essential role in driving traffic to business websites and blogs. SEO Content Writers can aid in the discovery with high quality relevant article writing.

How can Small Business Owners benefit from SEO Content Article Writers?


Small business owners can benefit from utilizing these types of SEO services and by doing so, will predictably increase revenue. By hiring a freelance SEO article writer, a company will quickly see its rankings soar within the search engines. This will drive more traffic to the website or blog and business leads to the company. After all, the more visitors you have to your website or blog, the more sales of your products or services will be obtainable.

[tweetlock id="570"]




[caption id="attachment_569" align="aligncenter" width="271"]seo-expert SEO Expert[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_553" align="aligncenter" width="300"]Download Instant Download[/caption]

[/tweetlock]



SEO Content Writers do more that just write articles


Many SEO Content Writers will create guest posts for your blog, publish reviews, write engaging comments on social media, copyrighting, press releases, and more!

SEO Experts that specialize in Content Creation might also provide additional related services to aid growing business owners such as Video Marketing, Blog Consulting, Online Reputation Management (ORM), or Training and Speaking.
Need to Hire a SEO Content Writer?

If you’re looking to avoid the ongoing chore of generating fresh content and want to outsource your content creation for cheap than we suggestion hiring a SEO Content Writer over on Fiverr to create SEO articles for your website or blog for as little as $5 USD.

Better yet, how about outsourcing all you’re content creation to us and we’ll provide you a quote? Get in touch with us today!

Do you use SEO Content Writers to help improve your search ranking? Have you got any Search Engine Optimization (SEO) tips and tricks to share with other SEO Experts out there? If at any time you get stuck or need further assistance than feel free to contact us with any questions or concerns.

Tuesday, 26 May 2015

[INFOGRAPHIC]: Why Domain SEO Is Important To Small Business Owners?

Why is Domain SEO Important to Search Engine Optimization (SEO)?


The quickest way to increase your search engine rankings inside Google is to build a strong network of high pang backlinks to your website. Keep in mind, not just any backlink will work. Transferring the link juice from the home page of a blog with high PR remains to date one of the simplest and most effective ways of climbing the search engines.

As Google continues to change what works and what don’t, small business owners and webmasters must constantly adapt. These methods can be implemented and provide great results in No Time At All.

High page rank backlinks give you the advantage to compete with your competitors in any niche.

Basics of On-page SEO


When it comes to On-page SEO we are referring to the optimization of all measures that can be taken directly within the website domain in order to improve search ranking position.

In fact, check out this official Google blog post, which shares 2 resources of what Google, wants in regards to Search Engine Optimization (SEO).

Google Cheat Sheet:

  • Page Title – Concise information phrase

  • URLs – Domain names and sub-page URLs

  • Meta Description (<160 characters)

  • Images: File name, Alt Text, caption near image

  • Ongoing updates


Google tends to want the same things; perhaps with a bit more explanation such as including that it doesn’t want duplicate page titles, or URLs and recommends unique URLs and the use of the Canonical metadata tag.

[tweetlock id="570"]




[caption id="attachment_569" align="aligncenter" width="271"]seo-expert SEO Expert[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_553" align="aligncenter" width="300"]Download Instant Download[/caption]

[/tweetlock]



How to Leverage the SEO of Expired Domains?


Investing in Expired Domain Names can potentially bring in tons of Targeted Visitors to your websites instantly and be used for SEO and backlink benefits or making money with them by either providing them as a service or 301 redirecting to a lead capture page.

By purchasing Expired Domains and doing a 301 redirect back to your website or landing page this can help you gain high quality, niche relevant backlinks that essentially allow you to “Rocket To The Top Of Google” by leveraging these high page rank links. As with any SEO techniques please remember that, “Today’s SEO miracle technique could be tomorrow’s Google penalty.”

 White Hat Vs. Black Hat Vs. Grey Hat SEO


When it comes to Search Engine Optimization (SEO) a key component of the ranking strategies that are utilized in Domain SEO are influenced by the SEO philosophy of the developer’s own morals and ideals.

Some will use SEO techniques, which work with Google and regular guidelines provided that are designed to produce an Internet with quality websites, and quality search results while the other tries to fool Google in attempt to leverage results in the developer’s favor.

