Homepage Archive - vh-crossmedia

Tips & Tricks No. 25

vh-crossmedia2025-07-15T11:30:48+02:0015 July 2025|

In the "neunmalklug" section, I publish tips, tricks and technical information about graphic and web design at irregular intervals. Today:

9 elements that should not be missing on any homepage

The homepage is much more than just the entry point to a website. It is the digital business card, the first point of contact - and often the decisive one. The decision is made within a few seconds: continue reading or jump off? As a web designer, I therefore make sure that certain elements are well thought out and clearly implemented right from the start.

Here are nine central building blocks that I consider together with my clients when designing each homepage:

Visual introduction: hero motif, slider or strong visual language

The first glance is decisive - and it should be a good one. Whether it's a large-scale hero motif, a customised slider or a short video clip: together we choose the right visual element that gets to the heart of the website's message and draws visitors' attention. I make sure that design and technology work together perfectly - for a professional, inviting and brand-typical first impression.

Clear address: Headline with value proposition

A homepage needs more than just a "Welcome" - it needs orientation. Together with my clients, I develop a concise headline that clearly shows what the company offers - and why this is relevant for the target group. A well thought-out introduction creates trust and arouses interest.

Link to social media: show presence where the target group is on the move

Whether Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn or YouTube - if you are active on social networks, you should also make these channels visible on your website. I integrate social media links, feeds or individual posts in such a way that they match the design and offer real added value. Together, we clarify which platforms make sense and how a link can be harmoniously integrated. The result is a coherent presence - across all channels.

Service overview or offer teaser

What exactly does the company offer? Together, we prioritise the content that should be the focus - and I develop design solutions that present the services in a clearly structured and visually appealing way. Even complex topics can be made easily accessible with modular teasers, icons or short descriptions.

Call to action

Whether it's an appointment, contact form or product page - it should be recognisable on the homepage what should happen next. Together, we define the goal of the page and I make sure that suitable call-to-actions are placed sensibly and implemented in a visually convincing way. This creates clear user guidance without detours.

Current content, references or customer testimonials

A website is allowed to live - this conveys topicality and seriousness. Depending on the project, I develop suitable options for integrating news, selected references or customer opinions. Even if no news section is planned, content can be presented in a targeted manner so that it is effective - without the need for constant maintenance.

Contact option or direct link

A good website makes it easy to get in touch. I make sure that all important contact options are clearly visible and can be used on mobile devices - whether as a button, as fixed information in the header or as a short form in the footer. Here too, we work together to decide what suits the target group and the project.

9 elements that should not be missing on any homepage

Sophisticated navigation and user guidance

You can't see good menu navigation - you can feel it. I develop a clear structure that is logically organised and works intuitively on all devices. I pay attention to short click paths, comprehensible labelling and a clear hierarchy that makes visiting the site pleasant and goal-oriented.

Technical basics: loading time, mobile view, data protection

Design only works if the technology is right. I pay attention to clean code, fast loading times, an optimised display on mobile devices and the implementation of all legally required elements - from the cookie banner to the privacy policy. The result is a reliable, future-proof website.

These nine elements form a strong foundation for homepages that are convincing - visually, structurally and technically. In every project, I develop customised solutions that precisely match the requirements and target groups of my clients. The order of the points is not a fixed rule, but results from the respective concept. The decisive factor is that the overall picture is right - in terms of function, design and content.

Do you want your homepage to impress from the very first click? I can help you achieve this!

Fresh on the net: PURE Performance

vh-crossmedia2025-04-11T14:51:03+02:0010 April 2025|

PURE Performance is online - Athletics centre with a fresh web presence

After weeks of intensive planning, design and realisation, I am delighted to present the new PURE Performance website. It is now online and clearly shows what the athletics centre is all about: professionalism, dynamism and clear structures.

pureperformance.pro

Sporty, clear design: The design of the website reflects the dynamism and performance orientation of the athletics centre. With clear lines, sporty aesthetics and a greatly reduced colour palette, the values and energy of PURE Performance are visually conveyed.

