Custom Web site design versus template Web site design

Template Web site design:
Web sites templates are used widely among businesses with a limited budget, good for starter uppers. In the beginning stages of a business a template can work great, but be aware that thousands of other businesses will have a site that looks just like yours – no specialized branding. Keep in mind that there are limitations to templates and if you are looking to add features (i.e. placing navigation and photos exactly where you want, search engine optimization, animation, advanced functionality or databases) to your Web site, it may cost more in the long run then doing a custom Web site with a professional developer. You may also have a hard time finding a template that fits your company’s branding style.

Custom Web site design:
With an almost immeasurable amount of Web sites on the internet, it is imperative that your business Web site leave a lasting impression with the viewer. With almost everyone looking for services on the internet, sometimes your Web site is your company’s only chance to make a good first impression, so don’t blow it.

Having a custom Web site allows you to work with a professional Web designer to come up with a site that meets your company’s needs and can grow as your company does. Custom Web sites are also more cost effective in the long run if you want to add animation, specialized pictures, advanced functionality or databases, client login and other types of interaction that can benefit your company and clients.

To learn more about web site development, please visit www.xfactordesigns.com.

Logo Design

When having a professional logo designed for your company, it is very important to know the audience you are trying to reach. The logo should focus on gaining the prospect's attention and effectively communicating what type of business it is. The trouble many small businesses run into is having a designer create a logo that fits there personal preferences, which often leads to disaster.

For example, I had a client come to me and say they wanted to have a logo created for their mortgage company and the lady was set on using pink butterflies because it was her favorite color and icon. I love pink and I think butterflies are beautiful, but probably more appropriate for a daycare center, spa or tea room, it doesn't really fit for a mortgage company. I explained to the client about the importance of creating a brand that the prospect (aka target audience) would understand and making it easy for them to identify the service.

When I presented the logo design concepts, I of course included a couple pink butterfly samples, but I also include several other choices. When she showed the logos to her friends and business associates, they told her that the pink butterfly logos were confusing and it took them a moment to figure out what type of business it was. At that point she realized that the logo wasn't about what she thought was pretty, but what would work and communicate effectively with her target audience.

Every client has ideas on what they would like to see in their logo and as a designer I am always happy to bring those ideas to life, but it is also my job to provide guidance and educate my client on effective ways to communicate their professional image.

For logo design services, please visit http://www.xfactordesigns.com/.