News from vh-crossmedia
Completed projects and news from my work
Tips & Tricks No.6
In the "neunmalklug" section, I publish tips, tricks and technical information about graphic and web design at irregular intervals. Today:
Graphic design basics: Balance
Here is 9 x expertise on the topic of "balance" in graphic design:
- Symmetry and asymmetry: The use of symmetrical or asymmetrical arrangements of visual elements to create a balanced and harmonious overall picture.
- Proportions and proportions: The use of proportions and proportions to create a balanced and harmonious overall picture.
- Colour contrasts: The use of colours to distinguish visual elements from one another or to highlight certain areas.
- Negative space or white space: The use of empty space or white space around visual elements to draw focus to certain areas or achieve a desired effect.
- Hierarchy: The use of space to create a hierarchy of visual elements and help the viewer quickly grasp the most important information on a page.
- Spacing: The placement of visual elements at a certain distance from each other to create a balanced overall picture and facilitate the perception of content.
- Text and image distribution: The distribution of text and image elements in space to create a balanced and more legible composition.
- Contrast: The use of contrasts in size, shape or colour to create a balanced overall picture and highlight visual elements.
- Structure: The use of space to create a clear structure and organisation of visual elements and to achieve a balanced overall picture.
Fresh on the net: Blitz Blank Peterhoff GmbH
As a further member of the Peterhoff Group, the subsidiary Blitz Blank Peterhoff GmbH was also given a new look on the Internet. Founded in 1912 as a pure building cleaning company, Blitz Blank is now a professional in infrastructural building management in Berlin and the surrounding area:
Fresh on the net: DENTCARE
As part of a wide range of services in the field of vehicle preparation, DENTCARE's core competence lies in dent removal using paintless dent removal technology. It was time to give the young entrepreneurs and their modern processes a suitable website:
Fresh on the net: WWS Schutz und Sicherheit GmbH
The subsidiary of the Peterhoff Group, WWS Schutz und Sicherheit GmbH, is an experienced specialist for security and safety services - and has been since 1966. Following the relaunch of peterhoff.de, the WWS website was also completely overhauled in the interests of uniformity, so that all of the Group's services can shine as if from a single mould:
Fresh on the net: Dorfgemeinschaft-Sinzenich e.V.
A little local patriotism once again: for the active members of the Sinzenich village community association, the promotion of local history is a priority alongside the protection of nature and the countryside and the promotion of art and culture. After our first joint project on the Mühlenbach path it was time to develop an appealing website for the association, on which the numerous projects and awards could be presented in an appealing way:
New logo for Ideen-Schmiede
The aim of the engagement promoters of VG Puderbach in the Westerwald is to find new projects to improve coexistence, social interaction or simply to beautify the immediate surroundings in the communities with the help of all interested citizens and thus to sustainably promote new forms of engagement. As a central instrument, the engagement promoters use the ideas forge, in which citizens, companies and local authorities jointly develop and implement specific projects in selected fields of action. I am delighted that I was able to make my contribution with a logo.
Fresh on the net: Cousin tree care
In their work, Etienne Cousin and his team attach particular importance to occupational safety and the protection of nature and species. Reason enough for me to create an appealing website for the hard-working arborists and tree fellers that adequately presents their extensive services:
New logo for Siegerland instance: Göbel Bestattungen
The traditional company Göbel Bestattungen in Netphen wanted a contemporary redesign of its image - with fresh colours and a unique touch. The result is a dynamic and individual logo, which is of course also reflected in the new business stationery. An original colour combination as part of the modernisation ensures clarity and a suitable typography places the focus on personal service.
Fresh on the net: Lohndrusch Müller
You never stop learning: The words "Lohndrusch" and "Körnerdrusch" were completely unknown to me until I was allowed to create a website for Michael Müller from the Eifel region. The compact information was presented in an appealing and topic-orientated way. Unfortunately, the site is already offline again ...
Tips & Tricks No. 5
In the "neunmalklug" section, I publish tips, tricks and technical information about graphic and web design at irregular intervals. Today:
Graphic design basics: Hierarchy
Here is 9 x expertise on the topic of "hierarchy" in graphic design:
- Size and weight: Use different sizes and weights of fonts to create visual hierarchies and emphasise important information.
- Colour: Use of colours to create visual hierarchies and highlight important information.
- Position: Placement of visual elements at strategic points on a page to convey the importance and sequence of information.
