Fort Wayne Web Design Blog & Portfolio

New website design for Professional Home Automation. I’m...

Tue, 30 Oct 2012 01:06:20 -0400

New website design for Professional Home Automation. I’m not a fan of blank space on websites but this design is pre-built with areas for blogging and social media that will fill in the entire website once activated. In the mean time, it presents a clean, informative place for information. Thank you and congrats to Brian Bauermeister!

http://phautomation.com/

Completed new website for NIPRA that is working hard to bring...

Tue, 30 Oct 2012 01:04:45 -0400

Completed new website for NIPRA that is working hard to bring back passenger railroads to Downtown Fort Wayne! Looking for a new website? Check out my website.

New Website: http://niprarail.org/
New Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nipra2rail
New Twitter: https://twitter.com/NIPRArail

Congrats to Life Coach: Cheryl Spieth Gardiner on the...

Tue, 30 Oct 2012 01:01:00 -0400

Congrats to Life Coach: Cheryl Spieth Gardiner on the completion of her new website! She was looking for a professional look that brought together all aspects of who she is: a trainer, a teacher, a life coach, and an artist. This is exactly what her new website does for her. Included was a new logo, a blog area for her to share her writings, a new Facebook page, and a Twitter redesign. Cheryl’s zest for life is unmatched, and now she has a way to share it! Check out my entire web design portfolio.

http://www.cherylspiethgardiner.com

Completed website for LPI. With CMS websites demanding much...

Tue, 30 Oct 2012 00:59:00 -0400

Completed website for LPI. With CMS websites demanding much precedence in today’s online world it was nice to get back to developing a website from the ground up, start to finish. Much thanks to Fort Wayne’s Tom Harris and wishing you continued success! Looking for a new website?

http://www.lifeplannersnow.com/

Above is a screen shot of when Detailed Web Design hit the...

Mon, 29 Oct 2012 21:39:23 -0400

Above is a screen shot of when Detailed Web Design hit the number 1 spot on Google for my favorite search term. This is the result of 2 years of work, and learning how to understand the mechanics behind the enigma that is Google. The days of SEO “tricks” are over. When it comes to building solid SEO, it comes down to content. I have specifically built my website from the ground up instead of using a pre-constructed CMS. When it comes to SEO there is a specific need for strategy, detail, and patience.

Logo design is typically the cornerstone for web development at...

Mon, 29 Oct 2012 21:25:00 -0400

Logo design is typically the cornerstone for web development at Detailed Web Design. I use the logo design process to work closely with a client to capture the essence of their mission and business. The completed logo is going to set the tone for the web development that will follow. It directly impacts not only the font and colors within a website but it impacts the flavor and style, which is why I spend a lot of time upfront in order to make sure that the logo is perfect for the design. I create logos that can be used not only digitally but in print and advertisements.

This is the my latest logo design. It is for PHA and is the start of the new website under development.

Working with a wide range of clients has truly opened the door...

Mon, 29 Oct 2012 21:13:43 -0400

Working with a wide range of clients has truly opened the door to a wide range of opportunities. I have been spending my time working on different aspect of development and design, from SEO to print work. I designed a new logo for a client that grew from a basic logo advertisement design into full business branding. Take a look at the new 3 Rivers Carwash sign created through work at Hindle Design. I had the opportunity to build this from scratch and seeing it in person was truly a thrill!

Public speaking is something I have felt more compelled to do in...

Mon, 29 Oct 2012 21:03:11 -0400

Public speaking is something I have felt more compelled to do in recent years. New opportunities with recent clients, including the Downtown Improvement District, have opened doors for me to present to a wide range of people, businesses, and students. I have found that engaging the public in straight-forward but “real” conversation can allow growth for everyone and I truly walk away from engagements sometimes feeling like I was the one that learned the most.

Looking for a public speaker? Contact me at Detailed Web Design

Photo: Presenting the Downtown Improvement District’s digital media to the DID’s Board of Directors.

