Website Creativity: Why It Matters Now More than Ever

If one more business owner tells me their website sucks because they're just "too darn busy to deal with it", I'm gonna hurl. That's like saying, "I'm doing business in my dirty underwear because I'm too busy to get dressed." Realize it or not, your website (or lack thereof) is very often the first impression your prospect or peer will have of you. Now, it's no longer a matter of having a website -- it's a matter of having a great one.

Most websites are informative, but dull. Not surprising. The Internet today is not unlike TV in the early 50's when TV was the new media. Back then it was totally exciting to have a radio announcer in front of a camera. It was revolutionary to actually see the announcer holding the package of soap or toothpaste. What soon followed was "The Golden Age" of TV when things took a major creative leap forward.

There's a definite parallel today with the Internet.

Bill Bernbach, a great leader of that last creative evolution, stated;

"You can say the right thing about a product and nobody will listen. You've got to say it in such a way that people will feel it in their gut. Because if they don't feel it, nothing will happen. That's where the creativity comes in."

Applied to the Internet Bernbach's words resonate more than ever.

So, what makes a website effective and creatively exciting? That depends on who you talk to. A techie may say you need lots of flash animation. A designer may say it's about the right layout and color scheme. Someone else may argue it's all about blogs. When applied intelligently the latest design trend or technology is exciting. But have you ever clicked on a site you're eager to see only to have to sit through a self-indulgent 30-second flash intro? If the thinking behind the technology doesn't respectfully address the mindset of the person viewing it, it doesn't matter how cool it is.

An exciting, creative, effective website begins with a clear understanding of the target audience and the marketing objectives you're trying to reach. Only then does it take a fresh, simple, memorable creative approach that touches and moves that audience on an emotional level. Accomplishing that takes strategically smart, creative talent. So, if you don't have it, find it. The bottom line is that The Evolution has begun. Don't be left behind.

? 2005 John Follis. All rights reserved.

John Follis is one of the 12 "Best Advertising Minds of New York" as voted by The New York Ad Club. His campaigns are in 3 college textbooks, he has written for ADWEEK, and he has taught at 3 New York universities. Currently, John works on select projects, consults, and speaks. He may be reached at john@follisinc.com

For John's booklet: How to Attract and Excite Your Prospects: A Guide for Getting the Best Marketing Results, visit: john@follisinc.com For consulting info, visit: Marketing Therapy: john@follisinc.com For speaking info, visit: Follis Speaking: john@follisinc.com

Culver prom limo ..
In The News:

An artificial intelligence-powered home security system can fire paintballs and tear gas at trespassers. The camera identifies human faces and animals.
Technology expert Kim Komando gives her tips and tricks on enhancing your user experience a smartphone and other devices you use everyday.
A new camera called NUCA uses artificial intelligence to create deepfake photos of subjects by stripping away clothing in close to real time.
The Kimberley Kube trail-ready camper has a compact but spacious design and combines luxury, functionality and ruggedness for a weekend getaway.
Stay up to date on the latest AI technology advancements and learn about the challenges and opportunities AI presents now and for the future.
Emails instructing you to reset your password for an account may be legitimate, or they may be scams. Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson explains.
Northrop Grumman's Manta Ray uncrewed underwater vehicle aims to revolutionize undersea missions — it glides through the ocean without human assistance.
Learn how to work Google's calendar application to streamline and organize your daily tasks from technology expert Kim Komando.
If you do not want Facebook to have automatic access to your private photos, follow our tips to protect yourself. Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson shows you how.
Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson goes into detail about Apple’s recent iOS update that allows iPhone users to instantly translate spoken language simply by using the Action Button.
Safeguarding your digital life with a reliable physical backup isn't just a precaution, it's a necessity. Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson provides the essential backup checklist.
Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson reveals how a Redditor exposed false recycling claims at their apartment, highlighting a report that only 21% of U.S. recyclables are processed.
Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson offers a travel toolkit featuring five technology tools to help you with booking flights and hotels for your summer vacation.
The bubble behind the clock on your iPhone can appear in different colors. Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson explains what each of those colors mean.
Scammers are using the power of artificial intelligence to mimic voices of people and are using the fake voices to commit crimes, like kidnappings.
Stay up to date on the latest AI technology advancements and learn about the challenges and opportunities AI presents now and for the future.
Tech guru Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson explains the science behind the Invisibility Shield, a 6-foot shield that makes people become invisible.
The International Olympic Committee on Friday announced plans to use AI in various Olympic aspects, including athlete identification, training and judging.
Tech guru Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson explains an easy trick to avoid squinting while working or surfing the web by zooming in on your personal computer.
Streaming giant Roku has recently been targeted by a pair of cyberattacks, and the company confirmed over a half million Roku accounts were compromised.
The Land Aircraft Carrier combines an all-terrain, six-wheeled vehicle with a two-seat aircraft, which features electric vertical takeoff and landing.
The European Union has sent TikTok a "request for information" on the video sharing platform's newest app, TikTok Lite, under the Digital Services Act, with the aim to clean up social media.
Stay up to date on the latest AI technology advancements and learn about the challenges and opportunities AI presents now and for the future.
The FBI is warning the public about a recent phishing scam via text that claims its targets owe money in Pennsylvania for unpaid road toll charges.
Your Apple Music settings may be revealing to your contacts what you're listening to. Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson explains the process to change those settings.

