Five Scariest Things In Web Design

It's October, and the spooky characters and creepy crawlies are coming out of the woodwork. It's the one time of year where it's fun to get scared (or maybe not, we don't judge), and to scare others. But the scariest things we've seen, and we mean downright horrifying, are not clowns (don't get us started), or zombies, or ghosts. No, the heart-clutching, stop-in-your-tracks moments come from bad web designs. We're here to share the scariest elements we've seen in websites. It's for your own good, really.

• Flash
• Animated GIFs
• Clutter
• Blank or Empty Space
• Unreadable

Flash

This first one is a bit tricky. The inclusion of Flash itself is not scary, but how it reacts on certain devices can be. Depending on your device, the use of Flash could leave a broken image or blank area on a website. Flash is also strictly forbidden on iOS. However, for sites like YouTube that still utilize Flash, there will be a "no Flash installed on device" alternative. Our advice? Use HTML5 Video/Audio, which uses the device's built-in media players, and doesn't require any additional installations. For a quick overview on how to set up an HTML5 video, check out http://www.w3schools.com/html/html5_video.asp.

Animated GIFs

We'll just come right out and say it. If your website is still touting homemade animated GIFs, they have got to go. They are distracting, they make your site look dated, and like it was created by an amateur. You don't want to look like you're stuck in the 90s, or worse, that you are not a professional organization. First impressions are everything. If your visitors take one look at your website and come to the conclusion that they can't take you seriously, it's not a good sign for your business. If you must use GIFs, make sure they are well-made, from resources like GIPHY.com, and keep your website quality a step above your Facebook and Twitter profiles.

Clutter

Ok, we know you've got a lot of information you want to include in your website. We all want to share everything our business is up to or has to offer. But when everything is thrown together haphazardly, or squeezed onto a home page, there is too much going on for your user's eyes and brains to focus. Where to look? What to read? It becomes overwhelming, and, rather than try to sift through every detail, your visitors are going to leave your site. Quickly. Decide what must stay, what can be transferred to a separate page, and what should be removed entirely. 

http://bit.ly/1N6Xajq

See what we mean? There is just way too much going on here.

Blank Space

No, not that kind. We know we just told you to de-clutter your website and/or home page, but make sure your site doesn't go too far in the other direction. If your website is just a few sentences of content and a lone image, with the rest of the page empty, it is not providing enough information. Your customers or leads are coming to your site for a reason. Chances are, with a page lacking substantial content, users are not getting what they came for. Without a second glance, they'll look for someone who can provide the information they're looking for. Make sure all relevant information, including your services or products, what sets you apart from your competition, and contact information is listed.

http://bit.ly/1N6Xajq

Look at all that open space! There are plenty of content opportunities that have been missed here.

Unreadable

There really is too much of a good thing. We all know the best way to capture someone's attention is through engaging or eye-catching visuals: something that pops on your page. But if your website is engulfed in popping visuals, it's hard to know what is the pertinent content to focus on. With super bright or clashing colors, your eyes will need a break quickly. Add to that difficult-to-read fonts or bright fonts against a bright background, and it's sensory overload. If your visitor has to squint or highlight all the text to read the page's content, they will likely abandon your website for another that is easier to digest. Your background and font colors should be complementary, and leave out "scripty" fonts. And Comic Sans. If you're not sure what to use, leave the decisions up to the pros.

http://bit.ly/1N6Xajq

Ouch. Excuse us while we give our eyes a rest in a dark room.

If you think you can handle one more terror, check out http://www.angelfire.com/super/badwebs/, which encapsulates just about everything we've discussed today all in one fell swoop.

We hope we didn't give you too much of a scare. But if we did, we are happy to calm you back down. If your website contains any of the above fear factors, contact us for a consultation full of treats - no tricks up our sleeves.

Websites We Love

Valentine's Day is right around the corner, and we all know what that means: love is in the air. At DMI, our true love will always be great websites. What are these great websites, you say? We're glad you asked.

Google

Google is the bread and butter of online marketing, so of course they are in our favorites. But there's a reason they have such an impact. 

