Equine Website Design- Getting Noticed.
Some, but not all important elements to consider in equine website design are the same as applies to corporate website development.
Easy and Clear
Websites need to be clear, easy to navigate and understand and compatible with most computers and browsers... not an easy task! Good planning helps websites be clear and easy to navigate. We sit down with clients and talk about what pages they need and why. I am fond of putting all menu bars at the top of website pages as well as placing all links for every page on every page, so getting around the site is quick, clear and easy.
Superior Photography
Using superb photography is critical for getting noticed in website work. The web offers unlimited space and number of pages to display lots of photograhy and information. Take advantage of this space to utilize a more complete message that you may be able to offer your audience with a print ad. The web is a great place to "tell your whole story". This is done with great photography as well as good copywriting. Since images on the web are smaller and lower resolution, they are usually much less expensive to purchase than high resolution print images. One might purchase one or two images for print, but considerably more for the web, due to cost. Be sure to ask your photographers about this option! Beautiful photography matters... in print and on the web... a great example of this is The Krymsun Kruzer website.
How Your Audience Finds Your Site
Equine websites are quite lucky in that they have a very defined target audience and most of that audience visits similar online communities. Sites such as Gohorseshow.com, The Equine Chronicle website, Pleasurehorse.com, Huntseathorse.com, AQHA's website and others, give one the opportunity to purchase tile and/or banner advertising on those sites. These are then hot linked to your website, greatly increasing your traffic and visability within the equine community. Take advantage of these banner and tile packages to drive traffic to your site. Many sites also offer the client the option of FREE press releases and updates if they purchase banner and/or tile ads. This is a great way to keep in front of your audience with news about your product, service, show, stud, ranch... etc. (The Sun and Surf Circuit tile is a good example of this option).
Colors - Developing A Color Scheme
Colors make us notice. Some of the most powerful color combinations come from nature. This is especially true in good web design. Whether developing a single ad message or a year long campaign, consistency in color, font and style help you get noticed and remembered. When we use colors that tie into or are in the same family with horses or outfits, the message pops! (A good example of this can be seen in Jill Newcomb's website design). Jill has the personality and fun loving approach that fits perfectly with this way out look and feel.
These are just a few of many important details and concepts that go into making your website work harder, obtain better results and get you noticed. With more than 20 years experience and a Masters Degree in Advertising Design, we'll help guide you through the design process to achieve all that you wish. Just give us a call!
We love collaborating on different ideas and looks for clients. Call or email us... we're passionate about the work and your results!
kathleen@marketstreetmarketing.com
Kathleen Downs, MA, Principal
Market Street Marketing
530-244-9202