- Contrast: Use of contrasts in colour, size and shape to create visual hierarchies and highlight important information.
- Consistency: Use of consistent visual elements to create a clear hierarchy and facilitate the perception of content.
- Attention: Use of visual elements to draw the viewer's attention to important information.
- Shape: Use of shapes to create a clear hierarchy of visual elements and emphasise important information.
- Visual language: Use of visual language to convey complex information quickly and simply and to create a clear hierarchy of information.
- Negative space or white space: Use of empty space or white space around visual elements to focus on specific areas and create a clear hierarchy.
Fresh on the net: Evangelical parish of Frechen
The Protestant parish of Frechen has also been my client for almost 15 years. In order to meet the wishes of the parishioners with regard to current requirements for a modern website, the website was completely redesigned - and the result is something to be proud of:
Masks, masks, masks ...
Would you like personalised masks? No problem! Here you will find 2-layer polyester masks, printed with your logo or desired motif and the matching colour scheme - available and ready for use within a few days.
Fresh on the net: The Peterhoff Group
The Peterhoff Group has been one of my customers for many years. Time for a redesign of the website: After numerous different ideas and impressions as well as sorting and weighing up many, many thoughts and ideas and all the possibilities offered by graphic and web design, the site is now ready for launch:
Christmas is coming ...
As every year, the task in 2020 was to create Christmas design templates for my customers' cards. A large selection of individual layouts makes every Christmas greeting unique.
Tips & Tricks No. 4
In the "neunmalklug" section, I publish tips, tricks and technical information about graphic and web design at irregular intervals. Today:
Graphic design basics: Colour
Here is 9 x expertise on the subject of "colour" in graphic design:
- Colour psychology: Colours have a psychological effect on the viewer and can evoke emotions.
- Colour combinations: Choosing the right colour combinations is crucial to achieving a visually appealing design.
- Contrast: The use of contrasting colours can help to highlight important information and improve readability.
- Colour saturation: The saturation of colours influences their effect on the viewer.
- Choice of colour: The right choice of colour is important to communicate the identity and personality of the brand.
- Colour gradients: Colour gradients can be used to create smooth colour transitions and improve visual depth.
- Colour tone: The colour tone of colours is important to convey the mood and atmosphere.
- Colour theory: Understanding colour theory can help to achieve a visually appealing design.
- Colour contrast: The contrast between the colours is important to improve readability and the visual hierarchy in the design.
Workbook for students with plenty of room for design
For the social sciences didactics department at Trier University, a logbook was requested as a workbook with plenty of space for students' own designs, spontaneous notes, sketches and drawings. The look had to be professional on the one hand, but also young, fresh and target group-orientated on the other - a kind of "lure book" to inspire students to try out different methods of political education and be curious. A great result!
It runs like clockwork: personalised labels
Designing labels and stickers according to customer specifications is also part of my portfolio. However, layouts for oil canisters are a rarity and therefore all the more fun. With the customised products from Gartenwelt Frey, advertising now runs like clockwork!
Look in purple: Andrea Nickel - Tax consultancy
Quality advice, experience and reliability characterise the work of Tax consultant Andrea Nickel and a sympathetic ear. We are interested in the people behind the figures, their professional plans, economic goals and personal priorities. As a small, client-orientated tax firm, Andrea Nickel offers competent tax advice with personal support, conscientious examination of all relevant issues and transparent fees. Now also with a smart new logo (and of course a matching website) - absolutely recommendable!
Tips & Tricks No. 3
In the "neunmalklug" section, I publish tips, tricks and technical information about graphic and web design at irregular intervals. Today:
Graphic design basics: Typography
Here is 9 x expertise on the topic of "typography" in graphic design:
- Fonts: Choosing the right fonts is crucial to achieving a visually appealing design.
- Legibility: The legibility of the font is crucial to ensure that the text can be easily read by the viewer.
- Scalability: The fonts should be scalable so that they look good in different sizes and resolutions.
- Alignment: The alignment of the text influences the visual balance and readability.
- Spacing: The spacing between letters and lines influences legibility and the visual hierarchy in the design.
- Colour: The colour of the font should be chosen carefully to achieve a visually appealing design.
- Font style: Choosing the right font style is important to improve the visual hierarchy in the design.
- Consistency: The font should be used consistently throughout the design in order to achieve a coherent design.
- Context: The font should be carefully placed in the context of the design to ensure that it works well and conveys its message effectively.
