The Bold Circle

Clean Web Design From The Bold Circle Web Design Agency

admin — Thu, 16 May 2013 10:25:22 +0000

Looking for clean professional web design for your website?

As web technologies like HTML and CSS evolve, more tools are provided for designers to offer clean, professional web designs. By using a great deal of white space combined with light backgrounds, we can achieve a very clean feel for your website. The use of light grays, and whites, and just a few simple colors provides a very pleasing effect on the eye and your site will have a longer shelf than heavily styled websites.

In addition to color, clean websites often have an uncluttered layout. Some may call this clean type of design ‘Web 2.0′ websites.

So why is simplicity good when designing websites?

Visitor’s to your site often have short attention spans. The longer it takes for them to browse and find what they are looking for, the more likely it is they will leave your site as soon as they arrive.

The more cluttered your site, the more your visitor’s eyes are distracted and the less likely they will notice the important items on the web site.

It is very important to minimize distraction and find solutions to lay out your information with as little complexity as possible. We can remove unnecessary components, without sacrificing effectiveness.

Items we take into consideration for achieving clean web design:

Simplicity
Central Layout
Fewer Columns
Separate top sections
Solid areas and sections within your site
Simple navigation
Bigger text
Bold text introductions
Strong colors
Rich Surfaces

Is Getting A Mobile App Developed Worth It?

admin — Thu, 16 May 2013 10:17:40 +0000

Mobile Apps are in greater use than ever before. With over 6.9 billion people on our planet today, the need for mobile phones is always increasing. In fact, according to communities-dominate.blogs.com, 75% of the people in our world have a mobile phone, whether or not they are employed. With the increase in use of mobile phones, business can find added benefits that stem from the development of mobile apps.

Some businesses resort to making a mobile website, thinking they can avoid application development. Perhaps businesses should consider the popularity of mobile apps verses having to go to a website. Businesses assume they can develop a website to look better than a mobile application, and therefore opt to put their time, energy and focus into a website, often neglecting the influence they could have by creating a mobile app.

There are several benefits to businesses that develop mobile apps. A well-designed app can provide a much better experience for the customer than a website. Because mobile apps are accessible from Smartphones; they are much more portable than mobile optimized websites. Customers can access business information and products in a minimal number of downloads and clicks. In addition, businesses that develop mobile apps can begin to integrate other strategies with the mobile app.

For example, companies can offer mobile payment options for quick and easy access to purchasing a product or service with an app. Mobile apps can also be used for advertising and brand recognition. When mobile apps become available in the Apple marketplace, the company who creates them is recognized and their brand is made available to millions.

So is getting a mobile App developed worth it for businesses? With the current trend in mobility, mobile apps are crucial for businesses looking to keep up with the market. With portability, advertising options, easy payment alternatives and an easier to navigate experience for the customer, developing mobile apps is one strategy businesses should be using. In addition, a well branded mobile app can ensure success.

Is Your Web Content Causing Your Sales to Decrease?

admin — Thu, 16 May 2013 10:14:39 +0000

For many businesses, web sites are very important to their sales. A web site can inform potential clients or customers about your business, your practices and standards, as well as the business owner and the staff. However, if your web site is not professional or contains unnecessary content, it may deter individuals from coming back or coming to you for business needs. You need to consider how your content should be written, what type of content should be on your website, and what should not be on your website.

How should your web content be written? Everything on your website should reflect professionalism. Individuals may be turned off by bad grammar or spelling errors. Your content can be slightly casual but still professional at the same time, which may convey naturalness to potential clients and customers. The website itself should also be presented in an organized manner, so that visitors are not confused and can find what they are looking for with relative ease.

Next consider what type of content should be on your website. The content should be organized, instead of having information displayed in a sporadic manner. Additionally, content should be relevant to your business. You may want to include the history of your business, your goal or mission statement as a businessman, and the services you include. Also be sure to include contact information for visitors, as they may be potential clients.

Finally, consider what should not be on your website. Avoid content that is unnecessarily personal, and content that is inappropriate. Visitors may not take your business seriously, and they may also lose respect for you as a businessman if you have inappropriate content on your website. It also detracts from the relevant information on your website.

SEO Friendly Website Redesign Tips

admin — Mon, 13 May 2013 13:56:17 +0000

Search Engine Optimization plays a major role in web design and development. Having an SEO friendly will ensure that your website is easily found within the search engines. Here are a few tips on how to build a website that will get recognized by the search engines.

Don’t go overboard with flash.

Search engines still have a hard time reading and indexing websites filled with programming languages that are not in sync with their algorithm. Plus, you have users who browse with their iPad and Smartphone. If your primary focus is attracting business from the search engines, you’re better off keeping it simple as possible.

Use the right Website Structure & Navigation

When optimizing your website, make sure you use the proper heading tags, navigation and rendering of the menu and links. All of your heading tags (H1, H2 and H3) should be used according to sizes. Don’t forget to make sure your menu items and your main pages (home, services, contact, etc.) are placed in a visible area.

Don’t use Files or Media that can affect the speed of your webpage.

