One of the easiest mistakes to make in any industry is to assume that you, the expert, experience a product or service in the same way as the end user. Web design is certainly no exception. As a tech-savvy business owner from Calgary (or beyond!) with an interest in marketing, your online skills are quite…
DetailsWhen building a website, it’s a great idea to take inspiration from the most successful, user-friendly websites you can find, which is what I do often when helping clients put together their new sites. But it’s also smart to spend some time looking at what doesn’t work, and there are no shortage of examples. The…
DetailsCyber-crime is an unfortunate reality of our connected, tech-centric world, and phishing attacks are one of the most common methods for stealing personal information. A phishing attack often begins with an email, website, or social media message that seems to come from a reliable source, like a financial institution or retailer. Phishing attacks may target…
DetailsOne of the keys to success with online marketing is understanding analytics. If you know how to make sense of the data, analytics will reveal major insights about your marketing over time. Making sense of the numbers is a big part of my job at Emphasize Design. I am the one who makes sure you…
DetailsIt used to be that a few “black hat” website marketing techniques could pretty much guarantee a spot on the first page of a Google search. But these sorts of attempts to “cheat the system” have been made detrimental – and even damaging – through a series of algorithm updates. Over the past five years…
DetailsGoogle’s Penguin algorithm has been a big story in the SEO world since it was first unleashed in 2012, and the latest update contains good news for websites that have been punished by Penguin in the past. The primary goal of Penguin is to root out and punish sites that use spammy link-building practices, either…
DetailsOne of the things I enjoy most about website design is that nearly every aspect of a website can be tested and quantified. If you want to know why something is working – or why it’s not – the answers are always lurking in the data. Usability testing is one of the best tools we…
DetailsEven by the usual standards, 2016 has been a busy, eventful year, for Alberta and for our team at Emphasize Design. While reflecting about all that has happened in the world of web design and online marketing, I find that it’s vital to always keep one eye on the future. And I’d like to help…
DetailsA steady supply of fresh, original content is critical to online marketing success, and a big part of your web design strategy for your Calgary business. Content is a huge part of SEO, as Google prioritizes websites that offer timely, relevant information connected to the user’s search query. It’s also one of the best ways…
DetailsNo matter your industry, what you sell, or who you sell it to, your relationships with customers are critical to your success. Maintaining those relationships efficiently is just as important, which is one of the key reasons I recommend using a customer relationship management (CRM) platform. The right CRM will provide you with the tools…
DetailsHamburger menus are a common sight in modern web design, and work as a great illustrator of the differences between mobile and desktop web design elements. Navigation is a huge part of successful web design, and tools like hamburger menus can be very useful (or not), depending on the situation. I’ll explain more about the…
DetailsVideoconferencing is a very convenient tool, and one we use frequently at Emphasize Design. It’s an easy way to connect with clients, talk strategy, and enjoy the benefits of a face-to-face meeting without the inconvenience of travel. If you’re new to videoconferencing, there’s great value in learning a bit about the etiquette and protocol involved…
DetailsWorking in the marketing world allows me to connect every day with people who share my passion for growing small businesses, forging new relationships, and contributing to the local community. My goal is always to provide clients with the same level of care, quality, and consistency that I tap into when promoting my own business.…
DetailsThe homepage of your website is your first big chance with your customer. It’s where people who know nothing about you will usually land on your site, so you need to make a positive impression…and fast. Getting attention is about a lot more than pretty colours and an eye-catching logo. Those things matter, of course,…
DetailsOnline marketing is filled with enough acronyms, terms, and tools to make your head spin, but don’t worry. I’m here to help. As Emphasize’s first point of contact, it’s my job to explain exactly how what we do will make sure your customers best learn about your business. Your content and website design attract visitors…
DetailsCreating effective content requires an understanding of your audience’s expectations, which makes it one of the major pillars of online marketing. How to make your words matter is also a frequent topic of conversation with our clients. We always design our websites around the content it provides, and these few basic tips and tricks will…
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