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August is the Perfect Month to Rethink Your Corporate Web Design

admin — Tue, 12 Aug 2025 18:10:55 +0000

August is a quiet month for many businesses. People are on summer vacation, so emails take longer to get answered, and meetings slow down. That can feel frustrating, but it’s also a great opportunity to revisit your digital marketing before things ramp back up. If your business is entering a slow point, now is your chance to give extra attention to all extensions of your brand. In fact, if you’re thinking about a new web design for your business, now is the ideal time to review and refresh your site. For most companies, a website does a lot of heavy lifting for their brand. So why not give it the check-up it deserves? In this post, we’ll take a look at why August is such a smart time to make digital changes and how to make them count.

Why August Is the Right Time to Look Closer at Your Website

You might not think summer is the best time for web design, but for some businesses, it’s the slowest time of the year. When your schedule is lighter, your mind has more room to think clearly. The extra free time can help you look at your website with fresh eyes.

If you’re looking to do a personal website audit, we recommend starting with these questions:

Is your website doing its job?
Does it explain what you do, who you are, and how to contact you?
Does it make sense for your clientele?
Is it up-to-date in technology offerings?
Is your website responsive on all devices and platforms?

August is also a smart time to prep for the fall. Many businesses get busy again in September. We’ve discussed at length how September is the unofficial New Year for people in the business community. That means people start looking for services, booking appointments, or exploring new purchases. You want your site to be ready before that rush.

This doesn’t mean a full rebuild. Sometimes, small changes make the biggest difference. For example, swapping out old photos, fixing broken links, or adding new testimonials can make your site feel updated without starting from scratch. Other times, you may need something bigger, like a new homepage, better cohesion with brand guidelines, or a more functional layout for mobile users.

There are Exceptions…

August can be a good time to slow down and reflect, but that depends on your line of work. For some, summer is peak season. If you’re in tourism, hospitality, farming, landscaping, or construction, chances are you’re already working long days and trying to stay on top of tight schedules. The weather, the demand, and the seasonal nature of your business all mean you’re probably not in a position to sit down and rethink your website right now.

In fact, trying to fit in digital updates during your busiest stretch might lead to rushed decisions or half-finished work. If this is your high season, it’s okay to put web changes on the back burner. There will be a better time for that. Perhaps, in the winter, when things naturally slow down.

But for others, August is one of the quieter months. Many offices and client-based businesses see fewer meetings, delayed emails, and a general pause in pace while people take summer vacation. This is especially true in industries like law, accounting, therapy, consulting, education, and real estate. These sectors often see a noticeable uptick in activity once September hits. Clients return from holidays ready to follow up, commit to projects, or finally check off the things they’ve been putting off.

If that sounds like your business, it might make sense to spend some time now looking at your website. Not to do a complete overhaul, but just to make sure it still reflects where your business is going. When things pick up again in the fall, you’ll be glad your site is ready for new eyes.

Contact us about Web Design

You don’t have to wait for things to break before you fix them. Your website is one of your most important marketing and visibility tools. That’s why it’s worth keeping strong, clear, and up-to-date. This month is a great time to audit your site so that it best represents your business.

If you’re ready to rethink your corporate web design, we’re ready to help. Contact us today to chat about the current and future needs of your website. Feel free to reach out with any other questions about our services and pricing. We look forward to helping you!

FAQ About Web Design Kelowna BC

1. I already have a website. Why change it now?

Websites age fast. What worked two years ago might not work now. A quick check-up can help it perform better.

2. Is August a good time to work on my website?

It depends on your business. If August is a historically slow month for you, it’s a great opportunity to give your site some attention before fall and winter.

3. Do I need a full website redesign?

Not always. Sometimes, small fixes like branding updates and faster loading speeds can make a big impact.

4. Can you help with my website if I’m not based in Kelowna?

Absolutely. We work with clients across Canada, and we can meet virtually anytime.

5. How long does a website refresh take?

It depends on what’s needed. Contact us about your needs, and we’ll give you a rough timeline and cost estimate. We always do our best to accommodate our clients’ schedules.

The post August is the Perfect Month to Rethink Your Corporate Web Design appeared first on Website Design Company Kelowna BC - Atomic 55.

Marketing Agencies in Canada Urge the Value of Advertising Amidst Trump Tariffs

admin — Thu, 10 Apr 2025 22:29:31 +0000

Amidst new Trump tariffs and the now-crumbling or, at the least, fickle stock market, the knee-jerk reaction for many businesses is to scale back spending. Budgets for marketing agencies in Canada are often first on the chopping block. But in uncertain times, cutting your advertising might be the worst move you can make. Remember COVID? Canadian businesses, particularly exporters and manufacturers, are bracing for potential changes in cross-border trade. But this is exactly when clarity, trust, and communication are most needed. In the turbulent economic state, having a local agency that understands what it means to be a Canadian business and consumer is not something you want to add to the chopping block.

