10% Discount on Website Designs

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Your would be customers are using the Internet and their favorite search engine to find a product they want (that you carry) or a service they need (that you offer) and if your business is not online, guess what, they will go to your competitor!

This is why thinking of Web Design should be your first and highest priority if you want your business to be found online.

Moreover, if your business is not on the world wide web, next to your competitors, then a) your existing customers will think you are not serious about running a professional business, and b) you will be making it easy for your competitors to reap the rewards of having an online presence!

Think about it! In this day and age, how many would be customers are still using the yellow-book to find a service they need, or a product they want to buy, and that you carry?

Mostly, none! And that’s because they are using the Internet, via their desktop, laptop or their smartphone to find your business! At Gorge Design Studio, we make professional web design affordable to small businesses!

Whether you like it or not, a would be customer will someday search for you online, and when they do, what do you want them to find?, nothing, or worse still, your competitor’s business next door?

Don’t let customers slip from your hand – Make them come to you instead and reap the rewards of having thought of website design now, and not later!

Your small business can grow and make you more money

Don’t you want to grow your business, reach more customers and make more money? We all do! Or are you afraid of not being able to manage your growing business? Don’t worry because when that time comes, you will be able to hire someone else to manage your business, while you are sitting at the beach with a large glass of ice cold lemonade (Did you think I was going to say ‘Beer’?)

There is a lot of money to be made online! And if you don’t start thinking of designing a website for your business, and get your share of the pie, your competitors will have no problem taking your share! So get up and start now by calling us at 541-965-1897

Who we are? A full-service web design company!

We are a full-service, US based web design company headquartered in The Dalles, Oregon! We focus on small and mid-sized business owners, like yourself, unique website design needs. We have years of web design experience, for national and international clients, and would be more than happy to work with you and your organization to develop a high-quality website to meet your unique needs.

Why choose us for all your website design and development needs?

Simply put, you should choose us for all your web design needs because we want you, and your business, attain a web presence, attract more customers, and boost sales all while keeping your cost low!

Today’s design trends are leaning more towards adopting the ‘minimalist design’ idea than the old ‘Let’s add more bells and whistles – that serve no purpose, and wow the visitors’ approach! 

At Gorge Design Studio, we believe in bringing more targeted traffic that came to your site for the sole purpose of buying your product or your service, than visitors what will just ‘wow’ your site, and leave – Leaving your register just as they found it!

We will design a site from the ground up, or redesign your existing site to make it more effective for your customers and your business needs.

Save up to 10% on our web design services

Call us today, at 541-965-1897, to save up to 10% on our web design services! We can help you choose the best design package suited for your business needs and budget.

Bad Web Designers

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Hiring a web design / development professional is often like an episode from Kitchen Nightmares.  The cook really believes he or she is great.  But a quick peek into the kitchen almost always reveals frozen, pre-made food.  The “cook” usually was a great construction worker or successful business person–but for some reason they thought cooking was a good idea, despite their inabilities.  They price their food either far too high or far too low.

The world of so-called “web designers” is incredibly parallel.  These folks might be great print designers, IT professionals, or advertisers.  But somewhere along the way they thought a jump to web would be easy, and since there’s so much pre-made stuff out there–why not make some money?

So how do you know when to hire someone, when to do it yourself, and how much a site should cost?  Here are a few tips:

To Cut Cookies or Not to Cut Cookies

No one likes to think they need a “cookie-cutter” website.  But if your budget is less than $1,500 or so–it means you’re going to get a cookie cutter site (unless someone is a beginner, fairly desperate, or will cut corners).  What I mean by “cookie cutter” is that someone out there has created a website that is fairly generic and easy to edit.  Simply swapping out the logo and making textual changes will take the template and make it “yours”.  This can be just fine if you’re a very small business with a low budget.  If what you need is nothing more than an online business card, just so you don’t look outdated, these options can work.

However, if you fit any of these categories, you should probably save up or shell out the cash for a professional, unique design:

  • You’re a business with serious competition in your area
  • You would benefit greatly from search engine optimization
  • Your business is a “parent” business that others look to (a manufacturer, a distributor, product supplier, network of professionals, etc.).
  • Your annual advertising budget is over $20,000
  • You advertise your website in radio, tv, or other publications

Cookie Cutter Hybrids

To be fair, there’s another viable alternative to having a completely “blah” template, cookie-cutter website.  A good designer can start with a pre-made template, and customize it enough to make it very unique.  This can minimize cost and still give you a unique design.  True web professionals may suggest this option if you have a lower budget, but still want a customized look beyond changing a logo or a header.

