CMS

Fresh on the net: Arenberg Castle Ruins Support Association

2024-03-15T15:23:40+01:0015 March 2024|

The Friends of Arenberg Castle Ruins e. V. has been working to preserve the tower and castle complex on the Aremberg in the Eifel since 2003 with almost 120 members. In cooperation with the owner of the site, Arenberg-Schleiden GmbH, the local community of Aremberg and many other institutions, the members of the association maintain the site and organise cultural and tourist events to bring the castle and its history closer to the public.

As a web designer, I am delighted to be able to help the local association with a new website to better present and support its commitment to the rich history of the Arenberg castle ruins. Let us take you on a journey of discovery and learn more about the fascinating history that makes this place a jewel of the past.

vh-crossmedia | Volker Heupel | References Webdesign

Fresh on the net: Health expert Luisa Bertelmann

2025-09-21T12:29:39+02:0011 March 2024|

It gave me great pleasure to Health expert Luisa Bertelmann not only with a new website, but also to encourage them on their path to self-employment and support them with my expertise in online marketing.

Luisa Bertelmann is an inspirational health manager and dedicated supporter of mums who are on their way to losing the baby pounds and leading a healthy, active life. For more than a decade, she has been guiding women to feel good in their bodies and achieve their feel-good weight. She also supports industry experts in finding or successfully developing their own paths to self-employment.

It was an exciting task to express Luisa's vision and expertise in the form of a professional website. Of course, corresponding posters and flyers were also created for the online offer to help her reach and inspire even more people.

vh-crossmedia | Volker Heupel | References Webdesign

Fresh on the net: The giant schnauzers from Römerwall

2024-02-17T12:30:54+01:0011 February 2024|

The new website for Giant Schnauzer from the RömerwallThe website of the dog breeder, a renowned kennel, is presented in the appropriate colours of black and white as well as warm shades of grey to reflect the professional and inviting atmosphere of the kennel and the noble colours of the majestic dog breed. The pages contain interesting texts that not only inform but also help to improve the page rank in the search engines. In addition, high-quality photos were selected to immerse visitors directly in the world of the impressive Giant Schnauzer. Useful cross-links have been added for easy navigation so that users can find the information they need quickly and easily. An integrated contact form makes it easier for interested parties to get in touch with the breeders.

The kennel attaches great importance to ensuring that its puppies grow up in a loving environment. They are therefore raised both indoors and in the garden and enjoy close contact with the family right from the start. This is the best possible way to prepare them for their future life as loyal companions. They are reared with the utmost care and before they move into their new home, we ensure that all requirements are met so that the new owners receive a dog that will bring them much joy.

The small but fine website is not only a visual enrichment, but also an effective tool for strengthening the online presence of the giant schnauzer from Römerwall and for addressing potential customers.

vh-crossmedia | Volker Heupel | References Webdesign

Matomo: comprehensive web analytics for optimal performance

2024-02-10T17:25:21+01:0010 February 2024|

As a website operator, the use of web analytics software is crucial. It provides insights into user behaviour, helps with performance optimisation, enables target tracking and conversion optimisation, supports keyword analysis for better SEO and allows competitive analyses.

Matomo is my favourite open source web analytics platform. It provides website owners with detailed reports on website traffic, including visitor behaviour, referrers, conversions and more. Matomo offers similar features to Google Analytics, but is self-hosted, giving users full control over their data.

The main features of Matomo are

  1. Data protectionMatomo emphasises data protection and data sovereignty. In contrast to Google Analytics, users can host the analysis data on their own servers and thus have full control over how data is collected, stored and used.
  2. CustomisationUsers can customise Matomo to track specific metrics and events relevant to their websites or applications. This flexibility enables customised analytics reports to meet specific business needs.
  3. Real-time reportingMatomo provides real-time reports that allow users to monitor website traffic in real time.
  4. Open SourceAs open source software, Matomo allows users to inspect and modify the source code according to their requirements, which promotes transparency and security.
  5. Data sovereigntyMatomo ensures that users have full ownership of their data, unlike some other analytics platforms where data ownership may be more ambiguous.
  6. GDPR complianceMatomo offers features that help users comply with data protection regulations, such as anonymising IP addresses and providing options for users to opt out of tracking.
  7. Plugins and extensionsMatomo has a thriving ecosystem of plugins and extensions that extend its functionality and allow users to integrate additional features or further customise their analytics configuration.

