Will the Apps Kill Websites and Web Designers?

Web Application

Are websites still relevant or rather are these the end times for freelancer web design experts? It has already been proclaimed that browsers are going to die out soon, unless they evolve to something totally different from its present state. And all this doesn’t augur well for the websites and freelancers handling web site design projects. With the arrival of smarter smart phones and tablets, the attention has shifted towards dedicated apps. We’ve got apps for emails, social networking (facebook and twitter apps), news apps, also music, movies and gaming apps. We will soon be spending more time on the internet but none on the web!

So does this mean that it’s time we switch off the websites? The answer is – No..not yet. But brace yourself for the day when it will be all about creating single digital experience for the user. Companies will have to re-think their strategy and align it with their social media efforts or else they’ll be App’ed!

Why Blog?

Blog

Blogging has become an art. Some of the best logo designers & other freelancers showcase & discuss their work related to design of logos through their personal blogs. But if you are new to the scene & have just arrived, then go through the post and believe me, by the time you finish reading it, you’ll have your answers.

• It’s a Reflection of your Work – Most freelancers use blog to show off their designs to the world. It’s another place where prospective clients can find you and go through your work. It’s almost like having a professional website for a freelancer who has limited resource.

• Networking and Marketing – Blogging allows you to build new relations with other freelancers around the world, and effectively market yourself by posting interesting tidbits about your daily work routine, designs etc.

Since we have already mentioned blogs as a marketing tool, it’s important to remember that ‘impelling blogging eschews the ornate’. Keep it Short and Simple. Clarity is an important criterion which in turn will attract all kinds of readers and potential clients to your blog.

How to Ensure Success as a Freelancer

Freelancer Success

Most people don’t know how to make it as a freelance web designer or design of logos expert. Just to make things easier I have compiled a few pointers that if followed to the T could ensure your success as a freelancer.

• Fall in Love - Ask yourself..Do you love your work? Are you passionate about it? If your answers are yes then you’re good to go. Passion and love for your work would keep you focused and will keep the fire burning inside.

• Watch, Learn and Discover – Web or logo designing trends keep evolving and you must keep yourself informed about the latest technologies to stay relevant in the fast changing web world.

• Portfolio - Without a knock out portfolio it’s impossible to get a freelancer web design projects. If you’re a beginner then get as much experience as possible and slowly build your way to a killer portfolio.

• Network and Build your Reputation - The importance of this can be summed up by what Bob Burg once said; “Position yourself as a center of influence – the one who knows the movers and shakers. People will respond to that, and you’ll soon become what you project.” Networking is the best way to get freelance projects and to build reputation for your work.

There could be few more that I might have missed, so get back to me with your ideas in the comments section and let me know.

The Role of Trust in Ecommerce

E-Commerce

There is an old saying that goes “Trust is like a vase; once it’s broken, though you can fix the vase, it will never be same again.” The maxim also holds true for the electronic world of commerce.Ecommerce has exploded on the net and several companies have shifted their businesses online. But even after almost 20 years, the concept of buying and paying for products online could be a little scary for some.  And, the only reason for this is, lack of trust. We all know that trust is required as a prior condition for normal social conduct, especially if it involves making important decisions, like buying on ecommerce websites.

E commerce designing must instills consumer confidence in online businesses by delivering a perfect user experience. The role of familiarity & trust is especially important on customer’s purchase & inquiry intentions. Initially it’s all about getting your customer familiarized with the possibilities of online shopping & its processes and then slowly building trust to convert the casual visitor into a regular buyer, eventually benefitting all the involved parties.

Starting an Internet Business

Internet Business

Internet is the best thing that ever happened to small business owners. It has offered a level playing field for them since the capital involved is minimal. Today, all you need is an idea to change your life. Once you have an idea; implementation requires a computer with an internet connection and a web designer who would give you an awesome yet affordable web page design. That’s it; you are sorted & good to go. But we know even roses have thorns & likewise there are few downsides of starting an online business. Let’s take a look”

•    Security & Confidentiality:  One of the greatest challenges fronted by any business conducted over the internet is security, especially if it involves financial transactions.

•    Trust Deficiency:  Internet has evolved and has changed the way we deal with our day today life. Most of our time is spent using computer or doing any internet related activity but even after so much customers still have trust issues with online business owners.

•    Copyright Infringement:  The medium is such that it is hard to contain copyright infringement issues on internet, which in turn discourages business owners to initiate e-commerce or trade on the web.