Social Media 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!

Contact us

Design from a single source - from the practice's website to the recruiting campaign

vh-crossmedia2025-07-07T15:03:19+02:0007 June 2025|

In a recent project for a physiotherapy practice, I was able to show how seamlessly a holistic design concept can be implemented. From classic stationery and business cards to an eye-catching campaign for a job vacancy with banners and matching social media motifs to vehicle lettering - including the job advert, of course - I delivered all elements from a single source. The result is a consistent and recognisable image that is perfectly coordinated.

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!

Contact us

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!

Contact us

Website and/or social media?

vh-crossmedia2023-11-18T09:42:39+01:0025 October 2023|

Do I need a website or are social media profiles enough? The answer depends on various factors: A website offers freedom of design, can provide comprehensive information and is flexibly customisable. Social media profiles enable a greater reach, but require regular updating and can quickly overlap important information.

A website serves as a central point of contact for your company or brand in the digital space. These comprehensive features are limited on social media platforms, where information is often ephemeral and cannot be presented in the same structured way as on a dedicated website. Whilst social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram or TikTok are useful for increasing your reach and engaging with your target audience, they generally offer fewer opportunities to present comprehensive information about your business. A website, on the other hand, can provide a comprehensive representation of your company, products or services and serve as a hub from which potential customers can get all the information they need.

With your own website, you have full control over the design, content and functionalities. Unlike social media platforms, where you are subject to the guidelines and changes of the platform operators, your website gives you the freedom to design and customise it entirely according to your own ideas. A professional website allows you to present your brand identity and branding consistently. You can create the design and colours to match your company exactly and create a uniform perception among visitors.

A website allows you to provide extensive content such as blog posts, product descriptions, testimonials, FAQs and much more. This allows you to showcase your expertise, inform your target audience and gain the trust of potential customers. With a customised website, you can include specific features and interactions that are relevant to your target audience and goals. This can range from customised contact forms to e-commerce functions and interactive elements.

A website offers you the best basis for targeted search engine optimisation (SEO). By optimising your website for search engines, you can increase your visibility in search results and gain organic traffic. Ranking in search results is crucial for many companies to attract new customers. A website makes it possible to take targeted SEO measures to improve visibility - companies can tailor their content and offers to their target groups. Through analysis and data, they can understand visitor behaviour and adapt their website accordingly to better meet the needs of their customers. The findings can be used to optimise the offer, adapt marketing strategies and improve customer service.

Social media platforms can change or adapt their guidelines, which can have a negative impact on a company's reach and visibility. With their own website, companies are less dependent on such changes and retain control over their online presence. A professional website is therefore a long-term investment for your company. While social media platforms and trends may change, your website will usually remain stable and provide you with a permanent presence on the internet.

Despite the existence of social media, a professionally designed website is still very important for companies. It acts as a central point of contact and provides comprehensive information about the company, which is limited on social media platforms. With its own website, the company retains control over design, content and functions, in contrast to the restrictions imposed by social media guidelines. The website enables consistent branding, extensive content such as blogs and testimonials, targeted search engine optimisation and individual interaction options. It also ensures data protection and independence from third-party providers, which is an advantage in an ever-changing digital landscape. Ultimately, having your own website gives companies freedom, control and flexibility in how they present their business online and is a long-term investment in their online presence. Companies that are only present on social media platforms often come across as less reputable. Social media can be supportive, but the website remains the central point of contact for a company in the digital space.

A website is therefore essential and should serve as the basis, while social media profiles can be a useful addition. The ideal strategy is to combine both and choose the right network for the target group.

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

Portfolio

Increase user interaction: creative graphics for social media

vh-crossmedia2024-08-08T15:45:02+02:0005 July 2023|

Whether for the launch of a new brand or the optimisation of an existing social media strategy - visual content plays a decisive role in establishing an online identity.

As a graphic and web designer, I would like to suggest some important points to keep in mind when creating engaging graphics for various social media platforms to strengthen your brand presence and encourage user interaction:

Understanding your target group: In order to create graphics that appeal to your target group, it is important that we gain detailed information about your target group. The better we know the demographic characteristics, interests and preferences, the more targeted I can make the graphics.
Consistent visual identity: For your brand to look consistent across social media platforms, it's crucial that we consider the information about your brand colours, fonts and overall style so that I can use these elements in the graphics.
Platform-specific requirements: Each social media platform has different requirements for graphics in terms of size, format and file size. As a designer, I take these technical aspects into account and ensure that your graphics comply with the guidelines of each platform.
Eye-catching design: To attract the attention of users, I develop graphics with an appealing design. I use visual elements such as colours, contrasts and images to ensure that your graphics stand out and appeal to viewers.
Communicate a clear message: Graphics should convey a clear message that is understandable at first glance. I work to design the most important information and visual elements so that your message is perceived directly and unambiguously.
Involving users: To encourage user interaction, I can incorporate interactive elements into your graphics. For example, this could be a question, a call to participate in an action or a request for comments to encourage users to get involved.
Quality and professionalism: As a designer, my goal is to create high quality graphics that make a professional impression. I use high quality images, make sure text is easy to read and pay attention to detail to ensure your graphics look professional.
Testing and customisation: After publishing the graphics, I monitor performance and user reactions. If necessary, I can make adjustments to improve the effectiveness of the graphics and further encourage interaction.