I have had the pleasure of working with Fort Wayne’s House...

Mon, 29 Oct 2012 20:55:10 -0400

House of Furniture - Fort Wayne Logo Design

House of Furniture - Fort Wayne Logo Design

I have had the pleasure of working with Fort Wayne’s House of Furniture on wide range of print and logo designs over the last few years. I have created website, logos, business cards, and large print items to help bring their branding together under the umbrella of one unified thought and graphic. The large pineapple is now truly part of House of Furniture’s business. Check out the recent photos of the logo that is now in full print within the business and on the front door! Need assistant with affordably branding YOUR business? Contact me at Detailed Web Design.

Working in social media has been the best unexpected surprise of...

Tue, 21 Aug 2012 12:50:00 -0400

Working in social media has been the best unexpected surprise of 2012. Working in web development since 2006, I was always aware of the need for structure, solid navigations and graphics, a focus on SEO and branding. I have enjoyed the rise of social media over the last several years both professionally and personally but I don’t know if anyone could have expected it to completely restructure the way we communicate and do business.

Even though I have regular clients that I work with from other states and even other countries, my heart is in downtown Fort Wayne and the surrounding areas. In 2012 alone, I have taken over as the Web and Social Media developer for NIPRA, Club Soda, Fort Wayne’s Downtown Improvement District, LBR, Mad Money Coupons, and Fort Wayne’s MoneySaver Magazine. All of these companies have different methods and audiences but they all recognize the importance of connecting with their followers.

Social media has allowed for 24/7 access to our greatest thoughts as they come alive and gives us a foundation to our future plans. We are no longer lonely islands trying to form connections through mailers and cold-calls. Instead, we are one Facebook post away from finding our new favorite client, our biggest fan, our loudest champion, our hungry customer.

Cheers to much more success as we move into the second half of 2012 and all that it has to offer us in social media. If you are interested in social media for your own business, please contact me at Detailed Web Design.

I designed the logo and website for House of Furniture. Check...

Sun, 17 Jun 2012 19:46:43 -0400

House of Furniture Downtown Fort Wayne

House of Furniture Downtown Fort Wayne

House of Furniture Downtown Fort Wayne

House of Furniture Downtown Fort Wayne

House of Furniture Downtown Fort Wayne

House of Furniture Downtown Fort Wayne

House of Furniture Downtown Fort Wayne

House of Furniture Downtown Fort Wayne

House of Furniture Downtown Fort Wayne

I designed the logo and website for House of Furniture. Check out this great story about HOF from the DID.

downtownfortwayne:

HOUSE OF FURNITURE

(Click on the photo above to see the entire gallery!)

House of Furniture is owned by Kelly Heller and located in downtown Fort Wayne. Kelly started selling furniture in 2006 out of her home before opening her first shop in downtown a few years later. After a successful run in downtown’s West Berry Building, House of Furniture has officially come into its own and now literally is a “House of Furniture,” and we have to say, the furniture really is beautiful.

When asked why Kelly does what she does, she responded with, “it’s my passion!” No one would argue with her about that. Upon entering her store, everyone is greeted with a warm welcome and it’s hard not to feel like you are a close friend of Kelly’s after just a couple minutes of conversation.

“I used to re-arrange furniture when I was a little girl.” This is evident when you walk through the 2 story Victorian house and find each room carefully laid out and arranged with beautiful pieces. After her kids were a little older, she knew she wanted to start working again, but this time she wanted to be her own boss. Her business allows her to touch the hearts of downtown customers while giving her time to raise her 2 sons with her husband.

Kelly knew that when it came time to open up a shop, downtown Fort Wayne is where she wanted to be. “I want to support the business initiatives downtown. More people need to support downtown Fort Wayne. When I was a child, we came downtown all the time to shop and I would love to see more creative people placing their focus down here because there is just so much to offer!”

