Makespace! News

2-11-10
How To Choose The Right Website Design Company

Web Design: The Good, The Bad, & The Downright Frustrating.

Ok, you know you need a website. Where to begin?

Undertaking a website design project can be frustrating, but it shouldn't be. We know first-hand here at makespace! media + design lab, because approximately half of the projects we're hired for involve recreating or redesigning a website that was poorly designed in the first place. This is unfortunate on many levels, as the client has now had to pay for a website at least twice, and has lost untold business due to a bad website. Like most things in life, if it's important, the best way to begin is to hire a professional. The trick is to distinguish the true professionals from the one's just claiming to be, and to find one that offers value and an solid return on your investment. Easy, right? If you know what to look for, and what to avoid.

AVOID: Web design firms that are not local.
Why: Your website will be a direct extension of your business, so it's important that the design firm that creates it knows your business first-hand. They need to know your products and services, your long- and short-term goals, as well as be able to recommend features and content that will help you achieve those goals. If you do business locally or regionally, it's important that your web design firm be familiar with the specifics of your local market and target demographic. Also, your relationship with your web designer will ideally last the lifetime of your business, so you'll want to maintain it's a relationship built on face-to-face contact rather than just phone calls and emails. As well, you want to make sure that your design firm is accessible, accountable, and trustworthy before you give them any money. Plus, don't you want to make sure your money stays in your city or state, at the very least in the United States?

AVOID: Web designers that farm out programming to other countries.
Why: Many website design companies that do business in the US are actually owned by foreign nationals, and many are located in Mumbai, India. While you may have an American sales rep, the design work and/or programming will be done overseas because they are willing to do it for pennies on the dollar. While initially cheaper, this may end up costing you much more in the long term. Moreover, foreign designers and programmers have absolutely no idea of your local market or demographics, and are unaccountable as they are literally a world away. What happens when your site goes down suddenly or you want to make quick changes? Make sure your designer is accountable and local, not just a voice at the end of a phone line.

AVOID: One-man shops that 'do it all'.
Why: The vast majority of existing websites on the Internet right now could use some improvement, and most could use an overhaul in more than one category. This is the direct result of designers who are incompetent in one or more required fields in designing a website that has all the elements in needs to reach maximum performance. Your project, regardless of size, requires several skill sets to accomplish the needed goals. You need a Graphic Designer, a Content Manager, and a Programmer at the very least. To get a better idea, it's important to be at least a bit familiar with these different elements.

AVOID: Doing it yourself.
Why? Because you are a specialist in a different field and with different skill sets. As stated above, it takes several people to design a site that has all the elements for success, each of which needs years of training and experience. You are in business because you do what you do better than 99% of the population and you know that you can accomplish your job more efficiently and more professionally than someone not in your field. So it goes with web design. It's also important to remember that a great graphic artist is indeed an artist, and an art talent, while it can be refined, cannot be taught. Even most self-described “Web Designers” should be in another field. If you want a website done right, leave it to the experts.

AVOID: Design firms that only offer web design.
WHY? Odds are you'll need more design work at some point in your professional career. You'll need business cards, stationery, advertisements, brochures, etc., and it's important to be able to get these things from one source if at all possible. Not only is it convenient and efficient, it allows for consistency, a very important element in branding. What often happens after a business gets a new and spectacular website, it injects a refreshing surge into the business image, and the owner(s) often take their business image to the next level, so it's important to retain a design firm that can handle your needs as you grow.

AVOID: Templates, "Instant" Websites.
Why? A template is a prefabricated website design “frame” into which your own content is placed. Because a template is a one-size-fits-all, cookie cutter solution, odds are your business' needs won't be adequately addressed. Your business is unique, and therefore needs a website that is created specifically to deliver the results you need. Plus, how many other businesses have the same template? This is the online equivalent of walking into a party where someone is wearing the exact same outfit as you. Again, most web designers don't fully satisfy a business' needs with a custom design, so using a templated website will prove even worse. Many companies, both local and national, try to pass themselves off as 'custom' design, then have you choose from a template and then slap your logo and copy into it. That's not true custom design and I can guarantee you it will not bring the results you need from the web.