• They have a simple design. Their search interface is clean and un-cluttered. 
• They're consistent. The search interface and search results that you know and love as Google has remained relatively unchanged for the last decade. Which means users know exactly how and where to find the information they're looking for.
• They know what they're the best at. They know their strengths and stick to them.

Amazon

• They're innovative. Case in point: Amazon Prime and Amazon Dash. They have also begun generating their own content. To us, there's nothing better than innovation.
• They're customer-centric. Amazon will always go above and beyond to attract new customers and to maintain loyalty within their current customer base. Offering quicker service through Prime is the perfect example of this.
• Convenience. Let's face it, we all need convenience in our lives. Amazon provides quick and easy shopping for just about anything.

Facebook

You didn't think Marketers could leave out this social media giant, did you? Facebook effectively changed the way the world communicates.

• Facebook changed the way we communicate with our friends and family. Gone are the days of phone calls for updates on our lives or sifting through a stack of photos from important events. And now, for better or for worse, your friends and family see MORE of your lives.
• Facebook changed the way we get our news. Its immediacy allows us to know what is happening not only in our community, but around the world, without waiting for the next news segment to air or the following day's newspaper to be released.
• Facebook changed the way consumers and brands interact. The platform allows for a stronger way for businesses to connect with their customers and attract potential customers. Likewise, it allows for customers to stay up-to-date and to make informed decisions.

Craigslist

• Craigslist changed the way consumers buy and sell. As an online classifieds section, we no longer need newspapers to sell, buy, or rent anything: home goods, vehicles, real estate, and vehicles
• It's simple, free, and localized. Meaning, anyone can use it, and  it's easy and convenient to make nearby exchanges.

Etsy

• Etsy is a great way for artists and home businesses to sell their niche products online, which allows them to make a greater profit:
• Which means sellers can receive recognition for their work and build a greater audience they otherwise wouldn't be able to reach.
• They have a simple, easy-to-use sales process, making purchases convenient for customers.

Need to implement some of these themes in your website? We'd love to chat.

The *Why* of Web Design

Life moves at the speed of light, it seems. Meetings, commitments, travel, family and friends all have our attention, and it’s a constant stream of movement. Often, we must remind ourselves to stop and ask an important question: “Why?”

Web Design is no different. There are features and apps and content management and blogging and social media and, if we’re not careful, we’ll careen from one to the next without ever stopping to ask “Why?”

Why add a new feature to your website? 

Why update the design?  

Why social media?  

Why add an “under construction” page?  

Why create an app?  

Why enter into a new social media website? 

If you’re about to do anything to your brand’s website, social media or online presence, be sure you know the “Why?”

Some good reasons to move forward:

• This feature will bring value to my customers 
• This information will help customers make a decision 
• This action will build positive relationships with my audience 
• This update will strengthen our brand 

 Some reasons to pass on a project:

• There is some white space we’d like to fill
• Everybody else has this feature/app/presence
• We aren’t ready to launch, but should put something online
• This is how we’ve always done it 

The Effects of “I don’t know why,” Syndrome 

Maybe you’re too busy to be troubled with “Why?” Maybe you’ve always done things a certain way. Whatever the case may be, if you don’t stop to evaluate the “Why?” you may be left with:

• Indecision
• Uncertainty
• Desire to chase flashy objects and features
• Erratic projects, initiatives and work
• Difficulty explaining the project/initiative
• Low return on investment
• Loss of business 

 You’d never get into your car if you didn’t have a destination. Otherwise, how would you ever know if you’ve arrived? The same is true of web projects. Are you meeting goals you’ve set? How will you ever know unless you first set the goals?

The “Why?” of web design is more important then the “How?” because logistics can always be worked out later.

If you’re at a point where you need to nail down your “Why?” block off a time to commit to brainstorming by yourself or those most vested in the initiative. At the end of the session, you’ll know full well if it’s an initiative you should continue with or if you’re simply chasing windmills. 

We’d prefer you leave that to the works of fiction.

7 Sources of Content for Your Small Business Website

Finding inspiration for your small business website is not as scary as that blinking cursor on your blank Word document.  Take a quick look at your small business and you'll find more web-worthy information than you imagined.   Here are a few places to check out:

1. Your Past

Your small business is working hard every day.  Don't forget that you're creating and producing and moving forward along the way.  Display that hard work on your website.  Showcase your products or services or the effects of your products and services for the world to see.  The proof of your biz is in the pudding.  And people want a taste!

