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Web design

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.

Tips & Tricks No. 18

2024-08-09T07:31:37+02:0008 December 2023|

neunmalklug from vh-crossmedia

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

9 terms that have made it from typography & printing technology into everyday language

  1. CopyIn classical letterpress printing, an impression was a first proof or a simple test print (the material to be printed was placed on the inked printing plate and usually tapped with a brush, whereby the printing ink clapped off onto the sheet). Today, the word is used to describe an inferior copy or imitation.
  2. ClichéCliché: Originally, it was a printing term for a printing plate that was used to create identical copies of an original. This is why "cliché" is also used today in a figurative sense to describe stereotypical ideas or entrenched opinions.
  3. LapidaryOriginally a simple font, also known as "lapidary script" (from the Latin "lapis" for "stone"). In everyday language, "lapidary" is used to express something succinctly and with little embellishment.
  4. Waste paperIn the printing industry, "waste" refers to unusable or faulty printed copies (from the Latin word maculatura: "the stained"). In the vernacular, it is used to refer to something superfluous or scrap material.
  5. MarginaliaIn typography, a marginalia refers to a note in the margin or a marginal note (marginalis: "concerning the margin"). In everyday language, the term is used for a triviality or an unimportant note.
  6. Matrix: A stamp used for casting fonts. Today it is often used as a synonym for "foundation" or "base".
  7. CategoryThe term rubric comes from the red (Latin: rubrum) colour that was used in religious books to mark instructions for the liturgy and was also used for headings and other structural elements, i.e. it denotes a heading or keyword that identifies a specific area of content. In everyday language, the term "rubric" is used for a category or section.
  8. StereotypeStereotyping refers to the process of moulding and reproducing typesetting or printing blocks. In common parlance, the term, like cliché, has come to epitomise entrenched ideas, which in the case of stereotype primarily stand for simplifications and prejudices.
  9. Type caseIn typography, a type case refers to a tool used to set type - the many lead letters lay sorted in the small compartments of wooden boxes. Today, the term is used for a decorative collection of objects in small wooden compartments.

Mobile devices on the rise: How companies are adapting to new user habits

2023-11-18T09:42:31+01:0002 November 2023|

The way people access the internet is constantly changing and these changes have a significant impact on companies' online presence. Significant shifts in internet usage have been observed over the last two years, particularly in terms of the types of devices used.

This data provides insights into the percentage distribution of internet usage on desktop computers, smartphones and tablets in Germany over the period from September 2021 to September 2023. The values indicate the proportion of internet usage attributable to each device type - the figures provide interesting insights into user preferences (source: StatCounter).

Mobile internet usage is soaring: what companies need to know now

Here is a brief analysis of this data:

  • Desktop use:
    The use of desktop computers is declining, from 58.44% in September 2021 to 55.38% in September 2023, which could indicate that people are increasingly switching to mobile devices to access the internet.
  • Mobile use:
    The use of smartphones remains high and is increasing slightly, from 38.88% in September 2021 to 42.06% in September 2023. This underlines the continuing trend towards mobile internet use.
  • Tablet use:
    Tablet usage remains relatively low compared to desktop and mobile, but fluctuates slightly between 2% and 3%. It seems that tablets are not as widely used as smartphones or desktop computers for accessing the internet.

Overall, the development of the data shows that desktop usage is decreasing, while mobile usage, particularly via smartphones, continues to increase. This is in line with global trends that show a shift towards mobile internet usage. It is important to note that these trends may be influenced by various factors such as improved mobile technologies, affordable smartphones and wider availability of mobile internet services.

