“This isn’t rocket science, nor does this need apply only to large commercial endeavors. A simple strategy can be adopted to help all ranges and types of websites. Big companies can use strategy to determine how best to educate new users about their products and make it easy to purchase them. Likewise, a non-profit can identify a sub-set of particularly generous contributors and create a section of their website that appeals to this audience. Blog publishers can use strategy to formulate an editorial direction that increases readership. And in some cases, this plan can help rein in a client who is eager to add additional features, widgets, and gizmos.”

http://www.alistapart.com/articles/landwarinasia/

Another year gone by! To wrap up 2011, we’re taking a little break. We’ll be back January 3, though- revamped, refreshed and ready to kick off the new year.

We always enjoy spending the week between Christmas and New Year’s with friends and family, but that doesn’t mean we’re not reflecting on the year we’re leaving behind. And, as usual, we’ll be evaluating the happenings of 2011 while thinking about the little things.

We won’t be in the office, but that doesn’t mean we won’t be around to help with emergencies and other support-related requests. Send us an e-mail, and we’ll do our best to get you taken care of.

Have a very Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year!

We’re really proud to announce that we have work featured in Logo + Letterhead Design 12! It’s always fun to see the fruits of our labor in print.

• Paste
• RxDrugRep
• Yampu Tours and Travel
• Green Pantry

Check out the rest of our identity work!

• He preaches effective marketing… and practices it, too.

• How to get your landing page design to compliment your copy

• Always wanted to take a Launch Coach tutorial? Now You Can.

• Someone calling you crazy? Say Thank You!

• How do you know if you’ve found your passion? Read this.

• Find out why trust is a key factor in doing great work.

• Need a refresher course in problem solving? Go back to school.

If you follow leeclowsbeard on Twitter (and we strongly suggest you do) you’re often presented with enticing bits of food for thought. 

A recent niblet we liked: “Brands that will try anything often have nothing worthwhile to say.”

It’s a knock back to reality when there are so many new and fun things to try, and it’s something we find ourselves explaining to our clients quite often. 

Client: “Should we join the XYZ Newest Social Media Site?”

After careful consideration of our client’s specific audience and brand identity, we might respond with something like:”Hmmm… it’s a good thought, but maybe we should wait? If your audience isn’t comprised of early adopters, holding off for a bit will let them know you’re not just jumping on the band wagon without doing your research.”

We continually remind ourselves to practice restraint when we’re building a website, a brand, or even a blog post. Less is more, after all. It’s so tempting to dip your toe into all the social media outlets out there, but the truth is, if you’re not going to do it really well, there’s no point in doing it at all.