Straight talk about web design, search and the rest of it.

Article4 min read

How to Integrate AI Into Your Website (Without Making It Weird)

Yes, a little, in the right places, doing real work. The four jobs AI does better than a static page, the three levels of integration, and the half most businesses miss: making your site readable by AI.

AI·Web design·Strategy

Makespace TeamSep 26, 2026

Article5 min read

How Much Does Web Design Cost in Louisville? 2026 Prices, No Runaround

What a website really costs in Louisville in 2026, what moves the number, and how to compare quotes that are not describing the same thing.

Pricing·Web design·Louisville

Makespace TeamSep 26, 2026

Article4 min read

How to Choose the Best Web Design Company in Louisville

The questions to ask, the answers that should worry you, and how to tell a studio that builds for results from one that builds for the award shelf.

Local·Hiring·Louisville

Makespace TeamSep 26, 2026

Article4 min read

Top 10 Reasons to Undergo a Brand Recalibration: Delving Deeper into Brand Evolution

Ever wonder why brands go through makeovers? We're revealing the TOP reasons behind brand recalibration.

Rebrand·Brand strategy

Mark PalmerSep 27, 2023

Article4 min read

Emotion-Powered Design: The Affect Heuristic's Role in Branding, Web Design and Marketing

Do you know that how emotions almost always beat logic to the punch when you're making a buying decision? If you're nodding, you've unknowingly danced with the Affect Heuristic.

Design psychology·Web design

Mark PalmerSep 6, 2023

Article5 min read

Navigating Web Design Traps: Unmasking Unscrupulous Tactics vs. Professional Web Design Standards

In the competitive arena of web design services, being well-informed is your first line of defense.

Hiring·Buyer beware

Mark PalmerAug 16, 2023

Guide7 min read

Top 10 Things To Consider When Redesigning Your Company Website

Assuming you want your website redesign to be lit and not lame, follow these 13 imperative website redesign tips.

Redesign·Planning

Mark PalmerMar 23, 2023

Studio news

Web Design Firm Makespace! Acquired by Former Employee; Now Woman Owned Business

Louisville, KY: Makespace, a leading web design agency in the region, has been fully acquired by partner and former employee, Nikki Chin.

Company news·Ownership

Makespace TeamDec 2020

Article

Take a Byte

The Makespace! team was pleased as (spiked) punch when Zagat.com released a recent article highlighting the '8 Hottest Restaurants in Louisville.' Check out our clients who made the list!

Review

Trever CampbellJul 2017

Studio news

Meet Your Makers: Jason Lois

You know us for the stunning websites we create. And if you're one of our clients, you've also met the team who brings the sites to life. But how well do you really know them?

Team·Meet your makers

Trever CampbellJul 2017

Guide Part 2 of 2

How to Create a Successful Website, Chapter 2: Mapping Out UX

Beginning with the basics of content organization through a sitemap to get everyone on the same page and create a delightful user experience.

UX·Planning

Mark PalmerJan 2017

Guide Part 1 of 2

How to Create a Successful Website, Chapter 1: Good SEO

Your website has one job - to tell your brand's story in a compelling way through an engaging user experience that drives a visitor to take a desired action.

SEO·Planning

Makespace TeamJan 2017

Studio news

The Makespace! Team is Growing. Can You Delight?

Can you manage teams, communicate effectively, and stay organized in a fast-paced environment? Makespace is hiring a full-time, on-site Associate Account Executive.

Hiring·Team

Makespace TeamJan 2017

Article

How “Wow” Could Hurt Your Search Engine Optimization (But Shouldn’t)

At what point do you sacrifice design or interactivity to achieve higher rankings in the search engines? This is a challenge we face every day.

SEO·Design

Joe PonzioAug 2016

Article

If You Ain’t First, You’re Last...When It Comes to Your Website

Studies show that the website in the first position on Google gets nearly 33% of the search traffic.

SEO·Local

Joe PonzioJan 2016

Case study

Louisville City Football Club Logo Design: Why We Answered The Call

We are Louisville's choice for web design and logos and never do spec work. So why did we make an exception for the Louisville City Football Club logo design contest?

Sports branding·Louisville

Louisville City FCJun 21, 2014

Studio news

Hey Louisville Small Businesses: Get Your Slice of the Web! (Or, why we launched WebCake)

Yesterday we launched WebCake, a cost sensitive website solution for small businesses in Louisville (or anywhere). Founder Mark Palmer tells you why Makespace decided to offer it.

