Tag Archive for: wordpress

Graphic Design Dictionary Digital Edition

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Like my blog post with print design keywords, there are many terms used in the digital realm
that can be consuming or need clarification. Here are the most used words.

RGB: This is the color mode used for digital design such as websites, email marketing, web
banners and more. RGB stands for red, green and blue.

Resolution/DPI: As mentioned in my previous blog (The Print Edition) 300 DPI is used for
print. When designing for digital pieces it's best to save at 72 DPI. Tip: With your websites
always make sure your images are at 72 versus 300 DPI. This will make the images smaller and
optimized for web making your website faster and liked by google.

PNG: This is a file format that is used for digital only, not print. PNGs can only be in RBG color
mode. What makes a PNG special is the ability to hold a transparent background.

Hex Code: This is a 6 digit number combination that web developers will use to determine a
color in HTML. Make sure to get your hex code from your logo colors.

Mobile Friendly: This relates to website design. Your website should be "Mobile Friendly"
meaning it looks good on your cell phone along with a desktop computer. This is very often
forgotten about which is bad since so many people today use their phone to go on websites.

Hover/Mouse over: Another term used for websites. Have you ever put your mouse pointer over
a button or image and it changes colors? That is what a hover/mouse over effect is.
Favicon: The small icon at the top left of your website tab. This is sized at 16×16 pixels.
Save for web: This term is used to make sure you are saving images for digital needs. So
remember images for web will be saved at 72 DPI and RGB color format.

UX: Also known as user experience. This is the interaction and experience users have such as
you and I with a website app etcetera

UI: Also known as user interface. This is the point of human computer interaction and
communication in a device. Examples of this include the design of a display screen, keyboard,
and mouse. This also includes how a user interacts with the application of a website.

How to fix your website for your small business

6 Signs Your Site is a Snoozefest (and how to fix it!)

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There are an endless number of websites out there. As a small business owner, you need to focus on how to make your website stand out. Here are some pitfalls to avoid in order to ensure your site is exciting enough to entice new business.

  1. You don’t have a blog: “I’m not a writer.” “I’m more of a visual artist.” “I wouldn’t even know where to start.” Is this the sort of reaction you have to the word “blog”? Do you live in fear of the blank page and the blinking cursor? You’re not alone. Blogging isn’t easy, but it’s vitally important to any small business. It gives potential clients a sense of who you are and whether you’d be a good fit for what they need. The best way to start…is to start. Write what you know! It doesn’t need to be perfect.
  2. You don’t have enough pages. You have too many pages.: You don’t want your website to become a chore. But you also don’t want it to be instantly forgettable. So, how do you decide the appropriate length for your website? Research! Find some websites that you enjoy. Find some websites that you hate. Use that as a guide to determine appropriate length.
  3. Poorly designed: Terribly designed sites. We’ve all encountered them – buggy, crash-prone, not secure. A business’ website often serves as a first impression for potential clients. You wouldn’t show up to a face to face meeting looking disheveled, right? Your website should function well and be mobile friendly.  Be proud of your website. Be proud of yourself. Be proud of your work.
  4. Your website isn’t representative of who you are: One size does not fit all when it comes to websites. After browsing your site, potential clients should have some sense of who you are. Include photos of yourself! Do you have a mission statement? You should! You’re not a generic business, don’t have a generic website.
  5. Your website isn’t about your customers/clients: Although it’s important that clients understand who you are, you don’t want to overdo it. Think of your website as a conversation between you and a potential client. There needs to be balance. Customers should understand how working with you will improve their lives and business.
  6. Too much going on…or not enough: You don’t want your website to be too busy, but you also don’t want it to look a digital desert wasteland. Aim for clean and concise. Make it appealing to the eye. Don’t bombard potential customers with excessive fonts, an overabundance of photos, or large blocks of text. Find the sweet spot for your website design and lean into it.

And if all of this seems a bit overwhelming, MIFA Media is always here to help! We’ve helped countless small businesses overcome these pitfalls and improve their online presence.