AVOID: Amateurs, your cousin, students and IT guys.
Why? The same reason you don't hire your neighbor, a medical student, or veterinarian to operate on you. Unfortunately in this business, we don't have a Bar exam to pass before we're considered “Web Designers” and we don't get a cute little 'WD' next to our name. Basically, any hack with a computer and a design program can pass themselves off as web designers, and the Internet is full of their [un]handy work. Also, many people lump all computer related professions into one, and therefore assume that the guys that installed their network can also design a good website. The trick to avoiding those self-described web designers is simple: Look at their portfolio. Are the sites contemporary without being trendy? Do they look like every other website of their kind? Are they easy to navigate? Are they attractive? And the ultimate test: Are they still online? Don't be afraid to ask for references. Remember that most web designers are right-brained, and therefore probably not the most responsible people in the world. Did they complete their projects quickly and efficiently, or did it take a year of pulling teeth? Finally, look at the price. If it seems too cheap, there's a reason. If you are trading your website design for a gift certificate to Applebee's, how good is it going to be? In web design, like most things in life, you get what you pay for. Usually...

AVOID: Big, high profile firms.
Why? They command big, high profile rates. And the people getting the bulk of those rates are sitting in a boardroom, not in front of a computer screen designing your site. The person actually designing your site is making $12.00 an hour churning out your site and 20 others. We call then Code Monkeys. You'll never actually talk to this person, as he gets his or her orders from their Project Manager. Our bet: Neither of their hearts is in their work, because if they were, they would quit and start their own company, just like you did. At the end of the day, you paid not only for your website, you also paid for their billboard.

AVOID: Designers that work from their mom's basement.
WHY: Because you want to know that you're going to get something for your deposit and where to find them if they don't return your call. You also want the very best website design for your money. Like any other specialty, if they offer value, professional results, and are experts at what they do, they'll be successful enough to invest back into their business. Look for web design firms that are members of associations like local Chambers of Commerce, professional guilds, and the Better Business Bureau. If they have a studio or office that is open to customers, you know they'll be accessible when you need them.

AVOID: Web designers whose own sites are lacking opr are not ranked on the first page of Google for their key terms, such as "best web design Louisville".
Why: You can expect yours won't be much better. You wouldn't want to hire a company that talks the talk, but rather than one that takes their own advice. If that can't rank themselves on the major search engines, you can be sure that they won't be able to rank you either. Hiring them, regardless of price, would be like taking marriage counseling from Liz Taylor.

 Ok, now that you are frozen with fear and have given up on getting a website...

What Should You Look For?

Well, if you've gotten this far, stay here!

makespace! media + design lab is a locally-owned and operated design firm that is small enough to care, but large enough to handle all of your creative design needs, from web to print and more. We have a staff of cross-trained, professional, and creative web designers, graphic designers, programmers, SEO experts, and project managers. Our studio office was created just for our clients. We're accessible, accountable, and we'll answer your phone call or email promptly. We're experienced, professional and friendly. We offer value and results that speak for themselves.

Call us today or click here to schedule a free consultation to create an effective and professional website that your business deserves.

 
             
         
     

     

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Newly Completed Websites by Makespace!

2-10-10
Louisville Web Developers Launch Louisville Electrical Contractor Website!

Just added to the makespace! partner portfolio is none other than Louisville's residential electrician M&S Electrical Solutions, LLC. Specializing in residential standby generators for Louisville homeowners, M&S brings years of experience as professional Louisville electricians.

Realizing that they needed an electrifying and modern web 2.0 design, the guys at M&S looked to Louisville's premiere web developers and website marketing specialists, Makespace! Media + Design Lab.

