Blue Wave Design: Website Design & Graphic Design Agency in West Palm Beach, FL

6 Signs That You Need a Website Redesign

2011-08-05T09:34:00.000-04:00

Have you thought about your website lately? Well, you should. Don't lose potential customers because of a poorly designed or outdated website. Take a look at the following list to see if you can relate. If so, give Blue Wave Design a call so we can discuss your changing advertising needs.

1. You're on a competitor's website, and like theirs better than yours. Need I say more?

2. Your business offers new products and/or services for existing clients or to attract new ones. Due to the economy, we're all wearing more hats. If you don't redesign your website to showcase your redesigned business, then you will lose out to your competitors.

3. Your website takes a long, long time to load.

While most people are using high-speed internet, some still aren't. A good website should cater to everyone. Advances in browsers and back-end coding is making it easier than ever to build a fast website.

4. Your website isn't ranking well in search engines.

New search engine algorithms give preference to websites that are regularly updated with fresh content, have faster loading times, and use code that is easy for search engine crawlers to read. Search engines are getting smarter, and your website should reflect this, or it will get penalized.

5. Your business has a new look.

Maybe you're trying to attract smaller businesses, female customers, or large corporations. Is your current website geared to a specific client?

6. You want to update the site yourself, but don't know how.

Content Management Systems (CMS) allow you to update the site when needed. Most are based off of the familiar Microsoft platforms, so adding copy, images and events are super easy.

Sandra O'Brien, PMP

Internet Development
Blue Wave Design, Inc.

Crystal Tree Centre

1201 US Highway One

Suite 230

North Palm Beach, FL 33408

V: 561-775-9607

F: 561-775-1633

www.bluewavedesign.com

Blue Wave Design is a full service graphic design firm providing creative solutions that integrate marketing strategy, communication and graphic design. Our goal: Giving our clients the competitive edge in order to grow their business.

become a fan of Blue Wave Design

BLUE WAVE DESIGN Client Case Study: STORE Self Storage and Wine Storage

2011-02-11T18:05:00.002-05:00

ABOUT STORE SELF STORAGE AND WINE STORAGE:

As a Cat. 4 hurricane rated and a 5-story self storage and wine storage building located in Palm Beach Gardens, FL, STORE offers unparalleled amenities with great customer service. STORE can accommodate files and excess inventory to fit their commercial client's needs. Residential customers love the variety of sizes and amenities offered for the whole house of furniture or just a few prized possessions.

SITUATION:

STORE Self Storage and Wine Storage came to Blue Wave Design in need of a fresh website design. They felt their website design was not user friendly (color/navigation) and that there were many redundancies in the current layout and copy. They also required a seamless transition to their online wine storage management and payment/reservation partner. Since they would be updating the website themselves on a regular basis, we would need to design the site using a Content Management System.

SOLUTION:

By identifying Store's critical needs (CMS, better user experience) we selected a CMS software that enabled us to create a completely customizable website design with unlimited design capabilities. Content is no longer redundant and website colors are now light and bright, helping their two basic customers, self storage and wine storage, navigate easier through the site when searching for size and price information.

DREARY WEBSITE? We have space in our schedule next week for two companies or individuals who want to make their website more exciting, engaging and effective. If interested, send us a message and explain your situation, goals & approximate budget.

Sandi O'Brien

Internet Development
Blue Wave Design, Inc.

Crystal Tree Centre

1201 US Highway One

Suite 230

North Palm Beach, FL 33408

V: 561-775-9607

F: 561-775-1633

www.bluewavedesign.com

become a fan of Blue Wave Design

Happy Holidays from Blue Wave Design!

2010-12-23T15:11:00.000-05:00

TO ALL OF OUR OUTSTANDING CLIENTS AND FRIENDS,

With the New Year approaching, it is time to express our gratitude to loyal customers such as yourself for your continuing support. In these times of increased competition, where people are constantly changing loyalties, it is a pleasure to be able to serve such a faithful customer like you.

In an effort to better serve you, Blue Wave Design has moved to a new location. Our new address is:

Crystal Tree Centre

201 U.S. Hwy. One

Suite 230

North Palm Beach, FL 33408

Phone: 561-775-9607

Fax : 561-775-1633

Website: www.bluewavedesign.com

Please forward all correspondence to this new address, as it will be a pleasure to serve you from our new premises in the upcoming year.