Web analytics software: with data to success

As a web designer, I not only offer the creation of appealing and functional websites, but also a comprehensive service that includes web analytics using Matomo. With Matomo, we can create customised analyses to help you continuously improve your website and increase the success of your online strategy. You retain full control over your data, and I offer you a long-term partnership to make your website successful.

With Matomo as part of our comprehensive web design solution, you can be sure that your website not only looks good, but is also effective and helps you achieve your goals. Let's work together to take your online presence to the next level!

AIDA in web design: proven strategy for more success

2024-07-22T12:01:49+02:0026 January 2024|

As a graphic and web designer, I am passionate about not only creating aesthetically pleasing websites, but also ensuring that they effectively engage my clients' target audience and motivate them to take action. With this in mind, I'd like to share a proven strategy that can help achieve just that: the AIDA principle.

A for Attention

vh-crossmedia | Volker Heupel - AIDA in web design: A proven strategy for more successThe first step in designing a new website for you and your business is to grab the attention of visitors. Through thoughtful design with appealing graphics, clear typography and an inviting colour scheme, I want to ensure that visitors are immediately drawn to your website. Remember that first impressions are crucial - a well-designed homepage or an impressive hero banner can make all the difference.

I for Interest

vh-crossmedia | Volker Heupel - AIDA in web design: A proven strategy for more successOnce you have captured the attention of your visitors, it is important to arouse their interest. We offer relevant content that addresses the needs and problems of your target group. Using engaging text and supporting images or videos to present your offer in an attractive way means that the better you understand and address your visitors' needs, the more likely they are to stay on your website and want to learn more.

D for Desire

vh-crossmedia | Volker Heupel - AIDA in web design: A proven strategy for more successOnce we have aroused their interest, you want to increase their desire for your offer. Let's work together to show how your product or service can solve their problems or fulfil their needs. Let's use customer reviews, success stories or other forms of social proof to build trust and increase your visitors' desire. Let's convince them that your offer is exactly what they are looking for.

A for Action

vh-crossmedia | Volker Heupel - AIDA in web design: A proven strategy for more successThe final step is the call to action. We place clear calls-to-action at strategic points on your website that encourage visitors to take the desired action - be it a purchase, filling out a contact form or subscribing to a newsletter. I design these CTAs for you to be eye-catching but not intrusive, making it easy for your visitors to take action.

By incorporating the AIDA principle into your web design, we can ensure that your website not only looks beautiful, but is also effective at attracting visitors, piquing their interest, increasing their desire and ultimately getting them to take the desired action. If you need further assistance in implementing this principle for your website, I would be happy to help.

Fresh on the net: Frey to the power of three!

2024-01-13T11:46:48+01:0013 January 2024|

For one of my most loyal customers I have successfully three customised landing pages which are specially designed for different product lines. These pages were specifically designed to optimally present the uniqueness and appeal of the respective devices. The design of the landing pages required a fine balance between a consistent design that emphasises the brand identity and an individual layout that highlights the uniqueness and appeal of the products. The key component is to skilfully integrate the brand guidelines and elements into the design, while leaving room for creative freedom to combine the best of both worlds:

The advantages of these customised landing pages are manifold. Firstly, they make it possible to address the target group precisely, as they provide the relevant information that potential customers are looking for. This leads to a higher conversion rate as visitors immediately find what they are looking for. Secondly, special attention was paid to optimising user-friendliness. The clear structure and appealing design ensure a pleasant user experience, which in turn increases the time spent on the pages. Thirdly, the landing pages are optimised for different screen sizes to ensure that they work optimally on all devices, be it desktop, tablet or smartphone.