2.  Your Future

Things are happening all the time at your business.  People want to know.  Whether it's via a company blog, Facebook updates on your website or an Instagram feed, your brand's future is a great source of content for your small business website.

3.  Your Salesforce

Whether you have a sales team or if you are a team of one, salespeople are a great source of website content.  Every day customers and potential customers are asking questions.  Create a small answer bank on your website of the most common questions and their answers. 

4.  Make It Easy

Visualize your small business website as a pathway to your front door.  Every piece of information and assistance you can lend can help a customer along that path, making it easy for them to walk through your door.  What insights and information can you make available to help potential customers along?  What can you offer to make it easy to purchase from your brand?  Maybe a free sample.  Maybe a free consultation.  Maybe a slideshow about how your product or service will make their life better.  Make it easy for them to walk through the door and purchase from you!

5.  Directions and Hours

Nothing is more frustrating than heading out to shop or getting around to making a phone call and not reaching the person you intended.  At the very least, provide basic information about your business.  Where are you located?  What are your hours?  How do I get to your door?  At the very best, you could provide contact details for all of the employees at your small business.  Again, make it easy to do business with your brand.

6.  Show Us Behind the Curtain

Many of us revel in the deleted scenes and outtakes from our beloved DVD collections.  Brands are finding out that their customers are just as captive as an audience.  What does a team brain storm look like?  How high up did you have to hang an outdoor sign today?  How happy is that couple that you just took engagement photos of?  Your small business is an expert in your field.  So, show us!

7.  Don't Forget Your Off-Line Marketing

If you've spent money on a great new brochure, put it on your website.  There are amazing online options that make flipping through a brochure or catalog as enjoyable as real life.  Did you just put up a clever billboard in town?  Take a photo and add it to your Instagram or Flickr feed.  If you are spending money on marketing somewhere, put it online and maximize your money.  

--

If you need a little help or a lot of help on your small business website, we'd love to connect with you!

Outdated or Here Another Year? - Website Features

Website features, like anything else, come and go with differing fads and fashions.  Does your website have a feature you should hang on to?  Or a feature that you should get rid of?

Recently. Mashable asked 12 entrepreneurs for their opinion on web trends and features.
We read their ideas and had a few thoughts to share.

Homepage Sliders

What is it:  A slide-show of images and/or text that automatically rotates through.  Viewers can also click through all of the tabs.

Keep it or Trash it:  We currently produce a number of sites that use this feature.  Why do we love it?  It gives your web visitor a quick run though the hot-topics on your website.  In our visual-heavy culture, a combination of images and text can send a message faster than just text.

We say, keep it!

Stock Photos

What is it:  Getty revolutionized websites with the availability of a stock photo of pretty much anything and everything.

Keep it or Trash it:  If you don't have any proprietary photography that will work well, a stock photo may be your best bet.  However, web consumers are becoming more brand-loyal and they like to know the faces and places behind those brands.

We say, use stock photos only when necessary!

Animated Gifs

What is it:  In this case, a picture is worth 1,000 words.

Keep it or Trash it:  This fad went out over 10 years ago.  The American flag is a beautiful thing!  Just put a nice, small graphic of the flag on your site and leave it at that.

We say, keep the flag, get rid of the animation!

Reloading Pages

What is it:  As you navigate along a website, the menu, sidebar and footer don't need to be reloaded, necessarily.  Just the content in the middle of the page would need change.

Keep it or Trash it:  This is a must keep.  If you ever want to send a customer to a specific page or product, then each page really needs their own unique address.  Also, search engines love to crawl pages on your website.  Make it easy for Google to find your site and index all of its information.

We say, keep it!

Mobile Websites

What is it:  A separate website just for mobile devices.

Keep it or Trash it:  Responsive websites are becoming more of a necessity with increasing web use on tablets and cell phones.  If you've got an elaborate website, a separate mobile site may actually be easier for your audience to navigate.

We say, go responsive if you can.  If not, be sure to have a separate mobile-ready website.