Black

Original Infographic @ Black Hat vs White Hat SEO / Provided by cognitiveSEO


White Hat SEO


    • Working with Google versus trying to fool Google

    • Examples:

      • - Search Engine Friendly

      • -  Natural content

      • -  Natural links (i.e. other people’s links)

      • -  Making (or paying for) external links that add legitimate value

      • -  Likely to work fine with future Google changes





Black Hat SEO


    • Not evil or immoral or illegal, but RISKY

    • Can be quite effective until Google catches you

    • Trying to manipulate Google’s results 
- Against Google’s guidelines 
- Google can AND WILL penalize you!

    • Examples:

      • - Writing content ONLY for SEO not humans

      • - Making or buying fake external links

      • - Making or buying external links with no value

      • - “Spinning” articles to fool Google into thinking the content is unique

      • - Likely to have problems with future Google changes





Some people might consider the term “Grey Hat” a separate technique for someone that skirting the edge between White Hat and Black Hat while others may argue that Grey Hat can be broken down into either Black Hat or White Hat SEO.

Is your Domain SEO ranking high or like finding a needle in a haystack? Have you got any Search Engine Optimization (SEO) tips and tricks to share with other SEO Experts out there? If at any time you get stuck or need further assistance than feel free to contact us with any questions or concerns.

Monday, 25 May 2015

Why Mobile SEO Is Important To Small Business Owners?

Why is Mobile Search Important to Search Engine Optimization (SEO)?


Google’s mobile-friendly SEO update rolled out on April 21st, 2015 heavily effects mobile search rankings for pages that are legible and usable on mobile devices and impacts Search Engine Optimization (SEO) overall.

How Does the Mobile SEO Update Impact Search Engine Optimization (SEO)?

Mobile SEO Update:

  • Affects only search rankings on mobile devices

  • Affects search results in all languages globally

  • Applies to individual pages, not entire websites


If your website isn’t yet mobile-friendly, there may be a significant decrease in mobile traffic from Google Search, however you can check using the Mobile-Friendly Test tool or Mobile Usability report in Webmaster Tools once your website becomes mobile-friendly, the pages can be automatically reprocessed through crawling and indexing.

The process can be expedited by using Fetch as Google with Submit to index in order for your pages to be re-established as mobile-friendly in ranking.

Why Does Mobile SEO Matter to Small Business Owners?

 The average “search average” via the Internet is approx. 36%, whereas the average “search average” from Apple iOS (iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch) and Google Android mobile devices is around 54%. This means that potential customers are nearly twice more likely to use their phone, tablet, or other media device to search for a product or service online.

[tweetlock id="570"]




[caption id="attachment_569" align="aligncenter" width="271"]seo-expert SEO Expert[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_553" align="aligncenter" width="300"]Download Instant Download[/caption]

[/tweetlock]


With over 79% of the population using a smartphone on a daily basis, the total usage of mobile device users now surpasses that of traditional computers (desktop, laptops, etc.) and an opportunity local businesses simply cannot afford to pass up.

Local businesses have been adapting to new technologies over the last few years such as QR codes, mobile apps, & mobile websites. Are you one of the successful local business owners already providing products and services though these ways?

Common Mobile SEO Myths Small Business Owners Often Believe

Mobile SEO isn’t needed – With the increasing amount of global ecommerce sales including via mobile devices, it’s irresponsible for local business owners to not offer mobile-friendly experience when trying to find contact information or more about products and services you provide.

Mobile SEO is too difficult – Mobile SEO is no more difficult than regular SEO, and from our experience (especially with ranking local websites) it’s not all that hard. Regardless if you outsource, do it yourself, or have in- house employees that know their stuff, it’s all the same.

In fact if your using WordPress we recommend installing the WPtouch plugin by BraveNewCode Inc. The plugin will provide a mobile-friendly user-interface (UI) for just about any WordPress theme when viewed on a Apple iOS, Google Android, or RIM Blackberry device.

Need a completely responsive website design with flexible customization than we recommend and personally use on our own website the, Genesis Framework WordPress theme by StudioPress.