By taking these points into consideration and working with me as a graphic and web designer, we can create engaging graphics that strengthen your brand presence and encourage user interaction on various social media platforms.

Attract the best talent - with appealing job adverts

vh-crossmedia2023-11-18T09:36:14+01:0025 June 2023|

Especially in times of personnel and skilled labour shortages, well-designed job advertisements are of great importance for a company in order to attract applicants, strengthen its image, make the application process more efficient and present the company as an attractive employer.

Well-designed job adverts are important for a company for several reasons:

Attract applicants: A well-designed job advert stands out from the crowd and attracts potential applicants. An appealing appearance, clear information and a precise description of the position arouse the interest of candidates and motivate them to apply.
Image and employer branding: Job adverts reflect the image and employer brand of a company. A well-designed advertisement conveys professionalism, organisation and care in the eyes of potential applicants. This can improve the company's reputation and increase the likelihood that highly qualified candidates will be interested in a position.
Efficiency in the application process: A clear and well-structured job advertisement enables applicants to quickly recognise whether they have the necessary qualifications and skills for the position. This reduces unsuitable applications and makes the selection process more efficient.
Target group-orientated approach: A well-designed job advertisement addresses the target group specifically and speaks to their needs and interests. By clearly communicating expectations, the corporate culture and career opportunities, potential applicants can better assess whether the position matches their own goals and expectations.
Representation of the company: A job advert is often the first contact a potential applicant has with a company. It offers the opportunity to make a positive impression and present the company as an attractive employer. As a result, applicants who can identify with the company are more likely to be motivated to apply and possibly stay with the company in the long term.

I would be happy to support you in inspiring your applicants with an optimally designed job advert and finding your ideal candidate.

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

Portfolio

Every vote counts ...

vh-crossmedia2023-11-18T09:43:08+01:0008 June 2023|

Review cards, which are distributed by companies to their customers, are used to collect feedback and reviews from customers.

These cards usually contain a QR code, a link or instructions on how customers can rate their experience online, whether on platforms such as Google or Facebook or on the company's own website.

The purpose and benefits of such evaluation cards are manifold:

Reviews provide companies with valuable insights into customer satisfaction, the customer experience and the quality of their products or services. They enable companies to identify strengths and recognise areas for improvement.
Positive reviews can improve a company's reputation and strengthen the trust of potential customers. Customer reviews are often more credible than pure marketing statements from the company.
Reviews on platforms such as Google and Facebook can have a positive effect on a company's search engine ranking. Search engines take reviews and star ratings into account when assessing the relevance and quality of a website.
By collecting reviews, companies show their customers that their opinions are important. Customers feel valued and have the feeling that their voice counts. This can strengthen customer loyalty and increase the likelihood that customers will return.
Customer reviews can help companies to continuously improve their processes, products and services. Negative reviews indicate areas where improvements need to be made, while positive reviews show what works well and should be maintained.

I would be happy to help you use review cards to support your company in terms of customer feedback and customer loyalty, reputation and credibility as well as search engine optimisation.

Please also read my article on this topic Google reviews on their website.

Dancing to cool beats ...

vh-crossmedia2023-10-22T09:12:00+02:0015 January 2022|

Ideenschmiede Puderbacher Land is a volunteer project organised by the Puderbach Association of Municipalities. With the idea of a free "hip-hop workshop" with two-time German champions Gabriel Hermes and Miah Bein from Tanzfabrik Mittelrhein, more than 60 children (tested) were able to escape from everyday life and simply dance under almost normal conditions in four workshops over two days.

A great project that I was able to accompany with the appropriate advertising measures.

Beer mat fundraiser with raffle

vh-crossmedia2023-10-22T09:12:00+02:0030 November 2021|

For some time now FREYwillig & with heart under the motto "Regional. Social. From the heart." in the name of a good cause. The enterprising Westerwald natives Christian Frey and Ingo Bein are present on all channels and skilfully use print, web and social media for their projects.

The current idea of a "beer mat donation campaign" encourages local restaurants to turn beer mats into a donation in favour of social projects with the help of sponsors. The additional "joker lids" will also enable participation in a raffle with prizes totalling 5,000 euros!

As with every "FREYwillig & mit Herz" project, I am happy to be able to contribute to its success with my graphic design services when the motto is "Your donation for our region".