An 80’s Looking Website Isn’t so Groovy!

An 80’s Looking Website Isn’t so Groovy!

By Yetta Blair

You may be asking yourself, can I run a business and not have an updated looking website?  The answer is yes.  It’s obvious that you can run a business without an updated website. Some companies run their business without having any website. But investing in a well designed, well thought out website can definitely help your business generate more leads, increase sales and be more successful.

An up to date, modern looking web presence is good for any business.  It reflects your brand. It shows your customers you care about details and you care about staying up to date in the market.  Updating your website creates a buzz and can bring fresh energy to your business. Just as you would make an investment in traditional advertising, the company phone and your printed brochure, the investment in a website will bring you tangible and intangible benefits.

Having a professional web presence on the Internet is good for your existing customers, potential customers, employees and partners. An attractive looking website will encourage visitors to stay longer on your website giving them an opportunity to know more about your products or services – potentially increasing sales.  Another reason a successful business needs to update their website is the growing number of mobile users. If your website is not set up to be mobile friendly, it needs to be. Being mobile friendly and up to date will give you a better chance of capturing the attention of mobile customers and improve your SEO and rankings on Google.

Whether a quality website helps you make a good first impression with a new visitor or makes it easier for existing visitors to do business with you, having an effective, up to date, web presence can make your business more successful.  More people than ever are online and the numbers continue to grow exponentially so make sure your business is out there and looking its best.

Business Networking Do's and Dont's

Business Networking Do's and Dont's

By Sarah Gaither

After attending my fair share of business networking events, I have seen a few people ruin great opportunities. They either didn't know or didn't care about some general social networking etiquette. Thus, I have compiled a general list of business Networking do's and dont's to share.

DO pass out your business card. You never know when someone is going to need your services or vice versa. 

DO follow up by adding that person on the appropriate networking site. This allows you to stay in front of them. For example, I add everyone who has given me a business card from a networking event to my Linkedin Profile; its a professional business networking website. 

DON'T add someone that you met at a business event, to your personal social media platform like Facebook or Twitter. Unless you two have become good friends; or have mutual friends; the CEO you met at last weeks luncheon doesn't need to know that you are out on a girls night! 

DON'T assume because someone of the opposite sex gives you their business card that they are inviting you to contact them at work for personal reasons. I promise you guys, if she wants you to call her, she will make up a reason to give you her personal, line or cell phone number! Girls, the same goes for you, he is going to love explaining to his boss that the girl on the other line isn't potential business. 

DON'T treat networking events like a night out.  A lot of networking events are at a bar or involve alcohol. Even if you are nervous I would enforce a strict one or two drink maximum, depending on your tolerance. And as much as we all love the song, shots are not appropriate either. 

DO have a little fun and enjoy yourself. You are there for business, but your not pitching your product. You are trying to establish a relationship with someone new. 

DON'T be on your phone, it makes you look bored and un-interested in talking. 

DO, go mingle!!

There are numerous ways to network your business. Business networking events are just one of the more traditional ways to do so. If you need high quality business cards for your next business networking event, or want to create a leave behind/mailer to re-connect with your new business contacts let us know!  Ink Publishing and Design's design team specializes in creating one of a kind pieces to help each client of ours stand out in the crowd. 

We also encourage you to share your Businesse Networking Do's and Dont's!

Web Design Sticker Shock: Adobe Muse is the Answer

Web design sticker shock: Adobe Muse is the answer 

By Yetta Blair 

You know your business website needs to be updated.  It looks like something built during the 70’s.  Photos, design and colors are all outdated.  You have added new services and products that aren’t represented on your website and staff members who have moved on are still listed as active employees.  But, after contacting a few web design firms you are stuck in sticker shock.  You want your updated site to be professionally designed, creative, cool and fresh, but do not want to spend an arm and a leg doing it. There is a solution.

Find a design firm that offers web sites developed with Adobe Muse.  

Adobe Muse is a very good option for small businesses, medical groups, churches, non-profits, musicians and more, yet few Louisville design firms are offering this option to their clients. 

Adobe Muse is a graphic designer’s web tool.   It is focused on allowing graphic designers to create websites without having to write any code. This saves time and money without sacrificing creativity, and sites being developed with Muse are fresh and unique looking. 

Many small businesses have past experiences with tools that make Web design simple enough for those who aren’t developers. Disgotech and GoDaddy are two that come to mind. These products put Web design in the hands of the masses, but it has quickly become easy to identify a site that is developed using one of these services and by someone without graphic design skills.  One thing about Adobe Muse that stands out to me is that sites designed with Muse are not immediately obvious. 

I do believe there is a time and place for everything and Adobe Muse is not the best option for all website developments.  Some websites may require a developer to use HTML/CSS.  I get that.  The parameters of the project support this type of development. But, there are some projects where the requirements can be met or exceeded using Muse and at a cost savings to the client.  I see that as just smart business.

Muse is the new cool kid on the block and if you are looking for a professionally designed, high quality website at a reasonable price, consider talking to a firm that offers sites designed in Muse.