Kelly certainly can’t complain. Since moving into her newest location, her sales are up by 35% percent which is driven by her Facebook page and word on the street. Once one of downtown Fort Wayne’s best secrets, House of Furniture now has a regular customer base with new faces stopping by each week.

When I asked about her plans for the future, she is quick to say that this is a perfect place to be in her life. “I don’t want my business to become too large because I want to maintain a personal relationship with my customers and enjoy the people that stop by to shop.” We couldn’t agree more.

Kelly’s latest project includes finding vintage pieces and refurbishing and restyling them for sale to the public. Assisted by her father, Kelly is always staying busy with new pieces of furniture that keep her house full of new, unique pieces of furniture each week. Schedule some time to stop by House of Furniture. You won’t be disappointed!

Location:
537 West Jefferson Blvd.

Hours:
Thursday 11:30pm - 5:30pm
Friday 11:30am - 5:30pm
Saturday 11:30am - 3:30pm

House of Furniture Facebook
House of Furniture Website

Below is the first Blog post I did for the DID after revamping...

Sun, 10 Jun 2012 12:44:15 -0400

Below is the first Blog post I did for the DID after revamping their Blog. Check it out below:

downtownfortwayne:

Click on the photo above to see the entire gallery!

We stopped by the Historic West Main Street Farmer’s Market and talked with some of the local vendors. There were so many people, great conversation, and yummy affordable food and items to purchase. We will be stopping in throughout the summer and talking with more vendors. Please check out the pictures and information below and stop by every Friday!

Leigh Rowan is the owner of Big Brick House Bakery. She bakes all of her own breads and goodies. Check out her Facebook page.

Lindsey Hively runs Kernel Coladas Gourmet Popcorn. They have every kind of popcorn you could imagine (or never even thought possible.) Check out their Facebook page.

Jade Julius helps run Bob’s Produce which is filled with all kinds of fresh vegetables! Come and check them out!

The Historic West Main Street Farmer’s Market
https://www.facebook.com/groups/farmmarket/members
1936 West Main Street • Fort Wayne, IN 46808 • 260-515-9700

The Market is open every Friday from 3pm - 8pm, May-October

Social Media is your new best friend. Right? If it’s not,...

Tue, 22 May 2012 13:53:00 -0400

Social Media is your new best friend. Right? If it’s not, it’s time to get introduced. Businesses are no longer bound to the brick and mortar that surround them nor should they be.

The biggest road block that I have seen is the generational gap that occurs somewhere around 1970. We have allies and foes on both sides but it’s hard for those born pre-1970 to fully grasp and understand that importance of the web as we know it. Think of it as the sacred newspaper ad that we all grew up coveting except now, that newspaper is being handed out to every single person you know, several times a day… for free.

Social media, more than anything, is a conversation. It is a two-way dialogue to the hearts of your customers, and to their pocket book. If you need help with building that dialogue, that’s what I am here for.

I have been helping a number of Fort Wayne companies with their brand, their social media representation, and their “conversation.” Here are a few of them:

Mad Money Coupons
Fort Wayne’s Downtown Improvement District
Midtowne Realty
Fort Wayne Money Saver
House of Furniture
Liechty Buffalo Ranch

Contact me today for assistance!
DetailedWebDesign.com

Check out the complete redesign for a Chicago client, Area Roof....

Tue, 17 Apr 2012 18:30:00 -0400

Check out the complete redesign for a Chicago client, Area Roof. Tom was not pleased with his website when he contacted me. It was busy, confusing, and the galleries did not work on mobile browsers for phones and iPads.

I offered him a solution that would fit his budget: I simply took all of the information and inserted it into a new tailored design that better suited his line of work. I replaced the flash picture galleries with jquery picture galleries so that mobile viewers could see them, and I made the website user-friendly while keeping with more subtle Earth tones. I felt blinded after looking at the original website and I wanted the focus to be on the information.

In the end, Tom ended up paying 35% less for the redesign than for the original website which was poorly designed, poorly coded, and didn’t have an inch of SEO in it.