On Thursday, December 23, 2010. Our company will be suspending business hours in celebration of the Christmas and New Year Holidays. We will resume regular business hours the following week on Monday, January 3, 2011. Should you have any questions or concerns, feel free to email or call prior to the holidays for customer assistance. Should an emergency arise please call Eileen at 561-722-9205.

Finally, during this holiday season, the entire team here at Blue Wave Design would like to take this opportunity to wish you and your family the very best in life in the upcoming year. We look forward to your continued patronage and working with you to help make 2011 the most successful year yet.

Happy Holidays!

Shane O'Brien, Eileen Wilkins & The Team at Blue Wave Design

While on Vacation, Revisit Your Logo

2010-12-14T22:18:00.001-05:00

With the holidays upon us, our minds aren't into work. We're all thinking about holiday shopping, family, and vacation time. But, somewhere amidst all of that, you're going to have to at least think about your company (NOT clients) for a SPLIT second.

That being said, think about the one thing that makes a first impression on your company. You got it, it's your logo. There's nothing else quite like it. It actually creates an emotional response to your potential clients and will guide them into either trusting you, or your competitor.

Let's say you have a dated logo but your website is simple, clean and modern. To your potential clients, something will look… off. A little out-of-place. Untrusting. All this, because of a first impression. And just think, you never even had the chance to meet them.

Looking forward into 2011, think about how you want potential clients to view your company. How do they view it now? Conservative? Cutting-Edge?

It all starts with your logo. And we can help you with that.

Eileen Wilkins

President- Business Development
Blue Wave Design, Inc.

Crystal Tree Centre
1201 US Highway One

Suite 230

North Palm Beach, FL 33408

V: 561-775-9607

F: 561-775-1633

www.bluewavedesign.com

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Best Marketing Strategies During a Recession

2010-09-16T14:50:00.000-04:00

Since we are still in the Great Recession, businesses need to work smarter, not necessarily harder, to create and retain new clients. The effectiveness of their marketing campaigns will depend on how successfully businesses implement the following strategies, even on a reduced budget (not that we would recommend that!).

Excellent Client Care
Without loyal customers, businesses in this day and age would be in a world of hurt- and this pertains to both B2C and B2B companies. Now more than ever businesses must provide excellent customer service, and by doing so will set your business apart from the rest. The first impression you make on your client will determine your success throughout the process, and puts you in a better position to receive referrals in return. What used to be the norm: limited availability, long wait times, difficulty contacting customer service- is now gone. Customers are smarter and more savvy than ever.

Take a Second Look at Your Product Prices or Services
The internet makes it very easy to research services, goods, your company and your competitors. Armed with this knowledge, customers negotiate harder at the point of sale. Because of the recession, most people are willing to wait for a great deal. Consider reducing your profit margins in order to increase your bottom line. Make it clear to customers why your company will be the best solution for them, and clearly state examples showing this.

Quality Wins (well, most of the time!)
It's important to focus on your items or services that would be considered basic needs for your customers. Whether you cater to consumers or businesses, most are 'trimming the fat' off their budgets and sacrificing luxury for a good quality item or service, and demanding (also possibly attempting to haggle) a fair price. By researching your competition, you may find similar items or services at a lower price- but see this as an opportunity to showcase the quality of your service or item. Make your client see that your product or service will give them more value for their dollar.

Don't Decrease Your Advertising
Brands that increase advertising during a recession can improve market share and return on investment at a lower cost than during thriving economic times, as previous research has shown. Although it may be hard, try not to decrease your focus on advertising during this crucial time as it may have a broader impact on your sales than you think. When the economy is on the upswing, consumers will remember your advertising during this rough time and turn to you for help.

Eileen Wilkins

President- Business Development
Blue Wave Design, Inc.

824 US Hwy One

Ste. 345

North Palm Beach, FL 33408

V: 561-775-9607

F: 561-775-1633

www.bluewavedesign.com

Like Us on Facebook

Don't Let This Happen to YOU!!