Sidebars

What is it:  The 250-300 pixels along the side(s) of a website.

Keep it or Trash it:  If you utilize sidebars on your website, be sure all of the information you put there is necessary and not simply taking up space.  If you choose to go without, be sure your web site content has large margins.  What's a good rule of thumb for text width?  Your text should be no wider than it takes to list out the alphabet three times.  Any more and it is difficult for the eyes to track.

We say, do what delivers the most value!

Hit Counter

What is it: 

Keep it or Trash it:  Please let the "hit counter" go the way of the floppy disk.  But do delve into your website's stats to see how many visitors you've had, what the top search terms were for your website and other valuable information.  Please note:  hits are no longer being tracked.

We say, trash it!

--

What website elements do you think should be a thing of the past?  We'd love to have you join the conversation on Facebook!

5 Web Design Tips from the CNN.com Redesign

Image courtesy of Fast Company

Want to know what a $15 million website redesign looks like?  CNN.com is planning to unveil their brand-new website in November, and they've tweaked the homepage, the mobile experience and the back-end of their website all in an effort to redefine readers' experience.

There are a number of tips from their major website overhaul that translate to any website--no matter the budget.

Be Responsive

More people are accessing the web via a mobile device everyday.  With faster phones and data streaming speeds, looking something up on the web is becoming a natural part of daily life.  Whether it's checking in on Facebook or researching area restaurants, mobile customers are a huge source of web traffic.

"Desktop [traffic] is flat. It's aging," KC Estenson, general manager of CNN.com said. "Mobile growth [is] off the chart."

Currently, CNN.com garners about 39% of their total traffic from mobile devices--a figure they expect will only increase.

Takeaway

Check your website stats.  What percent of total traffic is from a mobile device (phones and tablets)?  You may be surprised.  Now, check out your website on a few mobile devices.  What is the experience like?

Update Your Color Scheme

CNN.com is known for using the color red in their logo as making red a major player in their color palette.  The new design will maintain the red logo, but the color scheme will be darker and more dramatic.  Then, as news stories are more pressing and urgent, the colors change to become more urgent--a brighter background with a red headline.

Takeaway

Seriously revisit the colors used on your website.  How long have you been using them?  Is it time to introduce a new feeling or theme using color?  However, be sure to keep the brand consistent (aka - don't mess the logo unless you're looking to update it across the board).

Streamline the Back End

CNN.com is looking to make the process of adding a news story to their website easier and quicker for their contributors.  In addition, the process of publishing a story to the web and mobile devices will be streamlined.  Finally, readers can tag stories and recieve updates and view articles of a similar nature.

Takeaway

What current website features have become cumbersome or unenjoyable?  Is it due to a process that is too clunky or time consuming?  An update to the back end of a website is more costly, but the time, effort and tears saved may make the project entirely worthwhile.  

Big Photos

The new CNN.com will feature more photos.  And, the more pressing the news story, the larger the photos.

Takeaway

Web viewers are becoming more visual with websites like Pinterest capturing much of their time.  Is there an area of your website that could benefit from larger photos?  If your shutter skills are rusty or you rely on your smartphone for website imagery, it may be time to up your game.  Consider hiring a professional or honing your photography skills.  Either way, remember that a picture is worth 1,000 words.

Personalization

The ability to tag news stories is going to be huge.  If visitors to CNN.com tag a human interest story, the website will then suggest other, similar stories in an effort to make the website as personalized as possible.

Takeaway

Are there similar ways you can present a personal experience for your web visitors?  It can be as simple as an email suggesting similar products when a customer completes a purchase or as sophisticated as delivering content based on their viewing preferences.  Another way to personalize your brand is to respond to commenters on social media and blogs.

--

No matter the budget, there are a number of lessons appropriate for any website in the $15 million redesign of CNN.com.  What are your thoughts?  We'd love for you to pop over to our Facebook page and fill us in!

--

To read more about the CNN.com redesign, check out the following news stories:

Fast Company
Mashable
BrandChannel

Tales from the Script - Vol. 1

You've got a website.  It's been working hard for you for years, and it's time for a redesign.  When you approach your web design agency and they claim you don't own the code.  Chills run down your spine as you recall the investment you put into that site--time, money, sweat, frustration.  It was all gone now.