This site features a flash animation, clean web interface, and has an online scheduling capabilities. The Louisville creative advertising firm is now developing a Search Engine Optimization plan for M&S in order to reach top ranking when a potential client searches for "Electrical Contractor Louisville" or "Louisville Electrician".

Additional creative marketing services provided by Makespace include logo design and website hosting.

Welcome aboard, M&S!

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New Print & Logo Designs by Makespace!

2-11-10
Louisville Web Designers Launch Electric Website

Excel Services is not your typical Louisville commercial electrical contractor, and they were not interested in a typical website. The forward thinking and technologically advanced electrical company were in search of a Louisville web development company that could create a website that gave them an online presence that was on par with their high quality electrical services.

Enter Makespace!, arguably Louisville's best web site design and advertising agencies, who immediately noticed Excel's high quality and commitment to service, and set about designing a website that paralleled these attributes.

The result is an "electrifying" and modern 'web 2.0' website that pays particular attention to Excel's design & / build, electrical, low voltage and tele-comm projects.

Excel co-owner Stephanie Waltrip was ecstatic about the company's new website, and had this to say: "Mark Palmer and Makespace! Media + Design are AMAZING! Upon first meeting I knew Mark could provide the edge I was looking for in our web design. He was timely and accomodating, told me what to expect, he followed through and is a pleasure to work with. Makespace! Media + Design exceeded my expectations a million times over. I am highly reccommending Mark and Makespace! Media + Desgin for your web designing needs."

Makespace! is excited to have Excel Services as a client and is proud to serve their web design and marketing needs.

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Makespace! Upcoming Events

12-19-09
Louisville Web Design Company In Demand Despite Recession

Louisville, KY: As 2009 neared it's final days, many have reflected on the effects that changed the face of business as we know it. 2009 was a year that brought stimulus packages, government bailouts, massive lay-offs, and the demise of many small businesses. Despite the fallout, some businesses actually grew, even tripled, the amount of business that passed through their doors. One of those businesses was a Louisville, Kentucky based web design company: Makespace! Media & Design Lab. The creative web and print design company, known for their no nonsense, innovative approach to web design, has experienced so much demand that prospective clients had to be placed on a waiting list several times throughout the year.

"Of course we were aware of the recession" says Makespace Media + Design Lab Concept Director Mark Palmer. "But you'd never know it from the amount of businesses who sought web design services this year. We couldn't help everyone, so we actually had to be selective about who we offered our services to."

So why was this web design company so busy in an environment in which businesses were pinching every penny? Palmer believes that the recession forced many businesses to confront what they lacked: an effective website. "Many of our clients this year can be divided into two groups: start ups who know how important a website is to a fledgling business, and established businesses who've been losing business to their competitors who've already harnessed the power of the internet. They've realized that they can no longer thrive without a proper web presence."

It only takes a review of their web design portfolio to see why the design company is in demand. But according to a recent client, Sean Breslin of RewardBack.org, the owner of a website recemtly launched by Makespace!, there's more to it than just good looking websites. "Mark and Rob and their Louisville web development crew took a vested interest in our project. This is my fourth web-based business venture and I've worked with many other web design companies, but none have taken a proactive role that Makespace! has. They're not "order takers" and Mark brings to the table a level of creativity that is certainly atypical, even among so called creative companies."

This surge in popularity had put Makespace! in a peculiar dilemma, and one that many businesses would consider a problem they'd love to have. They want to be available to as many clients as possible, but fear diminishing their high quality work. "We're a boutique web design company, and we put quality ahead of quantity. We'd love to grow, but we want to grow in the right way" said Palmer. "We get designers looking for work on a daily basis, but most of them are not the right fit, so rather that putting out subpar sites, we've decided that it's best to select the limited clients that we want to partner with."

Palmer, who sees the internet as "the great equalizer" also has some advice to business owners who've yet to develop a website that is an effective tool for bringing in new clients: "Don't wait. This whole internet thing's not going away. I can tell you first hand that your competition is already ahead of you, and the gap is getting wider."

