Welcome to NewWeb Concepts posted by on April 7, 2011

Welcome!  Thank you for visiting the internet’s leading source of New Web Concepts for designers and graphic artists.  We provide you with a library of resources to guide the way to a successful career in website design.  Check out our great design tips to spice up your upcoming projects.  Find some inspiration for your next graphic design project as we highlight the stories of other designers and how they got started in the business.  If you are tired of the same old web templates and boring themes, it’s time to check out the newest innovations in web design in our library of articles.

3 Websites that We Couldn’t Live Without posted by on April 6, 2011

The internet is an integral part of everyday life for most of us.  We use it for work, we use it for entertainment, and we use it to stay in touch with our friends and family.  Whether you only use the internet for recreation purposes or work online, there are three great websites that you probably use on a regular basis.  These three sites serve many purposes, but overall they are the ones that we just can’t live without.  Let’s take a look at what they are and why we love them so much.

  • Facebook

Who doesn’t love Facebook?!  It is a one stop place where you can keep up with old friends, make new connections, and share updates on your life with everyone you care about.  Facebook has made it possible to stay in touch with people that we would otherwise lose contact with.  That guy that sat behind you in science class might have gone on to become a famous physician on the other side of the world.  You would never know what happened to him if it wasn’t for Facebook.  When your high school sweetheart got married, you can see the pictures and analyze his new wife from every angle thanks to Facebook.

  • Twitter

When you are short on time, you can still find a second to send out a Tweet.  In the past few years, Twitter has become the number one platform to share news.  Find out what is going on in the world and stay connected with friends and family through short 140 character updates throughout your day.  Twitter is a mobile way to communicate with people with hardly any time invested in the process.

  • Google

Love them or hate them, there is no denying that the Google empire rules the internet.  Whether you just use it to do internet searches or to create documents, spreadsheets, and daily “to do” lists, Google has an app to help you.  In many ways, Google has become the backbone of the internet and is by far, the most frequently used website online.

Save Money on Web Design posted by on March 3, 2011

When it comes to designing a website for your web-based business, the expenses can add up fast. The worst part is that many of the expenses are unexpected. If you need to create a professional website, follow these simple tips to save money on your project.

First, instead of hiring the services of a professional web design company, you can look for someone who does web design in a freelancing capacity. Since many of the freelancers are doing the web design as a means of earning extra income and are trying to draw business from the larger companies, the freelancer often charges lower rates than large firms. Another advantage to hiring a freelance web designer is that they usually are more attentive to your needs.

If the cost of a freelance web designer is still out of your start up budget, you might want to go to your local community college or trade schools. Many schools now offer courses in web design and students will be thrilled to have an opportunity to design a real website and not just practice ones. Most schools have very reasonable fees. When you approach the school, you will want to have a list of all the requirements that you need the site to fulfill so that they have a better idea about how much to charge for their services.

If you are feeling brave enough, you can always try to design your own website. To do this you will need to purchase a website design software program. There are several programs currently available that are capable of creating a very nice, professional looking website. When you choose a software package, look for something that offers business designs rather than personal blog templates.

When you are designing a website you need to keep in mind that the finished product has to be one that your prospective customers are going to enjoy using. This means it has to be easy for them to navigate the site. Before you officially put the site online, you should have a few friends check it out and give you their thoughts and opinions.

Designing a Logo for Your Company posted by on February 18, 2011

While there are no rules that require you to have a company logo, most business owners create one to help market their products and services. A logo is a great way to promote your brand and make your business highly recognizable.  A logo sets you apart from the competition.  If you are considering the creation of a logo, you should plan on devoting a great deal of time to the project.

The purpose of the logo is to create something that is instantly recognizable. It is going to be the image that you use on the home page of your website, the background of your blog, and will appear on your brochures, business cards, and stationary.

In the past, most businesses had to hire an outside source to create their logo, but this is no longer necessary. Today, it is possible for anyone to create a logo for their company. The easiest way to do this is by purchasing logo design software.

One of the mistakes many people make when they are creating a company logo is that they try to get to complex.  The logos end up being too busy and complicated for anyone to remember. The best logos are simple, but bold designs. An example of a really good, striking logo is the Olympic rings. The logo consists of five rings that are entwined together, it does not get much simpler than that, but yet it is a logo that everyone recognizes instantly. When you are designing a logo you want to come up with a design that people will remember easily.  It should correspond with the products you offer and be as simple as possible.