Trump Tariffs, Cross-Border Uncertainty, and the Canadian Response

Tariffs say a lot about influence, control, and perception. When the Trump administration previously introduced tariffs on Canadian steel, aluminum, and other goods, it rattled longstanding relationships. Trump tariffs have cast a shadow over what had been one of the smoothest international trade corridors in the world. As the possibility of further economic change looms, it’s no surprise that businesses are unsure of how to proceed.

But the Canadian market has grit. It doesn’t buckle easily. Local businesses are already starting to adapt, show their Canadian pride, and prove the strength of our local economy. One of the smartest ways to adapt to changing economic policy is to strengthen your voice at home. Marketing agencies in Canada can help you do so by highlighting the benefits of choosing local. We understand the sentiment of Canadian consumers who are watching these international developments with concern. We know what builds loyalty, shifts focus to domestic growth, and taps into the pride of buying Canadian.

A U.S.-based firm may not grasp the nuance of a Canadian audience dealing with trade-related price increases or product delays. But a Canadian agency? We know how to talk to those people because we are those people. We understand the direct impact that these policies are having on Canadian businesses.

Why You Shouldn’t Stop Working With Marketing Agencies in Canada

When times get tough, cutting marketing is tempting. You’re watching every dollar. But visibility is what gets you through volatility. Brands that go silent in turbulent times lose ground and often never fully recover. Marketing is your Trump tariff survival tool.

Marketing agencies in Canada are equipped to help businesses shift their marketing plan during economic downturn. We have budget-friendly solutions that can meet your advertising goals even when it feels impossible. As business owners ourselves, we stay up-to-date with geopolitical shifts, policy changes, and consumer behaviour, because it impacts us too. We’ll tell you when to double down on digital or shift your messaging to meet a changing market head-on.

During past tariff cycles, the brands that held their marketing ground emerged stronger. They stayed visible. They reassured customers. They adapted messaging to the mood of the moment. That’s the kind of thinking we hope to bring to your business.

Plus, cutting advertising sends a negative message to competitors, customers, and your own team. It says you’re pulling back. That you’re unsure. Staying active and portraying confidence, even with a tighter strategy, says the opposite. It says you’re still here, you’re adapting, and you’re ready for whatever the economy throws at you.

Work With Canadians Who Get It

There’s no replacement for local knowledge. Especially not when dealing with something as unpredictable as international trade. Shifting focus from export-heavy messaging to domestic confidence is hard but not impossible. Even if you’re not directly affected by tariffs, your customers may be. That’s why it’s important to have messaging that reflects current realities without sounding panicked or reactive.

We saw this clearly during the early months of COVID-19. Global supply chains froze, consumer habits shifted overnight, and entire sectors were upended. For many businesses, the instinct was to pull back on advertising. But brands that stayed present, that adjusted their messaging to reflect empathy, support, and flexibility, often came out stronger. Instead of pushing hard sells, they reminded customers they were still here. That reassurance mattered. It built trust during uncertainty and laid the foundation for recovery once the dust began to settle. Local context made the difference between tone-deaf and timely. Staying connected through clear, thoughtful communication is one of the smartest investments a brand can make.

Tariffs may be out of your control, but your strategy isn’t. Now isn’t the time to go quiet. Your brand needs to show up, reassure your market, and stay top of mind.

Marketing agencies in Canada are ready to help you do that. Invest in the voice that carries your message forward. Chat with our team today to discover the best path forward for your business in these changing times. We look forward to hearing from you soon!

The post Marketing Agencies in Canada Urge the Value of Advertising Amidst Trump Tariffs appeared first on Website Design Company Kelowna BC - Atomic 55.

What to Discuss Before Starting Web Development Kelowna?

admin — Fri, 25 Aug 2023 13:00:00 +0000

Knowing what to ask before you hire a web development company is crucial. Asking the right question will ensure that you pick the best designers for your project. But, what happens when you’ve decided on the developer? What questions do you ask then? How do you make sure that you get what you want? In this article, we are going to go over all of the questions that you must tell your web development team in Kelowna before starting your next project. Follow along below to learn more!

So You’ve Hired a Web Developer… Now What?

What are your goals?

Once you’ve chosen your web development company, it’s time to consider what your goals are for the project. When building a new website, it is important that you outline what you intend to achieve. This will help both us and you to ensure that your project is a success. Having some sort of benchmark to measure progress against is always a good idea. Additionally, informing your development team about your goals will make it easier for them to recommend certain features, design strategies, or tools for your specific project.

Who’s your audience?