Optimised user guidance: A key objective was to provide visitors with quick and intuitive access to the most important content and offers. The structure of the website clearly guides visitors through the various training areas such as speedcourt, running training, strength training and mental coaching, supported by a user-friendly interface.

Mobile performance: Optimisation for mobile devices was particularly important. As athletes and sports enthusiasts are often on the move, the website adapts flexibly to all screen sizes and offers fast loading times and easy navigation even when on the move.

Integration of booking functions: Another important focus was the integration of a seamless connection to the Eversports booking platform, so that appointments and training programmes can be conveniently managed and booked online.

I wish the PURE Performance team every success and look forward to you taking a look at the new website.

Have fun exploring!

Fresh on the net: Job vacancies in the Peterhoff Group

vh-crossmedia2025-04-02T10:47:02+02:0002 April 2025|

New job platform for Peterhoff: modern, clear and user-friendly

A new page for the Peterhoff Group's job vacancies is online - and I was allowed to take over the technical realisation. The aim was to create a modern and well-structured platform on which all vacancies could be presented in a centralised, clear and attractive way.

The website was realised with WordPress, the powerful MyListing theme and the Elementor Pro page builder. The combination of these tools enables a flexible design and user-friendly handling - both for applicants and for maintaining the data in the backend.

jobs.peterhoff.de

A particular focus was placed on the clear presentation of the individual job offers and the ability to filter them specifically, for example by location and area of activity. This allows interested parties to find suitable jobs quickly and easily - whether as a cleaner, property manager or in administration.

I am delighted to have realised this project together with the Peterhoff team and wish the new platform many suitable applicants!

Fresh on the net: Municipality of Aremberg

vh-crossmedia2025-02-18T14:12:48+01:0018 February 2025|

The local community of Aremberg has a new digital home - a modern website that invites you to discover it.

The new website combines tradition and future: it not only provides interesting facts about village life, but also gives a comprehensive overview of important contact points, events and current developments. The focus was on clarity and a clear structure in order to provide all users with quick access to relevant information.

aremberg.de

For this website, it was particularly important to me to create a design that reflects Aremberg's identity and at the same time offers clear, intuitive navigation. In addition to a uniform, appealing appearance, I developed a colour concept that supports user guidance on the subpages: Each section picks up its own colour combination so that visitors know where they are at all times.

But not only the design, but also the technical realisation posed special challenges. Extensive, customised programming was required in order to optimally implement the municipality's individual wishes. From specific functions for displaying important content to customised adjustments to the layout - the website was tailored to the municipality's needs down to the last detail.

The collaboration with the municipality of Aremberg was characterised by clear ideas and a productive exchange. I am delighted that I was able to create a platform with this website that not only provides information, but also conveys the special atmosphere of the place.

Tips & Tricks No. 24

vh-crossmedia2025-01-09T08:28:54+01:0009 January 2025|

In the "neunmalklug" section, I publish tips, tricks and technical information about graphic and web design at irregular intervals. Today:

The 9 most common mistakes with self-created websites - and how I avoid them for you

Creating a website yourself sounds tempting: with modular systems and DIY tutorials, the path to your own online presence seems quick and inexpensive. But many people quickly realise that a professional, functioning and customer-friendly website is more demanding than they thought.

From my conversations with customers who have started with modular systems such as Strato or 1&1, I know that many find the creation process more time-consuming and complicated than expected. The results often fall short of expectations. Content management systems such as Typo3 (often perceived as too complicated) and Joomla (less widespread and therefore offering less support) can also present challenges. I prefer to work with WordPress as it offers an ideal combination of flexibility, user-friendliness and a large community. This makes it easy to realise individual requirements without making compromises.

The 9 most common mistakes with self-created websites - and how I avoid them for you

As a result, many self-employed people and companies encounter challenges when implementing their own websites that lead to avoidable mistakes. Here are the 9 most common mistakes - and how I can help you avoid them:

1. lack of mobile friendliness
More than 70 % of internet users visit websites via their smartphone. A website that is poorly displayed on mobile devices deters visitors. Modular systems in particular often do not offer optimal mobile customisation. Professional responsive design ensures that your website looks and functions optimally on all devices.