Is your website Mobile SEO friendly? Have you got any Search Engine Optimization (SEO) tips and tricks to share with other SEO Experts out there? If at any time you get stuck or need further assistance than feel free to contact us with any questions or concerns.

 

Sunday, 24 May 2015

Why SEO Matters To Small Business Owners?

Why is Search Engine Optimization (SEO) Important for Small Business Owners?


Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is important because the majority of Canadians begin their purchasing experience by doing online research to compare prices, quality, and the reviews of other shoppers.

Even if they end up making their purchase in a store, they start their fact-finding and decision-making online. In fact back in 2014, 61% of global Internet users researched products online and 44% of online shoppers began by using a search engine, which essentially makes Google the new Yellow Pages.

Organic Vs. Paid Search Results

For small business owners making the slow transition from offline to online, Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is even more imperative since ranking high on search engines is no longer optional, it’s critical.

Unfortunately, a common myth believed by many small business owners is that when it comes to Search Engine Optimization (SEO) that you must have deep pockets in order to rank well over competitors among search engine results. The truth is that about 70% of the links search users click on are organic—not paid.

Sure, almost nobody searches past the first page of search results when trying to find something online; just about any small business should be able to rank locally by simply continuing to generate keyword-rich content that search engines will find and index.

[tweetlock id="570"]




[caption id="attachment_569" align="aligncenter" width="271"]seo-expert SEO Expert[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_553" align="aligncenter" width="300"]Download Instant Download[/caption]

[/tweetlock]


When you compare ranking organically to paid search advertising consider this, approximately 60% of all organic clicks go to the top 3 organic search results while the average click-through rate for paid search results are around only 2% worldwide. This data includes major search engine providers such as Google, Bing, Yahoo, and Yandex.

When it comes to Search Engine Optimization (SEO) Ranking, “Content Is King”


Small business owners that have websites that contain more pages and a blog increase the odds of gaining more traffic and leads substantially. A successful online presence should be built upon providing valuable content that builds a trusting relationship with potential customers not a stereotypical slick used car salesman vibe of, “What’s it going to take to put you in this car today?”

[caption id="attachment_497" align="alignnone" width="300"]Can Get You The #1 Position On Google Can Get You The #1 Position On Google Meme[/caption]

When it really comes down to it the fact is that if Google can’t find you than neither can anyone else… including your customers!

Focus on Becoming Your Customers’ #1 Not Search Engines

Too many small business owners worry about being #1 on major search engines however the first spot in search result pages is not a fixed one and each user sees unique results determined by various factors. The more you build trust and authority by generating quality keyword-rich content the more prospective customers searching for answers about products and services you offer, the closer they’re likely to find you which is the ideal spot to be.

Which method of search ranking do you focus on most, Organic SEO or Paid Search Ads? Have you got any Search Engine Optimization (SEO) tips and tricks to share with other SEO Experts out there? If at any time you get stuck or need further assistance than feel free to contact us with any questions or concerns.

Thursday, 14 May 2015

Places You Can Sell Your Web Design Graphics

Some of the best ways to market your web design skills for a living either as a freelancer or to gain valuable experience toward gainful employment with a company is to convert your passion for artistry to cash.


 

We’ve listed some excellent e-commerce websites where you can sell or trade your web design graphic creations online, so that you can affordably reach more customers.

 

Fiverr

[images style="1" image="http%3A%2F%2Fkayolhope.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2015%2F05%2Ffiverr.png" width="1307" align="center" top_margin="0" full_width="Y"]

The World's Leading Marketplace for Services known as, “Gigs”, starting from Just $5! This is an excellent website for providing a "taste" of our web design & development services.

 

Teespring

[images style="1" image="http%3A%2F%2Fkayolhope.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2015%2F05%2Fteespring.png" width="1307" align="center" top_margin="0" full_width="Y"]

The 100% free way to sell high-quality t-shirts. Just design a shirt in the easy designer, set a price, add a goal and start selling! Some many Internet Marketers and online “gurus” have been claiming to have success.

 

Cafe Press

[images style="1" image="http%3A%2F%2Fkayolhope.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2015%2F05%2Fcafepress.png" width="1307" align="center" top_margin="0" full_width="Y"]

Upload your design and place your artwork on the best selection of custom t-shirts, personalized gifts, posters & art, mugs, and much more. Products with no up-front cost provide around 10%-30% per sale.

