Makespace! News

1-27-10
Louisville Web Designers Developing For Apple iPad

Louisville, KY - The iPad specs were released only moments ago, but Louisville's best website designers are already developing their latest websites to make the most of the device.

As more users become accustomed to shopping and searching for local services on the go, the iPad will open up a new world of internet marketing:

Shopping & Sharing On The Go:

Mobile commerce is slowly picking up, think of the possibilities that a larger screen provides. Not only can customers shop from retailers websites on their iPad’s while on the couch and lounging around. Sharing features such as Facebook and others will add a social shopping component that will allow shoppers alike to take their favorite new clothing item, device, etc and show their friends.

If you are considering have a website developed, make sure you choose Louisville's most cutting edge design company that will allow you to maximize your online presence.

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Newly Completed Websites by Makespace!

12-19-09
Abshier Dental Care Website Launches

Louisville, KY Web Design News: The new website for Abshier Dental Care has been launched. Wil Abshier, DMD has opened a new dental practice in Peewee Valley, Kentucky. Dr. Abshier wanted a spankin' new website to accompany his newly renovated dental office.

This brochure-style website, created with a modern Web 2.0 design, features detailed information on dental care services that Dr. Abshier offers, as well as a content management feature that allows Dr. Abshier to personally update his website and add special offers.

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New Print & Logo Designs by Makespace!

10-09-09
Louisville Web Design Company Kicks It Up A Notch!

Louisville's top martial arts training school has hired Louisville web designers Makespace! Media + Design Lab to design a new website. The martial arts academy has recently outgrown their current website, and they decided on Kentucky's top web design company to design a website with some of the latest Web 2.0 applications. This website will feature video, interactive class scheduling & sign-up, e-commerce capabilities & more.

"It was time to get a website that reflected our company, one that's top notch and that gives us the strong image that we deserve", said Louisville Martial Arts Academy representative and instructor Rob. We wanted the best website so we looked around and hired Makespace, who we believe is the best Louisville website design studio. We met with several, but after seeing their website design portfolio, their passion for their work, and the genuine interest they took in our success, the decision to have Makespace Media & Design Lab design our website was a real no-brainer".

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Makespace! Upcoming Events

12-19-09
Louisville Web Design Company In Demand Despite Recession

Louisville, KY: As 2009 neared it's final days, many have reflected on the effects that changed the face of business as we know it. 2009 was a year that brought stimulus packages, government bailouts, massive lay-offs, and the demise of many small businesses. Despite the fallout, some businesses actually grew, even tripled, the amount of business that passed through their doors. One of those businesses was a Louisville, Kentucky based web design company: Makespace! Media & Design Lab. The creative web and print design company, known for their no nonsense, innovative approach to web design, has experienced so much demand that prospective clients had to be placed on a waiting list several times throughout the year.

"Of course we were aware of the recession" says Makespace Media + Design Lab Concept Director Mark Palmer. "But you'd never know it from the amount of businesses who sought web design services this year. We couldn't help everyone, so we actually had to be selective about who we offered our services to."

So why was this web design company so busy in an environment in which businesses were pinching every penny? Palmer believes that the recession forced many businesses to confront what they lacked: an effective website. "Many of our clients this year can be divided into two groups: start ups who know how important a website is to a fledgling business, and established businesses who've been losing business to their competitors who've already harnessed the power of the internet. They've realized that they can no longer thrive without a proper web presence."

It only takes a review of their web design portfolio to see why the design company is in demand. But according to a recent client, Sean Breslin of RewardBack.org, the owner of a website recemtly launched by Makespace!, there's more to it than just good looking websites. "Mark and Rob and their Louisville web development crew took a vested interest in our project. This is my fourth web-based business venture and I've worked with many other web design companies, but none have taken a proactive role that Makespace! has. They're not "order takers" and Mark brings to the table a level of creativity that is certainly atypical, even among so called creative companies."

This surge in popularity had put Makespace! in a peculiar dilemma, and one that many businesses would consider a problem they'd love to have. They want to be available to as many clients as possible, but fear diminishing their high quality work. "We're a boutique web design company, and we put quality ahead of quantity. We'd love to grow, but we want to grow in the right way" said Palmer. "We get designers looking for work on a daily basis, but most of them are not the right fit, so rather that putting out subpar sites, we've decided that it's best to select the limited clients that we want to partner with."

