Continue reading »]]> This afternoon Len and I were working on a client’s website, each with our own list of tasks to complete on the project. We were both talking about our work and how quickly it was coming along. In this synergetic moment, we stumbled across an intersection of work and would up on the same page at the same time.

I had changed a field on my screen in an effort to aid the project Len was working on. Meanwhile, on Len’s computer, he was entering the data and was about to change that same field. I updated my work, he updated his work, and everything flowed beautifully.

A minute later I told Len what I had done to help him out. He looked at me bewildered, asking, “What are you talking about?” I repeated myself and he looked at me again with confusion, “Huh?” Finally we both realized that we had been working on the minor part of the same page in the same project – and we laughed about it.

It’s a Friday afternoon here at Launch Bureau, and we’re about through for the week! It’s been an awesome week and we look forward to swinging the doors open again on Monday!

Continue reading »]]> I like reviewing websites from a operational and design point of view. I especially enjoy doing this of companies and people that I enjoy in every day life. I figured I should share with the Launch Bureau crowd my thoughts on Paris Las Vegas Hotel & Casino.

Staying at the Paris in Las Vegas is divine, for the most part. The rooms are beautiful, but not incredibly appointed. There are restaurants along the strip and inside the casino, but they lack a certain refinement. The hotel connects to Bally’s which advertises the connection to it’s more frugal ownership. As wonderful as the property is, there’s a sense that corners have been cut. This all may be on purpose and align with their marketing strategy.

A quick look at their website appears to be a nice, solid construction. A light floral background offsets bold, colorful architectural photos and sensuous skin, fabrics, and lighting. Links to locations are muted which focuses the eyes on the main content, and ultimately the site’s intention – to make a reservation.

But then something seems amiss. I notice it, Len notices it – and I’m positive others notice it at least subconsciously.  What’s happening:

• Fonts in the reservation boxes don’t match the style of the rest of the website
• The “Best Rate Guarantee” button isn’t kerned correctly
• Social networking icons in the “Stay Connected” bulletpoint throw off the bullet alignment and aren’t evenly spaced
• ALL CAPS are used instead of Mixed Case for many, but not all, items in the menu bar
• A few items in the menu bar are italicized but don’t  indicate why
• The blue Total Rewards box has text fields that don’t match the website
• The “Feedback” button on the right does far more than provide feedback, but it’s purpose isn’t clear
• Information in the footer is a mix of font styles with bolds, underlines, and font sizes

So, these things “bother” my eye even though I know what’s happening. The Paris website has the same issues as the rest of the properties in the Caesar’s family. Each use the same engine on the back end with elements that are generically styled, hoping to blend in to each property’s themes.

The mission of the websites of the Paris and it’s family hotels is to make your reservation at one of the hotels (not leaving, say, for the Wynn or Treasure Island). By having a consistent view across all of their websites, you learn the reservation process and are more likely to repeat the process when you arrive on one of the other websites. It’s a method that I understand, although I’m not crazy about it.

I would prefer a comprehensive site that gives me a complete feel and experience of a place. If the site was consistent throughout, however, I may not be so quick to enter my reservation information and check out rates and dates. Also, the utilitarian look sends a message of value and frugaility – perhaps I will get the best deal here? And as much as I want to be pampered with my stay in Vegas – I want as much money for other activities so believing I’ll save money on this reservation keeps me thinking of this property even after I move along to another site.

Of course, my analysis assumes either they are unaware of the style incongruity or have chosen the style on purpose. Whichever it is, I’m looking forward to my next visit to the hotel, but I may pass on their website.

Continue reading »]]> Today we’re completing another project, and we’re so happy that we can provide a great website to one of our clients. Please check it out at www.ernestsoldit.com!

This project was a website for two Keller Williams Realtors, Ernest Cooper and Cyndi Johnston. These two dynamic individuals have a solid book of sold properties and are wonderful individuals. We are proud to have the opportunity to work with these two professionals. Check out their website!

Their website was fun to work on. We got to see details of a wide range of properties they’ve sold or currently have listed on the market. They wanted a sophisticated, elegant look that incorporated elements of their existing graphic styling. They also wanted contemporary tools and accessibility across their site. For years, Ernest had a vision for his site that included a landing page which is a screen that appears before the main content of the page. We discussed the pros and cons of this detail as it’s no longer a web standard. We were able to include this element with grace and simplicity, providing our client his desired effect of class.

We incorporated tooltips that pop up on hovering over Realtor terms and over “easter eggs” laid in the pages. We also developed a process where currently listed properties can be easily posted to the site, then switched to the sold category with a single button on the backend. Social media is located throughout the site, and users always have access to emailing either Realtor from any page. A simple mortgage calculator written in javascript rounds out the site and includes an extra for the user to contact the Realtors for detailed information on properties they might want to investigate.

We utilized WordPress, our favorite content management system (CMS) for web projects. WordPress is a scalable CMS that was originally built for blogs. The system has expanded into a well-rounded tool for web developers to focus on front-end look while depending on a simple and robust back-end for editing. It’s not the right tool for all websites, but in this case it was perfect.

Continue reading »]]> Large businesses have been using paid promotions on Twitter as a way to build their brands for the past several months. Many tech-savvy small businesses have been using the core technology as well, but most have been left out of the promoted tweeting due to cost and complexity.

Enter the new program between American Express and Twitter to help small businesses get promoted messages out on the messaging platform and compete with the big boys. Eligible American Express cardholders can enroll in the program on the programs page https://ads.twitter.com/amex/ and may receive a $100 towards their first promotion on Twitter.

Twitter CEO Dick Costolo said, ”So many hundreds of thousands and even millions of small businesses have been using Twitter effectively for years already, so by opening up our ad platform to all these folks as a mechanism for them to amplify the value they’re already creating,”

As always, Launch Bureau can help small businesses develop and set up this process, develop a Twitter account for your business, and integrate into your existing marketing campaigns.