2010-07-23T16:15:00.000-04:00

Most businesses today have a website. Whether they maintain it, update it, massage it- is anyone’s guess.

Your website is a living thing that should be nurtured with Search Engine Optimization (so search engines can FIND your new or existing site), keyword-filled copy, new images and videos on a regular basis. Keep it fresh- keep it interesting! Keep the site vital. Did you know that search engines give preference to regularly updated sites?

To make this happen you employ a web developer or an agency to do it right. That’s what you should do-you’re not a mechanic so don’t rebuild your own carburetor. But there is one thing you should do yourself- you should control your domain names and your email addresses. Control them in the same fashion as you would the other aspects of your company- hiring, taxes and payroll. Why? Well, do you know when your domain name expires? Let's imagine that you weren't in control of this information and your previous agency/developer let it lapse. You now risk losing your domain name (forever!) to someone else, and your web presence that you worked tirelessly to build. This really happens!

Risky Business
And perhaps most importantly, not being in control of your sensitive information puts your company at risk- anywhere from email ghosting to unauthorized spyware added to your backend code. It puts your company and your clients/ future client's information at risk and possibly a lawsuit in the future.

To not be in control of your domain name and emails leaves your site in the hands of others. When the time comes to upgrade the site or to switch to another agency/developer you now have to request to have your domain and emails changed to be under your administration and ownership (and you really owned them in the first place).

It is a pain, it takes time (your time) and you start to wonder if this company really did you any favors. You should also question who your agency has chosen to host your site as well.

No one cares about you, your company and your image more than you do- don’t leave it in the hands of others.

Eileen Wilkins
President- Business Development
Blue Wave Design, Inc.
824 US Hwy One
Ste. 345
North Palm Beach, FL 33408
V: 561-775-9607
F: 561-775-1633

www.bluewavedesign.com

Blue Wave Design is a full service graphic design firm providing creative solutions that integrate marketing strategy, communication and graphic design. Our goal: Giving our clients the competitive edge in order to grow their business.

Like Us on Facebook

Follow Us on Twitter

Fighting for Life in a Medical Insurance Controlled World??

2010-06-16T19:51:00.005-04:00

THE PLIGHT OF A YOUNG MAN

This has nothing to do with my business. This is about Casey Bicknell, who needs all of the help he can get to recover from a devastating accident which occurred in January of this year at Palm Beach International Raceway (formerly Moroso Speedway) in Palm Beach County, Florida.

Many people complain about being "insurance poor"- I do. Between Homeowners, Wind Damage, Life, Health, Dental, and Car insurance premiums- a lot of money flies out the window every month. The reason we do this? It's for protection in the event of an accident.

Well, that's what happened to Casey Bicknell, a Martin County High School Senior. He was in an accident; he suffered a traumatic brain injury; his parents have "good" insurance. But somehow, after receiving years of premium payments from the Bicknell's, the insurance company has determined that Casey has recovered as much as he is ever going to and is refusing to pay for additional rehabilitation treatment.

This is in no way the only incident of this nature. When you hear of families going bankrupt over paying for extended illnesses- such as cancer - or a young man with a traumatic brain injury like Casey it's true. We go along in life paying our insurance thinking we are protected, our families are protected. But are we?

BENEFIT

Please consider attending a benefit for Casey, to help pay medical bills, so he has a chance to regain the life he had, the life that is inside- but needs help getting out.

June 27, 2010 4-8 pm
Indian Riverside Park
1707 NE Indian River Drive
Jensen Beach
$20 adults - $10 students

Enjoy:
Music- Led Heads (Led Zeppelin Tribute Band and introducing Jaded)
Exotic Car show
GREAT FOOD- FABULOUS SILENT AUCTION

Purchase tickets online: www.caseybicknell.com or pay at the event.

Please help support Casey. My sincere thanks.

Eileen Wilkins
President- Business Development
Blue Wave Design, Inc.
824 US Hwy One
Ste. 345
North Palm Beach, FL 33408
V: 561-775-9607
F: 561-775-1633

Review, Revise, Renew

2010-05-28T13:02:00.000-04:00

Oh, Summer is here! Kids will be out of school soon, vacation plans are underway. Finally!