It’s hard to design a great website without knowing who your target audience is. In order to generate the most leads, your development team needs to understand who you cater to. The more you tell your designers about your audience, the better they’ll be able to tailor your site to your consumers’ needs. In turn, this will result in a more effective website that generates more business for your company.

What’s your current marketing strategy?

Before you hire a web designer, it is likely that you already have some sort of marketing strategy. Whether it’s cold calls/E-mails, signs, local news ads, social media, or some other form. Telling your development team about the various marketing channels you currently use is essential when building your new website. This information will help your designers to link your old marketing channels with your new website for optimal performance. Moreover, telling your developers about your current marketing strategy will help them identify areas of improvement. For example, adding landing pages, blogs, or quizzes so that your website becomes the base of your digital marketing efforts.

Other Things to Mention Before Starting Web Development Kelowna:

Deadlines

No matter what kind of project you are starting, deadlines are vital. And, it is especially important that they are discussed early on. If you have a strict deadline to meet, be sure to mention this to your designers. This will help them determine what is achievable given your timeframe. Even if you don’t have a set deadline in mind, discussing the timeline for what you want out of the project is essential.

Budget

Another essential item to discuss is your budget. Your developer will likely have all kinds of suggestions for what features you can add to your website. However, you may not be able to afford all of these additions. To avoid confusion and prevent spending more than you have, it is important that you discuss your budget before any work commences. This way, your designer can ensure that you get the most bang for your buck!

What are you working towards?

Although your budget may be limited right now, it is good to tell your developer what you plan on achieving with your site eventually. This way they can put in the proper foundation to support your future plans. Having an idea of you want your digital platform to evolve over the next five years is a good way to ensure that your website will be able to support your goals later on.

Do you have brand guidelines?

Lastly, if you have a set of brand guidelines, be sure to tell us right away! Brand guidelines are an incredibly helpful tool that will help us to ensure that your website matches the rest of your brand. After all brand coherence is of the utmost importance. For more information about the importance of brand guidelines check out this article we wrote!

Contact us for More Information About Web Development Kelowna!

Before you start building your new website it is important to discuss your needs. This will help to make sure that everything goes as smoothly as possible.

If you need web development Kelowna, contact us today. Our team of web designers would be happy to help you create the right website for your business. For more information about what we do, feel free to reach out to one of our team members. You can find the latest updates about us on our social media page, or check out our blog for related content. We look forward to working with you in the near future!

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Questions to Ask a Kelowna Web Designer

admin — Fri, 18 Aug 2023 13:00:00 +0000

If you are looking for a Kelowna web designer, you’re in the right place! Building or revamping your website is a big process and it often requires the help of an expert. Choosing the right web designer is crucial to the outcome of your website. When selecting the right person for the job it is important to ask the right questions. If you’ve never worked with a web designer before, we recommend reading this article. This way, you’ll get a feel for what we do and what credentials are needed in order to build a website. While the right qualifications are necessary, it is equally important to find a person/team that you enjoy working with.

In this article, we are going to be going over the top six questions that you should ask web designers before you hire them. Follow along below to learn more!

So, You’re Interviewing a Kelowna Web Designer…

Who, what, when, where, why?

The first questions that you ask any web designer, should be about them. Who are they? What are their credentials? When did they start in the industry? Where are they located/from? Why should you hire them? Asking these questions should give you a good indication of their experience and if they will fit your needs. You should also ask to see a portfolio of their work to make sure they can do what they say they can. At this point, it would also be appropriate to ask for testimonials from previous/current clients.

Can you take a look at my current website?

When you begin your search for a Kelowna web designer, you should ask if the person can review your website. Generally, good web designers will always check out your existing website before working with you. This is because it helps them get an idea of what needs to be done based on what you’re ideally looking for. An experienced web designer should be able to look at your website and provide you with feedback about what needs to change and what works. Some companies offer paid website audit services and others do not. So, it is important to ask about this during your initial consultation.

Do you offer any other services?

Typically, web designers offer more than just website design. This is because web design often involves a lot more than just assembling content and writing a bit of code. Most web designers are also proficient graphic designers, content writers, and marketers. Additional services are often signs of an experienced professional. Having one person who does it all means that you won’t need to work with ten different people to build one website. At Atomic 55, we believe in keeping our projects in-house!

What Else Should I Ask?

What about my budget?

Your budget is crucial. It is vital that you bring up your budget in the initial stages of hiring a web designer. This will help you determine if you can or cannot afford the designer’s services. Furthermore, it should give you an idea of whether or not they’ll be able to accommodate your needs. Because of this, it is important to come prepared with a list of all of the things you want done. Content writing, SEO, photography, chat software, and any other add-ons are important costs to keep in mind. Make sure you determine what you want Vs. what you need prior to meeting with a web designer.