Mobile revolution: Strategies for companies in an increasingly mobile online world

Changes in internet usage have a direct impact on companies' online presence. Here are some thoughts on how companies can respond to these trends:

  1. Mobile optimisation:
    With more and more people accessing the internet via mobile devices, it is crucial to ensure that the company website is optimised for mobile devices. The website should utilise responsive design to ensure an optimal user experience on smartphones and tablets.
  2. Fast loading times:
    Mobile users are often more impatient than desktop users. A fast website loading time is crucial to improve the user experience and ensure that visitors do not bounce due to long loading times.
  3. Content optimisation:
    Content should be optimised for mobile users. This means not only adapting texts and images, but also offering easily digestible content such as videos and short text sections that can be displayed well on small screens.
  4. Security and data protection:
    With the increase in mobile internet usage, awareness of security and data protection has also risen. Companies should ensure that their websites are secure and comply with data protection regulations in order to gain the trust of users.
  5. Customer service and communication:
    Mobile devices also offer new opportunities for customer service, be it via chat apps or social media. Companies can use mobile platforms to communicate directly with their customers and provide quick answers to questions or problems.

In many cases, a company's sector will play a role in Internet usage behaviour.

Mobile devices on the rise: How companies are adapting to new user habits

Online presence and adaptation to the changing habits of Internet users depend heavily on the type of business:

Company in the E-Commerce area often benefit greatly from the increase in mobile internet usage. With many people shopping online on mobile, e-commerce companies need to ensure that their websites and apps are optimised for mobile devices in order to remain competitive.

For local services such as hairdressers or restaurants, local search via mobile devices can be crucial. Customers often search for nearby services on their smartphones, so good visibility on mobile devices and positive online reviews are of great importance.

Companies that Media content must adapt to the habits of users who are increasingly using mobile devices to stream videos and music. This often requires the development of mobile apps and the optimisation of content for mobile devices.

For certain B2B (Business-to-Business) or in sectors such as management consultancy or legal advice, the importance of mobile internet use may be lower, as customers may be less likely to utilise these services via mobile devices. Nevertheless, online presence and accessibility via mobile devices can also be important here in order to appeal to potential customers.

Overall, it is crucial for companies to adapt to the changing habits of internet users. This means not only optimising for mobile devices, but also understanding the specific needs and expectations of the mobile target group. A user-friendly, fast and secure online presence is becoming increasingly important in order to remain competitive and provide a positive user experience.

Should we use these tips together?
I look forward to helping you further!

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Tips & Tricks No. 17

2024-02-15T14:43:37+01:0028 October 2023|

neunmalklug from vh-crossmedia

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

Newsletters that convince your readers

Good newsletter examples can serve as inspiration for your own newsletter and help you to strengthen your customer loyalty and sell products through targeted email marketing. Before you get started, however, you should make a few important considerations:

  • Define target group: Think about who you want to address - prospective customers, existing customers or potential new customers. Segment your contacts accordingly to provide relevant content.
  • Offer added value: Varied content such as specialist knowledge, tutorials and company information together with product highlights and voucher codes make for an interesting newsletter.
  • Choose the right tool: Use professional newsletter software that gives your brand a trustworthy and contemporary image and complies with data protection regulations.

Visual design is crucial:

  • Sender and subject line: Create trust with a clear sender and an appealing, intriguing subject line. Emojis can also enhance the subject line.
  • Use pre-header: This first line of the newsletter offers space for further information and an exciting hook. Avoid repetitions from the subject line.
  • Design: An appealing header image, balanced image/text ratio, clear structure and a well-designed email signature and footer are crucial to arouse the recipient's interest.

A successful newsletter not only appeals, but also convinces visually and in terms of content - the perfect combination for a successful email marketing campaign.