WebCake·Small business

Mark PalmerMay 28, 2014

Guide

5 Elements that All Louisville Business Websites Should Have

Louisville, Kentucky can be a finicky place to do business. Here's our list of top 5 things we suggest that all Louisville websites consider.

Louisville·Checklist

Makespace TeamMay 24, 2014

Article

Digital Easter Eggs: How to Delight Your Website Visitors Year Round

What is an Easter egg in web design and and why your website should have a few.

Delight·UX

Mark PalmerApr 20, 2014

Guide

6 Steps to the Ultimate New-Business-Generating Website (or why your website ain't cutting it)

Very few websites live up to their new business generating potential. Here's 6 steps to greatly increase new business from awareness to influence via your website.

Lead generation·Checklist

Mark PalmerMar 2, 2014

Studio news

Finally, the new Makespace website is live!

After being back-burnered several times, the new, fully responsive website is online.

Site launch·Company news

Mark PalmerJan 27, 2014

Studio news

Louisville agency making a big damn deal about small business web solutions

Small business·Company news

Makespace TeamJul 8, 2013

Guide

5 Necessary Aspects of Effective Web Design

There's a vast difference between having a website and having an effective website.

Checklist·Design

Makespace TeamApr 26, 2013

Article

Promoting Your Website Outside of Google

When there's an 800-pound gorilla in the room, it's difficult to ignore.

Promotion·SEO

Makespace TeamMay 11, 2012

Article

How To Fail At Internet Marketing Before You Even Start

About 10 years ago, it seemed everyone was rushing to launch a website.

Strategy

Makespace TeamMay 7, 2012

Article

Building Online Trust to Drive Sales

Years ago, people were skeptical about horseless carriages ("cars" for those of you born in the last 20 years). Something happened and it seems that we've become at least comfortable with the idea.

Trust·Conversion

Makespace TeamApr 30, 2012

Article

Online Reviews -- Simple Keys to Increasing Sales

Online reviews are among the most trusted sources of information for buying decisions.

Reviews·Reputation

Makespace TeamApr 20, 2012

Article

New Research Says Smartphone Marketing Essential for Restaurants

Mobile·Restaurants·Research

Makespace TeamApr 9, 2012

Article

Creating Content that Works

When it comes to the Internet, there's a saying that rings true, "content is king." However, what exactly does that mean and how can you make it work for you?

Content

Makespace TeamApr 6, 2012

Article

Are You Just Advertising or Effectively Marketing?

I've noticed a common misconception over my years of working with clients. Many clients promoting a product or service are unsure whether they are just advertising or effectively marketing.

Strategy·Advertising

Makespace TeamMar 13, 2012

Article

Is it time for a new website?

Redesign

Makespace TeamFeb 13, 2012

Article

Your Other Front Door

Have you looked at your lobby recently? So many of the firms I visit have invested tons of money to make sure their lobbies are impressive.

Strategy·Local

Makespace TeamFeb 6, 2012

Article

Why We're Not Afraid of Giving Away Our "Secret Sauce"

Studio POV·SEO

Makespace TeamJan 30, 2012

Article

Branding and identity: why your agency can't tell you who you are

Brand strategy

Makespace TeamJan 23, 2012

Article

Analytics metrics you should be comparing (but probably aren't)

Analytics

Makespace TeamJan 16, 2012

Studio news

The Buzz: Makespace Offices Get a New Look

Studio·Office

Makespace TeamJan 9, 2012

Case study

How we helped 3 of the top 5 Louisville health clubs

Fitness·Louisville

Makespace TeamDec 28, 2011

Article

What Web Designers Know That (Most) SEOs Don't

SEO·Design

Makespace TeamDec 2, 2011

Article

Web Design Worth It's Weight in Gold. Literally.

We recently had a client come to us with an unusual request for a web design project. The project itself is fairly cool: an intranet that pushes alerts as SMS / text messages to members' mobile phones.

Value

Makespace TeamNov 21, 2011

Article

A good user experience design can give you the right kind of reputation

Don't make them think. Don't stress them out. Make their experience smooth, painless & downright fun.

UX·Reputation

Makespace TeamNov 14, 2011

Guide Part 3 of 3

Why Your Logo Matters pt 3: Seeing is Believing

To see something is to evaluate and reach a conclusion about it. Whether something is beautiful, ugly or altogether uninteresting, we are constantly reaching conclusions about the things we see...