What’s the time frame

Time is valuable. Understanding the timeline at which your project will be completed is integral. After all, the last thing you want is to be stuck in limbo waiting for your website to one day be completed. A rough timeline is something that you should definitely ask about when you consult with a web designer. This is especially important if you are looking to have your website launched by a specific date.

What platform do you use?

The platform or content management system (CMS) used by your web designer is not something to overlook. Each CMS has its own pros and cons. So, you’ll want to choose someone who designs your website using the best CMS for your business. Understanding the differences between each CMS is a good idea. And, if you’re having trouble understanding, this is another great question to ask your web designer. If they have any experience at all, they should be able to give you an in-depth answer.

Contact Us Today!

If you need help building a website, contact us today. Our team of Kelowna web designers would be happy to help you create the right website for your business. For more information about what we do, feel free to reach out to one of our team members. You can find the latest updates on our social media page or check out our blog for related content. We look forward to working with you in the near future!

The post Questions to Ask a Kelowna Web Designer appeared first on Website Design Company Kelowna BC - Atomic 55.

Why Hire a Kelowna Web Design Company

admin — Fri, 11 Aug 2023 13:00:00 +0000

Hiring a Kelowna web design company is a good idea for any business. If you’re looking to stand out and attract new leads, a professional web design company can help you achieve that! Sure, it can be tempting to buy into one of the many templates offered by businesses like Squarespace and Weebly. However, these free website builders don’t stack up to what a professional web design company can do. Hiring a company that’s versed in web design can kickstart your goals like you never imagined. This is why we decided to make a list of the reasons why you should hire a Kelowna web design company before the year is over. Follow along with the article below to learn more about how hiring a web designer can help you reach your business’s goals!

Reasons to Recruit a Kelowna Web Design Company.

Save Time

If you aren’t a programmer or can’t find your way around Photoshop, it’s going to be very difficult for you to build a website. Simply achieving the basics of a website will take an excruciating amount of time because of the steep learning curve. And, if you had anything more complex in mind, like animations, you might end up spending months just trying to work out one detail. The point is, web design takes years of experience and knowledge in order to craft a site that is functional and completed within a timely manner.

Look Pro

Another benefit to hiring a professional web design team is the professional look of your website. Most people’s first impression of your company is going to be your website. So, it’s important that you make it count! A bad first impression is not good for business and can seriously hurt your company. Hiring a web designer who is well-versed in your field or has worked with similar industries is a smart idea. This way you’ll get a professional-looking website that reflects your company.

It’s an Investment

Hiring a web designer is certainly more expensive than building a website on your own. However, the benefits of hiring a professional web designer outweigh the cost in nearly every circumstance. A professional is able to discern between what’s a trend and what’s here to stay. Thus, ensuring your website looks fresh in both 2023 and 2028. Moreover, a professionally built website is more likely to last longer, not break, and in many cases, web design companies provide support for all of your questions and concerns. When you invest in a custom website, you also gain access to the wonderful team behind the operation. Sounds like a worthwhile investment to us!

Even More Reasons!

4. Stand out From the Crowd

Separating yourself from your competition is a tricky feat. Especially in a saturated market or startup environment. However, one of the best ways to differentiate yourself from your competitors is to build a website that is unique and efficient. Since most people begin their search for a business online, it’s crucial that your website is unique. When your website is not built from a template, it will be more memorable to potential customers. This kind of attention can help you translate website traffic into leads. And, start to build your company’s brand awareness! Talk about a win-win.

5. Get More Leads

Another perk of a professionally built website is lead generation. It’s one thing to have a website, but it’s another to have a website and get found. There are many proven strategies to get your website ranking higher in search results. However, the tried and true method of SEO marketing is a must-do. This is yet another area where the average DIY website builder will need to study up. SEO (search engine optimization) isn’t something that can be learned overnight but is integral to the marketing function of your website. After all, what’s the point of a website if nobody can find it?

6. It Works

A website that works, is a good website. This means no broken links, no broken buttons, no missing pages, no broken widgets, and consistency across all devices/platforms/browsers. Making sure everything works together without faults is certain to cause your average DIY designer some headaches. One of the biggest reasons to hire a professional website designer is simply to have a website that functions correctly. And, to have a team of experienced professionals to help you troubleshoot in the event that something breaks or goes wrong.

Contact Us Today!

If you need help building a website, contact us today. We’d be happy to help you design the right website for your business. For more information about what we do, feel free to reach out to one of our team members. You can find the latest updates on our social media page or check out our blog for related content. We look forward to working with you in the near future!

The post Why Hire a Kelowna Web Design Company appeared first on Website Design Company Kelowna BC - Atomic 55.

How do you put a price on an idea?