The speed of a website can greatly affect the performance of your website. A website’s functionality should be smooth and effortless. If your webpage takes a year and half to load, your visitors will lose patience and leave. Make sure your webpage documents and files are scaled down so that it doesn’t interfere with your loading speed.

Utilize the most important keywords.

Make sure that you utilize the correct keyword placement. Your most important keywords should be properly inserted in your navigation menus, title tag, header tags, file names, alt text for images, image descriptions, etc. Avoid keyword stuffing and over optimizing your pages. Otherwise, you could run the risk of getting penalized by the search engines.

If you need a website redesigned, contact The Bold Circle Web Design and Development Agency in Johannesburg. We’ll provide you with a comprehensive website analysis and offer you solutions that will add value to your website.

Tags: seo tips, seo friendly redesign tips, website redesign, web design seo, search engine optimization tips, johannesburg seo

Why is Responsive Web Design important?

admin — Mon, 13 May 2013 13:47:46 +0000

Imagine what life would be like if you had to have a separate website to accommodate each wireless device? You would need a separate website for people who access your website from an iPhone, Android and a tablet. This would be a costly endeavor. Thanks to Responsive Design, all you need is a responsive web design and anyone will be able to access your website regardless of what device they use.

What is Responsive Design?

Responsive web design is defined as an approach to website design that provides ‘optimal’ viewing experience. For example, let’s say that a person views your website from an iPhone or a tablet, they can scroll, resize and pan your website. In other words, it streamlines the navigation process.

Why Do You Need a Responsive Web Design?

Is having a responsive web design really necessary? It is necessary if you want your mobile users to have access to your website 24 hours a day.

According to statistics, tablet sales have outranked laptop and desktops sales in 2012. Android and iPhone devices are right up there in the ranks as well. This means that more and more web users are searching from an iPhone, Android or tablet.

What this all boils down to is that if your website doesn’t have a responsive design, your website will be lost among the thousands of other non-responsive websites. The good news is there is a solution. Our Johannesburg Web Designers build responsive websites that get noticed. We build websites that are easy to navigate regardless of which device a person uses to access your website.

Another advantage of having a responsive web design is because it makes it easier to implement Search Engine Optimization (SEO). If you had to perform SEO on multiple websites, it would tumultuous.

Tags: responsive design, jhb, johannesburg responsive web design, responsive layout johannesburg, responsive websites, johannesburg programmers

Mobile Application Design and Development Johannesburg

admin — Fri, 10 May 2013 11:01:05 +0000

Design Tips for Your New iPad App

When you download an app, you want to start using it immediately without the hassle. Your iPad app users feel the exact way. When they download an app, there should hardly be any setup steps, and if there are setup steps involved, it should be minimal. Here are a few design tips The Bold Circle App Designers recommend when building an iPad app.

Make ‘touchable’ noticeable

Some people design apps with interactive areas that fail to stand out. If you want people to tap a particular area on his/her iPad, you have to make it obvious; otherwise they won’t know it’s touchable. This is a common mistake many app designers make.

Leave complexity to game—not apps

When developing an app, it’s important that you keep the navigation as simple as possible. The purpose of using an iPad app or any kind of app is for convenience. Leave the complicated navigation for games – not apps.

Don’t use distracting pop-ups

If you’re going to use pop-ups, make sure it’s used to help people to navigate. When pop-ups are used the wrong way, they can be very distracting to the user. It can also cause the screen to appear cluttered and it can be difficult to read. If you have a lot of content to share with the user, you’re better off having people sent to a completely new screen.

Get personalized

When building an iPad app you will want people to have a personalized experienced. One way to accomplish this is by allowing app users to use information, such as Facebook updates and a Twitter feed. This can really help personalize a user’s experience.

For further information about our Johannesburg app development company, contact us for further information.

Tags: ipad app design, ipad apps, ios apps, johannesburg ipad developer, jhb ipad application, johannesburg ios, design for ipad app johannesburg

Mobile Web Design Makeover

admin — Tue, 07 May 2013 08:46:39 +0000

Have you ever visited a website that had a great design? Then five years later, you visit the same site and it hasn’t been updated since the last time you checked-in? That’s a strong indication that is time for web design makeover. In this post, we’re going to share with you a few hints that it may be time for a web design makeover:

Your website is not mobile friendly. People who visit your website from their Smartphone or other wireless device are having a difficult time maneuvering through your website.
Your competitor just got their website redesigned.
Visitors are having usability issues. For example, it is difficult for people to navigate through your website.
Your website doesn’t support the latest plug-ins. A well-designed website should be able to support the latest plug-ins.
You have a flash intro that takes too long to load. If a person is visiting your website from their wireless device, they’ll have a difficult time entering your site. This is a major usability issue that can affect your conversion ratio.
Your website design looks early 2000s. This is a strong hint that it’s time for a makeover.
A website that is user-friendly will provide you with a better traffic conversion ratio. When a website is easy to maneuver, it’s easier for a person to make an informed decision. If you have an eCommerce website, make sure your check out process is smooth. You don’t want people to abandon your site because your website has usability problems.

If you feel that it’s time for a web design makeover, Contact our Web Designers today. We’ll provide you with a quote and free consultation.