Personalisierte Mailings, die gezielt das Kundeninteresse wecken
Sprechen Sie Ihre Empfänger mit einer Mailing-Aktion persönlich und zielgerichtet an!
Werbe-E-Mails oder Newsletter werden nicht selten als Spam aussortiert, also wie erreichen Sie diese Kunden? Planen Sie gemeinsam mit mir ein gutes Kundenmailing und akquirieren Sie Neukunden oder steigern den Umsatz mit Bestandskunden. Diese Klassiker der Direktwerbung wie personalisierte Kundenmailings, Werbesendungen und Selfmailer, wecken das Kundeninteresse und richten sich direkt an den Empfänger.
Gerne unterstütze ich Sie bei der werbewirksamen Planung, Gestaltung und Durchführung!
Boost for your online visibility: advantages through Google reviews
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 ...
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!
On this topic, please also read my article on Rating cards for social media.
Tips & Tricks No. 15
In the "neunmalklug" section, I publish tips, tricks and technical information about graphic and web design at irregular intervals. Today:
9 interesting aspects of colour theory and colour psychology
- Colours have a strong emotional effect on people and can trigger feelings such as joy, calm or excitement. Warm colours such as red or orange, for example, can create a lively and energetic mood.
- The right choice of colour can influence the mood of a website or graphic and effectively communicate the desired message. A calming colour palette with shades of blue can create a meditative or relaxing atmosphere.
- By understanding colour psychology, designers can specifically appeal to emotions and evoke the desired behaviour in the viewer. For example: A "Buy" button in a striking red colour can attract attention and encourage people to click.
- Colour contrasts help to create visual hierarchies and highlight important information. For example, a high-contrast button in an otherwise subtle colour palette attracts the viewer's attention.
- Choosing the right colour palette can strengthen brand identity and promote recognition. Coca-Cola's characteristic red colour has become an essential part of its brand identity.
- Colours can also be used to guide users through the flow of information on a website and encourage certain actions. A progress bar highlighted in colour shows the user how far they have progressed in a form.
- The colour scheme should always be in line with the intended audience and target group. A children's website can use vibrant and playful colours, while a business website should use more subtle and professional colours.
- Colours can be interpreted differently by cultures and regions, so it is important to consider the cultural relevance of colours, especially in international projects. For example, in some cultures white symbolises purity and innocence, while in others it is associated with mourning.
- The use of colour concepts and rules can help designs look professional and balanced and provide a pleasant user experience. The use of sufficient contrast between text colour and background colour improves the readability and usability of a website.
Fresh on the net: Kommern High Game Park
I had the great pleasure of redesigning the website of my long-standing client - the wildlife park in Kommern. The relaunch brought numerous advantages:
- Together we wanted to modernise the appearance of the website and adapt it to current design trends, and by using modern design elements and an appealing user interface, I was able to significantly improve the user experience. This should result in visitors staying on the website longer and finding their way around more easily.
- Another advantage of the relaunch was the continuous optimisation of the website for mobile devices. These days, more and more people are using their smartphones or tablets to browse the internet. By creating a responsive website that automatically adapts to the screen size, I want to ensure that the website is optimally displayed on all devices. This not only increases user-friendliness, but also search engine rankings, as mobile optimisation is an important factor for SEO.
- I was also able to optimise the loading time of the website as part of the relaunch. A slow website often leads to frustration among visitors and can cause them to leave the site prematurely. Optimising the loading times significantly improves the performance of the website and reduces the bounce rate.
Overall, the relaunch of my loyal client's website was an extremely rewarding and inspiring task. With its modernised look and feel, improved user experience, optimisation for mobile devices and faster loading time, the website is now ready to represent the company even more successfully and attract new customers.
Increase user interaction: creative graphics for social media
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
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.
Tips & Tricks No. 14
In the "neunmalklug" section, I publish tips, tricks and technical information about graphic and web design at irregular intervals. Today:
9 x facts, figures and data on the importance of graphic and web design
- According to a study by Google, 53% of users leave a mobile website if it takes longer than 3 seconds to load.
- A survey by HubSpot found that 38% of users leave a website if the layout and design are unattractive.
- A study by Adobe found that 39% of users will stop visiting a company's website if the images do not load well.
- A Stanford survey found that 75% of users judge a company by the design of its website.
- With the increasing use of smartphones and tablets, mobile-optimised website design is of great importance. According to Statista, mobile devices accounted for around 55% of internet traffic worldwide in 2021.