Jennifer Fuller — Thu, 30 Dec 2021 22:21:00 +0000

n our experience, pricing creative services is the hardest thing for companies like us to quantify. It’s also very difficult for customers unfamiliar with the creative process to understand, mostly because pricing creative is unlike many other services. After all, how do you put a price on an idea? When billing for our time, sometimes we creatives feel like we get the short end of the stick. Customers come to us looking for ideas and help with their online businesses. However, oftentimes they learn for the first time the colossal amount of time that goes into producing and perfecting ideas for their business.

“We often hear from clients who “just want something simple”, somehow this statement should also be synonymous with cheap. So really what the customer should say is “we just need something really cheap”, because generally what they want is never simple.“

If it was, then everyone would be a natural at graphic design or programming. You wouldn’t need any post-secondary education or decades of experience in your field.

As professional developers, designers and curators, we are often expected to donate huge portions of our time, simply because we know how to do it, so, therefore, it must be easy. The reason this stings is that it’s partially true. We absolutely do have the experience to do the things you want and need. In fact, we have so much experience in the realm of creativity that we even know what you need before you do! Our experience comes from investing countless hours learning and perfecting our craft. Our experience doesn’t mean that those services are cheaper.

Everybody in the business knows that time equals money, so why anyone would expect a creative to bill any differently than any other professional business leaves us scratching our heads.

If you’re new to hiring a creative for your project then here are some tips to consider before you offend the developer on the other end:

Be clear on your project’s deliverable requirements and deadline from the start
Ask for a statement of work that details the project
Ask the hourly shop rate before you start
Be honest about what you can afford to pay
Ask how many people will be involved in your project and how their time is accounted for
Ask if communication is included in your rate/project
Ask if there’s anything you can do to lower the cost of your project

We offer value-based pricing for many of our online products and services. Packages make our world go round when it comes to content creation for blogs and social media. It also makes it very easy for our customers to digest what deliverables they can expect. However, when we get to other services like logo design, packaging, campaign ideas, and custom programming these are often grey areas that can only be explained with a range.

Nobody wants to be nickel and dimed to death. However, some clients create this scenario unbeknownst to themselves. Here are a few reasons that projects can go off the rails when it comes to billing overages:

Poor communication
Not understanding your own project needs
Overcomplicating a simple process
Too many cooks in the kitchen

Whatever your past experience with local marketing companies has been – we can change your opinion. Working with a professional should feel different. You should feel as though you are in good, capable hands. Knowing that you’re working with a competent team who can solve your biggest digital marketing questions is a good feeling and we encourage you to trust in your creative community in 2022.

The post How do you put a price on an idea? appeared first on Website Design Company Kelowna BC - Atomic 55.

How to Prepare for a New Website

Jennifer Fuller — Thu, 20 Aug 2020 11:30:08 +0000

et's just agree that things are better when they are prepared. From dinner to dinner parties to websites and marketing. A little planning goes a long way. When you've made the decision to embark in a new online presence you should be prepared for a lot of things, like running through your deadline, and running over your budget, if you don't prepare. Recently our company purchased a new office space. It was once an old cafe/pizza place. Great bones, an outstanding view of the 18th hole, close location to UBC-O (more on why that was important later) and an outdoor space made it a no brainer. Even better for us was the location being far, far away from downtown Kelowna and it's mounting problems. We jumped. This is where we wanted our next office to be. Next came the budget and preparations. Now we bought the space at the tail end of 2021 and at the time of writing this we are looking 2023 square in the eyes. When it was closing at the end of last year we thought out loud that our budget, plans (all in our head) and ideas would be super easy to accomplish. Three months tops and we would be working for the weekend in new digs. Excuse us while we choke on those words. In fact, it was just last week that the official plans fro the architect began to take shape into something tangible. We're still a long way from permits, and all the other good stuff like occupancy because at this stage not a hammer has been swung.

“To be successful websites need planning. Not only do they need a sitemap to follow, but also content, graphics, and the intangible items like style should be firmly laid out.”

In our previous offices, whether leasing or owning a lot of the heavy lifting was carried out by a builder. In more cases than not, we were just making small cosmetic adjustments that didn’t require an Architect, Health Authority or Strata to approve. This new office was a much different process for us and one that begs comparison to building a new website for customers who are out of practice. Understandably we had to tear out all semblance of what was once a pizza, bakery/Brazillian meatball cafe and turn it into a calm and elegant place of digital marketing. Many of our customers face the same issues with their digital marketing. How do we change what we were a few years ago to better reflect who we are now? Let’s face it. A lot of us – you, me, them have changed since the “end” of the Pandemic. It’s pretty natural to want to shed our pre-pandemic business selves and reinvent. It’s also entirely easy to do with careful planning and a healthy budget of time and money.

Where do you start when you want to reinvent yourself online? If you were hoping for a list then you’re in luck. If you were hoping for a magic bullet, sorry?