Determined not to be fooled again, you choose a new company to work with.  Once again, you go through the process of creating a website *from scratch*.  The planning, work, effort and diligence needed are met and your website is up and running.  This web designer looks like Elvis compared to the last guy.  You envision setting him up with your cousin, you're so impressed.

A few years and changes in technology later, you're ready to update and find a new designer you'd like to work with.  It's nothing personal against Elvis, but you've found an agency that fits your brand better.  That's when Elvis reveals he's really just a zombie in disguise.  The slick web designer made sure that you didn't own the code once again.  When you request the code for your website due to switching vendors, Elvis refuses.  He claims your code will not, in fact, be leaving the building.

Staring down the double barrel of starting your website all over again, you feel week in the knees.  How could this have happened?  Again?  Are all web design companies just used car salesmen in disguise?  

Frustrated, and feeling almost six-feet under, you're not sure you have the effort begin again.  What's the use?  Maybe, you should just bury the hatchet.

--

As horrifying as the above story is, we warn you that it is true.  Not all designers are scary monsters that look to haunt your future, but some of them are, you just don't know it.  A client of ours experienced this situation and finally found us.  In talking with them, we felt their pain and worked to gain their trust.

How can you avoid a horrifying situation like this?  

1.  Be sure you own the code and framework used to build your website.

You may not realize it at the time of signing a contract, but if this is not explicitly spelled out, you may be getting the wool pulled over your eyes.  If you decide to leave, or simply want to redesign the site, your designer may claim that they need to start from scratch.  Don't become a statistic.  Get it in writing that you own the website and are welcome to take all of the code and tools used within in the event you walk away.

2.  A deal that's too good to be true, probably is.

If you're looking to get a professional website for next-to-nothing, you're only fooling yourself.  It's like the girl that's home alone in those horror flicks.  Why does she always answer the phone when the bad guy calls?  Just.  Don't.  Do.  It.

Realize that you get what you pay for.  And, in the event you want to leave that vendor, there may be a reason why your website is held hostage.  And you're left crying like a baby.  Moral of the story- read the fine print.  Many companies that offer low cost entry and low monthly fees also retain ownership of your site.  It's like renting an apartment.  If you painstakingly painted a mural on your wall, you can't take it with you when you leave.

If you're looking for a website update and are feeling tied to a chair, call for help.  We love turing web design horror stories into fairy tales!

If you've got a web design or hosting horror story, we'd love to hear it!  Connect with us on Twitter or Facebook.

5 Reasons Why Your Small Business Needs A Website

Image Source

Although the Internet boom is over a decade in the past, the number of small businesses that still don't have a website is surprising.  Some of the common objections are:

"I'm not looking to sell online."

"I serve only a small geographic area."

"I have a Facebook page" 

And, our favorite: "Many of our customers aren't web-savvy."

If you're looking to grow your business (hey, who isn't?) a website is a natural choice for a number of reasons.  Let us count the ways:

1.  LOCAL LISTINGS

The Internet is the first place people look for information on a business, brand, city or destination.  They quickly search the business name in the hopes of getting a variety of information:

• Phone number
• Address
• Hours of Operation
• Services Provided
• A Link to the Website for more detailed information

Having a website allows a business the opportunity to submit this specific information to a variety of directory listings.  Once submitted to local directories, much of the above information displays on search engines with an opportunity to click to the website.  Without a website, this opportunity does not exist.  And, to consumers, that may mean that you don't exist.

2.  SHOW ME THE MONEY

Ok, so maybe you're not looking to sell online.  Maybe you're a salon or sign company or tourist destination or local coffee shop.  We understand.  However, consumers want to SEE what you do.  Did you whip up gorgeous hair-dos for Prom this year?  Did you just put a new sign up at a local business? Are the beaches in your town amazing destinations and you recommend I go there?  Show me.

We live in an image-driven society and people want to see what they're about to buy/experience/see/do.  It's as simple as that.  If you're not showcasing your product/service/destination/idea, someone else probably is.  And guess who will get the business?

