Web Design and Development

Adobe Business Catalyst Integration

Wed, 06 Jan 2010 10:38:00 GMT

Earlier this year saw Adobe purchase the Australian business Business Catalyst. Business Catalyst have provided an online content management system platform since 2004 that not only allows users to update their own web content but easily allows the business to sell online via the ecommerce functionality, manage customers and clients via the client relationship management suite and also provides newsletter marketing functionality so businesses can keep in touch with their clients and customers. This is only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the amount of features and functionality within the system. Other great features include a full blogging system, forums, ad banner management, online forms, web applications, latest news and frequently asked questions modules amongst other. As a leading web design agency in Sydney we have extensive experience of the BC platform and can assist small business owners using the platform to get the maximum benefit from it.

You can learn more by registering for a FREE 30 day online demonstration of the full system here and use the platform in real time. The demo is our rebranded version of the software under our Eprospect 360 brand. Have a go, it's totally free to try out with no obligation to purchase.

HGWS Digital Media has been an Adobe Business Catalyst partner for many years. Our first introduction to the system was back in 2004 when the platform was still in its infancy. Since those days we have used the solution for many of our current clients; whether it be an ecomerce store or a full database driven real estate website. The platform can handle these with great ease and performance allowing the business owner full control and management of their business online.

We've become experts with Business Catalyst

As a continued partner of the Business Catalyst platform we have developed the required knowledge and skills to help other design agencies and online providers integrate their clients websites into the platform, making full use of the functionality on offer for each client.

We've completed many sites for users of the system who signed up under the Goodbarry brand (the direct to public brand used by Business Catalyst) and helped them via training and ongoing support of the platform. We do come across issues we have never faced before but we usually find out answers and can rectify issues quickly.

Do you need help with your Business Catalyst Website?

We've seen a rise in enquiries recently from businesses who use the Goodbarry version of the Business Catalyst platform. Many of these enquiries are simple in nature and quite simple to resolve. Finding the right provider to help you take maximum advantage from the BC platform will decide whether your online business is a success or failure. HGWS Digital Media always strive to deliver value and results for all our clients. If you feel we could help you build your business online using Business Catalyst and Goodbarry software then please do not hesitate to get in touch and let's get started !

TOP TEN WEB DESIGN TIPS

Sun, 09 Oct 2011 00:48:00 GMT

A well designed website will help your users easily find what they are looking for and will make your business look professional. Designing a website from the beginning with Search Engines and your users in mind will help your website to be a success. Here are some practical tips and examples:

Simplify, simplify, simplify. What is the most important thing you want to tell the visitor about on each page? If a web site has too much information on a page, it ends up being confusing to the user. Additionally, Search Engines actually prefer that you separate topics out onto their own pages, as it sees this as more relevant to the users.

Visually highlight important calls to action such as your telephone number and email address. Consider using icons to highlight important items on a page.

Set up an email newsletter - this is a inexpensive and environmentally-friendly way to keep in touch with your customers, notifying them of new products, sales, events, or to send them special discounts for being newsletter subscribers.

First impressions are very important. When people arrive at your web site, you have about five seconds to convince them to stay. On your homepage, keep it simple, communicate what you do and what makes your business different.

Be personal. Use photographs of people and testimonials from happy clients to build trust. Make sure you include your address and phone numbers on your contact page. People like being able to easily contact you and know where you are located.

Use maps. Buyers may not be familiar with where you are located. It's also helpful to have a custom map designed for your site to indicate landmarks that might not be found on Google maps. However, it is also important to link to a Google or Yahoo map so that customers can easily get directions to your locations.

Make sure to do your keyword research before you start building your site. After discovering what users are searching, you should then choose 6 to 10 phrases you want to rank for and try to incorporate them naturally into your page titles and headlines.

Make sure to organise your website so that it is easy for your users to navigate and find what they are looking for. Clear and logical navigation will help users navigate your site and help them to understand what you do and how you can meet their needs.

Use web conventions. For example, using underlined text when linking and make your logo link back to your homepage. People have certain expectations driven by their experiences of other websites. You need to understand what these are and make sure you accommodate them in your design.

Limit your colour palette. Professional looking websites tend to use 2-4 colors. This site uses blue and white. Use color to help highlight important features on your web site.

Think about colours in your website

Mon, 21 Dec 2009 06:38:00 GMT

Most marketers throw a couple outsourced “mini-site” graphics on their page and hope for the best. You see, colours create immediate subconscious reactions in people. Some colours set off warning bells, others trigger the libido, or even make you feel safe.

And just like with well-written copy, you can often use colour theory to slide right in under the radar and get into your prospects minds to influence their buying habits.

I know, I know... You might be thinking “That sounds creepy” but I assure you it's not. You will simply have an edge because you understand how people tend to react.

Take Blue for example:

Blue is, obviously, the colour of the ocean, and also the sky.

It should come as no surprise then that Blue is proven to work well when promoting air and sky products (airlines, air conditioning units, fans, air filters, etc. etc.) and also water and sea products (cruise vacations, water filters, boats, bottled water, etc. etc.)

Blue is often associated with depth and stability. It automatically evokes emotions of trust, security, intelligence, peace, and loyalty in people.

On the other hand, avoid blue when promoting food and cooking products. Blue suppresses the appetite.

Red is often associated with passion, desire, war, danger, strength, power, and love.

Are you surprised that Red works well in the dating and seduction niches? You shouldn't be. Red also works well with products like energy drinks, automobiles, and items related to sports and action.

Most traditional designers (Print designers, for example, working in design houses or advertising agencies) understand Colour Theory...

But the average person who puts up a blog or website most likely doesn't know these things. They might put up a blue cooking blog and never understand why they aren't getting sales.

It's because of colour.

Want some more examples?

Bright yellow is an attention getter, which is the reason taxis are painted this colour. When overused, yellow can have a disturbing effect. Tests show that babies cry more in yellow rooms.

Yellow is seen before other colours when placed against black; which is why this combination is often used to issue warnings.

Men tend to see yellow as a lighthearted, 'childish' colour, so it is not recommended to use yellow when selling prestigious, expensive products to men. This explains why you don't ever see Yellow in high-end watch advertisements, or advertisements for expensive cars.

I could go on and on about colour use, but it's probably about time for me to wrap things up. Here is a short list of common emotions associated with other popular colours:

Black - Power, class, seriousness, drama, sophistication, and boldness. (Prestigious products)

White - Purity, peace, cleanliness, freshness. (Great for medical products and weight loss products)

Purple - Sophistication, royalty, mystery, spirituality. (Great for Yoga products)

Green - Freshness, safety, growth, vitality, calmness, prestige. (Great for Drugs, Medical products, and Nature and Natural products as well. Use Darker Green for Financial or Make Money products)

Orange - Enthusiasm, fascination, happiness, creativity, determination, attraction, success. (Works great for toys and puzzles.)

Hopefully this quick look at colour helps you start thinking about these things when you design your marketing collateral. Keep in mind that this is only a rough guide: There are hundreds and hundreds of books about the psychology of colour and how it affects buying habits