Once you have created the logo, you will want to make sure that you have not inadvertently borrowed a logo that another company is using. The easiest way to check this is by going to the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and using the Trademark Applications Registration and Retrieval to make sure your logo does not exist. If it does not you should register it. Once all the paperwork has been completed you can start using your logo to promote your business.

 

 

Widen Your Gaze: Advertising on Facebook posted by on June 28, 2012

No matter what kind of business you have, the truth of the advertising world right now is that if you want your business to take off then you have to advertise on Facebook. It’s just a fact of good business practice right now. So if you were wondering whether or not you should start advertising on Facebook, the answer is a resounding YES! But if you are going to advertise on Facebook, do it right!

First, take lots and lots of pictures. Post them frequently. Start out with a few albums of your work, your product, your logo, whatever it is that you have that people are going to want. Make a few albums so there is something on your page for people to look through, but don’t post all of your pictures at once. Here’s why. If you are going to post on Facebook, then you need to do so very regularly. Your business needs to end up in people’s feeds frequently so that they get in their minds your name.

If you have extra pictures, you can post them every so often to boost interest in your company. The most frequent your posts are, the more business you can get. However, there is a fine line that doesn’t need to be crossed. You do not want to post so frequently that people start blocking your posts. They might not unfriend you, but they might keep your post from showing up in their feed. Don’t go that far.

Having a Facebook page as supplemental advertising is just a smart choice for anyone looking to up their business and get more revenue. So if you have been considering it, stop considering and do it! Or hire some teenager who’ll do it for you!

A Fun Way to Make Online Poster Blogs posted by on May 30, 2012

If you are like most people these days, then chances are you are very visual. Blogging is fun, but if you are not the extremely wordy type and you enjoy a more creative approach to self-expression, then check out Glogster.com. This fun website is super user friendly. It runs on a flash player medium, and great for those who like to share themselves online, but maybe they are not the wordy type.

Glogster creates ?posters? by using various text and content. They can be interactive posters or just content. The poster itself can look either like a website for the more traditional blog template. That?s totally up to you. The great thing about this website is how easy it is to use. EVeryone can be a web designer with just a few clicks of the mouse. You can share videos that are simple to embed. You can share other posts or links to your favorite web pages. And if you really like the look of one of your posters, you can print it out a mini version of your online awesomeness.

Posting pictures is as easy as posting pictures to Facebook. There are also easy ways to insert your favorite music pieces into your Glogster. Sharing Glogsters is easy as well. You can look through random Glogsters or you can share with your friends. You can also make tons of Glogsters for free. Make as many pages as you want! This tool is an easy way to be a visual blogger and an awesome web designer.

Great Software You Need For Your Computer posted by on March 14, 2012

Every day there are hundreds of new applications and software programs designed for your computer. With so many choices to sort through you may wonder how to decide what you need and what you can pass on. Here are three software programs that you should definitely check out if you are not already using them:

OpenOffice.org – This is the greatest office productivity tool ever offered for the low, low price of absolutely free. Offering many of the features of its much pricier counterparts, the OpenOffice.org productivity sweet is an excellent option for those who believe in the power of open source software. You may want to consider making a donation to the cause, whether in monetary form or through your time, if you plan to download the software and use it regularly.

Avast Free Antivirus – A computer virus can mean the untimely death of your computer. To prevent this scenario you need to make use of some form of antivirus software. Avast is by far the best free antivirus software available. It is quick and well-designed, and it does not require any monitoring to ensure that it is working properly. In fact, it uses so few system resources you might not even realize that is is running.

CamStudio – The ability to record what you do on your computer screen opens up endless possibilities, and Camstudio is an excellent free way to take advantage of that ability. For those in the educational field, this software proves to be an especially useful for tool creating tutorials for your students.

Of course the list of great software could go on and on, but by just downloading these three programs you can dramatically increase the productivity of your home computer.

Finding the Best Web Design posted by on November 18, 2011

Every business, new or old, needs a website in this day and age. Everything we do is on the Internet. Every customer for your business is going to research your company online before they come and see your business in person. Having a website should be one if the first things a new company does. This will ensure much more traffic to your online business or customers to your actual business site. Just creating a website is not all that is important. Web Design is something that should be taken to consideration.

There are so many ways to design your website. Many people will design in a way to gain interest to their product. Some web designs are free and can be used quite easily. Some businesses or organizations want their website to look different than any other and will pay a fee for more choices and designs to choose from. Web Design is very important in advertising what you want seen. An organization for children will make a site child looking or even have images of children and things children love. People visiting that site see the special designs and pictures and it makes them want to read on and look at more things on the site.