But what happens to your business during the Summer? For some, the Summer is a slower time of year: no conventions to attend, it's harder to get in front of clients, let alone new prospects because of vacation schedules. So, it makes Summer the perfect time to review, revise and renew your marketing materials.

You have more time to focus, to reread copy, to make those features and benefits snap, crackle and pop. You are probably aware of any new products coming down the pipeline for a Fall/Winter introduction. So instead of waiting 2 weeks before the convention or waiting until your clients are back on track and ready to hear from you in September- get ready now.

You'll also find that your agency has some extra time too. Not so many last minute requests coming in jamming up the
designers. They'll be able to give your project more energy whether it's your collateral or internet presence. Printers also have the extra time to review specialty papers and print processes with you which will help your materials stand out and shine.

It's nice to take a breather, but your time is valuable - and so are your marketing tools. Now is the perfect time to take your time and review, revise and renew!

Happy Summer!

Eileen Wilkins
President- Business Development
Blue Wave Design, Inc.
824 US Hwy One
Ste. 345
North Palm Beach, FL 33408
V: 561-775-9607
F: 561-775-1633

How to Screw up Your Blog (and more!)

2010-04-14T12:55:00.011-04:00

I have been remiss! I have accepted my downfall as a blogger (no blog since December!!!) and now have made a firm decision to keep it up- no matter what! It was the "what" that kept getting in the way.

You have read in the past about my passion for networking- not that I am a pro- I am still working on that. But, I have to tell you that recently I went to the Palm Beach County/Treasure Coast BNI Leadership Conference. To remind you: BNI stands for Business Networking International, the largest networking concern in the WORLD. Yes. I have had a great experience with my group: City Business- BNI (see www.bnicitybusiness.com), and willfully took on the position of VP in our group. That's not the point though!

The presentation by Bob Burg- author, motivational speaker and business makeover artist, at the beginning of the conference was great. Motivational. Eye opening. Not that he said anything I didn't KNOW- but he certainly touched on points I was in need of remembering. Here are just three tenets covered, for more on Bob go to: www.burg.com.

CLIENTS FIRST
It's all about the client. No matter what. Whatever type of business you have you are fulfilling a need of your client. And now, with competition at precarious heights and budget slashing at the same level- it's tougher than ever to keep existing clients let alone find new ones! It sounds simple, yet sometimes people can get in their own way. You must develop and maintain an environment with your client wherein they honestly feel your product/service is the very best choice. You must develop a trusting relationship built upon your product/service knowledge and the fact that you are there to give them TRUE VALUE.

TRUE VALUE
True value comes from your heart. It's much easier to do business when you love what you do. Not all of us have that impetus. To successfully provide a service or product in an ongoing fashion you have to truly believe in what you are selling. And you have to honestly provide VALUE that your client needs. Better yet, when you offer more... more knowledge, more
cost-saving avenues (for example), you are now giving extra value from your HEART and further developing the "expert" alliance you want with your client.

COMPENSATION
We all work very hard- the result of our hard work should be fair compensation-right? Yes, it happens but we can make it happen even more. If you concentrate on giving EXCEPTIONAL VALUE to your clients and acquaintances, and, you pair with that an EXCEPTIONAL REACH by smart networking, the theory is you will receive EXCEPTIONAL GROWTH/INCOME.

It sounds so easy...but keeping up a fool proof networking schedule and system is hard. At least for me. It takes time and persistence and time and persistence over and over again. I'm still working at it and you should be too.

Eileen Wilkins
President- Business Development
Blue Wave Design, Inc.
824 US Hwy One
Ste. 345
North Palm Beach, FL 33408
V: 561-775-9607
F: 561-775-1633

www.bluewavedesign.com

Blue Wave Design is a full service graphic design firm providing creative solutions that integrate marketing strategy, communication and graphic design. Our goal: Giving our clients the competitive edge in order to grow their business.

b ecome a fan of Blue Wave Design
 
follow us on Twitter

Blue Wave Design Receives Best of West Palm Beach Award in Advertising Agencies Category for Second Consecutive Year

2010-03-30T23:27:00.011-04:00

NEW YORK, NY, March 15, 2010 — For the second consecutive year, Blue Wave Design has been selected for the 2010 Best of West Palm Beach Award in the Advertising Agencies category by the U.S. Commerce Association (USCA).