BEWARE:  Opportunistic “wanna-be” web professionals are numerous.  These are designers, IT people, or advertisers who are just tech-savvy enough to install a content management system, buy a pre-made template to install, and make very minor changes.  They think “there’s money in that!” so they charge premium prices (either because it takes them longer than a real pro, or because they want easy money).  I cannot count how many times I’ve seen businesses pay tons of money for a website I could produce in a day or two.

Made from Scratch: The Real Deal

These websites tend to start around $5,000 as a baseline cost and go up from there depending on functionality needed.  These are websites that work like this:

  • A designer mocks up a unique concept in a design program and sends a jpeg (or similar file) to the client for approval.
  • Once the design is approved, the design / development team codes the site, line-by-line.  They don’t go out and purchase a template from WooThemes for WordPress or RocketThemes for Joomla; they write the code themselves.
  • It’s likely they’ll use a content management system (CMS) like WordPress, Joomla, Drupal, Silverstripe, Concrete5, Expression Engine, etc.  But the development company creates their own unique theme that can plug into such systems.

While the creation of a custom theme (design) is vital, and the ability to program custom modules (custom functionality) into a website is paramount–it’s also important to note there are acceptable, time-saving options that exist that real pros will use:

  • Real pro’s may very well use a CSS grid-system like 960.gs, Yahoo’s YUI grid system, or something similar–but these are not design templates, these are frameworks that make for efficient code.
  • True professionals will likely use a javascript library such as jquery.
  • Content Mangement Systems that are not “proprietary” are OK.  In fact, if someone’s CMS is “proprietary”, I’d be careful.  More on this in another post.  It’s not bad to use a CMS, but the key is whether your designer / developer really knows how to create custom themes (designs) or modules (programming).  If the answer is no, you’re dealing with a hack.
  • Modules that are provided by the Content Mangement System are OK, too, to add functionality more cheaply.  But the web pro must be able to make fairly serious customizations to such modules, and should be able to build his/her own when needed.

Is My Web Professional a Hack?

The sad truth is that many who deem themselves web professionals are not proficient enough with web code (HTML, CSS), scripting (Javascript), or web development (programming languages, SQL languages) to create unique, effective websites.

Here are some clear indicators of fakers:

  • They cannot program and either avoid programming or outsource it.
  • They charge serious money for websites that use a WooTheme, a RocketTheme, a ThemeForest theme, etc.  Their “customization” of these sites will be minimal (changing headers/footers, content, etc.).
  • They may be overly expensive for template websites, or overly cheap because they do very little to the website.

These folks are not all devious, though many are.  Some had to become all things to all people because clients demanded it.  So they’re learning or doing the best they can.  But when they become parasitic–claiming they’re in the same tier as web professionals who know what they’re doing–they always rip off their clients.  Whether they lowball for a cheap website that won’t be effective, or whether they charge top dollar but rely on cookie-cutter solutions–it’s you, the client or the business, who’s left with the website equivalent of a limp handshake.

How Can I Be Sure I Get a Real Pro

Despite whether you’re doing a cookie-cutter hybrid or a from-scratch, unique design, you should find a true web professional.  The middle-tier options such as a “cookie cutter hybrid” will cost you middle-tier prices from a web pro, so you actually save money for a better web professional.  And if you ever need customized functionality, your pro will already be equipped.  If you hired a hack, they’ll be glad to “help” by outsourcing and up-charging.

If you’re screening a web professional or web development company, here are some things to ask:

  • Are you capable of building a completely custom theme from scratch for a content management system?
  • Can you program using PHP, ASP, or another web language?  If so, what are some custom modules or programs you’ve written I can see?
  • Do you have any education in database theory?
  • Are you proficient enough with HTML and CSS to take a photoshop file and create a web page from it?
  • Can you write JavaScript?
  • Can you create a website that is search-engine friendly?  (If yes,) Do you rely on a CMS module to optimize your website for search engines, or do you understand SEO well enough to do this from your own expertise?
  • Do you outsource any portion of your work?
  • What is your primary business?  Branding / print design?  IT work?  Or is most of your time spent in web development?

