Congratulations to Kary Berry, DDS in Colorado who launched her new Dog Star Media web site this week at ParkMeadowsDentalCare.com. I really like this web site for its economy, clarity and the refreshing, upscale look. And, I appreciate Kary’s focus as this web site came in right on schedule!
This site is an example of why I like custom design. This is an HTML site but it has a high aesthetic quality. Most HTML sites I see from competitors look like they were cut straight out of a cookie cutter. We design our HTML sites with the same process as we do our HTML/Flash and All-Flash sites. Each design is unique and based on the preferences and subjective choices of the doctor who hired us. We do not use templates, nor is there a cookie-cutter format.
Why is this better? It is better because it allows for small or large degrees of personality and style. This is important in establishing an image of difference. Image of difference is a key component in branding and advertising. It is how you separate yourself from the pack. Don’t kid yourself. If your site looks like your competitors site in format and/or design, it is not good for business, especially higher end business. Originality, preferrably uniqueness, will help you separate yourself from the pack. This is why we only produce work that is unique to the practice that hires us.
Originality is one place you do not want to sacrifice. It is one reason why we get a lot of doctors coming to us for site redesigns. Almost always, their previous designer designed off a template and they think they site needs some (they can never put their finger on it) added quality. What they are seeking is something that sets them apart. That originality is where we start.
If you are one of the many who are gearing up to strengthen and retool their web strategies, this is an important point to consider. There are a ton of companies or people that can design a web site. And, you have to watch what their priorities are. Someone who sells you on a web site that can be well optimized might not be so concerned with your ability to separate yourself from the competition. A company focused on giving you the lowest possible price for production might be using templates and you get less aesthetic and image of difference because their priority is to get you something that works, fast and cheap.
I always like to say a good web site costs as much as a bad web site. It really depends on your priorities. Normal priorities are, 1) a site that looks great, 2) a site that can be optimized and 3) a site that separates you from the competition. All of these priorities can be achieved with our custom design process. And, yes, Flash and HTML/Flash sites can be optimized for keywords. We take everything into consideration: the presentation, the practical optimization potential and the competitive marketing position. It is the most responsible way to produce sites for small businesses.
If you are blending into the background online because your web site is made from a template or lacks the originality that can create an image of difference for you, please contact me at donald@dogstarmedia.com today about improving your online presentation.