The USCA “Best of Local Business” Award Program recognizes outstanding local businesses throughout the country. Each year, the USCA identifies companies that they believe have achieved exceptional marketing success in their local community and business category. These are local companies that enhance the positive image of small business through service to their customers and community.

Nationwide, only 1 in 70 (1.4%) 2009 Award recipients qualified as two-time Award Winners. Various sources of information were gathered and analyzed to choose the winners in each category. The 2010 USCA Award Program focuses on quality, not quantity. Winners are determined based on the information gathered both internally by the USCA and data provided by third parties.

Sandi O’Brien
Internet Development
Blue Wave Design, Inc.
824 US Hwy One
Ste. 345
North Palm Beach, FL 33408
V: 561-775-9607
F: 561-775-1633
www.bluewavedesign.com

Blue Wave Design is a full service graphic design firm providing creative solutions that integrate marketing strategy, communication and graphic design. Our goal: Giving our clients the competitive edge in order to grow their business.

become a fan of Blue Wave Design

follow us on Twitter

Social Media Marketing- Are You Doing It?

2010-03-08T13:15:00.000-05:00

This weekend I found myself driving down to beautiful Miami Beach and very excited to attend the Graphics of the Americas Expo and Conference. I'm always looking for fresh ideas to incorporate into Blue Wave Design and this conference was at the right time, and definitely the right place!

I attended several seminars and although I learned some technical jargon that's related to my industry, I wanted to share what ALL of the trainers stressed again and again: Social Media Marketing.

Now, you may be a little intimidated by Social Media Marketing (or SMM). However, if you're reading this blog, you're actively participating in SMM. We successfully 'lured' you into reading our blog by a form of Social Media, whether it be via email, Facebook post, LinkedIn update, Tweet or some other form of our online interaction.

Why is this important? The latest figures show that Facebook adds 700,000 users PER DAY. There are over 200 million websites. There are over 1 million blog posts daily. There have been over 10 billion tweets since the inception of Twitter. Obviously people have something to say... so why not create that buzz to attract attention to you and your brand?

Sandi O'Brien
Internet Development
Blue Wave Design, Inc.
824 US Hwy One
Ste. 345
North Palm Beach, FL 33408
V: 561-775-9607
F: 561-775-1633
www.bluewavedesign.com

Blue Wave Design is a full service graphic design firm providing creative solutions that integrate marketing strategy, communication and graphic design. Our goal: Giving our clients the competitive edge in order to grow their business.

become a fan of Blue Wave Design
follow us on Twitter

The End of Talking About the Economy

2009-12-21T13:08:00.000-05:00

Yeah! The end of the year is approaching quickly and I am lovin’ it.
I am ready for new news, new projects, new challenges and maybe some new clothes. I am just ready to put 2009 to bed. Although the challenges (annoyances) we faced did bring about some needed change: tighter wallets, tighter budgets (forcing production creativity), and an overall better understanding of what we are made of.

Business
You can’t talk about business without talking about the economy (oh, no, sorry!) In my business, graphic design, advertising and marketing; we saw our clients affected by the economy and they cut back back on marketing and advertising. Yes, this had a direct effect (more like hit) on our business. We have a wide variety of clients across many industries so we were able to weather the storm. We will continue to seek different industries in order to remain diversified.

Give More
We found that with business being down we gave more to our clients. We are always thinking about how to market our clients better and I found that by giving more information, asking more questions and showing them more understanding of their current issues created tighter bonds.

I tend to give away ideas- not such a good idea- and have tried to tame my free-wheeling blabber mouth. But now, I feel better about it because every one of those clients appreciated all of the little extras we were able to give.

2010
You may think it is not such a great idea to announce that the year was a struggle. We are still generating fabulous design, great websites and marketing materials and will continue to grow in our industry. But to say that it wasn’t, to not thank our incredibly loyal clients and fans for sticking with us would be a mistake. By us hanging in together, each doing a bit of give and take, we are still here. And, if you ask me- this makes 2010 look brighter and better than ever! Good luck to all!

