Here I've collected 10 beautiful website designs varying from hand-drawn, large backgrounds, to clean and corporate. Enjoy!
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
We Love Web Design: Chicago Web Developers
Here I've collected 10 beautiful website designs varying from hand-drawn, large backgrounds, to clean and corporate. Enjoy!
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
How to Choose the Best Web Design Company
Chicago Web Design
How we visualize anything total depends on our perception. There are different shades of green but there are situations wherein three different shades of green would look green for us. Now how can a lighter shade and a darker shade both look green? This is the effect of perception.
The best example of change in color is when a piece of colored cloth looks different in different shades of light in the premises of the shopkeeper. This is why you will find people purchase clothes after seeing its color in the natural sun light outside the shop so that there is no influence of the light bulb.
How we visualize anything total depends on our perception. There are different shades of green but there are situations wherein three different shades of green would look green for us. Now how can a lighter shade and a darker shade both look green? This is the effect of perception.
The best example of change in color is when a piece of colored cloth looks different in different shades of light in the premises of the shopkeeper. This is why you will find people purchase clothes after seeing its color in the natural sun light outside the shop so that there is no influence of the light bulb.
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Chicago Web Design: Restaurant Web Design Tips
Chicago Web Design
There are many things about many Chicago websites that could use a lot of changes, and there are a lot of things with many websites that are great! But there are certain industries that need to stick to a standard, and there is a specific industry that always leaves us hanging: Restaurant and Bar website designs are always horrid.
There has been many a time where you've gone looking for a great place to eat, found a website, and it was literally impossible to navigate. In addition to that, they're menu wasn't view-able on your computer, or it was an image so small you couldn't see what was available. It may have happened also that something you did see that was appetizing wasn't listed as seasonal, so once you got there...it wasn't available.
Having worked in the Chicago web design industry for some time, we love that working with web and print design is so flexible. There is no reason why restaurants cannot keep their websites up to date with pricing, seasonal entrees and new specials. There is also no reason that the entire website should be an image and have bad links to their pdf'd menu.
What ALL Restaurant Websites Should Include:
Web Fonts for Information & Menus
Use web fonts even if they break your branding and identity. Your informational copy doesn't have to be in the same font as your logo. Many computers and especially phones can't read alternate font styles, may be too slow to load a large image, and most importantly, since people search for restaurants on their phones, don't make your menu a .pdf. Smart phones can't open them.
K.I.S.S.
If you didn't know what that is...it's the web acronym for Keep It Simple, Stupid. Don't clutter up your website with flashy animations and huge images. Make sure the homepage can be read on slow internet connections and smartphones.
Nix Text in your Images
Unless it's a logo, all of your test should be HTML. Especially your address and phone number. And be sure they're displayed somewhere other than your footer or on the contact page. Additionally, link your address to your Google Place Page so smartphone users can get directions to your business easily.
Get a Second Opinion
Typos make you look dumb. Period. Your food isn't the only aspect of your reputation. It's your decor, your staff, and in the online world...your website. If you have browser incompatibilities, buggy slideshows, typos, grammar errors and broken links...say goodbye to that customer.
Display your Hours CORRECTLY
I saw a sign the other day that said: Lunch - 11:30pm to 3:00pm. What? Huh? This is a nobrainer.
Update your Website Regularly!!!
This is very important. People expect the specials they see online to be available at your restaurant. If you've got a special that expired 6 months ago...take it down.
People who love food and tend to search for new places online can be extremely picky. If they can't navigate your website, they'll move on. Make your website as frill-free and structured with fool-proof navigation as possible to keep your customers coming in! If you feel your website is in need of a facelift, or you just can't update your website as regularly as you feel, give Integraphix a shout at 847.537.0067 to talk about a website maintenance program or website redesign.
--
Integraphix, a Chicago Web Design Agency
There are many things about many Chicago websites that could use a lot of changes, and there are a lot of things with many websites that are great! But there are certain industries that need to stick to a standard, and there is a specific industry that always leaves us hanging: Restaurant and Bar website designs are always horrid.
There has been many a time where you've gone looking for a great place to eat, found a website, and it was literally impossible to navigate. In addition to that, they're menu wasn't view-able on your computer, or it was an image so small you couldn't see what was available. It may have happened also that something you did see that was appetizing wasn't listed as seasonal, so once you got there...it wasn't available.
Having worked in the Chicago web design industry for some time, we love that working with web and print design is so flexible. There is no reason why restaurants cannot keep their websites up to date with pricing, seasonal entrees and new specials. There is also no reason that the entire website should be an image and have bad links to their pdf'd menu.
What ALL Restaurant Websites Should Include:
Web Fonts for Information & Menus
Use web fonts even if they break your branding and identity. Your informational copy doesn't have to be in the same font as your logo. Many computers and especially phones can't read alternate font styles, may be too slow to load a large image, and most importantly, since people search for restaurants on their phones, don't make your menu a .pdf. Smart phones can't open them.
K.I.S.S.
If you didn't know what that is...it's the web acronym for Keep It Simple, Stupid. Don't clutter up your website with flashy animations and huge images. Make sure the homepage can be read on slow internet connections and smartphones.
Nix Text in your Images
Unless it's a logo, all of your test should be HTML. Especially your address and phone number. And be sure they're displayed somewhere other than your footer or on the contact page. Additionally, link your address to your Google Place Page so smartphone users can get directions to your business easily.
Get a Second Opinion
Typos make you look dumb. Period. Your food isn't the only aspect of your reputation. It's your decor, your staff, and in the online world...your website. If you have browser incompatibilities, buggy slideshows, typos, grammar errors and broken links...say goodbye to that customer.