2. confusing layout
If visitors can't find your content quickly, they'll leave. DIY solutions such as modular systems or standard CMS templates often only offer limited options for a clear structure and intuitive navigation. I help you to structure content clearly and develop a design that takes your customers by the hand.

3. poor loading times
A slow website costs visitors and search engine rankings. This can be caused by unoptimised images, too many plugins or inefficient code - a common problem with self-created websites. I technically optimise your website so that it loads at lightning speed.

4. outdated or inappropriate design
A website is your digital figurehead. Self-created pages often appear arbitrary or out of date. A professional design shows at first glance that your company is modern and trustworthy.

5. no clear target group approach
Many DIY sites are too general or do not address the target group directly. I analyse your target group and ensure that your website reaches exactly the people you want to address.

6. lack of search engine optimisation (SEO)
Without SEO, your website remains invisible. Important factors such as keywords, meta tags or structured content are often overlooked. I make sure that your website is not only attractive, but also findable.

7. too little focus on content
The design is often prioritised, while the content is neglected. But it is the texts, images and messages that convince your visitors. Together, we ensure that your content is appealing and effective.

8. security gaps
DIY sites are often not sufficiently protected against cyber attacks. If SSL certificates, regular updates or secure passwords are missing, your site will quickly become a target for hackers. I integrate modern security standards and ensure regular maintenance.

9. no professional support
What to do if the site suddenly stops working? Websites that you create yourself usually do not offer any technical support. As your partner, I am also there for you after completion to solve problems quickly.

Creating a website yourself can therefore quickly become frustrating and expensive if errors occur that put off visitors or potential customers. With my expertise, you can avoid these stumbling blocks and get a website that is technically, visually and content-wise convincing.

Do you want a website that not only looks good, but also works? Let's develop a solution together!

Fresh on the net: Vera Unland

vh-crossmedia2024-12-02T14:11:42+01:0002 December 2024|

It is with great pleasure that I present the new homepage of the artist Vera Unland. Thanks to an uncomplicated and fast realisation, a site has been created that puts Mrs Unland's works of art in the limelight in a special way and at the same time bears her personal signature.

The new website offers a comprehensive insight into Mrs Unland's artistic work. Visitors can explore an impressive Gallery The visitors can admire their works, supplemented by detailed information on the title, technique and dimensions. The home page invites visitors with an appealing slider, while the News" page space for news such as vernissages and new works. We also have our own "Sale" page enables interested parties to contact Mrs Unland directly to purchase works of art.

vera-unland.com

The focus of this project was to present Mrs Unland's work in an intuitive and aesthetically pleasing way. After an initial look at her impressive pictures, I developed a finished layout that Mrs Unland loved straight away. It was fascinating how much she trusted me with the design and how uncomplicated the whole process was.

Technically, the focus was on a responsive design so that the website could be displayed on Smartphones, tablets and desktops works equally well. I paid attention to intuitive navigation and gave Mrs Unland the opportunity to add content such as gallery images or the latest news herself.

The collaboration with Mrs Unland was characterised by mutual trust and a clear objective: to create a website that presents her works in the best possible way - and I think we succeeded.

Why WordPress? The best choice for your new website

vh-crossmedia2024-11-29T14:35:39+01:0029 November 2024|

When it comes to creating modern, powerful and future-proof websites, there is a clear answer: WordPress. In this blog article, I would like to explain why I have decided to work exclusively with this content management system (CMS) and what advantages this has for you as my customer.

WordPress dominates the CMS market worldwide

A look at the latest figures makes it clear why WordPress is the number one choice. According to a recent study by Statista, in November 2024 WordPress will be used by 43.6 % of all websites analysed used worldwide. This leaves competitors such as Shopify (4.6 %) and Wix (approx. 3 %) far behind.

This huge market share not only shows how popular WordPress is, but also that it is a proven solution that is used by millions of people and companies worldwide - from small blogs to large international brands.