Setting Realistic Expectations/Goals

Setting realistic goals and expectations for a project is a great place to begin. Dates are helpful as a universal way to communicate with every supplier on your project. There’s not too much one can argue about a date. It either comes or it goes. My advice in today’s hyper-paced wanted it yesterday world, is to be more generous with this particular budget than was ever required before. Grab a calendar and look at what you’ve got coming up. Factor in weekends for creative burnout, add in a week or two for personal time and then add a few more weeks for good measure. This should give you a good start. It’s also good to confer with your developers before you sign the contract. They’re likely as busy as any builder, or Architect. Don’t expect that just because you’ve signed and sent the deposit that they’ve already started. All your deposit has gotten you is likely a spot in line. Most marketing businesses are working on a whose next basis these days with funnels that are very full. Trust us when we say that working with your first choice regardless of the wait is often worth it in the end. I was so happy that we waited for our Architect to make room in his schedule. The end result is exactly what we hoped for and in the end all the months of waiting allowed us to really dig into and explore some cool concepts.

Setting Realistic Budgets

This is one I have personally never been great at. I know what I want and as a rule that wanted thing is generally the most expensive option. It can be a problem, but one thing I’ve learned is how to compromise and how to listen when it comes to budgeting. Listening for queues is key when you’re setting a budget, but so is planning. When someone’s face changes expression abruptly in a budget meeting you should pay attention. Sometimes you can’t get everything you want right out of the gates, either due to time constraints, cash flow, or these days’ availability crunch. What you can do, is make a plan to add said items later down the road. I like to plan things in phases, very similar to a house build. We start with a top-level budget and filter it down from most to least important. Most important are the bones of the building eg: electrical, HVAC, plumbing, drywall, etc., next are the fun things eg: fixtures and finishings. A website is no different, you need to have the foundation in place before you can add the things that make it come alive. Start your budget with a good foundation and spend the money on getting the bones. Don’t blow your budget on one home page animation that will wear out its welcome faster than your neighbours Airbnb. That means getting into a website that is up-to-date to start, secure, and fast. From there you can plan to add new sections, animations, and lead generation that will make it more worthwhile over time. It’s hard to go back when it comes to technology, so keep that in mind when you set a budget.

Organizing your assets & vision

Get familiar with a free, easy-to-use cloud storage system called Google Drive. Use Google Drive to create folders that you can share with suppliers to keep the project moving, keep everyone informed, and track your progress. For instance, when we started designing the new office I created a series of folders for potential suppliers to view and collaborate with. Pictures of the space and surrounding area, interior and exterior vision boards, potential floorplan layouts, and existing documentation on the buildings mechanical were all carefully organized into various folders. These folders were then shared with the appropriate suppliers. It made it easy to see who had viewed the docs, we can message within the folders and all information was centralized even though we were working between multiple cities. The best part about using free tools like Google is that they are efficient, secure, and free. Get familiar with Google’s business toolset and stop wasting money on flashy software that does less to keep you organized. A website project should contain folders like Sitemap, Logos/Branding, Content Map/Docs, Images, Mockups, and whatever else is important to the project. Each folder will likely have various sub-folders associated within that hierarchy.

Tracking your progress & budget

Reviewing your progress can be tied to a few metrics. Time is one. Money is generally the other. How much have you spent and where has it landed you on X date is generally the equation we look to when it comes time to quantify a project. It’s important to stay in touch with your project. Some developers will provide progress reports, others will provide live wire-frame links where you can watch the project evolve in real-time. This will vary between project, developer, and customer. Again, it’s all about communication and planning. If you know that you need regular updates like sands through an hourglass then spell that out early to your team. If you’re happy with setting a date and surfacing for air until the reminder bell chimes then I always say prepare to trust in the team you hired and hope for the best. In the case of our office space, it’s been a long haul. Much longer than ever imagined to inch barely forward. But man, can I see it all so clearly now and it is EXCITING. And that’s exactly how you should feel when you plan ahead to work with a great team on your next website.

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Multichannel Communication for Your Website.

Tatum G — Fri, 03 Apr 2020 08:08:43 +0000

ultichannel communication is a strategy that many businesses are implementing. There are a number of reasons why multichannel communication is important to your website and digital presence. People use various tools daily to connect with friends, family, work and service providers. In order to cater to all of your potential customers, it is important that you offer as many ways as you can for them to contact you. Understanding the value of multichannel communication and learning how to implement this into your website is essential. Follow along below as we go though everything you need to know about multichannel communication for your website!

“People use various tools daily to connect with friends, family, work and service providers.”

What is Multichannel Communication?