Logo·Series

Makespace TeamNov 7, 2011

Guide

The Inigo Montoya Guide to SEO

What's that you say? You want to learn EVEN MORE about SEO? Then give us a call. We'll talk your ear off about it. Unless you just happen to have six fingers on your right hand. In that case, prepare to die.

SEO

Makespace TeamNov 3, 2011

Guide Part 2 of 3

Why Your Logo Matters pt 2: A Warm Welcome to Your Brand

Consider that, regardless of how someone comes in contact with your business, whether it's a sign, an ad or a website, the logo is always going to be present. It's the entry point to your brand.

Logo·Series

Makespace TeamOct 31, 2011

Article

Finding the Website in the Pixels

I love being a right-brained person. But sometimes I envy the left-brained... at least when it comes to client-based work.

Design·Process

Rob MilesOct 28, 2011

Guide Part 1 of 3

Why Your Logo Matters, pt 1: A Valuable Digital Asset

With all the other responsibilities of managing a business, it's easy to overlook the importance of a good logo design.

Logo·Series

Makespace TeamOct 24, 2011

Article

3 Things Video Games Can Teach You About Modern Web Design

So here are a few things that I think my friends who design for the web can learn from the best innovators in game design.

Design·Fun

Makespace TeamOct 17, 2011

Article

Putting marketing experiments work for your local business

You don't have to be a mad scientist to conduct experiments. In fact, if you own a local business, conducting marketing experiments can be a great way to promote your business.

Local·Experiments

Makespace TeamOct 12, 2011

Article

The Art of Organization

Makespace has not always been organized. We all know that in order for an agency to be successful long term; there must be order.

Information architecture

Makespace TeamOct 3, 2011

Article

Listening to Your Customers with Analytics & Monitoring

Unfortunately, a content marketing plan is only half of a complete social media strategy. Social media is a conversation between businesses and customers.

Analytics·Social listening

Makespace TeamSep 20, 2011

Article

Why I Can't Give You The Login For Your Business Facebook Page

Think of a Business Page like a car. A car can't go anywhere all on it's own. It has to have a person to drive it.

Facebook·Ownership

Makespace TeamAug 5, 2011

Article

When It Comes To Effective Web Design, Simple Wins

Much like a complex business website, an iPhone is an impressive and fascinating piece of technology. However, a design that's more like a rotary dial phone...will be more likely to make your real business phone ring with new customers.

UX·Design

Makespace TeamAug 3, 2011

Article

Don't Let S.O.S Syndrome Kill Your SEO

S.O.S. Syndrome is when a business owner lets exciting new tactics and tools...distract from the real goal of his or her internet marketing program.

SEO

Makespace TeamJul 29, 2011

Article

Think Domain Management is a No-Brainer? Ask Disney.

Whether you're looking at a primary domain for branding and ease of recognition, or an add-on domain for search engine keyword relevance, domains have serious business value online.

Domains

Makespace TeamJun 21, 2011

Article

“But I Don’t Want to Be a Media Company!”

I've found, though, that a lot of SMBs are very resistant to this idea that every company is a media company. After all, most didn't get into business with the idea of becoming a media company.

Content·Email

Makespace TeamJun 7, 2011

Article

How much content is enough to please Google?

Things have been really busy here at Makespace this spring, with several client website launches. One critical milestone that clients usually struggle with is content strategy.

SEO·Content

Makespace TeamMay 25, 2011

Article

Don't Forget Email for Driving Business Leads

With all the new tools that web marketers have at our disposal these days it's easy to forget the old standby of direct response, email marketing.

Email

Makespace TeamMay 20, 2011

Article

Website Rebuild: Content Harvesting and Data Migration

When the choice is made to more-or-less abandon an old site structure for a new one, the content within the site may very well be salvageable. In fact, it is worthwhile...

Process·Migration

Makespace TeamMay 17, 2011

Article

Social media marketing: to outsource, or not to outsource?

In my experience, a rich and productive social media program has many moving parts and many goals. Some of those moving parts, and some of those goals, are best outsourced and others are best kept in house.

Strategy·Outsourcing

Makespace TeamMay 16, 2011

Article

User Experience vs. Search Engine Optimization

How can we balance good design with staying on top of search engine marketing efforts & achieving conversion? I believe our team is living in harmony as much any!

UX·SEO

Makespace TeamMay 13, 2011

Guide Part 1 of 2

How We Roll: The makespace! Website Design Process Guide, Pt. 1 of 2

The process of website design and development is fraught with potential hazards. Miscommunication, failure to mitigate expectations, disorganization and their prolific and ugly kin can appear at any time of the road to building a successful web design experience.