Eileen Wilkins
President- Business Development
Blue Wave Design, Inc.
824 US Hwy One
Ste. 345
North Palm Beach, FL 33408
V: 561-775-9607
F: 561-775-1633
www.bluewavedesign.com

become a fan of Blue Wave Design
follow us on Twitter

Blue Wave Design takes home five (5) awards in the 2009 Graphic Design USA Competition

2009-10-12T11:15:00.000-04:00

Hooray! We did it again!

Blue Wave Design is extremely fortunate to have won five awards from the 2009 American Graphic Design competition held by Graphic Design USA (publication). The awards were for the following pieces:

- Keating-Moore Construction 4-color brochure
- 2009 K-Rain Irrigation product catalog
- 3D Machining 4-color brochure
- Synthetic Turf International 4-color brochure
- Lost Tree Village 2009 annual report

We are all very excited here at Blue Wave Design for our current accomplishments. If it wasn’t for the opportunity and support from our clients, we wouldn’t have been able to achieve award winning accolades such as these. From Blue Wave Design, to you, thank you.

Look for us in the 2009 GDUSA American Inhouse Design Awards publication. Or check their website. Our work will be on display there until the 2010 competition.

Localism- What's Love Got to do With IT?

2009-10-12T01:28:00.000-04:00

Localism Definition: Localism is 'Old-School' in a New World portal. It's reminiscent of an earlier day when people shopped where they lived, and everyone knew their butcher. Localism makes the world smaller and more personal. It reacquaints and re-establishes the lost bonds between neighbors. It revives and restores the relational elements of what neighborhoods used to be, and should be.

Actually, Localism is about real estate; started by the inventors of Activerain- a very cool website for realtors and for those of us looking for real estate information. The definition above came right off the site. But I am not writing about real estate.

I'm writing about localism-local, right here in my backyard, right there in your backyard- where ever that may be.

Here's what the dictionary says:

lo - cal - ism - noun

1. a word, phrase, pronunciation, or manner of speaking that is peculiar to one locality.
2. a local custom.
3. excessive devotion to and promotion of the interests of a particular locality; sectionalism.
4. attachment to a particular locality.

Why, do you ask, should I care? I was at a cocktail party the other night and overheard someone talking about how CHEAP they could get business cards, letterhead, brochures, websites etc. by ordering all of the stuff from another state, another country even.

It kind of set me on fire if you know what I mean. Yes, I'm a partner in a graphic design and advertising agency, and yes I spontaneously combust often. And yes, I've known, seen and heard about all of these fabulous "Deals" for years.

Love Your Neighbors (as you do yourself)-and you know you do!

Here's the deal: We need to support our neighborhood, our town our city businesses. By doing so we are supporting families, schools - the entire infrastructure of our local communities. And yes- it is a free society and global marketplace- and you can buy what you want where you want. But let's just be honest - with the economy the way it is it is even more important to engage with local businesses. And guess what- your local businesses will love you for it. Here's a thought- they might return the favor and use your services. Like networking, what goes around comes around.

I have received, by both email and direct phone call, many solicitations for outsourcing services (services we offer our clients and do ourselves) to companies in other countries. You know what? I could use those services (without telling my clients), mark the costs way up, and deliver the invoice to my client. I could make more money that way. I could layoff one of our designers and farm out the work. You might say that's a good business decision- I am making more money. But it's not just about ME making more money! It's about survival of small businesses throughout our communities.

Don't Live Under a Rock but...

I am not promoting isolationism but to have a thriving community we need to commune with our neighboring businesses. Don't just think about this when looking for services and products- act on it. Your best vendor could be your neighbor. That's what love has to do with it!

Eileen Wilkins
President- Business Development
Blue Wave Design, Inc.
824 US Hwy One
Ste. 345
North Palm Beach, FL 33408
V: 561-775-9607
F: 561-775-1633
www.bluewavedesign.com

Blue Wave Design is a full service graphic design firm providing creative solutions that integrate marketing strategy, communication and graphic design. Our goal: Giving our clients the competitive edge in order to grow their business.

become a fan of Blue Wave Design
follow us on Twitter

Mediocrity Makes Me Crazy!

2009-08-17T23:14:00.000-04:00

Yes, I am tired of the same ol, same ol. Same ol what? The same old website templates!