Multichannel communication means having more than one option for communication across multiple platforms and devices. For instance, SMS, email, call, print, social media, apps, etc. All of these include ways that your customers can communicate with you. This information must be communicated in the same way across multiple platforms. Doing so is necessary in order to give consumers the ability to reach you however is most convenient for them.

Why is it Valuable to my Business/Website?

Enhanced Customer Service

Customer Service goes hand-in-hand with multichannel communication. The more options you have for connecting staff and customers the better! Most shoppers are always on the hunt for two things: good customer service and a great deal. Companies that respond quickly and provide thoughtful information to their customers’ questions are far more likely to retain their loyalty. There’s nothing worse for your reputation than bad customer service. Watch your Google reviews make a jump in the right direction once you start implementing multichannel communication!

More Ease & Convenience for Consumers

Convenience is a number one priority for most people. If they have to go out of their way to get in touch with you, there’s a good chance you’ll lose their business. This is where multichannel communication comes in. Offering multiple communication options provides you with the opportunity to reach your customers where they are already spending time. For example, if you know your target customer spends a lot of time on Instagram, it’s important that you make yourself available on that platform.

Get to Know Your Clients’ Preferences

Another key reason that multichannel communication is so valuable, is data collection. Using a marketing strategy like this allows your company to gather insights about where your customers are spending their time. Is it Facebook? Instagram? G-Mail? You’ll quickly learn how your audience likes to use their devices with a multichannel communication plan. You can also use things like contact forms and surveys to gather more data while interacting with your customers. The more knowledge you have about your consumers, the better you can tailor your marketing to their preferences. Personalization is a big trend right now, and this data can give you the upper hand!

How Can I Implement Multichannel Communication Into My Digital Presence?

So, you’re ready to implement multichannel communication into your website? Great—but how do you go about doing it? There are many ways in which you can incorporate this marketing strategy into your business plan. Everyone has their own preferences about how they like to communicate with a business. Some people love E-mail, others might like speaking to you over the phone. Whatever their preference is, you need to make sure you have options. For instance, offering video chat, phone calls, SMS, live chat, contact forms, social media messages, etc!

Live chat software is a valuable tool to add to your website, because it enables your clients to interact with a staff member immediately. In a world of instant gratification, this is a valuable asset to your company’s communication strategy.

Furthermore, using SMS (texting) is a very popular and convenient way for customers to contact a business. In fact, most individuals would love the ability to text a business instead of phoning or emailing them. Finding a way for clients to text you as they need support is essential.

Once you have chosen your channels of communication, you need to ensure that your points of contact have been tested, and funnel into one system. After this, you’ll need to revisit and test the systems quarterly to ensure everything is working as it should be. Technology is continually evolving. Because of this, changes to how a website’s code interacts with web browsers, operating systems and peripheral devices are ongoing.

Implementing multichannel communication can seem like one big headache. Thankfully, we have just the tool to cover all of your communication needs…

Use Syncro In Your Website!

Offering multiple ways to communicate with your business is important. However, it may be overwhelming to think about managing all of these routes for communication. Especially, if you are a small business owner. To simplify the process, we recommend a product called SYNCRO. SYNCRO is a layer of technology that covers all of your multichannel communication bases, and also integrates tools that track real time visitors, call tracking, email tracking and more! With SYNCRO you don’t have to worry about managing messages from several different platforms. Instead, you can receive all inquires right to your phone via SMS!

The Features of SYNCRO.

SYNCRO allows consumers that are browsing your website to text you from your website with questions about products and services. This method of live chat is great for people who do not want to fill out a long form or spend time chatting. SYNCRO also enables you to add autoresponses. Autoresponses are great in a number of situations. For example, if you are going on holiday and want to ensure that a customer is not left in the dark. Or, if a person messages you after company hours. Additionally, SYNCRO provides seamless chat roll over, so that another staff member can take the chat if A) you are not able to, or B) you don’t have the necessary information. All of these features are designed to ensure that you never miss a lead from your website, and a high degree of customer service is upheld. Communication is everything in a successful business.

Furthermore, SYNCRO uses contact forms which allow detailed data capturing. This way businesses can get to know their customers and tailor their services to them. The better you know your clients, the better their experience with your business will be!

In addition to these features, SYNCRO has a group send feature. Group send is great for businesses with a large staff or corporate companies. With the group send chat feature, SYNCRO sends the chat to multiple users at once, and the first person to answer the chat takes it. This ensures that your team never misses a customer inquiry again!

Contact Us About Installing SYNCRO Today!

Multichannel communication is an important part of your marketing strategy. To learn more about how we can help you improve your customer experience, contact us today! We’d be happy to provide you with more information our services and products such as SYNCRO. We look forward to working with you in the near future.

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Synthetic Vs Authentic Media.