If you have a low budget, I commend you for recognizing the need for a website anyway.  I hope you create the best DIY option possible.  But inevitably, as you grow and recognize how high the return on investment (ROI) is with web services, you’ll need to upgrade.  Just be ready to weed out a lot of professional print designers, IT professionals, ad agencies, and inexperienced freelance desperadoes.  True web professionals aren’t scarce, they just tend to get buried under a pile of wanna-be bakers who have pre-made cookie dough, and cookie cutters at the ready.  Just be sure to peek into the kitchen when they pretend it’s from scratch.

50 Business Directories For Local Marketing

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As a local business, attracting new customers can be a major challenge. Quickly disappearing are the days when people go to the Yellow Pages to find local businesses. Today, people are turning to the internet as a way to find trusted business recommendations.

One way local businesses can get found is through inclusion in online directories. Adding a listing to these online directories is easy, but if you only list in a few, you’re really missing a huge opportunity to get found by online searchers.

Every individual directory that you submit to is another chance to get found online, so it’s important to make sure you’re listed in every directory possible. I have compiled a list of many popular local directories available on the internet. Filling out the forms over and over again can be a big pain, so here’s a link to an autofill add-on for Firefox that should help prevent carpal tunnel.

 

50 Business Directories For Local Marketing

1. Google
2. Bing
3. Yahoo!
4. Yelp
5. Merchant Circle
6. LinkedIn
7. YellowPages.com
9. Whitepages
10. Supermedia
11. Yellowbook
12. CitySearch
13. Mapquest
14. Biznik
15. Local.com
16. Foursquare
17. ThinkLocal
18. CitySlick
19. USYellowPages
20. SuperPages
21. Outside.in
22. Dex
23. BizJournals.com
24. TeleAtlas
25. JustClickLocal
26. Discover our Town
27. Metrobot
28. EZ Local
29. twibs
30. LocalEze
31. Kudzu
32. CityVoter
33. Manta
34. Zipweb
35. MatchPoint
36. UsCity.net
37. Local Site Submit
38. InfoUSA
39. Axciom
40. Infignos
41. Yellow Assistance
42. Get Fave
42. My Huckleberry
43. GenieKnows
44. MojoPages
45. Brownbook
46. Magic Yellow
47. CitySquares
48. TeleAtlas
49. Navteq GPS
50. Judy’s Book 

Making sure that you have a presence everywhere your potential customers might find you is critical to any local marketing plan. Don’t wait! Add your local business to these directories today!

 

 

Things To Know Before Designing A Website

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The website is an important part in today’s generation. In the 21st century, a business or a company which doesn’t have any website is really lacking behind in this big digital world. A website plays a vital role and consider one of the most valuable and marketing tools which really boosts the business throughout 24×7. It not only attracts large number of audience, but it also provides service throughout the day and night which can be a huge help to the people. At anytime, at anywhere whenever people would  like to get any information about a company or  service,then in that case they don’t have to come to the company, instead they can directly visit to the website and seek whatever information they want. But, if you really want to grab much attention, then in that case you should make a website which has all the information and people would easily get it at a glance.

A website should be catchy:

One of the most unique feature of a website is that the website should be attractive and appealing. According to a research, a person visits the website only for 10 seconds in the beginning. He can stay for longer if he finds something relevant, interesting or finds an answer to the questions he is seeking for. A website should be easy, simple and convenient when it comes to navigation and the content should be attractive, appealing which can grab attention of the spectators.

Design your website according to your target audience:

A website can be termed as a smart and perfect website when it will be able to grab much attention and will also be able to understand its visitors in a wonderful way. A website which understands its visitors perfectly is an ideal website. Different designs, templates are used to make the website attractive, but it different for different purpose and audience. An easy navigation system, simple content, correct information can grab much attention and will also help the visitors to know more about it.

Avoid a vague content:

A content should not be vague and long. A short and simple content with adequate information is much attractive than any long content. Every website has content, but the thing which is important is the beautiful display of the content on the website. A content should be perfectly crafted so that it doesn’t look boring. For more info visit Gorge Design Studio and get wonderful websites of your choice.

Why Digital Marketing Makes Sense in Small Town America

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This consists of a well-constructed web site that displays well on mobile devices. Extra importantly, it permits your clients to interact with you.