A success that continues to grow

The long-term development of market shares also speaks for itself. WordPress has grown continuously since 2010, while other CMSs such as Joomla and Drupal have lost market share. This development shows that WordPress is not just a trend, but has established itself as a standard.

For you, this means that when you choose WordPress, you are opting for a system that will remain relevant in the future. Your website remains flexible, expandable and technically up to date.

The advantages of WordPress for your website

Why is WordPress so successful? And what does it mean for your website? Here are some of the biggest advantages that WordPress offers:

1. flexibility and adaptability

Whether you need a small website for your local company, an extensive online shop or a modern blog - WordPress can be customised to your individual needs. With thousands of themes and plugins, we can tailor functions and designs precisely to your requirements.

2. user-friendliness for you

WordPress is not only easy to use for developers, but also for you. As soon as your website is ready, you can manage content such as text, images or blog articles yourself - without any prior technical knowledge. This saves you time and money.

3. future security

Thanks to its large market share and continuous development, WordPress is future-proof. There are regular updates that add new functions and close security gaps. We can also add new features at any time to help your website grow with your business.

4. SEO optimisation

A website is only successful if it can be found. WordPress offers many tools out of the box to optimise your website for search engines - from clean code to plugins such as Yoast SEO, which help you to achieve better rankings on Google.

5. community and support

With a huge global community, there is always support: countless tutorials, forums and experts ensure that WordPress solutions can be developed and improved quickly and reliably.

Why I only work with WordPress

My decision to work exclusively with WordPress is based on many years of experience and the conviction that I can provide you with the best results. Instead of spreading my expertise across many different CMSs, I concentrate on the system that offers the ideal conditions for most projects.

For you this means

Efficient project realisation: Thanks to my specialisation, I can create your website faster and more cost-effectively.
Long-term support: With my expertise in WordPress, I can also support you after the launch of your website with customisations, extensions or technical updates.
Future-proof decisions: You benefit from a system that is a world leader and will continue to be relevant for many years to come.

WordPress is the right choice

WordPress has established itself as the most successful CMS in the world - and for good reason. With its flexibility, user-friendliness and future-proof structure, it offers the ideal basis for both small companies and large organisations.

If you are thinking about creating a new website or relaunching an existing one, then I am the right contact for you. Together we will realise your ideas - with a system that will support you in the long term.

Do you have any questions? Feel free to write to me or arrange a free consultation directly. I look forward to realising your project with WordPress!

Tips & Tricks No. 23

vh-crossmedia2024-11-01T14:18:46+01:0001 November 2024|

In the "neunmalklug" section, I publish tips, tricks and technical information about graphic and web design at irregular intervals. Today:

9 steps to the successful launch of your new website

Fine-tuning the content: The first important step is to review and optimise all text and images. Together, we go through all content to ensure it is clear, engaging and aligned with your target audience. Precisely worded copy, meaningful images and a consistent tone of voice help to communicate your brand and gain the trust of visitors.

vh-crossmedia - Launch of your new website: fine-tuning the content

Design optimisation: The second step is perfecting the design. Here I pay attention to the smallest details - from the fonts to the colour combinations. A coherent design represents your brand perfectly and ensures that visitors to your website have an unforgettable experience. Studies show that visually appealing websites increase user dwell time and reduce the bounce rate.

vh-crossmedia - Launch of your new website: Design optimisation

Responsive design: The next step is to ensure that your website is optimally displayed on every device. Whether on a smartphone, tablet or desktop - your website must work perfectly everywhere. I test on different screen sizes and adapt the design to ensure a consistent user experience. A responsive design increases user satisfaction and increases the chances of visitors staying longer and converting.

vh-crossmedia - Launch of your new website: Responsive Design

Intuitive navigation: Clear and intuitive navigation is the key to a good user experience. I structure the menus so that your visitors can find what they are looking for quickly and easily. For example, clear menu items and a well thought-out page structure ensure that users can navigate through your content with ease. Well-organised navigation can significantly increase the conversion rate.

