Tips

Recruiting New Clients: Do’s and Don’ts

by lucia martinez on · 1 Comment

As Head of New Business, reaching out to prospective clients is (duh) a major part of my job description.  For a boutique web design firm like Command C, mass generic emails just aren’t part of the game plan, ever.  There’s a lot of preliminary research involved on this end since we’re pretty picky about our clients—I like to get a feel for their communication style and what their businesses entail before making contact.  This kills two birds with one stone: I can make an initial assessment of who the company is and how their web presence could be improved, and … read more

Posted in: Business · Tips · 1 Comment

Networking Basics (And Then Some)

by lucia martinez on · 1 Comment

Networking is my personal nightmare.  There’s something about putting yourself forward, about self-promotion, that really makes me uncomfortable.  What if you’re annoying?  Too pushy?  What if the other person is just listening politely and can’t wait to get out of there?  What if everybody hates you? Bad news first: if you want to make it in web design–or in almost any field–you’re going to have to network.  The more competition you have, the harder you’ll have to do it.  Yes, the first step is producing good work that you’re proud of, but if no one is aware of it, you’re … read more

Posted in: Business · Tips · Tags: Business · entrepreneurialism · Networking · 1 Comment

The Web Design Process: Critiques and Edits

by lucia martinez on · Leave a comment

Critiques and editing are two absolutely essential steps of any creative process. They are also potentially the most difficult ones. Critiques—actual critiques, not just positive reinforcement—involve feelings and egos, whether they’re yours or those of someone else.  Editing requires cutting, and cutting your baby brainchild is never easy. (At least not for most of us.)  We’re closely tied to the work we produce, and accepting that it needs to change and that other people see flaws that we’re unable (or unwilling) to see is really, really hard.  Unfortunately, most of the things we produce as professional web designers (or musicians, … read more

Posted in: Graphic Design · Tips · Web Design · Tags: Critiques · Editing · Leave a comment

Creatively parched: Brainstorming tips and tricks

by lucia martinez on · 1 Comment

For many people (myself included), the most difficult part of any creative process is taking that first step.  Whether you’ve been asked to redesign a website from top to bottom or devise a logo from scratch, you have to start with an idea.  A fresh idea. How to find it? Here are some things that might help: 1. Go 1.0 and use pen and paper. Even better, use index cards and a Sharpie. Write out all the keywords relevant to your project in big, clear print. (Your client will have probably given a list of what they’re looking for. Start … read more

Posted in: Tips · Web Design · 1 Comment

Using the Right Tools

by Sara Bacon on · Leave a comment

The early days of entrepreneurship are often exciting, but insanely taxing and chaotic. I admit it’s nice to be a few years in, to have some core systems in place and to have learned my lesson about the difference the right tools can make. I’ve also learned that the tools and systems I’m using today, might not be right or functional next year. So staying up-to-date on the best and latest technology has become a priority for me. One of the (many) benefits to having a coworking space has been the information share that goes on here about what tools and systems … read more

Posted in: Tips · Tags: tools · Leave a comment

Preparing for a Website Redesign

by Sara Bacon on · 1 Comment

You need to redesign your website. You know you’re ready because you’ve already established it’s the right time. Now what? Rebuilding a website is a daunting process. Besides the fact that it’s a big deal in and of itself, you’ve probably had some sort of bad experience with a previous designer or developer. So, what can you do to put yourself in the best possible position to get the results you want? 1. Build an ongoing list of reference sites. Start off by doing some research. Check out your competitor’s websites and see what tactics they are employing. Look at other … read more

Posted in: Tips · Web Design · Tags: website redesign · 1 Comment

Why You Need a Web Design Budget

by commandc on · 1 Comment

The process of building a website is pretty much identical to that of building a house. It’s a significant undertaking that needs diligent planning, a clear breakdown of phases and a boatload of mindfulness. You want to work with a firm you trust, you need a plan that guides you, and if you’re wise, you’ll factor in your environment. The hard fact is that the questions you’ll be faced with are predominantly going to be answered by the amount of money you have to spend. So many potential clients seem hesitant to state their budget, like, if they give it … read more

Posted in: Tips · Top Posts · Web Design · Tags: web design budget · website budget · 1 Comment

The Right Time to Redesign

by commandc on · Leave a comment

People ask me all the time how to know when the timing is right for a redesign. Throughout the years, I’ve noticed a few common denominators that can be used as a litmus to know when the timing is right to redesign your website. 1. Your target audience has changed. Businesses evolve. Or at least they should. Often times a few years go by and our audience changes. Your website should be consistent with who you’re marketing towards. 2. Your brand identity has changed/the look of your site is outdated. Again, a healthy business should constantly be growing and changing. … read more

Posted in: Tips · Top Posts · Web Design · Tags: redesign · Leave a comment

Finding The Right Designer.

by commandc on · Leave a comment

If I had a dollar for every inquiry that came with a horror story of previous designer experience, I’d be, you know… Seriously, it’s way, way, way too common that clients have bad experiences with their first, second and third designers. A lot of money and time is wasted, and a lot of needless distrust is created. I hope this post can demystify that experience a bit, clarify what to look for in a designer, and Lord Jesus save one poor client (or myself) from a God-awful adventure–because that is really an appropriate phrase for the experience. It’s no fun … read more

Posted in: Tips · Web Design · Leave a comment

What Makes an Excellent Small Business Website?

by commandc on · 6 Comments

What are the qualities of an effective website for small businesses? I’ve been asking myself this question every day for the past seven years. Here’s what I know separates the good from the bad: 1. 3 F’s: Form Follows Function. Look, I’m a designer. I’m all about smart, timeless design. But let’s be real clear about one thing, unless you do what I do, you’re not selling design. You are selling your product or service, so that thing–whatever it may be–should be the most prominent aspect of your website. Don’t shirk on things like product photography or good writing that … read more

Posted in: Tips · Top Posts · Web Design · Tags: small business · web design · 6 Comments