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Articles, Tips & Tricks by Makespace!

10-12-09
The Top 10 Most Important Elements of A Website Design

If you are a business owner, your website is absolutely one of the most important tools you have in your arsenal to get more - and better - clients and customers. So what separates a good website from a bad website, or a good one from a great one? Here are 10 qualities that a great website will need. Whether or not you end up retaining makespace! as your Louisville based web designers, you should find them helpful:

1:: Navigation:: The website design should be easy to navigate and the menu items should easily accessible from any page. The viewer should always know exactly where they are on the website and have easy access to where they would like to be. A site map is a great idea and will be used if available. This sounds elementary but most websites could be improved in this area. Remember, there is a fine line between an interactive menu and an annoying one, so functionality should be the idea.

2::Visual Design:: People are visually oriented creatures, and utilizing great graphics is a good way to make your website more appealing. Your website has about 1/10th of a second to impress your visitor - and potential customer - and let them know that your website - and business (by proxy) - is trustworthy and professional. However, it's important not to go overboard with too much. Scrolling text, animation, and flash intros should be used sparingly in your web design and only to emphasize a point for maximum effect.

3::Content:: This is the backbone of your website. Not only does your content play a major role in your search engine placement, it is the reason most visitors are seeking from your website in the first place. Your website text should be informative, easy to read, and concise. Well thought out web content and copy will do more than anything else to make your website design engaging, effective and popular.

4::Web Friendly:: No matter how informative, beautiful, and easy to use your website design is, it's useless unless it's web-friendly. It is important that your web designers know the keys to making your website work on all the major browsers, and that they utilize meta tags, alt tags, are fully versed in SEO (Search Engine Optimization). Many factors effect your search engine placement and visual appearance of your site, so make sure your web designers know their stuff.

5::Interaction:: A truly effective website design engages your visitors immediately and continues to hold their attention through EVERY page, as well as influences them to contact you. This is called 'conversion', and is probably your website's ultimate goal. Again, there is a fine line between ʻinteractionʼ and ʻannoyanceʼ, so the level of interac-
tion should never outweigh the benefit.
                                                                               
6::Information Accessibility:: Not all visitors to your website are interested in, or have the time to peruse the entire site. They may need to access only a phone number or address, or just a certain bit of info. For this reason itʼs important to place key information in plain site, in an area thatʼs easily accessible. Weʼve all had the experience of not being able to locate some needed information on a website, and the result is always a frustrated visitor. The experience is annoying at best, and a disgruntled visitor wonʼt stay on your site very long and is unlikely not to return, much less do business with you.

7::Intuitiveness:: A great website anticipates what your visitor is thinking and caters directly to their needs, and has elements arranged in a way that makes sense. If a visitor is searching for one of your products or services on a search engine or directory where your site is listed, it's important that your website have a landing page that is directly relevant to what they searched for rather than forcing them to filter through all of your information. Remember, the shortest distance between two points is a straight line.

8::Branding:: Your website should be a direct reflection of your business and your brand. Your visitor should immediately make a visual connection between your logo, print material, and brick-and-mortar location. A website that does this not only contributes to the memorability of your branding, but adds a level of credibility and enhanced image of that of your overall business.

9::Turnaround Time:: The number one complaint of website design customers is the time it takes to get the site up and running. Unfortunately, a firm that takes unusually
long to complete your website is par for the course. The longer it takes to complete the website, the more business - and value - you lose. A website that isnʼt on the web isnʼt and working properly isn't going to bring you any business!

10::Conversion:: Your website can be the most important client generator your business can have, and must place the primary emphasis on bringing in new clients and making additional services available to existing clients through increased awareness of all the services you offer. Providing them with the tools they need to do business with you in an easy and enjoyable way will increase your website conversion and bring you the kind of success you seek.

Remember, the relationship with your web designer will likely last as long as your busi-
ness, so choose wisely!  (I hope this helps!)

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