9 imaginative examples of successful newsletter design

  1. Creative visuals: Inspire your subscribers with imaginative designs, be it with captivating header images or innovative graphics. The newsletter example, in which handwritten fonts and tempting tea offers harmonise, creates a unique connection. This personal touch gives your communication depth and sustainability. Show that details make the difference and create an unforgettable experience for your readers.
  1. Structured organisation: Design your newsletter carefully: an appealing header image and skilfully placed call-to-action buttons guide readers through the content. Think of a structured newsletter in which a consistent theme is followed like a red thread (here in yellow). This clear structure not only provides orientation, but also gives your newsletter an appealing and easy-to-understand form.
  1. Product presentation: Present your products with style: inviting header images and fresh colour palettes that run through the entire newsletter skilfully showcase your products. Let your offer shine in a visually appealing setting and capture the attention of your readers with a harmonious design.
  1. Animated highlights: Cleverly placed GIFs give your newsletter a dynamic touch without overloading it. Imagine an animated header graphic that comes to life with colourful accents. These subtle animations add a playful dimension to the newsletter while keeping readers intrigued. Use these creative elements to present your message in an innovative and appealing way.
  1. Gift ideas: Make it easier for your readers to find the perfect gift by presenting suitable ideas for different occasions. In the example, you can see compelling offers with winter motifs emphasised by clear and attractive images. These visual elements not only provide inspiration, but also create an emotional connection. Make it easy for your readers to celebrate special moments with your products!
  1. Versatile content: Establish a balanced variety of content and formats that go beyond pure product advertising. Creative ideas and relevant information are the key to deepening reader loyalty. Inspire your readers not only with products, but also with insights, tips and original ideas that offer added value. This will create a lasting relationship and keep your audience engaged and informed.
  1. Corporate Design: Ensure that your newsletter reflects the consistent image of your company. Your newsletter is like a mirror image of your brand in the corporate colours. Matching call-to-action buttons reinforce recognition and direct readers to relevant information. This coherent presentation not only strengthens your brand identity, but also promotes the trust of your subscribers by giving them a consistent and professional communication experience.
  1. Attractive product images: Use high-quality photos to visually emphasise your products - in the example of a cosmetics newsletter that impresses with aesthetic product images: the balanced ratio of images to text conveys what readers can expect in an appealing way - this also creates an emotional connection that inspires customers to buy. Use the power of images to communicate your message and attract the attention of your target group.
  1. Clear, modern design: A minimalist and straightforward design gives your newsletter a touch of luxury. In the last example, you can see high-quality images of living rooms which, together with discreet calls to action (CTA buttons), create an exclusive atmosphere. This layout not only creates visual pleasure, but also draws attention to relevant information. Discover the potential of an appealing design to present your message with a touch of elegance.

Fancy applying these tips to YOUR project?
I look forward to hearing from you!

Website and/or social media?

2023-11-18T09:42:39+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.

Even in the age of social media, it is important for a company to have its own website for several reasons

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.

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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

Tips & Tricks No. 16

2023-11-17T10:25:16+01:0016 August 2023|

neunmalklug from vh-crossmedia

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

9 facts about the importance of typography

The careful selection and use of fonts is an essential aspect of graphic and web design. By focusing on legibility, visual hierarchy and consistent branding, you can optimise text in designs and create an appealing overall look.

  1. Fonts play a crucial role in the visual communication of texts and contribute to the mood and readability of a design. For example, a sans serif font such as Arial can convey a modern and clear impression.
  2. Legibility is a key aspect of typography. A font that is easy to read enables users to grasp the text quickly and effortlessly. Serif fonts such as Times New Roman are often intended for longer sections of text, as the serifs support the flow of the text.
  3. Text formatting such as line spacing, character spacing and paragraph spacing influence the readability and visual flow of the text. Sufficient line spacing can make the text airier and easier to read.
  4. The right combination of fonts makes it possible to create visual hierarchies and differentiate between different elements in the design. You can use a sans serif font for headlines and a serif font for body text to create a clear distinction.
  5. When selecting fonts, it is important to consider the character of the design and the target group. Of course, a playful and handwritten font will be suitable for a children's book, while a serious and professional font will be more suitable for a corporate website.
  6. The scalability of fonts is crucial for legibility and adaptation to different screen sizes. In web design in particular, care should be taken to ensure that the fonts are easy to read on mobile devices.
  7. When using fonts in web design projects, it is important to use web fonts to ensure that the selected fonts are displayed correctly on different devices.
  8. White space or blank space around the text is an important design aspect of typography. It creates visual breathing spaces and increases readability. For example, sufficient space between paragraphs can make the text more accessible.
  9. It is advisable not to use too many different fonts in one design to create a harmonious and cohesive overall look. A good rule of thumb is to limit yourself to 2-3 fonts and make sure they go well together.

Fancy applying these tips to YOUR project?
I look forward to hearing from you!

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.

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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.

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