Make Designs Creative, inc.

Search Engine Optimization (SEO) in a nutshell

Mary Edwards — Tue, 13 Sep 2011 15:30:07 +0000

ahhhh…. the elusive race for the top spots in Search Engines leaves website owners frantic to gain priority. It is probably the most fielded question in website development and maintenance, and the answer isn’t as simple as 1-2-3. It’s a complex algorithm that allows Search Engines to rank (or reward) pages with the right combination of ranking factors, or “signals.”

The #1 thing to consider is that it is a long journey, that takes lots of time (think MONTHS) and plenty of patience. I would recommend that you get started on it now, and follow all of the guidelines from the top 3 search engines (google, yahoo & bing) & other professional resources.

Make note > there is a big difference between SEO and SEM (search engine marketing > aka paid Ad Words). Namely price & the fact that 80% of folks browsing the web click on SEO vs. SEM. That’s a pretty good indicator that the best way to get people to your website, is to invest in SEO, whether you do it yourself, or hire it from a SEO Professional. Once the groundwork has been laid, it will simply take time…

This graphic is a great visual to portray the complexity of SEO ranking factors, enjoy.!

Direct Mail Postcard

Mary Edwards — Thu, 09 Sep 2010 21:34:21 +0000

Client: Lone Mountain Ranch
Size: 5.5 x 8.5″
Marketing for Winter Bookings
Promo: Join us this Winter at Historic Lone Mountain Ranch for unforgettable Ski Vacations in the heart of Yellowstone Country. Discover the natural wonders of this spectacular region, experience the many recreational adventures we have to offer and create many fond memories with friends and family. Special 15% discount available from Dec. 12-19, 2010, Jan. 3-8 and Feb. 26-March 26, 2011.
CLICK IMAGE TO VIEW FULL-SIZE IN WINDOW.

Why to build your website on the WordPress CMS?

Mary Edwards — Mon, 02 Aug 2010 21:50:46 +0000

There are a plethora of Content Management Systems (CMS) out there on the market, ever changing and all across the board for price. WordPress is simply 1 of the leaders of the pack for Open Source CMS (aka FREE). You’re probably wondering, why use a CMS versus a static HTML website? The key word is “static”. Keeping your content fresh & utilizing a blog tied into Facebook & Twitter are key components of successful SEO, among other factors. It’s seemingly simple in theory, but what most folks who aren’t web savvy developers or programmers don’t understand is just how much WORK, TIME & KNOWLEDGE goes into the building of a website. Surfing around the internet you see all kinds of sites; from static HTML web pages to dynamic FLASH content, interactive media and so forth.

So,…

What does all that mean to you?

How much should a basic website cost to develop and which route should you choose?

What is a WordPress Website, and why should you consider one?

What does all that mean to you?
Website developers are all over the board in the “type and quality of skills” they bring to the table. Anyone, anywhere, with a computer & internet connection can put together a basic website in a matter of hours. There is a plethora of resources on the web at our fingertips these days… But, the real trick is to find the “tried & true” solutions so that you’re building a website that represents yourself or your business in the kind of professional manner that reflects who you are and what you do. Website development is technology… and like technology, it is ever changing. In one day, out the next. That said, how do you know you are making the right development choice and putting your money into a product that is still going to be a viable solution next year, and the year after, and maybe if you’re lucky, the year after that? How many of you upgrade and replace your cell phone every 2 years? Or maybe even more? The web is just as competitive and faster moving… which leads into our next topic.

How much should a basic website cost to develop and which route should you choose?
I wish I had an easy answer for this question. Alas, no two clients or the same, or have the same needs when it comes to a website. In the most basic of terms, sit down and figure out the necessary components of your proposed website and ask around. Typically you will find the best fit for your need within your network of personal and business associates. Certainly, you want to work with someone you know and trust; and has developed a type of website similar to what you are looking for.