vh-crossmedia - Launch of your new website: Intuitive navigation

Convincing call-to-actions: Targeted calls to action can make the difference between a visitor and a customer. I strategically place CTAs and optimise them to align with your business goals. Whether it's a "buy now" button or a "contact us" form, CTAs are regularly tested and customised to achieve the best possible conversion rate.

vh-crossmedia - Launch your new website: Convincing call-to-actions

Search engine optimisation (SEO): A website is only as good as its findability. Through targeted SEO measures such as optimising keywords, improving loading times and adapting mobile user-friendliness, I ensure that your website ranks high in Google's search results. This means more visibility, more visitors and ultimately more potential customers for your business.

vh-crossmedia - Launch of your new website: Search engine optimisation (SEO)

Integration of social media: Social media is a powerful tool to increase your reach and encourage interaction with your customers. I integrate social media buttons and feeds on your website so that visitors can easily share your content or connect with your channels. Integration options such as Instagram galleries can also increase engagement.

vh-crossmedia - Launch of your new website: Integration of social media

Safe transition: The launch of your website is a sensitive process that leaves no room for error. I take care of the technical implementation, such as adjusting the server settings and migrating the content to ensure a smooth transition. I make sure that the website remains secure and error-free during the transition so that you can concentrate on your business.

vh-crossmedia - Launch of your new website: Secure transition

Personalised support for you: I am also there for you after the launch. Be it for technical questions, content adjustments or new features - I support you in constantly improving your website. Through regular analyses and updates, we ensure that your website is always up to date and continues to perform optimally.

vh-crossmedia - Launch of your new website: Personal support for you

Are you ready to launch your new website with a strong presence?
Let's write your digital success story together!

Fresh on the net: Wildlife Aid North Eifel

vh-crossmedia2024-12-22T08:13:42+01:0022 October 2024|

I am very pleased to announce the successful completion of the website for the Wildlife Aid North Eifel to be able to announce the new platform. This new platform serves an important purpose: the rescue of injured or orphaned wild animals in the Eifel region. With clearly structured information, an easily accessible guide and quick contact options, the site offers everything needed to act correctly in emergency situations.

wildtierhilfe-nordeifel.de

As web designers, we worked with my client to create a modern, streamlined and fast website that would optimally support the intended purpose. Optimisation for the mobile view was particularly important, as most people report injured animals while they are out and about and have their smartphone to hand. This allows them to access the information quickly and easily and get in touch with the right contact person.

In addition to the technical implementation, I was also able to design the logo and a small style guide that perfectly emphasises the philosophy of Wildtierhilfe: uncomplicated, trustworthy and targeted.

Working with Wildtierhilfe Nordeifel was a particular pleasure for me, as the topic of nature conservation is close to my heart. I am grateful that I was able to contribute my expertise to this important project and am delighted to be part of this valuable commitment.

Fresh on the net: Zehntscheune / North Gate Kronenburg

vh-crossmedia2024-09-06T15:41:06+02:0006 September 2024|

Experience the perfect combination of history and enjoyment in the Tithe barn and the North gate KronenburgNestled in the picturesque setting of the historic Kronenburg, these unique locations offer modern cuisine, regional Eifel specialities, fine distillates from the hotel's own distillery and a varied event programme. Whether culinary delights, cultural events or relaxed tours through the Eifel - there's something for everyone here.

When designing the website for the Zehntscheune and Nordtor Kronenburg, it was important to me as a web designer to skilfully unite the two unique worlds of experience while at the same time emphasising their individual characters. The efficient and focussed collaboration with the client enabled me to create a harmonious digital presence that perfectly reflects the historical atmosphere and culinary diversity of both locations. With a clear structure, striking design and user-friendly navigation, it was possible to bring the traditional hospitality of the Zehntscheune and the modern elegance of the Nordtor to life on a shared platform. The result is a website that takes visitors on a journey of discovery through the culinary worlds and cultural highlights of Kronenburg and unites and emphasises the special identity of both branches.

nordtor-kronenburg.de

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