3.  FACEBOOK FALLS SHORT

You say that you post pictures like a paparazzi to your Facebook page.  Your fans see all of the wonderful creations you come up with, they know about your specials and engage with you regularly.  That's great.  But, in a few short months to a year, those posts are long forgotten.  A newbie coming to your page is not going to scroll and scroll and scroll until he comes across the image that convinces him your product/service is for him.  He may not care about the cute comments and back-and-forths with your community.  He wants to see the goods (see #2 above).

A website with a portfolio section is properly organized and will help consumers locate and view the images they're looking for quickly.  This makes the process of looking at your business's offering a painless process.

Facebook is a valuable resource and should be tapped to it's ultimate potential.  Although questions remain.  In 5 years will Facebook still be as valuable?  MySpace shot off like a rocket and fell like a lead balloon through its short history.  All of the data, images and communication you spent time on could be gone.  Just.  Like.  That.

4.  ONE MORE SALES PERSON

A website is up 24/7 promoting business every waking hour.  No caffeine necessary.  No 401k, insurance or bonuses.  Are you saying you couldn't use a dedicated employee like that?

A small business website with a portfolio, a testimonials section, a feed from your Facebook (see, we're not haters) and Twitter is a robust selling machine.  And it works all while helping your audience know, like, and trust you.  That's a smooth sales tool.

5.  PROFESSIONAL

As we mentioned, being known, liked, and trusted are all valuable if you're planning to make a sale.  So, you can't slap any old website up and assume your bases are covered.  Your business's website must convey that you can be trusted.  A shoddy website will be like that 24/7 sales person showing up with greasy hair in a leisure suit and mis-matched socks.  It's an image any consumer would want to run away from.  Don't scare your consumers!

A professional website is not so out of reach.  If you've been told that it is, you're looking in the wrong places.  Keep looking.  We're happy to chat about our small business portfolio.

--

The next time you're looking to dial up, logon and do an Internet search for an small business, imagine your audience doing the very same thing.  What will they find?

Branding Your Website

Image Source

If your website was a gourmet hamburger, branding would be all of the deliciousness that goes along with it:  pickles, tomato, onion, cheese, lettuce, bacon (!) and a toasty bun.  The elements are not too much and not too little, and memorable enough to keep customers coming back bite after bite.

A burger lacking these elements is like a bad memory.  The same with your website. The logo, color scheme, tone of voice, imagery and emotion of your brand need to be incorporated on your site.

The problem many clients run into is either, 1) they have very little offline branding and don't know the elements of their brand or, 2) the prior web designer neglected to incorporate these important elements and their site is underperforming.

Why are these branding elements important?  

They:

• let your audience know they're on the right website.
• create continuity between your offline, real life efforts and your web presence.
• build trust in your brand.

Okay, these elements are important.  I can see you get that.  Though I must caution you from the brink of using too much branding on your site. Note that branding is the accompaniment but you can't forget the beef!  Customers are coming to your site to learn more about you, experience your brand and/or buy your product.  A great website helps to build KLT (know, like, trust).   Remember, branding is the too-good-to-pass-up deliciousness that makes your website unique--your audience appreciates all of those elements, but they came for the beef!

What about my logo?

You're proud of your logo.  It's the culmination of blood, sweat, tears and a few hundred (maybe thousand) bucks.  We get that.  Your customers value your logo as well.  But not in the center-of-the-page, no other information is provided kind of a way.  It's more of a  2.5" x 2.5" kind of way.

There are a number of best practices for your logo's placement on your website.  Typically, logos are in the upper-left corner of each page.  Web users know to look there for a logo, and the goal is to build trust in your website.  So, put it in the upper-left; no need to get fancy.

The logo should be click-able back to your homepage--another web standard. And, the logo should be big enough to be noticed within the first few seconds a user is on your website.  You only have a precious few seconds to grab their attention and allow them to trust your site.  Don't blow it!

Remember:  Your logo is like the secret sauce.  Important and tangy, but way-too-much and it's overbearing.  We've all been there.  Don't be that guy!