Process

Mark PalmerMay 12, 2011

Answer

Does your business need to get social?

Business owners and managers at all levels, from SMBs to global brands, often ask me why they should invest in a social media marketing effort. It's a fair question: many of the tools of social media were built for personal, not business, use.

Makespace TeamMay 8, 2011

Case study

Case Study: Ram Jack of Louisville - Search Engine Marketing

Ram Jack knew that their web site could be a good source of leads; in fact, they knew that business leads from the web site were 3X more likely to close than other sources.

Search marketing·Case study

Ram Jack of LouisvilleApr 21, 2011

Answer

How much impact does typography and color choice have on web users?

Good design can be a highly subjective topic. After all, web sites with extremely ugly designs (I'm looking at you, Craigslist) are sometimes very popular.

Makespace TeamApr 17, 2011

Answer

How does a great mobile user experience differ from a great web UX?

Mobile usage continues to grow at an incredibly fast rate. According to the International Telecommunications Union (ITU), mobile web access is expected to overtake the desktop within the next five years.

Rob MilesApr 10, 2011

Answer

Can web analytics insights help you refine your business model?

Analytics reports are often the 'Emperor's new clothes' of business data. The reports are often produced by web professionals, who don't connect the metrics to business activity.

Makespace TeamMar 19, 2011

Guide

How To Choose The Right Website Design Company

Ok, you know you need a website. Where to begin? Undertaking a website design project can be frustrating, but it doesn't have to be.

Hiring·Louisville

Mark PalmerMar 1, 2011

Guide

Makespace! Tips & Tricks: 5 Secrets to Logo Design

A logo is the visual representation of a company. Every aspect of a company, from the mission statement to the product or service it provides, is wrapped up in a nice pretty package.

Logo·Tips

Mark PalmerAug 21, 2010

Guide

Tips from The Lab: The 5 Elements of Great Web Design

No matter how great your website is, it's useless unless it ranks prominently on the major search engines when a potential client searches for your services.

Checklist·Design

Mark PalmerJun 26, 2010

Case study

Louisville Web Designers Launch Electric Website

Excel Services is not your typical Louisville commercial electrical contractor, and they were not interested in a typical website.

Contractors·Louisville

Mark PalmerFeb 11, 2010

Case study

New Dental Practice Website Launches

Healthcare·Dental

Mark PalmerJan 20, 2010

Case study

Magazine Fundraising Website Launches

Louisville's favorite web designers, makespace! Media + Design Lab have done it once again: The team has just launched the Magazine Fundraising Store website.

Non-profit·Fundraising

Mark PalmerDec 16, 2009

Case study

CASA partners with Makespace!

CASA, or Court Appointed Special Advocate has partnered with Louisville's top web design company, Makespace Media + Design Lab, to develop their new website.

Non-profit·Louisville

CASANov 4, 2009

Article

Website & Logo Design Integration

When Hobert McGuire decided that he needed to improve his brand for his electrical contracting company, he turned to a web, print and logo design company that could deliver effectively and immediately: Makespace!

Logo·Web design

Mark PalmerOct 10, 2009

Case study

Featured Logo & Print Design

McClellan & Patrick Eye Care is moving into a new custom designed office and took the opportunity to recreate their outdated brand.

Print·Logo

Mark PalmerAug 29, 2009

Case study

Makespace! Launches New Website for Louisville Crown & Bridge

Louisville Crown & Bridge has been serving dentists throughout Kentucky and Indiana for nearly fifty years. When they made the decision to leap headfirst into the 21st century with a modern identity and interactive website, they chose Louisville web design and Louisville logo design company, Makespace! Media & Design Lab.

Healthcare·Louisville

Louisville Crown & BridgeAug 25, 2009

Case study

Makespace! Launches Loveysports.com

We are proud to announce the launch of loveysports.com, a website that allows visitors to customize and purchase a variety of sports bags.

E-commerce·Sports

Lovey SportsAug 25, 2009

Studio news

Makespace! Needs Fine Art!

Louisville, Kentucky's top creative web design, print design and advertising company is on the hunt to purchase original artwork from Kentucky based artists.

Art·Studio

Mark PalmerMay 21, 2009

Case study

Louisville Web Developers Launch Louisville Electrical Contractor Website!

Just added to the makespace portfolio is none other than Louisville's residential electrician M&S Electrical Solutions, LLC.