- According to a study by the Missouri University of Science and Technology, visitors to a website form a first visual impression within just 0.2 seconds. An appealing and professional web design can arouse the interest of visitors and keep them on the website for longer.
- A survey by Blue Corona found that 48% of users rate a website as a company's credibility based on its design.
- 94% of consumers say the design of a website is the reason they distrust or reject a website, according to a survey by IronPaper.
- According to a survey by Canva, 65% of small business owners say that good design is critical to the success of their business.
Roll-ups: mobile advertising media for a high level of attention
Roll ups are popular, flexible and versatile advertising media that are ideal for all kinds of events. With high-quality, custom-printed banners, you can effectively present your company at trade fairs, promotional events or company parties and attract new customers.
Roll-up banners are popular advertising media in marketing that can offer various advantages and benefits for companies:
- High visibility: Roll-ups and banners have a large surface area and are often colourful, making them eye-catching advertising media. They attract the attention of potential customers and stand out from the crowd.
- Mobility and flexibility: Roll-ups are portable displays that are easy to transport and set up. They are ideal for trade fairs, events, presentations or as an addition to a shop. Roll-ups can be set up in different locations and therefore offer flexibility in terms of placement.
- Brand presentation: Roll-ups offer companies the opportunity to present their brand visually and communicate consistent messages. They can contain the company's logo, slogan, images and colours and thus help to strengthen the brand identity.
- Information and communication: Roll-ups and banners can present important information about products, services or special offers. They can also serve as signposts to guide visitors to specific areas or activities.
- Addressing target groups: Depending on where roll-ups and banners are placed, they can address a specific target group. For example, they can be used in shopping centres, at trade fairs or at events to attract the attention of visitors and attract potential customers.
It is important to note that the effectiveness of roll-up banners depends on factors such as design, placement and target group relevance. I would be happy to support you with a clear message and an appealing design to maximise the benefits of these advertising media in marketing for your company.
Every vote counts ...
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.
Fresh on the net: CWIT
I had the opportunity to redesign the website of my long-time clients and valued IT colleagues at CWIT. This challenge not only provided the opportunity to improve the look and feel of the website, but also the chance to optimise the user experience and strengthen the brand presence online.
Tips & Tricks No. 13
In the "neunmalklug" section, I publish tips, tricks and technical information about graphic and web design at irregular intervals. Today:
9 current design trends
The digital world is subject to constant change, and developments in graphic and web design are no exception. What was considered modern yesterday can be outdated today and replaced by new trends. Companies and self-employed people want to avoid their websites losing their appeal due to outdated designs and no longer appearing contemporary. To stay up to date, it is therefore important for graphic and web designers to be informed about current design trends, as modern graphic and web design is often based on these tendencies. Here I present the current trends:
- Responsive design: Responsive design will continue to be one of the most important requirements for web design in order to ensure an optimal display on different devices.
- Animations: Motion and animation are being used more frequently in web design to create an interactive and engaging experience for users.
- Bold typography: Typography will remain an important factor in web design, with larger, eye-catching fonts and creative font styles.
- Micro-interactions: Small interactions such as hover effects, buttons and button animations are being used more frequently in web design to improve the user experience.
- Minimalism: Minimalist design will continue to be an important trend in web design, with clear and simple layouts that create an elegant user experience.
- Retro design: Retro design elements from the 70s, 80s and 90s will continue to be in vogue as designers use them to create a sense of nostalgia and familiarity.
- Handmade elements: Handmade elements, such as hand-drawn illustrations or handwritten typography, are increasingly used in graphic design to create a personalised and handmade look.
- Muted Colors: Muted colours are used more frequently in graphic design to create a subtle and understated look that is still eye-catching.
- Geometric shapes: Geometric shapes are more commonly used in graphic design to create a modern and abstract look that is visually appealing.
All logos/proprietary names/trademarks and graphics/photos shown are for illustration and reference purposes only and are the sole property of the respective owner/originator or copyright holder. The inclusion of hyperlinks to external sites is, as is usual on the Internet, for reference purposes only and does not constitute a recommendation or endorsement of the respective offer by vh-crossmedia | Volker Heupel. Liability, in particular for any damage or consequences arising from the use of the offer, is excluded - vh-crossmedia | Volker Heupel is not responsible for the content of websites to which direct or indirect reference is made via links. If, in your opinion, there is questionable content or content that violates applicable law, please inform me so that the relevant information can be updated or removed.
