Web design

Tips & Tricks No. 11

2023-11-17T10:25:22+01:0016 October 2022|

neunmalklug from vh-crossmedia

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

What is "white space" and why is it so important?

"White space" refers to the unused space between different design elements such as text, images or graphics. It helps to structure the design and improve the visual hierarchy by giving the viewer's eye a break and focussing on the most important elements. Effective use of white space can make a design more elegant, modern and easier to understand.

Here are 9 tips on the topic of "white space" - the free space in a design in which there is neither a visual element nor text:

  1. Emphasising content: By using white space, important content on a website or graphic can be better emphasised. The white space around an element draws the viewer's focus to it and enables them to quickly grasp the content.
  2. Improving readability: Sufficient use of white space can improve the readability of text on a website or graphic. By leaving enough space between blocks of text, you can prevent the text from appearing cluttered and more difficult to read.
  3. Enhancing aesthetics: The use of white space can help a design appear more aesthetically pleasing overall. It gives a website or graphic a clean, organic look that can give the impression of elegance and sophistication.
  4. Creating balance: White space can help make a website or graphic look more balanced and symmetrical. By harmonising the space around different elements, you can achieve an overall balanced design.
  5. Better navigation: The use of white space can improve navigation on a website. By creating gaps between different navigation elements, you can help the viewer to find their way around more easily.
  6. Reduction of distractions: White space can help reduce visual distractions on a website or graphic. By separating certain elements, you can prevent the viewer from being overwhelmed and losing focus.
  7. Facilitating perception: The use of white space can facilitate the perception of content. By leaving enough space between different elements, the content can be better understood.
  8. Improving the user experience: A well thought-out use of white space can improve the user experience on a website. By optimising the space around various elements, you can increase usability and provide visitors with a pleasant experience.
  9. Better conversions: Thoughtful use of white space can also help increase conversion rates on a website. By optimising the space around call-to-action buttons and directing the viewer's focus to specific elements, you can increase the likelihood that the viewer will perform a desired action.

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

Fresh on the net: Menopause counsellor Ulrike Platt

2023-11-17T14:37:28+01:0011 October 2022|

When women's fluctuating hormones turn everything upside down, when their feelings and moods take them on a rollercoaster ride, they may want a companion who takes their questions seriously. Someone who listens to them and works with them to find answers and solutions. Ulrike Platt - the expert for the menopause - provides this counselling for women in transition.

I was very happy to create an appealing website (and matching business cards, of course) for this topic, which has received little attention up to now, so that this often drastic experience for women becomes more present in social dialogue.

vh-crossmedia | Volker Heupel | References

Fresh on the net: FV 1922 Daufenbach e.V.

2023-11-17T14:37:32+01:0030 August 2022|

Daufenbach has been chasing after the round leather for more than 100 years now. In addition to the traditional football section, the club also offers gymnastics, football golf and even hip hop! The latter was established in 2022 and is very popular with 6 to 17-year-olds in the region. This means that dusty club life is finally a thing of the past. Of course, this breath of fresh air also includes a modern website and various advertising and PR measures, which I was happy to contribute and wish all the best for the future!

Tips & Tricks No. 10

2023-11-17T10:25:25+01:0016 July 2022|

neunmalklug from vh-crossmedia

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

What makes a good website?

A good company website is crucial to the success of a business in the digital age. Here are 9 recommendations that can help you design a successful website:

  1. Define your target group: Before you design your website, you should be clear about your target group. Who are your customers? What are their needs and expectations? Customise your website to this target group.
  2. Clear structure: A clear structure and navigation are important so that visitors can quickly find what they are looking for. A simple menu structure that covers the most important areas of your website makes it easier to navigate.
  3. Content: Provide high quality content that appeals to your target audience. It should not only be informative, but also appealing and easy to understand. Also use images and videos to liven up your content.
  4. Mobile optimisation: More and more people are using mobile devices to surf the internet. Make sure your website is optimised for all devices, including smartphones and tablets.
  5. Fast loading times: A fast loading time is crucial for the success of your website. Optimise your images and use a reliable hosting platform to ensure that your website loads quickly.
  6. SEO: Search engine optimisation is an important factor for the success of your website. Make sure that your website is optimised with relevant keywords and meta tags to rank well in search engine results.
  7. Social media integration: Link your website to your social media channels to increase your reach and encourage visitors to share your content on social networks.
  8. Contact options: Make sure that visitors can easily get in touch with you. Add a contact page and offer various contact options, such as telephone, e-mail and contact form.
  9. Up-to-date: Keep your website up-to-date by regularly adding new content and updating existing content. An outdated website can deter visitors and damage your credibility.

