April 26, 2010

Crafting a first-class website

Having spent many months and countless hours working on my website redesign (launched last week), last month’s DesignCast titled “Marketing Smart Websites” couldn’t have come at a better time. The first in the Creative Freelancer Marketing Bootcamp Series, this webinar led by Ilise Benun of Marketing Mentor was chock-full of practical advice for creating a marketing-driven website.

Some tidbits from the webinar that were useful for me:

  • Show your website to clients/prospects and ask for feedback: see what is important to them – I shared my new site with several clients and friends and found their feedback very useful
  • Write content that is focused and brief, highlighting your experience and expertise
  • Show samples of the type of projects that you want more of
  • Make sure the site reflects your overall position and strengths
  • Share client testimonials
  • Show a human side: videos, links to social media

Between the knowledge shared in the webinar and my own experiences, I had several ‘aha moments’ that allowed me to work more efficiently on my website redesign. I realized that a great website is well-thought out and planned—not to mention a constant work-in-progress: content must be assessed and updated regularly, design samples updated, new links and resources added. I feel better equipped now to move forward with my new website!

April 19, 2010

Lidia Varesco Design has a new website!

Filed under: Featured Projects — Tags: , , — lidia @ 6:38 pm

our new and improved website

After many months of sketching, designing and planning, we are delighted to announce the launch of the new-and-improved Lidia Varesco Design website!

We worked closely with Chicago-based Tasty CMS, who took our design and creative vision and translated it into an updated, user-friendly format.

Now you can view our design portfolio, read our latest blog post and small business tipsheet, or see what we’re up to in the design studio—all in one place.

We invite you to return to our website often to see featured design projects, case studies (coming soon!), and new goodies in our greeting card & stationery shop.

Once again, a big shoutout to Tasty CMS for their hard work, useful input and creative collaboration!

March 15, 2010

Featured Project: Attorney Website

Filed under: Featured Projects — Tags: , , — lidia @ 9:26 pm

click to view website

We recently created a website for The Law Offices of R.D. Skelton, Ltd. in Geneva, Illinois.

Located just outside of Chicago, the firm, which specializes in business law, estate planning, and probate and trusts, wanted to establish a web presence that would set them apart from other attorneys without being overly complicated and sterile.

With the use of bold graphics and a brown/green palette, we created a website that was understated, yet strong enough to stand out and emphasize the firm’s experience and qualifications.