For efficient navigation and an improved user experience, there is an additional top page with the function as a selection option for the three landing pages - also known as Splash page or hub page. It not only enables a clear and simple selection for visitors, but also contributes to a uniform design that strengthens the brand identity.

vh-crossmedia | Volker Heupel | References Webdesign

The benefits of this structure include ease of use, tracking of visitor behaviour, flexibility for future expansion and potential SEO improvements. The clear and intuitive navigation on the hub page ensures that visitors can easily find the information they are looking for, while also allowing for easy customisation for possible future additions to product lines.

  1. Centralised control: The top page acts as a central point of contact from which visitors can navigate to the various product lines. This enables a structured and targeted experience.
  2. User friendliness: The use of a selection option at the top makes it easy for visitors to select the desired product line. This contributes to improved user-friendliness.
  3. Standardised design: The top page can have a uniform design that reinforces the brand identity. From there, visitors can move seamlessly to the individual landing pages, creating a consistent overall image.
  4. Tracking and analyses: By using a central hub page, web designers can better track and analyse visitor behaviour. This enables a more detailed evaluation of which product lines are particularly popular or which page has the highest conversion rate.
  5. Flexibility for future expansions: If more product lines are added in the future, the top page can be easily customised to make room for the new options without having to redesign the entire website.
  6. SEO benefits: Using a hub page can help improve search engine optimisation by making the structure of the website clearer and linking the pages better together.

Fresh on the net: Sheep Breeders' Association

2023-11-17T14:36:18+01:0022 August 2023|

It was a pleasure to design the website for the Breeding Association for East Prussian Skudden and Roughwool Pomeranian Land Sheep e.V. to undergo a comprehensive redesign. With a contemporary technical approach and a modern, fresh layout, I was able to help bring the pages up to date.

The Sheep Breeders' Association is a registered, non-profit organisation whose purpose is to preserve and promote the breeding of these two old domestic breeds in their original form. The organisation and all work and tasks are carried out on a voluntary basis.

I hope that the updated website will help to strengthen the online presence of the association and make a positive contribution to the presentation of the Zuchtverband für Ostpreußische Skudden und Rauhwollige Pommersche Landschafe e.V. in the digital space.

vh-crossmedia | Volker Heupel | References Webdesign

Fresh on the net: Dardenne Travel

2023-11-17T14:36:53+01:0015 August 2023|

For my long-standing customer, Dardenne TravelI was able to carry out a comprehensive website redesign to bring the online presence up to date with the latest technology. In developing the new design concept, I preserved the company's corporate design and integrated numerous images, graphics and texts from the previous pages. The result is a website that not only provides a familiar overview of the content and gives visitors a fresh look and feel, but also increases user-friendliness and is particularly mobile-friendly thanks to modern technologies.

Dardenne Reisen GmbH has been a successful family business based in Schleiden in the Eifel region for over six decades. As a "bus company with a satisfaction guarantee", the company has extensive experience in scheduled and touring services and works together with various providers. Special care was taken to ensure smooth navigation and quick access to information for all user groups on the website.

vh-crossmedia | Volker Heupel | References Webdesign

Professional website or homepage construction kit?

2023-11-17T10:55:40+01:0029 July 2023|

Although it may seem that website builders offer an easy and inexpensive way to create a website, they are not always the best choice when it comes to sophisticated projects and an effective online presence.

Completed websites that have been created with the help of modular systems are often frustratingly similar to numerous other sites on the Internet that also use the same system. Why is this the case? Although the providers of these systems promise individual customisation of the web design, in practice users can usually only change colours, text and images without additional knowledge. They are often denied in-depth customisation - the options are very limited as the framework is strictly predefined and cannot be changed. And nowadays, a homepage needs more than just a few lines of text and images.