 

DeviantArt

[images style="1" image="http%3A%2F%2Fkayolhope.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2015%2F05%2Fdeviantart.png" width="1307" align="center" top_margin="0" full_width="Y"]

Is the world's largest online social community for artists and art enthusiasts, allowing people to connect through the creation and sharing of art. Earn DA points that you can trade for money.

 

Inkd

[images style="1" image="http%3A%2F%2Fkayolhope.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2015%2F05%2Finked.png" width="1307" align="center" top_margin="0" full_width="Y"]

A great place to start as this online marketplace offers unique business card designs and templates. Community driven aspect allows users to 'buy & sell' designs for printing. In part, they consider illustrations and trademarks.

 

Zazzle

[images style="1" image="http%3A%2F%2Fkayolhope.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2015%2F05%2Fzazzle.png" width="1307" align="center" top_margin="0" full_width="Y"]

An online retailer that allows users to upload images and create their own merchandise, or buy merchandise created by other users, as well as use images from participating companies. It’s free as well as simple to create an internet-based store on it.

[tweetlock id="542"]




[caption id="attachment_540" align="aligncenter" width="271"]How To Easily Create Chrome Apps Using HTML5 & CSS How To Easily Create Chrome Apps Using HTML5 & CSS[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_553" align="aligncenter" width="300"]Download Instant Download[/caption]

[/tweetlock]


Etsy

[images style="1" image="http%3A%2F%2Fkayolhope.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2015%2F05%2Fetsy.png" width="1307" align="center" top_margin="0" full_width="Y"]

Buy and sell handmade or vintage items, art and supplies on Etsy, the world's most vibrant handmade marketplace. Etsy charges 20 cents per product posted, along with for each product sold, it deducts an extra 3.5 percentage fee.

 

Freelancer

[images style="1" image="http%3A%2F%2Fkayolhope.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2015%2F05%2Ffreelancer.png" width="1307" align="center" top_margin="0" full_width="Y"]

Millions of small businesses post their online jobs and you can provide digital files upfront or find an expert freelancer to bring your project to life!

 

Elance-oDesk

[images style="1" image="http%3A%2F%2Fkayolhope.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2015%2F05%2FoDesk.png" width="1307" align="center" top_margin="0" full_width="Y"]

An excellent alternative to Freelancer, find freelancers and freelance jobs on oDesk - the world's largest online workplace where savvy businesses and professional freelancers go to work!

 

Bouf

[images style="1" image="http%3A%2F%2Fkayolhope.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2015%2F05%2Fbouf.png" width="1307" align="center" top_margin="0" full_width="Y"]

An online marketplace filled with home ware, furniture, wallpaper, wall stickers, lighting, decorating, kitchen & dining, soft furnishing, garden, vinyl flooring, unique gifts, cards, and wrapping with a bit of a “twist” The website a bit selective of who is permitted to sell on it without undergoing a application review process.

 

Guru

[images style="1" image="http%3A%2F%2Fkayolhope.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2015%2F05%2Fguru.png" width="1307" align="center" top_margin="0" full_width="Y"]

A freelance marketplace that allows companies to find freelance workers for commissioned work. Founded in 1998 in Pittsburgh as eMoonlighter.com

 

Minted

[images style="1" image="http%3A%2F%2Fkayolhope.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2015%2F05%2Fminted.png" width="1307" align="center" top_margin="0" full_width="Y"]

An online marketplace of independent artists and designers. The company crowdsources art and graphic design through monthly challenges which allow you to sell your web designs and earn extra through contests.

 

CoSwap

[images style="1" image="http%3A%2F%2Fkayolhope.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2015%2F05%2Fcoswap.png" width="1307" align="center" top_margin="0" full_width="Y"]

Swap creative items easily and securely. Swap programming scripts and web design items created by you easily and securely through CoSwap and keep 100% of the gained profit.

 

ImageKind

[images style="1" image="http%3A%2F%2Fkayolhope.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2015%2F05%2Fimagekind.png" width="1307" align="center" top_margin="0" full_width="Y"]

Is the world's fastest-growing art site, offering over 2 million high-quality fine art images for sale. Payment rate is 100%. With paid account upgrades available for additional services.