Here’s a few examples of websites I’ve developed on the WordPress CMS, with associated Host Account Management, Email / FTP Accounts, CMS operating system upgrades, website training, blogging + social media marketing integration.
Reed Lehman Pottery
Water’s Edge Outfitting
Tarkio Equestrian Center
Chico Day Spa
Rockin’ HK Outfitters

Just give me a price already…
Ballpark figure for a website = anywhere from $400-4000, and up. (Based on Content, Special Features, Graphics, Integration & Set-up of Social Media Marketing/Facebook/Twitter, Organization & Population). We are able to do this in phases to accommodate budgetary constraints, call Mary Edwards @ 406.570.3433 & we can discuss your particular need.

What is a WordPress Website, and why should you consider one?
Open Source Content Management Systems (like WordPress) emerged a number of years ago, and have since gained the “bear’s share” of the web development market.

WordPress is web software you can use to create a beautiful website or blog. We like to say that WordPress is both free and priceless at the same time. The core software is built by hundreds of community volunteers, and when you’re ready for more there are thousands of plugins and themes available to transform your site into almost anything you can imagine. Today, it is the largest self-hosted blogging tool in the world, used on millions of sites and seen by tens of millions of people every day.

The reasons are simple:

Pre-built and pre-programmed web templates. (aka, you get a LOT more, for a LOT less.)

Built-in SEO (Search Engine Optimization)

Automatic search and categorizing of your content.

Built-in image upload and insertion.

Built-in text editor and the ability for non-nerds to manage the content of their website.

Ability to keep your website fresh with new content > BLOG (photos & videos)

Administration Panel with the ability to control users/authors of the website, and the type of content they are able to edit. (functions like: writing and editing posts, creating Pages, defining links, creating categories, moderating comments, managing plugins, managing themes, and managing other users.)

Tens of millions of people can’t be wrong!

How to create your Facebook Business Page Username

Mary Edwards — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 22:57:35 +0000

Greetings!
Most have us have been around the block a time or 2 with Facebook… and have come to realize that although it is a fantastic tool & means of communication, it is not always the easiest to navigate when it comes to certain settings, resources, etc.

Today’s tip from us to you. Get out there and secure your Business Page Username. Why? A number of reasons… Firstly, it’s permanent. Once its yours, its yours. Also, creating your Username allows you to easily promote your presence on Facebook with a short URL. This username can be used in your marketing communications, company website and business cards.

We decided to get a little fun with it… facebook.com/montanamarketing.

More information available on Facebook. Don’t need more information, create your username here.

Dog Wheelchair Company opens their doors for business

Mary Edwards — Tue, 29 Jun 2010 18:27:00 +0000

Our good friends at RUFF ROLLIN’ Wheelchairs for Dogs have launched their new website today. If you have a pet in need, or know somebody who does… give them a call.
(877) 390–RUFF
email RUFF ROLLIN’
www.ruffrollin.com

RUFF ROLLIN’ is a family owned company founded in the heart of the Northern Rockies, in Bozeman, Montana. We are committed to one thing; we will provide you and your dog with the best possible experience during this difficult time. I began a career building wheelchairs for disabled dogs 12 years ago, working with some of the top companies and veterinary professionals in the industry. It has been one of the greatest and most rewarding parts of my life. After helping countless dogs gain back their mobility and dignity, I can’t imagine doing anything else. My wife, Sierra, and I bring a combined 13 years of experience in this industry to the table. Sierra also brings an additional 16 years of customer service.
Together we provide compassion, humility, trust and a promise to serve your needs and exceed your expectations. Thank you for giving us the opportunity to provide your dog with a new lease on life!

Sincerely,
Jason and Sierra Christofferson
Owners

PBS Antiques Roadshow 15-second Television Spot

Mary Edwards — Thu, 10 Jun 2010 19:57:00 +0000

QUESTION:
What do you do when one of your favorite clients comes to you with an opportunity to create something for public television?
ANSWER:
ehhhh… you jump up and down & say “Yes, Please! and Thank you!”
The graphics that we created for the Community Closet Thrift Store, combined with the fabulous creative vision Caron Cooper brings to any project, resulted in nothing less than sheer genius for a mere 15-seconds. (ahem, yes… we are a bit partisan, we like it!).