Some companies will design your website for you. They have special tools and features that make a website look amazingly different than any other. This is done with a charge but many people feel it is worth is because it is part of developing an idea. Web Design can be fun but also time consuming. It can change the way people view your business or organization in the long run. Web Design will make a website look polished and ready.

Health Benefits of Jacuzzi Tubs posted by on October 12, 2011

Jacuzzis have been around longer than most people think. Now, they are seen in almost every hotel, public pool, or resort. People are even buying them for personal use in their own yards and back decks. Whirlpools were first made to help in hospitals with therapy and medical issues. They were used as therapy with patients who had muscle issues or joint pains. There are many health benefits in having a Jacuzzi or other in home saunas. The benefits outweigh the cost and upkeep.

One benefit is that the warm water helps with inflammation of muscles. Many diseases and illnesses make your muscles hurt and become inflamed. The hot tubs have a powerful water flow and the jets create an oasis for the muscles to relax and return to normal. Another benefit is that Jacuzzi’s can help the elderly who have joint pain from aging. Joints can get tight and make it hard to move as we age. The warm water of the Jacuzzi can loosen these joints and take away pain. Many Jacuzzi’s have jets designed specifically to shoot water right at the areas on the body that need therapy and massage. A third benefit is that warm water in motion stimulates endorphins, which are natural painkillers and make us happy. So, a Jacuzzi can also help your mood and mental stability. Some air tubs have soothing waterfall sounds that also clear the mind and soothe your mood.

Many of the health benefits from Jacuzzi’s can come from the different ways that the seats in the Jacuzzi are designed. Many of them are designed to fit your body perfectly so that you are comfortable and each jet hits just right. These seats cradle your body and many of them have lights that create a heated pillow for you neck. Some of them have “lounge seats”. These seats are made to create a Hydrotherapeutic massage that is continuous and full of precision and strength. Many Jacuzzi’s can fit up to four or five people; so another benefit is creating family time. Many families can benefit from taking time to relax and wind down together in warmth and therapy.

Jacuzzi’s were first created for the benefit of our health. They are still being made in a way to do just that. People who have illnesses that affect their muscles, joints, or bones would benefit the greatest from a Jacuzzi. They are made to alleviate pain and discomfort in every area of the body. There is no part of the body that is untouched in a Jacuzzi. Hydrotherapy in a Jacuzzi is made to reach each troublesome area and promote relaxation for the period of time you are in it. Many people find the benefits of a Jacuzzi are worth the cost and the upkeep that come with the purchase. People can also find Jacuzzi’s at health clubs, spas, and Physical Therapy offices. Obviously being able to have one at your home gives you more convenience and ease to make time to relax. Your health is of utmost importance.

First Steps to a Career in Graphic Design posted by on May 22, 2011

When I moved away to college, I dreamed of being a photographer or maybe a professional painter.  Art has always been my passion, but I wasn’t sure what medium would suit me best.  After one semester of classes, I quickly fell in love with graphic design.  The ease of manipulating colors, shapes, patterns, and texture was the biggest advantage.  I seemed to have a natural knack for it too!  With only one year of college under my belt, I decided to forego summer classes and try to get a job instead.  I was short on cash for sophomore year and wanted to go ahead and put money back for books and any other expenses that cropped up.

I first started looking for graphic design jobs in the city near our university.  I found out during my first interview that it wasn’t going to happen if I went that route!  They weren’t hiring anyone without a full degree, no matter how much natural talent they possessed.  When I got back to the dorm after a long day of rejection, I got online and browsed the possibilities there.  I came across a freelance work forum and realized I could bid on some graphic design projects as an independent artist.  It was the perfect solution!

After a few minutes of reading the job listings, I saw a post describing a job that I felt sure I could handle.  A company in New Mexico was searching for a graphic designer to help them come up with a logo and basic web design for their UK online bingo affiliate business.  They wanted to create a site that would welcome visitors and make them feel comfortable enough to stay and read reviews.  The design needed to be professional, yet young and fun.  It needed to stir a sense of confidence in the web guests so they would stick around and get the information they needed.  Ultimately, the client wanted them to play bingo by clicking links within the site so he could receive commission as an affiliate marketer.

I felt confident enough to place a bid and I decided that I might as well place a high price for my work.  I was worth it!  So I typed in my rate and wrote a quick proposal with the ideas that came to my mind, then closed the laptop and went to dinner.  When I returned, I already had a message from the job forum!  The client wanted to hire me!  That was my first ever job as a freelance graphic design professional.