The internet is great- we all love it, especially because we can advertise our business and not pay printers and postage- right? Well, if you take advantage of the internet-please don't let templates take advantage of YOU.

I have been on tons of websites, and lately, I can tell where someone has purchased their template, who they are leasing a template from or identify the particular web company which has "designed" the site using a template they have used for other clients.

We are all unique- our services, products and the way we "do" business varies and this should be highlighted in every single thing you produce about you - including your website.

If you feel your budget is strapped and you can't afford a uniquely designed website you are mistaken. If you choose the right design team and follow their instructions for providing information it can be a rewarding and affordable experience!

Do It Right

This is why designing collateral (brochures, direct mail,etc.) before the website is crucial. There is something about holding a proof in your hands, reading it, allowing other people to proof it before it is printed that makes most of us spend more time picking it apart and making sure it's perfect. Then, go onto the website. You have your copy points, tone and information determined. Of course you should change it up a bit to keep the information fresh for the internet.

Your website can be the first time/place a prospective client will be introduced to you and your business. Shouldn't they be impressed?? The most important outcome you want from this first experience is that they contact you, either through the contact form- or better yet- they call you! How wonderful-human contact!

Next, send them, yes- really- in the mail, your beautiful, inspiring brochure which goes further into your wonderful offerings.

Don't Settle for Average

Just don't settle- demand something different. Review a web company's offerings before you sign on-do they have unique sites for their other clients? Do you want to look like their other clients?

A Huge Point to Consider About Online Templates

The price may be really attractive from an online provider like godaddy. But think about this: Is web design your line of work? Do you have the time to figure out your design, how to use the CMS module, how to put some customization into the site? Some people get it, but quite a few don't. Realize what you're getting into- it will take time away from your core purpose and could cause major frustration.

I know I'll get some flack because I haven't touched upon the backend workings of a website and how important it is and it is. It's just that we are a visual society- inspire your prospective clients with beauty and creativity and they will come knocking.

Not doing more than the average is what keeps the average down.

Author: William M. Winans

2009-07-30T00:38:00.000-04:00

Blue Wave Design Receives 2009 Best of West Palm Beach Award

WASHINGTON D.C., June 8, 2009 -- Blue Wave Design has been selected for the 2009 Best of West Palm Beach Award in the Advertising Agencies category by the U.S. Commerce Association (USCA).

The USCA "Best of Local Business" Award Program recognizes outstanding local businesses throughout the country. Each year, the USCA identifies companies that they believe have achieved exceptional marketing success in their local community and business category. These are local companies that enhance the positive image of small business through service to their customers and community.

Various sources of information were gathered and analyzed to choose the winners in each category. The 2009 USCA Award Program focused on quality, not quantity. Winners are determined based on the information gathered both internally by the USCA and data provided by third parties.

SOURCE: U.S. Commerce Association

It's That Time of Year... Professional Beach Body/Image Check-Up

2009-06-14T16:05:00.000-04:00

Are you dreading putting on that bathing suit this summer? The time has come to face the facts. I think a lot of people do try dieting and work out to look good in summer clothes, especially the swimsuit. But how many of us take the same care when it comes to our professional image? What does your business card look like? Is it plain or have some graphic design interest? Is your website interesting? Do you have a brochure?

For a lot of companies-these are items of short investment-especially now with the economy - and why companies stop marketing efforts when they need it most is beyond me. But, these items are what your prospective clients see first. Business cards, brochures, websites are your calling cards-don't scrimp on your professional image-work on it.

Why is now the time to do the image check up? Because most of you are planning your vacations, dieting to fit into that suit, taking a breather before the Fall starts up again. I know this - I've worked with a lot of companies and this is the truth. WE ALL DO IT. So, if things are a bit slow around the office-now is the time to get your professional image in gear.

Business Card Design
Does your company have a logo or some graphical font treatment for the company name? If not, now is the time to look into creating a unique mark that speaks to the type of business you do. However, stay away from suggestions like, "Oh, my cousin is a graphic designer..." Ask business associates to recommend a graphic design firm, interview two or three and get quotations. Let a professional designer develop your mark and this should be done after an extensive conversation between the designer and the business owner or marketing manager, depending on the size of the company. Don't forget to utilize the back of the card too- this is a great place to put your tag line, or bulleted points about the focus of your business.