 

This consists of a well-constructed web site that displays well on mobile devices. Extra importantly, it permits your clients to interact with you and to share just how fantastic you are to their buddies. Honda and Toyota carved out a substantial chunk of the American automobile market place and now Hyundai and Kia are undertaking the very same by taking benefit of their lower labor prices to create high-quality vehicles at a reduce value. The advantage is that rural businesses traditionally have a reduce labor cost.  Just as the competitive benefit that numerous countries have over the United States is the rate that they spend their workers, the same is correct with rural America. Getting a enterprise Facebook page is cost-free and gives you another way to interact with your clients. Small town enterprises have the capabilities, the expertise and work force to win these jobs. Nearby businesses do not have an effective digital marketing strategy and as a outcome are losing company to far more businesses from larger communities in the area that are properly utilizing the digital space.

Lastly, modest town businesses can compete head on with urban competitors in search engine advertising. A effectively run spend-per-click Adwords campaign will land a rural enterprise at the best of the initially web page of Google along side of their competitors. It is a offered that any serious small business will have a internet site that reflects who they are, the culture of their business, as effectively as what services they present.

The Compact Town Competitive Benefit

According to a University of Minnesota study of nearly 14,000 rural firms, “More than half do not have a web page conveniently discovered on Google. The world wide web has leveled the playing field between urban and compact town communities. Social media present a special challenge and opportunity for rural organizations to compete with their urban counterparts.. Furthermore 90 % do not use social media. In extra densely populated areas a site is as simple as a phone. They just want to be discovered by those searching for them.

As a Web Developer in The Dalles, Oregon, I see these very same outcomes on a daily basis. If you do not have the fundamentals of a nicely built web site then you have no opportunity of these individuals finding your small business.

Half of Rural Corporations Do Not Have a Website

Sadly, to several little town organizations don’t understand the significance of digital marketing and advertising and as a outcome they are actually losing business enterprise to out of town companies. These campaigns are extremely price helpful and it is uncomplicated to monitor the return on investment.

How To Compete and Win Back Your Shoppers

Rural corporations are missing an opportunity to turn a competitive benefit into massive earnings. Americans invest a lot more time on world-wide-web associated activities then they do with any other type of media like television. Smaller town firms need to have to take the aggressive stance that these companies have and use their reduced labor charges to their advantage.

It incorporates getting an powerful social media presence. It is time for the modest town organizations to use digital marketing and advertising and their competitive strengths to develop their firms.

To do this they will will need to have an powerful digital presence. It is time for tiny town firms to turn the tables and use their competitive advantage in labor prices to leverage a lot more jobs.

As pointed out earlier, over half of rural and smaller town businesses do not have a website. Little town firms can raise their industry share by successfully marketing and advertising their business into the adjacent urban markets via the use of effective world-wide-web marketing and advertising. In short, they are not advertising themselves online and this most likely has detrimental financial consequences, each to individual companies and to their communities as world wide web use continues to enhance.”

The Internet has leveled the promoting field involving urban and rural America significantly like it did in between nations (combined with elevated efficiencies in worldwide shipping)

Social Media Marketing is a Key to Success in a Mobile World

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It is just not another notion that social media is getting far much greater outreach as expected by many some years ago. It was considered to be a more of a fun time activity, and to form social groups. Now, it has taken a diversified step to play its most updated part in internet marketing and optimization campaigns. So, you need to be sure that your products are properly seen or heard in the internet world, and the best way is to be on all mediums.

If you want your product or service to become a Brand Name then you have to have a clear cut thought in mind as where you want to take your business. If you feel like getting on top of the game, with all white hat Search Engine Optimization practices then you have to fire a reliable agency that can perform such functions for you. It is just not a matter of direct or conventional marketing anymore, and you need to focus on prospect clients who are moving all around with smart phones in their hands.

An effective campaign on social media like face book page creation and management or a LinkedIn profile will do great works for you. You will see lots of potential customers switching to your brand due to an eye grabbing advertisement on Social Media or a blog that kept their attention and they redirected to your official website. So, it is just too much necessary to be out for proper SEO Practices and for Social Media Marketing for sure. It is just a great thing that comes around for you to carry on a very good level for your Business Promotion and to be seen on top ranks on search engine results.

Internet Marketing is combination of so many marketing factors and Social Media Marketing is one such domain that is rapidly taking charge of brand promotions and advertisements. You can make it all happen in great delights for your financial prosperity and for having a proper stance in the world of digital marketing. You will do it all for your great Return on Investment (ROI).

It is here that you need a well reputed search engine optimization company, to let you introduce to the whole new group of clients and best people around. You can make all that well with a proper presence on local business lists and with a proper social media campaigns by great SEO technicians. Well, it is a separate field and social media managers are hired and work independently for your business promotion. But you can get these services form a good optimization company as they work all at one place and in a bigger scope.