 

Red Bubble

[images style="1" image="http%3A%2F%2Fkayolhope.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2015%2F05%2Fredbubble.png" width="1307" align="center" top_margin="0" full_width="Y"]

An absolutely free to join online art community featuring wall art, design, photography and t-shirts by artists worldwide. Buy cool art & t-shirts or sell your art! You can set your own commission for all product types which helps avoid any percentage cuts. Earnings are sent out every month.

Did we miss your favourite e-commerce websites for selling web design graphics? Have you got any web design tips or tricks to share with other graphic designers out there?

Wednesday, 13 May 2015

The Use of Shape In Web Design And The Messages They Convey

Shapes are an essential element of web design along with the messages they convey.


When properly mixed, matched, and combine together in the right manner can be used to invoke emotion, depth, lead the eye, emphasize a message, and attract attention and much more.

Apart from shape, additional components of web design each with its own use and purpose includes: line, colour, texture, value (the appearance of an light or dark area), space and size.

Understandings of what the shapes are, the meaning of common shapes, and the type of shapes will help provide a firm grasp in relation of its usage in web design.

The 3 basic types of shapes are as follows:

Geometric Shapes

When people think about shapes, the geometric shapes are the ones that usually come to mind. Geometric shapes such as: circles, diamonds, hexagons, trapeziums, rectangles, etc. contain a consistent structure.

Natural Shapes

Free forming shapes inspired by nature and our surroundings such as rocks, clouds, people, trees, the sun, the moon, the stars etc. often lack structure or appear random.

Abstract Shapes

Important parts of modern web design, Abstract shapes are a mixture of other shapes, sizes, and colours to form new shape designs such as icons, graphic and representations.

As with colour scheme choice to represent emotion in web design among different industry brands, the same psychological science can be applied to shapes. Lets focus on geometrical type shapes, as they are the most commonly used components in web design.

  • Circles have no start and end and are perceived by as strong by many cultural associations, which encompasses concepts such as eternity, unity, and harmony. This shape is typically received as warm and comforting. Circles in your web design work best when communicating about community, connections, or even love.

  • Squares and rectangles represent certainty. If you want to communicate a sense of equality, to be trusted and of course about things bonding with each other or being in order, squares and rectangles may be the best choice.

  • Triangles, due to being both symmetrical and non-symmetrical, are often used to perceive things as dynamic. This shape is the best fit for communicating a sense of having direction, action, energy, and masculinity.


[tweetlock id="542"]




[caption id="attachment_540" align="aligncenter" width="271"]How To Easily Create Chrome Apps Using HTML5 & CSS How To Easily Create Chrome Apps Using HTML5 & CSS[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_553" align="aligncenter" width="300"]Download Instant Download[/caption]

[/tweetlock]


What are the perceptions when its comes to the meaning of natural and abstract shapes?

Natural shapes typically come off as pleasing and comforting. Architects tend to find the close relation to nature a popular choice. Natural shapes also communicate an impromptu feeling. Concurrently, abstract shapes typically communicate a sense of universal, neutral message.

Likewise when designing always keep your web design simple. Avoid clutter and distracting backgrounds and use clean lines when you are using shape(s), don’t combine too many shapes in one web design, and don’t overdue it when it comes to effects as you might end up losing the message that you are looking to convey to your audience in the process.

Do you use shape(s) in your web design? Remember, shapes can be either positive or negative. Have you got any web design tips or tricks to share with other graphic designers out there?

Sunday, 10 May 2015

[INFOGRAPHIC]: The Science Of Colour In Web Design

The colour scheme used by big brands in web design & development comes down to science and manipulation in order to evoke a specific emotional response.


Large technology companies such as IBM, HP, and Dell along with popular social media websites such as Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, Vimeo, Flickr and LinkedIn that are often led by engineers instead of web designers tend to choose the colour, “Blue”. In fact, Facebook even split-tested 41 shades of blue to determine which web design colour produced the best click-through rate. If you think that seems a bit ridiculous, think again because the analytical research provided by that data helped adjust and increase click through rates to earn the company an extra $200 million a year per annum.

