During my travels in Italy this fall, I witnessed both the beauty of this historic country as well as the impact that neglect has on its ancient structures. Indeed, a common job in the country is in the maintenance and restoration of its architecture, art and books. Likewise, in today’s business world, the heart of [...]
Over the course of growing Knowmad Technologies from a freelance programming business into a full-service Web agency, I’ve learned a few things along the way (sometimes by the school of hard knocks). For instance, there was the pivotal learning moment in realizing that we not only needed to be good at designing & building Websites [...]
“The desire for symmetry, for balance, for rhythm is one of the most inveterate of human instincts.”—Edith Wharton, Pulitzer-prize winning novelist, writer, and designer Here’s some advice that might be hard to swallow: The colors, fonts, spacing and imagery on your website could be the difference between a user purchasing from you or choosing a [...]
I’ve been thinking a lot about the value of website audience research while working on audience research for a client. To be honest, we haven’t always done this research. You’re probably surprised at the honesty and I cringe a little now while admitting it. It’s not that we didn’t know the value of audience research. [...]
One of my favorite questions to ask prospective clients is why they have or want a Website. Granted, in 2010, it’s de rigueur for a business to have a Website. However, building a Website just because everyone else is doing it is an unsatisfactory reason that will produce limited results at best. If you don’t [...]
Last week, Kmart and Sears Holding Co. came up in my news reader, announcing kmartdesign.com and other web initiatives by Sears Holding Co. to boost the Kmart brand performance and sales. Kmart isn’t a place I shop, which isn’t saying a lot because I’m not a big in-store shopper. I can’t say I’ve even been [...]
As a long-time investor in IBM stock (my dad purchased this stock back in the 80′s and it helped put me through college), I receive their annual reports. For years, this 100+ page book wound up in the recycle bin. Last year, however, I began reading it to learn more about how IBM runs its [...]
Your corporate website can play a critical role in your organization beyond simply communicating your products and services. It can be a key component in your overall business strategy. And it can also be a powerful tool for your sales team by gathering leads, warming prospects and supporting the post-sell process.
Our experience building value-added Web sites for businesses has shown us that one of the best ways to improve your Web site ROI is to implement features that enhance customer service. We’ve helped many companies leverage their website to reduce customer support costs and improve brand loyalty by adding some thoughtful features.
A successful organization has a purpose for existing and a mission that drives it forward and strengthens its position in the marketplace. An organization’s Web site is how it exists online and should also have a purpose and mission that strengthens its position in the online marketplace. The purpose of your Web site may be to share information [...]