Tacoma Bible College Redesign

Posted by Chris Shockley under Web Design

Tacoma Bible College has been a client of mine for around ten years. As the school has grown, so has the need for their website to offer more functionality and resources.

When the president of the school contacted me recently to discuss their new marketing focus and the functionality they are hoping to implement over the next year, it quickly became apparent that a redesign of the look and feel made sense.

Over the past few years the school has been changing its focus from local (people who either knew the school or knew current students) to something regional and, indeed, international. I’ve been told that they may have as many as forty students from Korea this fall.

Because of this, it made sense to take the website’s look and take it to what I call, “The Top Shelf” of the market place. That is to say make sure the site had a best-in-class look, layout and color scheme; clean and professional. This is because the prospective students and their families will be using the website’s of schools to help them make a decision about which schools to investigate before coming into town.

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What Business You’re REALLY in

Posted by Chris Shockley under General, Marketing

Introduction
One of the things that I try to do is to help my clients shift their thinking. I try and help them see things from a different angle or a fresh pair of eyes.

So, in this article I want to bring to you attention a very important premise around the idea of what business you’re in and the marketing you do. Read more…

How You Can Improve Your Web Site

Posted by Chris Shockley under General

Introduction

So much of the Internet is filled with websites that have been thrown together and posted because someone thought they needed a site. It’s as if they went to a seminar and were making sure they checked it off their list.

I agree, you do need a website. But, what you really need a “good” website; one that conveys your the benefits of your business to you customers and prospects. Notice, that I did not say you need a fancy site or some graphically enhanced masterpiece. A good website is one that accomplishes good usability and the business goal set for it.

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It’s Not About You, it’s About “You”

Posted by Chris Shockley under Marketing

How many times in your marketing (advertising, website, sales pitches in the store) do you (you and your associates representing your company) use the terms I, We, and Our?

“We offer the best…”

“Our services are the best in the city…”

“Come in and get our…”

Well, if you hear it or say it a lot, consider changes tactics.

Like it or not, your customers don’t really care about you. They don’t. They care about themselves and their families. If they had only $10.00 left, would they buy your product or buy their family some food?

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How Good Is Your Web Site?

Posted by Chris Shockley under General

When people see your site, they are going to form an opinion of your business; will it be a good one?

It is very important that your website has the right look and feel (based upon your customer’s expectations), ease of use and is accurate.

Some of the things you want to consider are:

• How does my logo look (professional or homemade)?
• Does the site look professional (like I put real effort into making sure it is)?
• Do the colors, look and feel match my other marketing materials (or is it just what came with some website builder tool)?
• Is it easy to read and find information (that your customer wants)?
• What am I giving to my customers (to show that I care more about them than myself)?

Obviously this is just a short list to help get you on the right track.

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