How documenting procedures can add to your value on a team.
Websites are designed, launched and maintained. They also grow in content, evolve and get cluttered. Sometimes we create a process to promote a service and then we forget about it after it is launched. Heck, we may have a simple blog set up that ends up getting neglected. Recently I visited the site of an active, viable company. Their website looks clean. Ideas are clear, but their blog [...]
Audubon – Branded Infographics
Simplifying an explanation is done well with infographics. For REO agents, their processes are daunting and typical agents and buyers don't understand what's involved and can become frustrated. We created these pieces to better explain the process to help cut down on the frustrations. It's helped a lot and the buyers, as well as their agents truly appreciate the simplified, clearly explained processes.
Your logo has a lot of jobs to do – design it thoughtfully.
When I doodled the Binky Patrol logo 23 years ago, I didn't have any thoughts of it still being in use today or all the ways it would be used. I simply doodled something cute with the skills of a 12-year-old. The details would become a problem for embroidery, the eyes would become a problem to reverse out. It was a pencil drawing I photocopied and then colored [...]
Checklist to get more people listening & subscribing to your podcast
Yes, there are tons of articles on this. But there are some basic steps that a lot of newer hosts miss, which cuts into their subscriptions AND replays. The key is to test it as an outsider or get someone to do it for you. FILL IN ALL THE BLANKS . This includes your podcast channel on iTunes, Stitcher, GooglePlay, YouTube. Get to the MEAT of what your [...]
Accessibility Formatting Tips for Experience Word Users.
Most of us have been using Word and Powerpoint longer than smartphones have existed. It doesn't mean we are using it logically and with readability in mind. This accessibility tips post will remind you of what's already in place and give you suggestions on how to personalize the ready-made templates better to ensure your branding is included AND there is no loss of readability for disabled visitors. Remember, [...]
Your audience could have a disability – can they read your website?
Currently I'm taking a course offered by WebAim.org to get certified in creating and editing electronic documents for ADA level 2 compliance or more. After only one module completed, I highly recommend this course for anyone interested in having their materials understood by 100% of the potential audience, rather than only 75%. I'll be writing a post on each module to share some of the key points I [...]
A short list to clean out your well-established website, aka long-in-the-tooth
Today I'm working on my own site. It has been years since I first started it and a few years since I updated the theme. I recently did that and now have to go through the cleanout process. I thought I'd take this opportunity to give you a short list of what you should do every two to three years to make sure your site won't embarrass you. [...]
Did You Steal That? Copyright and Trademark Basics
You’ve seen this done before, right? A small business or company sees something online that they really like, it fits in with their brand image and audience, and they think, “I can totally use that!” So, they grab a screenshot, download it, change a couple of things like taking the logo off the original image and then put theirs on, and voilà! Share it. Guess what? That’s theft. [...]
Important but simple tasks for website performance
Ah, the love hate relationship with WordPress, hosting, security and efficiency. Some assumptions are made here: 1. Your website looks great and is responsive on mobile. 2. You have an SSL certificate with auto renew on all sites and subdomains. 3. You have someone keeping your plugins and themes up-to-date and reviewing them quarterly to make sure they are still the best solution. Going with that, let's add [...]
Clean home or office can change your attitude
I work from my home office. I see my home a lot. It also means I get used to the typical messes, daily wear and tear of having a family and three furry pets. As we come into the holiday season, it's a great time to think about spiffing up a bit more, especially if you plan on entertaining for big or small events. When our work-space is [...]
You don’t have to be a great writer to create regular posts.
Many sites lack regular content because of priorities, lack of support staff, no thoughts for relevant topics and other excuses. I'm letting you off the hook now. You don't have to wear all the hats at your company. You only need to be able to enlist someone to help you review, flesh out and expand a topic. We have several clients that only send us bullet points, or [...]
1 brand, 4 websites – Audubon Realty
When you have multiple divisions, you need to have cohesive, yet unique branding and content. For Audubon Realty, his old site didn't perform well and didn't allow him to use it as a marketing vehicle. We started with Audubon Realty and then added Louisiana REO and HUD For Lousiana. Recently, broker/owner David Reso earned his notary license - a big deal in Louisiana. We needed a slight, but [...]