Palmer, who sees the internet as "the great equalizer" also has some advice to business owners who've yet to develop a website that is an effective tool for bringing in new clients: "Don't wait. This whole internet thing's not going away. I can tell you first hand that your competition is already ahead of you, and the gap is getting wider."

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Articles, Tips & Tricks by Makespace!

10-12-09
The Top 10 Most Important Elements of A Website Design

If you are a business owner, your website is absolutely one of the most important tools you have in your arsenal to get more - and better - clients and customers. So what separates a good website from a bad website, or a good one from a great one? Here are 10 qualities that a great website will need. Whether or not you end up retaining makespace! as your Louisville based web designers, you should find them helpful:

1:: Navigation:: The website design should be easy to navigate and the menu items should easily accessible from any page. The viewer should always know exactly where they are on the website and have easy access to where they would like to be. A site map is a great idea and will be used if available. This sounds elementary but most websites could be improved in this area. Remember, there is a fine line between an interactive menu and an annoying one, so functionality should be the idea.

2::Visual Design:: People are visually oriented creatures, and utilizing great graphics is a good way to make your website more appealing. Your website has about 1/10th of a second to impress your visitor - and potential customer - and let them know that your website - and business (by proxy) - is trustworthy and professional. However, it's important not to go overboard with too much. Scrolling text, animation, and flash intros should be used sparingly in your web design and only to emphasize a point for maximum effect.

3::Content:: This is the backbone of your website. Not only does your content play a major role in your search engine placement, it is the reason most visitors are seeking from your website in the first place. Your website text should be informative, easy to read, and concise. Well thought out web content and copy will do more than anything else to make your website design engaging, effective and popular.

4::Web Friendly:: No matter how informative, beautiful, and easy to use your website design is, it's useless unless it's web-friendly. It is important that your web designers know the keys to making your website work on all the major browsers, and that they utilize meta tags, alt tags, are fully versed in SEO (Search Engine Optimization). Many factors effect your search engine placement and visual appearance of your site, so make sure your web designers know their stuff.

5::Interaction:: A truly effective website design engages your visitors immediately and continues to hold their attention through EVERY page, as well as influences them to contact you. This is called 'conversion', and is probably your website's ultimate goal. Again, there is a fine line between ʻinteractionʼ and ʻannoyanceʼ, so the level of interac-
tion should never outweigh the benefit.
                                                                               
6::Information Accessibility:: Not all visitors to your website are interested in, or have the time to peruse the entire site. They may need to access only a phone number or address, or just a certain bit of info. For this reason itʼs important to place key information in plain site, in an area thatʼs easily accessible. Weʼve all had the experience of not being able to locate some needed information on a website, and the result is always a frustrated visitor. The experience is annoying at best, and a disgruntled visitor wonʼt stay on your site very long and is unlikely not to return, much less do business with you.

7::Intuitiveness:: A great website anticipates what your visitor is thinking and caters directly to their needs, and has elements arranged in a way that makes sense. If a visitor is searching for one of your products or services on a search engine or directory where your site is listed, it's important that your website have a landing page that is directly relevant to what they searched for rather than forcing them to filter through all of your information. Remember, the shortest distance between two points is a straight line.

8::Branding:: Your website should be a direct reflection of your business and your brand. Your visitor should immediately make a visual connection between your logo, print material, and brick-and-mortar location. A website that does this not only contributes to the memorability of your branding, but adds a level of credibility and enhanced image of that of your overall business.

9::Turnaround Time:: The number one complaint of website design customers is the time it takes to get the site up and running. Unfortunately, a firm that takes unusually
long to complete your website is par for the course. The longer it takes to complete the website, the more business - and value - you lose. A website that isnʼt on the web isnʼt and working properly isn't going to bring you any business!

10::Conversion:: Your website can be the most important client generator your business can have, and must place the primary emphasis on bringing in new clients and making additional services available to existing clients through increased awareness of all the services you offer. Providing them with the tools they need to do business with you in an easy and enjoyable way will increase your website conversion and bring you the kind of success you seek.

Remember, the relationship with your web designer will likely last as long as your busi-
ness, so choose wisely!  (I hope this helps!)

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