A modular site is just a modular site, and that's obvious - even to your customers.

There are ready-made templates, and the big advantage is that you have a page in no time at all that you don't have to fiddle with (and shouldn't, because then it gets very complicated very quickly). As a result, however, the websites of hairdressers, dentists and hundreds of other providers are astonishingly similar. There is a lack of individuality and creativity.

Professional web design by vh-crossmedia - for a unique brand identity and differentiation from competitors

A customised website can be tailored exactly to your requirements. With my support, you have the freedom to incorporate functions and features that are relevant to your business or brand. What's more, as a professional web designer, I can give your website a unique design and brand identity that exactly matches your goals and target audience. This allows you to stand out from the crowd and differentiate yourself from competitors.

Another advantage of your collaboration with vh-crossmedia is the responsive designwhich ensures that the website is displayed optimally on various devices, including smartphones, tablets and desktops. The User experience (User Experience, UX) is the focus, as a well-designed website is crucial for keeping visitors on the site and convincing potential customers. My services ensure that your website loads quicklyis optimised for different devices and complies with current web standards. A technically flawless website is of great importance for a positive user experience and a better ranking in Search engines. As a web designer, I can also optimise your website for search engines to increase your visibility in search results and attract more visitors.

More complex requirements that go beyond the possibilities of website construction kits can be implemented by me as a web designer with expertise in customised programming or integrations. The advantage of this is that no specialist knowledge is required, which saves a lot of time and money. Saves timeand the result looks as planned, namely professionally designed. Another argument in favour: the online world is constantly evolving and I always know the latest and most relevant Trends. I also offer long-term support, as I not only help with the creation of the website, but also with its ongoing maintenance. Maintenance, updating and problem solving.

ConclusionA professionally designed website exudes trust and credibility and makes your company appear reputable and quality-conscious. While website builders offer a simple and cost-effective way to create a website, they reach their limits when it comes to more sophisticated projects and an effective online presence. As a web design professional, I can realise your vision and help you achieve your online goals.

Would you like more information on this topic?
Discover my portfolio!

Boost for your online visibility: advantages through Google reviews

2023-11-18T09:43:10+01:0023 July 2023|

Increase the trust of your visitors and boost conversions by presenting real customer opinions on your homepage.

Google reviews are a crucial marketing tool for companies: With over 8.5 billion daily search queries on Google, these reviews are a significant influencing factor. Many users already rate products and services themselves via Google services. Every high-quality and positive review puts your company in the spotlight and increases the credibility of your brand compared to the competition. So don't hesitate any longer - utilise the power of Google reviews to boost your success in the online market! Let me show you how it works ...

Boost for your online visibility: SEO benefits through Google reviews

Customer reviews are invaluable and a powerful marketing tool. For this reason, many companies decide to integrate Google reviews on their website. By integrating Google reviews, you receive all new reviews in real time. This results in numerous advantages:

  • Credibility: Google reviews are written by real customers and are therefore often more credible than testimonials or reviews published directly on the company's website.
  • Transparency: By displaying Google reviews on your website, you show transparency and openness. Potential customers appreciate this and may feel more comfortable using your products or services.
  • Social proof: Positive Google reviews serve as social proof of the quality of your company. Potential customers are more likely to use your products or services if they see that other customers have had a positive experience.
  • SEO benefits: Displaying Google reviews on your website can have a positive impact on your search engine optimisation (SEO). Reviews and star ratings can be displayed in search results and influence the click behaviour of users.

I can provide you with elegant templates and integrate them into your existing WordPress site to showcase the Google reviews. The choice of layouts is extensive, ranging from full reviews to Google stars. Show the world what your customers think of you and grow your business - I look forward to hearing from you!

Boost for your online visibility: SEO benefits through Google reviews

On this topic, please also read my article on Rating cards for social media.

Go to Top