FOOTNOTE: Caron Cooper is the Executive Director of the Community Closet Thrift Store.

Social Media Revolution

Mary Edwards — Thu, 08 Apr 2010 16:28:00 +0000

“It’s a fad, it won’t last...”, or will it?
Facebook, YouTUBE, Twitter, MySpace, LinkedIn, Digg,… the list goes on and on. They represent the fastest growing entities on the web. If you haven’t considered utilizing these tools for personal or business communication, now is the time.! From mobile devices to the iPad, staying connected has literally never been so easy. Word of mouth travels at the speed of,… well, high speed internet.

I realized the importance of embracing these tools a couple of years ago at a family gathering in the scenic mountains outside of Cascade, Montana when I asked one of my younger (Gen Y) cousins for his email address. He simply looked at me like I was asking for a cassette tape of “Men at Work” or some other infamous 80′s band he’d never heard of, and replied “Well I could give you my email address, but I never check it. I really only communicate via MySpace or Facebook.” I was floored, and intrigued. Upon return to my home in Livingston, Montana I immediately went online to figure out this new wave of internet communication. It didn’t take long for me to realize that email communication lacked personality and interactivity; whereas, Social Networking sites provided immediate connectivity with friends around the world. Photos, videos, updates, news feeds,… I was sold.

This is bigger than the Industrial Revolution. [watch]

NEW Website for Rockin’ HK Outfitters custom programmed for Word Press Content Management System

Mary Edwards — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 18:27:00 +0000

Greetings! Here at Make Designs Creative we are soooo darn excited to have wrapped up a fantastic website redesign for our favorite Yellowstone National Park horse pack outfitters > Rockin’ HK. These guys provide unparalleled backcountry trips providing the chance of a lifetime to see some of the most pristine country the Rocky Mountain West has to offer… All this AND gourmet meals to boot !!
Along with adventure and the allure of back country fly fishing, you can also count on unmatched photographic possibilities of beautiful landscapes, high mountain scenery and a wide variety of wildlife. Including Grizzly Bear, Elk, Mountain Goats, Big Horn Sheep, Moose, and many different Birds of Prey.
www.rockinhk.com

Logo Design for Web-based Company building Wheelchairs for Pets in Need.

Mary Edwards — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 18:26:00 +0000

There’s no better feeling than to be able to help someone in need; even if that someone happens to be one of our 4-legged friends!
We were privileged to lend our creative expertise to the building of the Brand Identity for Ruff Rollin’ Wheelchairs for Dogs… where they truly are, “Lifting spirits. One wag at a time.”

Currently, they are busy pulling together all the parts and pieces needed to launch their new e-commerce store; beginning with the Brand Identity of their newly founded company,…

“Providing hope for you and your pet with custom built wheelchairs in the heart of the Rocky Mountains.”
~ Spokesperson for Ruff Rollin’ inc.

Trade Show Booth Design for Regulatory Specialists

Mary Edwards — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 21:19:00 +0000

Every once in awhile, a project comes along that is not only great in it’s potential for creative, but large in scale. This particular Trade Show Booth was one of those projects, and was also one that was long overdue for the client. To add another twist to the creative side, time was also a key factor as it was under the gun for the Printer to produce in time for the show. Always up for a challenge, with only 3 1/2 business days to create, we got right to work. Creative started Friday, January 22nd at 5pm, and was due for FTP upload by Noon on Thursday, January 28th. As is typical with file sizes of this nature, transferring via FTP can be a challenge. The main files took about 47 minutes to send; with the subsidiary file about half of that. The folks at SKYLINE Orange County were wonderful to work with, and really went the extra mile to make sure the booth turned out as we intended. Thanks to Robyn, Grace and Greg Holland at Regulatory Specialists for the opportunity to create their new Trade Show Booth!