Web Design
I Once Set Up a Google Alert for a Client’s Obituary
I once set up a Google alert for a client’s obituary. I’m not a monster. Let me explain. Frank His name was Frank. He lived in one of those zip codes where the lawns are immaculate and the cars never have door dings and everyone is someone’s Paw-paw. He was an artist — a real…
Read MoreShould Links Open in a New Tab? (Spoiler: No.)
Every few months, a client emails me with the same request: “Can you make all our external links open in a new tab? I don’t want people leaving the site.” I get it. You worked hard on that website. You don’t want visitors wandering off into the wilds of the internet, never to return. Forcing…
Read MoreThe “Oh Crap” Website Checklist
We’re all busy. And if your website is working, it’s usually the last thing on your mind. Most people only think about their website when there’s a problem, when there’s a new product, or when something big changes in the business. Otherwise, it’s out of sight, out of mind. I like to think of my…
Read MoreClient Spotlight: Jay Huling and the Comedic Poster
One part of my job I enjoy most is helping tell a story before anyone speaks a word on stage. That’s what I get to do when I work with American playwright, Jay Huling. Jay writes fast, sharp comedies with strange turns and just enough absurdity to keep you guessing. His latest play takes place…
Read MoreFun Surfboard Design!
I got to design a surfboard! Turner Pest Control participated in the Anticimex North America Functional Leaders Meeting in San Diego during the week of February 24th. This event brought together all Anticimex platforms across North America to share best practices, celebrate achievements, and recognize award winners. As part of the event, marketing leaders were…
Read MoreDoes your website need some extra TLC? Or maybe it’s time to swipe right on a new design?
When did you most recently give your car a little TLC? Now instead, let’s think about your website. When was the last time you had an online “tune-up,” an evaluation, or checked to make sure everything’s running smoothly? If you can’t remember, it might be time for an upgrade or at least a visit from…
Read MorePart 3 of 4: Graphic Design — Answering 20 Burning Questions
Quick summary of your design process? Discovery: I have a quick conversation (phone or email) with the client to understand the job and the goal. I ask about the end-product (web page, flyer, will it be digital or printed, how many copies, etc.) to ensure the design makes sense once it leaves my hands. Understanding…
Read MoreCheat Sheet: Improve Your Landing Pages
What Exactly is a Landing Page and Should I Care? Think of your landing page as the grand finale of your marketing campaign. It’s where your audience lands after clicking on your ads and promotions, and it’s designed to close the deal. Imagine it as the final level in a video game – you’ve battled…
Read MoreThe Science (and Science Fiction) of DPI
Don’t use inches when talking about digital images. Only use pixels. Remember when Han Solo claimed he made the Kessel Run in less than twelve parsecs? And you thought your head was going to explode, because YOU know that a parsec is a measure of distance and not speed? Okay, maybe you aren’t that nerdy.…
Read MoreGetting sued for trying to be responsible with your website, made easy!
What is an overlay? An overlay is a magic spell that a fairy casts on your website to make all your accessibility problems disappear. Except that it isn’t magical. It is a lie. And there is no fairy. Functionally, an overlay is a widget or plugin installed on your website. It promises to repair your…
Read MoreHow to use the Colour Contrast Analyser to Check your Website and Screen Documents for Accessibility Color Usage
What is color contrast and why is it important? Color contrast is the relationship between two colors when they are next-to or on-top-of each other. Great contrast is readable. Poor contrast is not. You probably never gave it much thought but there is a reason that a stop sign is red with white lettering —…
Read MoreAccessibility: How to Stop Leaving Potential Customers’ Money on the Floor… and Not Be an Ass at the Same Time!
What is Accessibility and Why Does it Matter to Your Business? At root, Accessibility is about showing customers you care about them and extending a welcome mat to people want to spend money with you, but may not feel like their needs are adequately addressed enough to do so. I think everyone understands that your…
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