Contractors·Louisville

Mark PalmerFeb 9, 2009

Guide

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.

Checklist·Design

Mark PalmerNov 12, 2008

Article

Web Design Trends for 2018

Websites are an indispensable tool in business success and the dynamic and the world of professional web design is ever-changing. Mark Palmer reveals the most important emerging web design trends.

Trends

Mark PalmerArchiveMar 2018

Article

Will Google Analytics New Privacy Changes Cripple Your SEO?

Last week, Google Analytics announced that in order to provide better privacy protection for users, SSL Search would be the default setting for users logged in to a Google account.

Analytics·SEO·Privacy

Makespace TeamArchiveOct 26, 2011

Article

Remarketing: Chasing your customers around the interwebs

So what is remarketing or retargeting? It's a feature that Adwords offers which will allow you a 'second chance' to get your message in front of someone who has visited your website.

Advertising·Remarketing

Makespace TeamArchiveOct 13, 2011

Article

1 Simple Fix That Will Improve Your Mobile Campaign 100%

But there's one really quick and simple change you could make that would make your mobile / QR campaigns even better

Mobile·Advertising

Makespace TeamArchiveOct 7, 2011

Article

When LinkedIn Ads Outperform Adwords

Heuristics ("rules of thumb") are a great place to start your internet marketing strategy, but they're no replacement for digging into the data.

Advertising·LinkedIn

Makespace TeamArchiveSep 8, 2011

Article

Chicago Gets First Groupon Foursquare Deals

Friday, the anticipated integration between check-in utility Foursquare and daily deals service Groupon began displaying their first deals in Chicago Friday, with an anticipated national rollout to follow later this week.

Deals·News

Makespace TeamArchiveAug 1, 2011

Article

Google+ Has the Buzz, But Will It Last?

Google+·News

Makespace TeamArchiveJul 6, 2011

Article

Is a Daily Deal Right for Your Local Business?

Daily deals, social buying, coupons 2.0: no matter what you call it, the trend seems to show no signs of slowing down. But is it right for your business? Maybe, maybe not.

Local·Promotion

Makespace TeamArchiveJun 15, 2011

Article

Bing, Facebook, and What Social Search Means for SMBs

Search engine marketing is great for positioning your business in front of customers looking for your products or services, who don't necessarily know your business name. Social media marketing is great for getting trustworthy, personal word-of-mouth recommendations for your business.

Search marketing·Facebook

Makespace TeamArchiveMay 18, 2011

Answer

Is PHP the best choice for web programming language?

If you're beginning (or planning) a web application development project, one of the major considerations you'll have to make at the outset is the choice of programming language.

David WoodmanseeArchiveMay 3, 2011

Article

Five ultracool HTML5 applications that will blow your mind.

Everybody loves a good old-fashioned list post. Today, we're combining that blogging standby with the cutting-edge goodness of HTML5.

HTML5·Development

Mark PalmerArchiveApr 28, 2011

Studio news

Louisville Web Designers Developing For Apple iPad

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

Company news·Mobile

Mark PalmerArchiveJan 3, 2010

Studio news

Makespace! Has Record Website Launch Week

Despite being one of Louisville's most popular website design companies, the Makespace! web designers put in extra hours to insure the websites were launched on time.

Company news

Mark PalmerArchiveDec 19, 2009

Studio news

Louisville Web Design Company Kicks It Up A Notch!

Company news

Mark PalmerArchiveNov 6, 2009

Studio news

Louisville Website Design Company Updates Website Regularly

Your return website visitors and customers appreciate it because it keeps them up to date and gives them a good reason to revisit your website often.

Company news

Mark PalmerArchiveOct 13, 2009

Studio news

Louisville's Top Web Designers Open New Design Studio

Louisville web design team Makespace! Media + Design Lab have opened a new state-of-the-art design studio.

Studio·Company news

Mark PalmerArchiveOct 12, 2009

Studio news

Louisville Web Design Company Commissions Artist

Louisville, KY: Makespace! Media & Design Lab, Kentucky's top creative web design company, commissions Louisville artist Douglas Miller to create original artwork for their new state-of-the-art design studio in Louisville.

Art·Company news

Mark PalmerArchiveSep 30, 2009

Studio news

Louisville Web Design Company In Demand Despite Recession

As 2009 neared it's final days, many have reflected on the effects that changed the face of business as we know it.

Company news

Mark PalmerArchiveJan 2, 2009