You may be wonder, why the unwaveringly blue theme? All the factors of trustworthiness, strength, loyalty, and dependability are essential to brands that connect through communication and technology.

[tweetlock id="542"]




[caption id="attachment_540" align="aligncenter" width="271"]How To Easily Create Chrome Apps Using HTML5 & CSS How To Easily Create Chrome Apps Using HTML5 & CSS[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_553" align="aligncenter" width="300"]Download Instant Download[/caption]

[/tweetlock]


If you’re a technology company that tend to, “think different” than you may opt for the colour, "Silver", which represents lifelessness, prestige, wealth, and mental telepathy. In fact, ever since the switch from the early rainbow-coloured Apple web design logo and Tim Cook as CEO after the passing of Steve Jobs back in 2011 many consumers of Apple products felt a loss for the former marketing inventor it once had which could be arguably indicative to lifelessness. Many people have criticized Apple products for being expensive, starting numerous flame wars over PC vs. Mac, and the belief Steve Jobs once held that he could, “could see things into existence” with unstoppable dedication and determination.

Web Design colour choices vary between every industry for example brands connected to the food and drinks industry such as McDonalds, KFC, Subway, etc. typically use the colours Red, Orange, Yellow, and green in web design branding. It is widely believed by many that the web design colours used represent and establish the desired values: optimism, energy, health, and quick decision-making.

While many believe that colours affect human behaviour is the equivalent of trusting tarot cards, Psychologist reports conclude that colour combined with various factors including culture, religion, personal references, etc. have a significant impact on determining human behaviour.

When it comes to marketing and branding the correlation of web design colour to customer purchasing behaviour in web design, the studies about colour psychology show a dramatic increase in spending habits. Regardless if you agree or not with the science, taking advantage of the knowledge and successfully implementing it into your business marketing plan may help to increase sales.

Looking for the common web design colours used by your brand industry to help build the positioning and perception of the product and services you provide in the minds of consumers? Check out the Infographic provided below:


Courtesy of: Designmantic.com

Using colour to connect your brand isn’t limited to web design, logos, or print media but can extend even to the colour of web design hyperlinks as well. Remember to always split-test your designs to determine what works and what doesn’t?

What colour scheme do you use for your brand? Have you got any web design tips and tracks to share with other graphic designers out there?

Sunday, 3 May 2015

Typography The Dark Arts Of Web Design

When it comes to typography, it seems like the dark arts of Web Design. It is quite fascinating really as typography is rather simple yet complicated at the same time. You see, most people tend to notice only when typography doesn’t seem right. Even though you can tell that it isn’t right, perhaps you can tell how it is supposed to be?

To clarify, typography is just about everywhere. We see it in ads (websites, TV ads, magazines), stores and malls, billboards, and even on clothes, bags, and other daily things. Even if it doesn’t look right, usually you can piece together what it is supposed to be even if your not a web design guru that knows all the names of each typographic font. What you should take away is the ability to choose the most appropriate typography in order for you to avoid losing the overall strength and impact of your Web Design.

[tweetlock id="542"]




[caption id="attachment_540" align="aligncenter" width="271"]How To Easily Create Chrome Apps Using HTML5 & CSS How To Easily Create Chrome Apps Using HTML5 & CSS[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_553" align="aligncenter" width="300"]Download Instant Download[/caption]

[/tweetlock]


We hope this article will help you better understand typography and learn some basic concepts that will assist in better Web Design.

Picking The Right Fonts

Back in 2014, the most popular fonts in typography used were the following:

  • Pacifico or BlackJack (Handwritten fonts)

  • Chunk Five (Bold type font, an excellent choose for demanding attention)

  • Quicksand (Flat font)

  • Mixed Fonts (Sometimes mixing up handwritten fonts, flat fonts and bold type fonts go together well in web design)


In a survey conducted including 24 established web designers over 14 different countries listed the

Top 10 most loved web design typography fonts


as the following:

  • Helvetica

  • Arial

  • Georgia

  • Gotham

  • Myriad Pro

  • DIN

  • Futura

  • League Gothic

  • Cabin and Corbel


Those are perfect choices for various Web Design projects and can be used in heads, sub-headings, and body text due to how balanced and elegant the smooth, no fuss lettering provides.