I worked with one of the best online bingo UK companies and it was a very positive experience for me.  I helped them promote their internet bingo agenda and I earned some great work to put in my portfolio as well as a great testimonial and enough cash to see me through the next 3 months of college!  The customer even threw in some free bingo money through promo codes to a few bingo sites.  I use them when I’m bored and want to play a round or two on one of the UK sites.

That first job experience was the best thing that ever happened to me professionally.  I gained the confidence to apply for future projects and I ended up working nearly full time by the end of my sophomore year.  By the time I graduated, I had built a steady clientele that allowed me to open my own design firm at only 21 years old.  My dreams came true and now I am a professional artist, spending my days working in graphic design.  Who would’ve dreamed it would all start with something as simple as internet bingo using a free bingo bonus?

A Web Designer’s Secret to Success posted by on April 29, 2011

There are many ways that a web designer can set their business apart from the competition.  You can offer competitive prices, an amazing portfolio, and an endless supply of references to prove to potential clients that you are the best choice for their project.  However, one of the best ways that a web designer can find the ultimate success is to be comfortable in their own skills.  I developed my self confidence by learning to relax instead of stressing out on each design project.  For me, the answer started with K2 Spice incense.

By using Ultra K2, I can experience a more relaxing environment while I’m at work.  I burn the incense in my office and it creates a subtle fragrance that helps me to unwind and feel at ease in front of my computer.  Deadlines and the demands of my job start to fade to the back of my mind and I can focus more clearly on the task at hand.  I started using the original K2 incense a couple of years ago when my stress level reached an all time high. I knew something had to change when I developed an ulcer.

A friend of mine suggested that I try K2 Summit to relax.  I didn’t know much about K2, but I got online and did a little research.  I was amazed to see that there were nearly a dozen different K2 scents available and they each promised a different effect.  You could get K2 to increase your energy, reduce your stress, boost your libido, or give you a shot of motivation.  I ordered samples of each kind and decided to try them all.

Since then, I’ve been using K2 on a regular basis.  I usually buy K2 Citron, but sometimes I get a different scent if the mood strikes for something a little more adventurous.  You can enjoy my secret to success and try it for yourself.  Check out these links to learn more about K2.

A Great Home Buying Experience posted by on April 9, 2011

My family recently relocated to Madison, Wisconsin; a very far cry from our hectic Southern California roots. The very thought of uprooting and moving more than half way across the country was enough to make me crazy. Lucky for me I hooked up with realtors in South Central Wisconsin who made the whole experience of buying a home in Madison, WI a pleasure.

While it may not have been the best time to sell in Madison, WI, it surely was the best time for my family to buy a home. The poor economy has left the market flooded with a plethora of Madison homes for sale. Essentially it is a buyer’s market which proved to be advantageous in my family’s search for the perfect property.

We began our search for Madison houses for sale by contacting a realtor who cheerfully took on the task of assisting us with shopping for a new home. Our Madison real estate agency was very kind and treated us like we were family. We felt they were listening to us every step of the way; they kept us informed as to their progress and provided us with plenty of helpful professional advice. When we finally arrived in Wisconsin we felt as if we were really home.

Our realtor is a member of a MLS and as such, has access to all Dane County MLS listings. Sellers in this area have certainly learned you can sell your home faster for more money by listing with a ML agent. He lined up numerous property viewings for our perusal; all met or exceeded our requirements. There was a wide assortment of property types for sale when we were shopping; condos, single family residences, multi-family units, vacant land, lakefront property and even farms. There was never a time that he seemed to give up on us or to be annoyed by our pickiness. He was a real pro and he did not let us down. He kept at it until he found the perfect property for our family.

After offers and counter-offers aplenty, our Madison realtor sealed the deal. Closing was a breeze as he took us step-by-step through every phase of the purchase. The entire experience from start to finish was conducted with a personal touch. We never felt like just another sale for the realtor; we felt like he was a trusted friend.  In the end, he showed us how to find foreclosed homes in Dane County and that is what we ended up buying, which saved us a ton of money!

My Latest Web Design Success posted by on April 7, 2011

Successful web design doesn’t follow one particular formula.  In fact, every project is different and every client requires a unique approach to design.  My latest web design project was highly successful despite my initial concerns.  When Green Smoke contacted me about creating a website for their affiliate program, I was a little leery.  I didn’t know much about electronic cigarettes, but I figured I could give it a try.

