Say it with Pictures

"A picture is worth a thousand words" is a good saying to go by when setting up a website. Studies have shown that most people do not read websites word for word. They mostly scan the writing as they scroll down, trying to find pertinent information.

One way to make that easier for them is to provide images. A well presented picture, with clear reference to the website, and particularly to the commentary near it, could provide more information than a paragraph of text.

A picture should not describe the text, but complement it, in order to encourage the browser to find more information within the text.

But, don't feel that every single page or comment needs a complementary picture. Pictures tend to take longer to download and can distract from the central message.

A simple interior shot of a gallery, store or restaurant can say a lot about the business, and yes, even about the "philosophy" of the owner.

I know, this is a post about pictures, without any pictures! I've covered that too, if you read through the whole post!

Getting Your Own Website

Artists and restaurateurs can often add their business to a group website which advertises specifically for their business.

This can have several advantages.

- Whoever is looking for focussed information can go to these sites and find a large collection of similar products, also giving your work a chance to be viewed.

- The business or individual doesn't have to worry about upkeep, design decisions, maintenance or finding a good and reliable website designer.

- These sites are usually much cheaper

But, there are some disadvantages as well.

- The look of these websites is pretty generic, and doesn't leave much for creativity or individuality. Since one way to attract potential clients or buyers is by how unique your website is, your product (menu, business name, artwork) etc... has to outshine all the others on those group websites.

- These websites provide website addresses that are usually attached to their own address. So, your website address may a long string of words, many of which have no relation to you or your work - something like: wwww.name of group site.com/your name.html. Such a website address is hard to remember, and harder to print on a small business card.

- You may want, at some point, to add interactive elements like e-commerce, or a newsletter, or comment box other than for email. Addition of extra elements is often impossible in these group websties.

Of course, the type of website you want depends on a large number of factors. But, if you are really serious about your business or activity, a website with your own unique address, and unique identity, and with the flexibility to add new elements and technologies will be much more cost-effective.

Summer Festivals

The Cabbagetown Festival is an eventful three days of parades, arts and crafts shows, a film festival, theater, music and food.

And there was the street show along Parliament, where the local businesses put up their booths to show their wares, and give out specials.

Kidist Designs was there on Saturday, where I met quite a few interesting people.

Be sure to take advantage of the specials, which I'm also posting on the blog.

You can also visit the Kidist Designs spot in the Cabbagetown Business Directory (under Digital Media, Website Services and Graphic Arts.)