The main points to keep in mind is to choose fonts that are readable and beautiful but overdue it on the fonts. Stick with around 2-3 different fonts in a web design layout. There are so many legit free fonts that seem perfect fit for your web design, typically anything over a maximum of 4 fonts becomes cluttered and unprofessional looking. Focusing on the purpose of the design will help in narrowing down your favourite fonts that match.

Size Matters

Deciding which font is for the headings, sub-headings and body text is the starting point for any web design projects. Size should be incremental. It is recommended to start large and scale smaller. Body text should be the smallest and your headline the largest. Even within this hierarchy, you should analyze and decide which message/text that needs to be amplified.

Beyond using font size, you can also use colour, spacing and weight to establish your hierarchy, crafting a logical hierarchy in your web design can make your design easier to read and convey the message more clearly.

Remember to be mindful of margins. Don’t make foolish mistakes with alignment such as not leaving enough room between your words. Make sure there are enough spaces between letters, lines and paragraphs. It is a good idea to make sure your web design works and words are legible in a color that is easy on the eye.

Sense & Purpose

These are the fundamental things that you should understand regarding typography and is considered by many in Web Design to be an art in and of it, regardless it still needs to make sense. Only practice, research on trends and techniques will help you master this craft and ultimately provide better web design yourself and clients.

What are your favorite typography fonts? Have you got any web design tips and tricks to share with other graphics designers out there?

Saturday, 2 May 2015

Web Design Logo And The Balance Of Font, Shape, And Colour

One of the most important web design elements is a logo.


Hiring a professional logo designer can be overly costly. It’s perfectly justifiable, as their work is rather challenging.

If you want to reduce costs though, Let us share some helpful advice on how to design your own logo or even use these tips for designing a logo for your clients!

When creating a logo for your business or client it is important to focus on clearly defining the purpose of the web design. A few key questions you need to answer before getting started is:

  • What is the target audience of the business?

  • What products and services does the business offer?

  • Does the business already have an web design layout in place?

  • What is the business and the values it holds?

  • What is the style and attitude of the business?

  • Does the business convey a sense of trust?


[tweetlock id="542"]




[caption id="attachment_540" align="aligncenter" width="271"]How To Easily Create Chrome Apps Using HTML5 & CSS How To Easily Create Chrome Apps Using HTML5 & CSS[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_553" align="aligncenter" width="300"]Download Instant Download[/caption]

[/tweetlock]


After answering those key questions and getting planning work out of the way and once you’ve had a chance to review the logos of your competition it’s time to consider the design.

Thoughtful research and planning will help define a clear representation for what the actual logo may look like by getting straight to the point.

Every web design logo comprises of 3 factors that remain balanced among the typeface font used for the writing, shape and the colour scheme. Lets look at these points a bit further.

Typeface Font

A typeface font presents the style of web design the logo represents and that needs to be consistent and timeless. While there are many different styles to choose from, pick what best fits for you or your client.

If in doubt, Helvetica is an ideal font that is easy to read and even works well when many effects applied such as emboss, glitter, etc. Elegant writing fonts should be avoided, as the curves of these curly fonts tend to be difficult to read at smaller sizes.

Shape

Logos can range in various sizes and shapes from a tiny website bookmark icon to a large billboard image so while there is no certain shape a logo design must adhere to, the logo design you create should be suitable for print media.

Colour (yes, or colour for all the Americans out there)

Colour can set the mood as colours often represent emotion when it comes to web design, therefore never underestimate the impact colour has when creating your logo design. You can even create your logo in black and white first and then start adding bits of colour to make elements stand out. Many successful large companies such as Facebook simplify the colour scheme by using one colour for the logo and another for the background. Just keep in mind the logo may end of being printed later on.

Black and White

Finally, an excellent way to ensure that your final web design logo is actually designed properly is to convert the image to black and white. If the appearance of your logo design remains clear than it should be suitable for print media as well. Check to see if logo is easily recognizable. If you require assistance with brand awareness, we encourage you to get in touch with us.

You should also test if the logo design appears fine on both a bright background and dark background. What are your favorite logo designs? Have you got any web design tips or tricks to share with other graphic designers out there?