The first step was doing some research through electronic cigarettes reviews.  The reviews pointed me towards the various e-cig companies so I could study their affiliate programs and the site designs they employed.  I learned more about the Green Smoke products and decided to build the web design around electronic cigarette coupons that people would be eager to click through and grab for their purchases.

After the first week, I had a basic design in place and I called the client.  He was thrilled with the overall look of the site and the revolving coupon codes that I had implemented to draw in more traffic.  He also asked that I create a referral program for the affiliate customers so they could get credit for future affiliates that signed up below them.  Soon, the site developed into an intricate web of sub-pages where each customer could enjoy their own customized page according to the products they like and the people that they are targeting in their affiliate campaigns.

One of the most amazing things that happened during my web project for Green Smoke was that I became a big fan of e-cigs.  I have always made it a habit not to be swayed by the products I deal with in web design, but e-cigs were a different story.  I loved the idea of smoking the e-cig instead of traditional cigarettes.  While I’m not a regular smoker, I do occasionally enjoy a smoke in the bars so I ordered my own Green Smoke starter kit through the site I designed.  You can check out more information about Green Smoke at these websites that I used in my web design process:

  • Check this link to read how Green Smoke compares to White Could electronic cigarettes in this electronic cigarettes review.
  • Grab the Safe Cig coupon code and other electronic cigarette coupons at this site. I found a great V2 Cigs discount too that can be accessed with this V2 Cigs coupon code. Read More
  • I also found a Ploom review by following this link.  I didn’t find out much about a Ploom affiliate program, but the review definitely made me want to check out the Ploom site even more.
Tips to Help You Create Better Websites posted by on April 4, 2011

Designing a website requires a lot of patience and a measure of creativity too.  Whether you are creating a personal blog or a business site that specializes in e-commerce, there are a few things you can do to make sure you stay on top of the competition and build better websites.  Follow these tips to take your web design to the next level.

First, don’t be afraid of color.  Five years ago, the big trend in web design was to use a very simple color scheme that was easy on the eyes and uncluttered.  Today’s web development trend is moving towards more vibrant colors and complicated design concepts.  Don’t be afraid to add a splash of bright colors to your web page.  It will cause the site to be more visually interesting and it will cause visitors to stick around.  With so many forms of media competing for attention, you need to find a way to make your particular web site stand out from the others.  Color can be a great tool to use to get an instant reaction from your visitors.

Second, make it easy to navigate.  Even if you have dozens of subpages and forums linked within your website, the key is to make it easy for your visitors to find the information they need.  Put a search bar in an obvious location and add a navigational menu right at the top where it is easily seen as soon as a visitor enters the site.  If your viewers can’t find the information they need, they won’t stick around the learn more about your products and services.

Finally, learn from those with more experience.  The best website designers are constantly updating their skills and learning new methods of coding.  Browse their portfolios to get new ideas and inspiration for your projects.  Here are a few great designers to check out.

Choosing a Web Designer posted by on January 7, 2011

When you are the owner of a web based business, people are going to create assumptions about both you and your business based solely on your website. If your website is orderly, easy to navigate, and if information is placed in obvious places, the potential customer is going to assume that you are a reliable business person and feel comfortable doing business with you. If the website is chaotic, the person is going to assume that you are disorganized and take their money elsewhere.

Since your website needs to create a lasting impression, it is very important that you find a web designer who is going to create an outstanding website for you. The key is to be willing to spend some time looking for a web designer who is going to be able to create a professional looking yet creative design.

The first thing you need to consider is your budget. The chances are pretty good that there are going to be some web designers who simply are not in your budget.  Do not hire a web designer until you have had a chance to sit down with them and discuss what you want and the type of design that they see themselves creating for you. If their design is miles away from the style that you would prefer, you should keep looking. There is no point in forcing a web designer to conform to your tastes; it will only make both of you miserable.

Do not assume that just because a web designer does not have a great deal of experience that they are not worth your time. To begin with, the less experienced web designers are usually easier on your budget that than the designers who have been in business for a while. The less experienced designers might also have fresher ideas that can really make your website pop. Inexperienced designers tend to be more willing to work with their customers too because they are trying to build a great portfolio.

You should find out if the person who is designing your website is going to simply create the design or if they will also be handling updates. You should also find out how involved they are going to be with the search engine optimization. Each designer has their own way of doing things so make sure that you ask plenty of questions.