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

Tips & Tricks No. 9

2023-11-17T10:25:26+01:0016 April 2022|

neunmalklug from vh-crossmedia

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

What characterises a good logo design?

Here are 9 tips for a good logo:

  1. Simplicity: The logo should be simple and easy to understand so that it is easily recognisable.
  2. Memorability: The logo should be easy to remember so that it is memorised by customers.
  3. Recognisability: The logo should be unique so that it is easily recognisable when displayed on different media and materials.
  4. Originality: The logo should be unique and different from other logos in the industry.
  5. Timelessness: The logo should have a certain timelessness so that it still looks current and modern years later.
  6. Adaptability: The logo should look good in different sizes and formats and be easy to present on different backgrounds and materials.
  7. Choice of colours: The colours of the logo should be chosen to match the brand and create an emotional connection to the customer.
  8. Font: The font of the logo should match the brand and be easy to read.
  9. Meaningfulness: The logo should convey a clear message about the company or brand. It should give the customer an idea of what the company does and what it stands for.

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

Data protection and SSL obligation

2022-03-27T16:28:39+02:0001 February 2022|

The new General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) came into force on 25 May 2018 to ensure uniform data protection throughout the EU. The GDPR affects all websites that request personal data, i.e. email addresses (e.g. via newsletters or downloads), login data entered by users in the browser, contact or order forms and all online shops.

Is SSL encryption of my website important or even mandatory?

The use of an SSL certificate for websites has been recommended for some time and is also categorised positively by Google for search engine rankings. Google penalises websites that do not have an SSL certificate

If your website does not have a valid SSL certificate, visitors will receive a warning - in the worst case even an error message. Many visitors will then close the page.

When using a website, personal data of the visitor can be collected via various input fields and processed for the respective request. Unsecured input can be tapped and even changed by third parties without being noticed. Without SSL encryption, you enable an attack on sensitive data!

In addition to these aspects, it should also be mentioned that an SSL certificate is mandatory under the GDPR if you offer a contact form on your website, for example. An infringement can be penalised with a fine of up to €50,000.

What is "SSL" anyway?

SSL certificates are an all-encompassing measure to protect personal data and create trust. A small lock symbol in the browser bar indicates when we are using SSL encryption. But what is SSL?

SSL stands for "Secure Sockets Layer". It is a network protocol for the secure transmission of data. Websites can be equipped with the SSL certificate. Put simply, all data traffic from a website to the visitor and vice versa is encrypted so that the transmitted data cannot be viewed or intercepted by anyone else. This is often important for companies in order to be seen as trustworthy by their customers. The encrypted access to a website always takes place via https before the entered URL.

If you need support for the encryption of your website, please feel free to contact me!

Dancing to cool beats ...

2023-10-22T09:12:00+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.

Fresh on the net: Centre - Assisted living

2023-10-21T10:20:08+02:0012 December 2021|

Mittelpunkt offers assisted living in the districts of Düren, Aachen, Erfkreis, Euskirchen and Heinsberg for people who, in addition to the experience and skills they have acquired over the course of their lives, have special needs due to a mental illness and/or physical illness and/or mental disability.

I am delighted to be able to support this helpful company with a website relaunch.

vh-crossmedia | Volker Heupel | References

Fresh on the net: Way out - Assisted living

2023-10-21T10:20:08+02:0009 December 2021|

Assisted living Ausweg offers outpatient assisted living as part of integration assistance and educational support for young adults. The aim of the support is to break loneliness and the vicious circle, improve the living situation of affected people and make it easier for them to participate in life in the community.

I am pleased to be able to help with this sensible offer by relaunching the website.

vh-crossmedia | Volker Heupel | References

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