Tags: mobile web design, mobile web johannesburg, mobile development jhb, mobile formatted websites in johannesburg and pretoria, mobile friendly websites

How to Get People to Buy Your iPhone App

admin — Tue, 07 May 2013 08:33:56 +0000

It can be quite challenging to sell your iPhone app in the app store. Naturally, it requires hard work or “being at the right place, at the right time.” Nevertheless, there may be several factors that could be diminishing your chances to sell your iPhone app.

The icon is usually the first thing iPhone app customers see in the app store. The icon you choose ideally should give the user a basic idea of what the app is supposed to accomplish. Naturally, the icon should be an impressive work of art. If you spend the necessary dollars and time, then it’s likely you will see people download your iPhone app.

This is why it is important to find an experienced app development company to develop your application.

Choosing the Right iPhone App Name

A poorly chosen iPhone app name can really hurt chances of being successful. It’s advisable not to use generic names; however, you don’t want to use unusual, fabricated words to prevent the user from understanding the purpose of the app.

Choosing a viable combination of icon and name can get your customers interested to click on your app. In addition, screenshots are very important. Image slots are necessary to showcase amazing iPhone app features. It is advisable to overlay text in each image highlighting features to explain the iPhone app.

Harsh reviews and one star ratings can do some serious damage to an iPhone app. It is never good when users complain of crashes; thus, you should address the matter ASAP. An effective way to receive better reviews is to have a “rate this app” dialogue to ask others to rate your app while they enjoy it. Our iPhone app development team can help you plan a winning iPhone app from the beginning. As a result, you will experience a higher success rate.

If you need an iPhone app developed, our iPhone app development team can help. Contact us for a free quote and consultation.

Tags: iphone apps johannesburg, iphone app developer, app companies Johannesburg, selling iphone apps, Pretoria mobile apps, cape town mobile app companies

5 Successful Small Business Homepage Design Tips

admin — Thu, 02 May 2013 14:45:10 +0000

The homepage is considered one of the most important pages of a website. Your homepage can have a great impact your company’s bottom-line. Here are five homepage design tips that will help improve your homepage usability:

Include a Tagline - Don’t forget to include your tagline. It should summarize what your website is all about or the purpose of your business.
Check for Spelling Errors - A homepage that’s riddled with spelling errors can ruin your website. It only takes one simple mistake like writing ‘afordible’ instead of ‘affordable’ to change a visitor’s mind about contacting you.
Make Social Media Current - Using social media to promote a business has become the norm for many small businesses. For instance, you can imbed a live feed of your most recent Twitter posts on your website. Every time you post a new tweet, your homepage will instantly update on your homepage. Just make sure you remain active with your social media outlets. There is nothing more disconcerting than visiting a website that hasn’t posted a tweet in two months.
Be consistent with your brand - Your template design, logo design and color scheme should reflect the product or service you’re offering. Your brand should be consistent in all platforms. For example, your business cards, flyers, letterhead and company brochures should mimic your website design.In addition, your social media platforms should also be consistent with your website design. It’s amazing how many business owners will ignore this important design element. Believe it or not, your target audience will take notice if your brand is inconsistent. If you need help improving your brand image, consider hiring The Bold Circle Design and Development Agency.
Display a Search Box - If you have a large website, consider including a search box. This will make it easy for your visitors to find what their looking for on your website.

Whenever you improve the appearance and the functionality of your website, you’re automatically adding value to your business. Contact The Bold Circle Web Design Department for a free quote on our web design and development services.

Tags: homepage design tips, website design tips, homepage tag line, social media homepage, web designers in johannesburg, mobile app developers

The Perfect Landing Page for your Website

admin — Thu, 02 May 2013 14:32:13 +0000

Why do you need a landing page? Having a well-designed landing page by The Bold Circle can greatly improve your conversion rate. The key is to focus on creating a page that will help your visitors take action, whether it’s to make a purchase or sign up for your newsletter. Here are a few tips to consider when building a landing page:

Make your landing page appear legitimate.

Your web page should look like a landing page. Avoid using programs like free site builders because they tend to have an amateur appearance.

Immediately capture your visitor’s attention.

You only have a few seconds to capture your visitors’ attention. Otherwise, they will leave your website and go elsewhere.

Make your landing page a continuation of your ad.

If you’re advertising 20% off an e-book on Facebook, your landing page should reflect that offering. It should also have a call to action that directs a person to receive their discount and make the purchase.

Select the right kind of landing page.

If you’re offering a discount coupon, consultation request, e-book download or a free trial, it should reflect that action within the design.

Avoid Unnecessary Distractions

Avoid using pop-ups or any kind of distraction in your landing page design. You should only focus on the product or service you’re selling.

Use plenty of white space between your content.

This will make it easier for your visitors to read. Make sure you don’t overload your page with too many graphic images. Remember, less is more.

If you need a landing page designed to promote a product or service you’re offering, our Johannesburg web designers will create an award-winning landing page. For a quote and consultation, feel free to contact us.

Tags: landing pages johannesburg, create killer landing pages, increase traffic, johannesburg design, johannesburg internet marketers, johannesburg programmers