Business cards printed from your computer just don't cut it. Digital printing has really developed and you can have business cards printed on a decent (100#,110# or 120# cover) stock at very reasonable prices. It will be worth every penny when you hand your card to someone and they say, "Hey- I really like your card!" That's a great first impression.

Brochures
Brochures are a necessity. Not everyone is in front of a computer 24 hours a day. There are people who like to read the written word on a surface that isn't backlit! Can you imagine? Your brochure doesn't have to be lengthy. Give enough information and provide enough images to make your product or service interesting and compelling. Be honest, don't over inflate your offerings.

Again, employ a graphic designer; make sure you put your best face forward. They will offer great ideas on creative design, size, number of pages, stock and printing services. Also, if you don't need thousands, digital printing can produce splendid results at a lower cost, although there are size limitations with digital.

Websites
Don't make your website look or read exactly like your brochure. I recommend working on the collateral first-taking the time to make sure everything in your brochure is correct and that the graphic design is top notch before starting on your website. Use different images and change up the copy for the website- because when someone requests your brochure (and you capture their information) you want them to read that as well, becoming more impressed with your company.

Yes, I'll say it again: use a graphic designer experienced with website design or webmaster to design and code your site utilizing the general look and feel developed for the brochure. There is so much going on behind the scenes of a website, like key words and phrases, meta tags, SEO and more that only a professional should be used to get this going for you.

In the end, all marketing materials from business cards to websites should have a consistent look and feel: professionally designed and produced, with consistent messaging. It sounds like a lot of work- but take one project at a time and before you know it you will have an arsenal of marketing magic to attract new clients.

Eileen Wilkins
President- Business Development
Blue Wave Design, Inc.
824 US Hwy One
Ste. 345
North Palm Beach, FL 33408
V: 561-775-9607
F: 561-775-1633
www.bluewavedesign.com

Blue Wave Design is a full service graphic design firm providing creative solutions that integrate marketing strategy, communication and graphic design. Our goal: Giving our clients the competitive edge in order to grow their business.

The Networking Solution

2009-05-18T12:28:00.000-04:00

Tired of hearing about the bad economy? Tired of wondering where new business could possibly come from? Me too. There is a way that can create business even in this stagnant economy.

It's called networking.

I thought I knew how to network until I joined a group a few years ago. I used to think going out and having a few cocktails at the chamber meeting was it. How wrong I was. Networking is a science-no not really-it's a system...with an attitude.

Networking is a commitment. It takes time but it pays off. The easiest way to start is to join a group-whether it is formal such as BNI (Business Networking International) or a more casual group of business owners who meet weekly or twice per month. There are many groups forming in every city now and you can find one in the business announcement section of your local newspaper or on-line.

Your commitment to such a group is that you must participate by getting to know your fellow members by meeting regularly. I think it's safe to say "you do business with people you like" and the only way to get to know someone is to spend time with them. Asking them questions about their business, family background, favorite sport teams etc. The groups which meet regularly will be the most successful for you because you'll have it scheduled, for instance, that every Thursday you have lunch or breakfast with your personal group. You will have 1 to 1 1/2 hours to devote to them. And, before you know it you will start to form alliances with them. You will be exposed to a lot of different businesses and personalities as well-some you may think will never be able to help you get business. You will be very surprised.

Be open- ask for help or advice, show your willingness to learn (because no matter what you think about yourself you don't know everything). Offer to help someone with a fund raiser or maybe they need a good accountant and you happen to know one, soon, if the chemistry is there, it will lead to business. When you do something positive for someone they will feel a natural obligation to return the favor. It's just that now we're talking about making money.

As I said, it takes time and there will be members you won't click with-that's human nature. But if you join a group and stick with it, you will soon see that networking is about getting to know people, seeing them regularly and offering a helping hand. It all comes back to you - and it's all good.

Eileen Wilkins
President- Business Development
Blue Wave Design, Inc.
824 US Hwy One
Ste. 345
North Palm Beach, FL 33408
V: 561-775-9607
F:561-775-1633
www.bluewavedesign.com