Awards Program Debate

Daily article:One of the most debated subject among webmasters is... Read More

Love at First Site: Giving Your Website Visitors the right Impression

Think of the people who visit your site as blind... Read More

Your Web Site Is A Wonderland: What Picassos Art Taught Me About Persuasive Design

Whenever singer John Mayer sings his romantic song, "Your Body... Read More

Developing Your Winning Web Site Strategy

Your web site is the key to your success on... Read More

Designing Your Websites Directory Structure

Any kid, and their grandmother too, can make a webpage.... Read More

Free Online Tools to Design (and Maintain) Your Website

These days, it seems that everyone has a website. Unfortunately,... Read More

How to Hire a Web Designer/Programmer for Your Website

Hire a designer or a programmer for your website is... Read More

Building Your First Web Site?

Before doing anything on the technical side, you need some... Read More

Through The Looking Glass

My mother used to take me along when she visited... Read More

Revising Your Site - What Happened To My Search Engine Placement?

As of September, Smartads went through what so many have... Read More

Building a One-page Website

You've designed your logo, and you're ready to print your... Read More

How to Build Your Own Website - More Steps

To build a website, there are four methods to choose... Read More

Got Web Traffic but Still Low Sales? Ten Ways to Selling Success - Part 2

Part one of this article is available at ... Read More

3 Simple Ways To Dramatically Improve Your Website

Before you start worrying about marketing your website on the... Read More

How to Create A Homepage That Works

Want to know what the worst thing to say on... Read More

Offshore Web Design and Development - Use Great Opportunities

Sooner or later every small or medium business owner realizes... Read More

Free Website Templates - Top 10 Things You Need to Know

When building your website you might not have a large... Read More

3 Tips You Can Use Right Now to Improve Your Web Sites Usability

Studies done by Jakob Nielson the man touted as the,... Read More

How To Set Up A Professional Website On Your Own Using Web Templates

To create professional websites is not an easy task by... Read More

Cool Web Design And Promotion Tips

This article gives free tips on how to find a... Read More

Make Your Web Site User-Friendly

You can create a website that attracts customers, not repels... Read More

Selling Multiple Products? Avoid These Top Blunders

When your web site sells more than a dozen items,... Read More

Get FASTER Download Times By Making BIGGER Web Pages!

As a webmaster you already know how important it is... Read More

Differences between XP Icons and MAC Icons

The icons in an application are the soul of the... Read More

Website Maintenance: What Does it Take to Manage Your Website?

Every action has a beginning phase where you launch your... Read More

Wood Dale limo ..