It's elemental

Pickles, lettuce, tomatoes, bacon, cheese, tomato...we could go on and on about a great gourmet burger (we're from Wisconsin after all).   Just like this delectable delight, your website should incorporate all of the elements of your brand--or you may have angry (or confused) customers.  Tone of voice, color scheme, imagery and feel are all important elements of your brand.  A great website will incorporate each of them in addition to a hearty helping of meat (read: important content).

All of life is like a great burger

Alright, that statement may have gone a bit too far.  But your website *is* like a great burger.  Your site should incorporate all of the tasty elements of your brand--logo, color scheme, tone of voice, imagery and emotion, without forgetting the meaty parts.  Customers are hungry to learn more about your brand.  Don't disappoint them!

--

If you're lost on the way to a gourmet website, we have affectionados that would be happy to help.  Would you like a free website review?  We'd be happy to oblige you!

Customized Websites are Better for Business

Throughout the course of doing business we meet folks who think a website template is a great fit for business.  Nothing gets us up on our soapbox quicker than misinformation about how great these templates are.  They're bad for the web, bad for business, and bad for you.  Excuse us while we jump up on our soapbox and settle the record.

--

As innovators in the blending of art and technology, we truly believe in custom website creations for everyone.  And, we certainly understand that creating a website for your brand can be a daunting endeavor.  Standing at the fork in the road, you can go the custom route or the Template/Cookie Cutter/Build My Own/One-Size-Fits-All direction.  We think you'll agree that custom is better for business.  Allow us to illustrate.

The Sky is the Limit

Templated designs are a quick way to get "something" up on the web.  You can pop in your logo, maybe change the colors, and add content for your audience.  However, a major issue many owners experience with an "out of the box" website is the limited design capabilities.

A custom website  will certainly have your logo, but that's just the beginning.  Images, colors and content that truly reflect your brand are carefully chosen to engage your audience and let them experience your brand.  We love to pop in our Content Management Systems as a way to allow brands to enter into continual communication with their audience as well.

And, that daunting process?  It's not so scary with an industry expert walking the road along side of your business.  Our Account Executives have more than 15 years of experience creating robust Internet solutions for our clients.

Online Marketing

Cookie cutter templates may not be optimized to be easily found on search engines.  Typically, they have extraneous coding in them as well as references to the template creator.  A custom website is all about you--your brand, your business, your marketing.  What's not to love about you?  Amiright?

When creating custom sites, we also add specific keywords within your website to make it easier for Google to find and categorize you.  We can also ensure your Google map, location and info are correct on Google--an important feature for your customers and your bottom line.  The template guys are just happy they sold another cookie-cutter.

Our custom websites also easily integrate Facebook pages, Twitter updates, or any other social media platform you are current leveraging for business.  This helps to create a cohesive all-in-one marketing tool for your brand.

Scalability

Your business' future is limited by template websites.  Truly, a template is a box that is difficult, if not impossible, to bust out of.  And, when the time comes (and it surely will) for you to add on to your website, whose task-list does this item get added to?  Hint:  You'll find them in your mirror.

With a custom website, features,  pages and e-commerce can all easily be added when the time is right.  And, since we designed your website in the first place, there is no head-scratching or finger-pointing when it's time to add on.  We simply get to work.

Price

A web template is WAY cheaper than a custom solution, so why continue preaching about the benefits?

What if I told you the cost is less than you think?*

What if I said DMI Studios creates high-end custom solutions, every day, for business (and budgets) large and small?  I'm talking full, custom, interactive websites with custom design and our Content Management System fully integrated so you can manage your site.

That's a serious interactive marketing solution.

What about ecom.?  Yep.

The "templates are great" myth is busted!

What are you waiting for?  Creating custom websites is our specialty.  And, it's fun, too.

Want to see how your website stacks up?  We'll be brutally honest.

--

*What do you mean the cost of a template and custom website are similar?  Well, templates may be a bit cheaper, but they may be holding you back with poor conversion, poor representation of your brand, and limited scalability.  The designer/programmer/marketing professional for your template is YOU.  You're choosing between working on your business or creating your website.  Our websites come with a team of designers, marketers, and industry experts helping you along every step of the way.  And, we don't build it and forget it. We're here to help launch-day, 10-days after launch, and 10 months after launch and beyond.