Tatum G — Thu, 02 Jan 2020 07:58:49 +0000

ynthetic vs authentic media is a topic soon to be on all of our tongues. This new debate has surfaced in accordance with the growing exposure of synthetic media on social platforms, in films, in music and primarily in marketing. However, when it comes to AI and marketing, there’s not much to debate about. Synthetic media certainly has its pros, but it lacks a core component that is innately present in authentic media. Continue reading below to learn more about synthetic vs authentic media. We’ll be covering the basics, the pros, the cons, and everything in-between!

What are Synthetic and Authentic Media?

In order to get a grasp on the synthetic and authentic media debate, you must first understand their definitions. Synthetic media is essentially artificially intelligent (AI) generated media. This type of media can come in the form of video, still images, animation, written work, audio, live video, and more. Furthermore, Synthetic media does not necessarily mean that the media was generated entirely through AI. In a lot of cases, there is still human influence. AI makes it possible to create large volumes of auto-generated content. Furthermore, synthetic media also allows companies to create deep fakes of human beings manifested through video, still images and audio recordings.

On the other hand, authentic media is any media that has been created by humans. For example, a video shot and edited by a real person. Or, a blog article that was written by an individual—not a robot. Authentic media is human by design and human in nature.

Synthetic and authentic media both present their own unique pros and cons. AI generated media is growing in popularity with the advent of NFTs and new deep learning mechanisms that are now able to capture the human essence in ways never seen before. However, like with all arguments, it’s important to know both sides of the story before you jump on the bandwagon.

“When it comes to connecting with other humans, no one does it quite like a human.”

The Pros of Synthetic Media.

There are several pros to synthetic media that make it an attractive option for business people and marketers. Especially, when it comes to cutting down on cost and upping your output. Computers are great at doing things over-and-over-and-over-and-over-and-over again. Humans will never be able to match a computer’s ability to perform repetitive tasks. This coupled with their knack for data collection, computing and data manipulation makes it possible for AI-generated media to be mass-produced. For instance, NFTs are a form of synthetic media created through code that can be programmed to generate thousands of variations of the same art. So, in the mass production category, synthetic media gets a 10/10.

In addition, because synthetic media can be generated through AI learning algorithms, it cuts down the cost of production. Especially, in industries like video production and animation. Typically, these industries have multiple people who are responsible for several different tasks. However, with synthetic media, you need far fewer people to reach your finished product.

Moreover, AI-generated media can help some companies create personalized ads and marketing campaigns that are targeted to each consumer. This is done through in-depth data collection and analysis. In many cases, synthetic media can be beneficial for social media influencers who need quick content creation on a frequent basis.

Synthetic media certainly has its pros. If you are looking for a high volume of production and lower cost of labour for your media, AI might be the right choice. However, when it comes to connecting with other humans, no one does it quite like a human

The Cons of Synthetic Media.

The pros of synthetic media are limited, and much of that is due to the fact that humans like other humans way too much! People are quick to recognize when something appears robotic to the senses. In marketing and in business, it is important that you make a connection with your consumers. Understanding your clients and your target audience has a lot to do with emotion. Oftentimes, the most powerful marketing campaigns are created by a team of people. Unfortunately, (or fortunately) AI still cannot match a human’s ability to show empathy, exercise creativity, or communicate. This is an incredibly important fact to note.

For businesses that require a close relationship with clients, synthetic media marketing is not the answer to your problems. The same thing goes for industries like real estate where the environment is highly personal. Human-centred professions are better off using authentic media marketing because it caters to the human senses.

Furthermore, creative works are best left to the people of the world—not the computers. AI lacks creativity in many regards. Some of the most famed works of art are popular because of the emotion and passion behind them. These are two qualities that a computer does not possess.

Additionally, synthetic media is less effective for older audiences than their younger counterparts. In general, younger audiences are more receptive to AI-generated content. It should also be noted that synthetic media has more ethical and moral implications.

Things to Consider Before Replacing Your Human Marketers.

Before you make the choice to go full robot with your next marketing campaign, we want you to considering the following:

Humans are emotional creatures, and will therefore make decisions based on emotions. If your auto-generated content sounds at all robotic, there’s good chance it will simply be ignored. Why, you may ask? The answer is simple. There is no feeling attached to the work. In order to make an impact on your audience and build trust there needs to be a human behind the scenes.

If your content can make someone feel empowered or enhance their trust in you or laugh, then you’re on the right track. Computers and synthetic media are certainly valuable. And, there are most definitely times where AI will be no match for a person’s capabilities. However, when it comes to developing meaningful marketing campaigns, connecting with people, building relationships and making art, humans reign supreme. So, let’s leave the computing to the computers and creativity to the people.

At Atomic 55 we specialize in marketing for humans, done by humans. Contact us today for more information about our services. We look forward to connecting with you soon!

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