Display your Hours CORRECTLY
I saw a sign the other day that said: Lunch - 11:30pm to 3:00pm. What? Huh? This is a nobrainer.
Update your Website Regularly!!!
This is very important. People expect the specials they see online to be available at your restaurant. If you've got a special that expired 6 months ago...take it down.
People who love food and tend to search for new places online can be extremely picky. If they can't navigate your website, they'll move on. Make your website as frill-free and structured with fool-proof navigation as possible to keep your customers coming in! If you feel your website is in need of a facelift, or you just can't update your website as regularly as you feel, give Integraphix a shout at 847.537.0067 to talk about a website maintenance program or website redesign.
--
Integraphix, a Chicago Web Design Agency
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Chicago Web Design: How to Upsell your Web Design Work
Chicago Web Design
New clients are not always easy to come by. We all know this. When you get a client though, being able to offer them more services, especially monthly ones, can dramatically increase your income potential. Fortunately for most web designers, there are plenty of add-ons that your clients are more than likely in need of but don't know you offer. If you're able to provide these services, you can generate a monthly income instead of living client to client, PLUS they'll come to you when they need things instead of going elsewhere.
All of these things can be offered at the time that you're selling your web design services, so your best bet is to include them as options in your sales documents. You can also follow up with past clients and offer them these services in a nice email or phone call.
1. Website Maintenance
Many clients need ongoing maintenance to their website, or if they don't there is most definitely old information on there, images they'd like to change or staff bios and images that need swapped out. Having a few regular clients that you know you'll be getting regular payments from can help your bottom line significantly.
2. Logo Design
Not all web designers have the same abilities when it comes to Graphic Design, so only do this if you're actually able to develop good logos and branding solutions. If your client does not have a logo at the time of their web design project, offer this service to them in addition to their website. You'll be able to sell this easily since it is proven that branded companies do far better in the market than companies who don't have a solid 'identity'.
3. Printed Business Products
Business Cards, Letterheads, Envelopes, etc. If you've got the ins with a printer, go ahead and take advantage of that. Once you've got their logo down, ask them if they'd like business cards and other business products made up. A startup company will need these things moving forward. If you're going to be offering several items at once, offer to discount them on these products.
4. Search Engine Optimization
Obviously it is essential to optimize their website to search engines can easily find and index their website, but most clients don't know that you can offer a monthly service to help their website show up more often for carefully chosen keywords. Although not all clients will want these things, most business owners will take advantage of SEO services in order to increase their online lead generation. SEO is definitely a hefty topic to take on, so only do this if you are qualified.
5. Web Hosting
Hosting a website is a monthly fee, and it is one of the most popular add-ons for designers to offer their clients. Most hosting companies offer a re-seller program so if you're OK with managing these types of services, it's a guaranteed monthly income for you.
6. Banner Advertising Design
If your clients are advertising on other websites, they might have need for professional banner ad designs. This is a service you can offer anyone for a little extra money - especially since these ads should change quite frequently. It can provide additional work samples for your portfolio as well and should attract new clients easily.
Your thoughts?
Do you have experience in this subject? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comment section.
/// Integraphix, a Chicago Web Design Company
Chicago Web Design
Chicago Website Design
Chicago Web Development
Creative Agency
Web Design Firm
Web Development Company
Integraphx
New clients are not always easy to come by. We all know this. When you get a client though, being able to offer them more services, especially monthly ones, can dramatically increase your income potential. Fortunately for most web designers, there are plenty of add-ons that your clients are more than likely in need of but don't know you offer. If you're able to provide these services, you can generate a monthly income instead of living client to client, PLUS they'll come to you when they need things instead of going elsewhere.
All of these things can be offered at the time that you're selling your web design services, so your best bet is to include them as options in your sales documents. You can also follow up with past clients and offer them these services in a nice email or phone call.
1. Website Maintenance
Many clients need ongoing maintenance to their website, or if they don't there is most definitely old information on there, images they'd like to change or staff bios and images that need swapped out. Having a few regular clients that you know you'll be getting regular payments from can help your bottom line significantly.
2. Logo Design
Not all web designers have the same abilities when it comes to Graphic Design, so only do this if you're actually able to develop good logos and branding solutions. If your client does not have a logo at the time of their web design project, offer this service to them in addition to their website. You'll be able to sell this easily since it is proven that branded companies do far better in the market than companies who don't have a solid 'identity'.
3. Printed Business Products
Business Cards, Letterheads, Envelopes, etc. If you've got the ins with a printer, go ahead and take advantage of that. Once you've got their logo down, ask them if they'd like business cards and other business products made up. A startup company will need these things moving forward. If you're going to be offering several items at once, offer to discount them on these products.
4. Search Engine Optimization
Obviously it is essential to optimize their website to search engines can easily find and index their website, but most clients don't know that you can offer a monthly service to help their website show up more often for carefully chosen keywords. Although not all clients will want these things, most business owners will take advantage of SEO services in order to increase their online lead generation. SEO is definitely a hefty topic to take on, so only do this if you are qualified.
5. Web Hosting
Hosting a website is a monthly fee, and it is one of the most popular add-ons for designers to offer their clients. Most hosting companies offer a re-seller program so if you're OK with managing these types of services, it's a guaranteed monthly income for you.
6. Banner Advertising Design
If your clients are advertising on other websites, they might have need for professional banner ad designs. This is a service you can offer anyone for a little extra money - especially since these ads should change quite frequently. It can provide additional work samples for your portfolio as well and should attract new clients easily.
Your thoughts?
Do you have experience in this subject? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comment section.
/// Integraphix, a Chicago Web Design Company
Chicago Web Design
Chicago Website Design
Chicago Web Development
Creative Agency
Web Design Firm
Web Development Company
Integraphx
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