We just finished the web development and launch of the IN-NW Conference website.  We had a little fun with the design supplied by 206Inc and added lots of fun jQuery effects like the sliding panels and pop-up effects on the speakers.  Creation-1 will be one of the main event sponsors.  Check the details here and see ya in February!

Scan our fancy QR code for a special message.  We are working on a little marketing push for next month and are adding it to a few pieces of our collateral.

We have designed a new logo for our upcoming branding overhaul.  We will follow with a shiny new website and corporate ID!

I found a great article at the Mills Communications Group blog about the importance of listening when engaging in marketing through social media.  I agree that this is a very important task that should take place daily, weekly and monthly.  Before you just go blabbing and shamelessly promoting yourself have a listen.

Read the article titled-  Listening: The First Step To Social Networking Success

I just read a great article at the Neuroscience Marketing Blog about how bad websites increase stress levels.  Take a look at the article it’s a great read:  http://www.neurosciencemarketing.com/blog/articles/web-stress.htm

This really brings home the fact that you want a website that is going to simplify your potential client’s life, not complicate it.  Your business was established to provide a solution.  If you are creating more problems with your client through your bad website the client will be less likely to contact you for your services.

I just read a Great Article at Problogger.net about 30 Valuable Lessons Learned Using Social Media For Small Business.  The article reiterates a lot of the advice that I personally give to small business owners.  Especially the advice about blogging and focusing on the outlets that will be the most powerful for your business.

I found this at CMO.com and though it was very interesting.  There are a lot of social media sites, bookmarking sites and aggregating sites out there and this is a great way to lay them all out.  A lot of people are asking about the validity or effectiveness of a certain outlet.  For instance, “Should I be using _______<—Insert social media outlet”  My answer at first is always “It depends”.  Well this goes a little deeper and really digs into the specificity of each site.

Our focus is mostly on development and design but we often integrate social media into websites.  People want to know what works and what doesn’t.  It really depends on what your goals are.  Determine your goals before you start your social networking and online marketing. This will save you a lot of time.  Unless you have a larger team, you can’t participate fully in every single one.  It’s better to just pick 1 and build on that.  Don’t participate in another until you think you can handle it.

Here’s the goods:

CLICK TO ENLARGE or go to CMO.com to download a PDF

We have been experimenting with Biznik for a little over a month now.  We are finally sold on it and we feel really good about the Biznik philosophy in general.  We like how it is a business social networking site that is open and based on action.  There is no hiding behind a private profile or sending random friend requests.  The site revolves around attending events and helping others.  We have the same approach to our business so it is a great fit!  Sign up and take a look.  It’s Free!

You can find me here:

Or Creative Director Jason Rampe here:

Working with a Web Strategy Consultant can bring a myriad of benefits to the cost-effectiveness, focus, marketing efforts and exposure of your online business efforts.  We have been a part of many product launches (big and small) and the consensus is that a website is not the end-all of your online efforts.

You need a comprehensive marketing strategy, just like in the real world.

The world of online marketing, networking, SEO and promotion can often seem (more…)

So you finally set up a web presence that represents your products, services and image in a flattering and modern fashion.  The next step is to get people to actually see you and your business online! That’s where Creation-1 comes in.  We offer a variety of services to make your website start working for you!

Online Business Solutions

You’ve gone through all the steps and now you’re business officially has a web presence.  How do you take the next step?

Web Strategy Consulting

An Efficient and Comprehensive web strategy is the most important aspect of making you business thrive online.  Our outlook on the current state of the web is that websites are no longer just online brochures. They are freestanding business machines that interact with potential customers, sell products, establish your credibility and expand your network.
We will get (more…)