If you’re running an online business, you’re not alone. Millions of other online entrepreneurs are out there trying to earn livings. To stay ahead of the competition, you need to get educated about search engine optimization (SEO) and social media. You also need to know how to design your site to be as conversion-friendly as possible. If terms like “SEO” and “conversion rate” throw you off, take heart: It’s easy to get on track. You can get started right this second by reading through the following tips.
Most of us are using Google and its services everyday. Their search engine, Gmail and Youtube are some the most popular Google products. But how many of you knew that Google has, for example, a tool for creating charts? And if you knew, were you actually using it?
If you ask some, they’ll tell you Web 2.0 as we know it is probably on its way out the door. For many, Web 2.0 is characterized mainly by the ability of users to share information quickly with others, which has been developed into the phenomenon that we call social media. From Twitter to Facebook to YouTube and to all sorts of other kinds of communities, Web 2.0 is all about sharing and seeing. Now if you recall or were around during what is now known as Web 1.0, information was put up on a website and that was it–the best way of sharing it was privately through e-mails and such. There was little to no communication and if you wanted information, you had to go to the source for it. Can you imagine such a harsh internet? Now with Web 2.0 on it’s way out, the obvious question is, what in the world is Web 3.0 going to be?
In an age where web designers’ websites are popping up everyday, creating a memorable brand experience is key. Through the use of compelling headlines and witty taglines, your brand can break through the clutter and be distinctly creative and unique. Generally, the most successful websites include headlines that support the website’s goals and are simple and easy to remember. By creating a unique and fun headline and tagline, you’re that much closer to separating yourself from the competition. You also pique the visitors’ interest and encourage them to explore your website further.
Let’s be honest: the big secret to becoming a well-known and super successful designer is to have your own unique style. Sure you’ll bag some clients by perusing tutorial sites, but when you really develop your own style, that’s when you’ll own the world! For some, this is fairly easy, but for some this is a tough task. Well 1WD has compiled a list for you so you can get started on creating your own unique style.
The ever-changing landscape of the web and the technologies that access it demand for shifts in how we view websites. Most recently a trend called ‘Responsive Design’ has emerged, which allow for users viewing websites on mobile devices to access them in a user-friendly manner. Accommodating these users is something everyone should take into account for their web strategies in the future, as it enhances the overall viewing experience for mobile visitors.
Many companies use a virtual mascot or avatar to represent their product or service on the Web. At first glance it seems so simple, just follow the well-known guidelines and voilà, you have a cool mascot that keeps people engaged with your site. But is it really that easy? After doing some research I ended up noting that most of the popular mascots and avatars are of rather the same type – there is some personality but not much movement. That raised questions: How much room is there for development and why are mascots so popular?
There are times in life where everything goes well, people like your work and you get more and more clients. But sometimes the “business” stops, work flow decreases, you get bored and uninspired, and you stagnate. The reasons behind this can vary, but mostly it’s just because you’re feeling uninspired and have lost your drive. It’s very easy to lose inspiration, when we are not surrounded by a learning and inspirational community.
Read more: 9 Tips on How To Improve Yourself as a Web Designer
Logo Lounge, for the past nine years, has posted annual logo design trend reports and they have just released the 2011 logo design trends report. I would love to hear your thoughts on the showcased trends.
Do these identity / branding trends effect you or your process? Do you agree with these suggestions? Have you noticed any other trends?
Here are a bunch of ‘new’, clean, sans-serif fonts that have caught my eye recently. I found these by browsing MyFonts, Typetoken and YouWorkForThem. Have you got a recent find to share? Please do.
Below is a list of 99+ graphic design resources, in English and (and a few other languages), that all designers must know about.