Check out the pictures above to rotate between before and after pictures!

New Website Link: http://www.arearoof.com

Contact me for a redesign at http://www.detailedwebdesign.com

Facebook & Social Media - Understanding the Connection

Mon, 16 Apr 2012 12:09:00 -0400

This is one of the best videos I have seen regarding how a company can utilize Facebook to grow its company. What we need to realize is that customers want to be engaged and as more and more people are becoming involved in your business, it will grow upon itself. This means more online representation which means more physical representation, as well as a growth in interests and sales. Don’t forget to make it FUN! :)

Check this out: https://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=10101033632189623

Midtowne Realty: An SEO Success Story!

Thu, 12 Apr 2012 21:19:40 -0400

I built a website a few years ago for Midtowne Realty. They are one of Fort Wayne’s top property management companies and own the best apartment buildings in downtown Fort Wayne. This includes Worthington Manor, West Berry Apartments, Jackson Manor, and many other buildings.

The original website showcases all of their properties, shows available houses and apartments, as well as the application process, and a contact area. Even though the website was meeting their needs, they were having very little traction on Google. They really wanted to see their company in top search engine listings above their competitors, especially in the downtown Fort Wayne area.

I sat down and mapped a plan for their website. I started by reworking all of the pages of their current website with the integration of more content into the front-end as well as insertion into the HTML code directly. I watched the results play out on Google and then took the next step of creating a mobile version which allows for a mirror to the original site except this version is viewable on mobile phones and iPads. This also allows for the opportunity to essentially double the keywords.

I waited another week to watch the Google results from the recent construction. Their ranking continued to grow. I created social media pages for their website through Twitter, Facebook, and Tumblr. Each of these allows them unique opportunities to build links, connect with customers, and spread the word regarding their business. A week later, I watched the results continue to grow higher.

It was at this time that I created an extra set of pages for the properties themselves, filled with the content and keywords for the keywords that they were wanting to see more traction on. The social media will allow for continued growth on the website and will be able to be taken over by Midtowne Management.

Each website has it’s own unique opportunities for more growth and visibility. There are a number of tools and tricks I have learned over the years to help make this possible. SEO results depend upon the market, the competition, the current website, the age of the website, the size of the website, and other factors but with enough time, tracking, and work, results are possible.

In 5 short weeks, Midtowne went from having no ranking on all of their desired top 20 keywords to being in the Top 5 and Top 10 for ALL of their keywords, even landing in the coveted #1 spot for a few of those. It was a pleasure placing them on the map, and helping them to get a lead-in against their competition. They now have the solid representation online that they have already established in everyday business here in downtown Fort Wayne.

Congrats!

Check them out on Tumblr, Twitter, and Facebook!

Check out my social media packages!

Do you have a QR Code yet? They are free and one more way for...

Sat, 07 Apr 2012 12:58:12 -0400

Do you have a QR Code yet? They are free and one more way for your audience to find you and what you have to offer. A QR Code is viewed by any basic QR App on your mobile device. The purpose of them is to reduce the time it takes to type and find information. Instead, simply hold up your QR Scanner to the code and bingo, you will be auto-directed to anything from a website or phone number to an email. It’s free, it’s fun, it’s genius.

Contact me if you need help getting set up! I have a client that just added a QR Code to her business cards this week to allow for an auto-direct to her blog.

A Client's SEO Journey.

Sat, 07 Apr 2012 03:50:02 -0400

I enjoy working with my clients and teaching them the secrets that I have learned to help them grow their websites and in return they gain more business. When it comes to SEO, content truly is king. If you are willing to invest a little time in the art of social media and have even a small desire to write a few paragraphs as little as once a week, you can dramatically improve the ranking of your website on Google.

A perfect example of this was proven by my client Sara Kruger, owner of sarabellahomestaging.com. She committed to sit down every Friday and write a new blog post on her Wordpress blog that I set up for her. I showed her how to write content that will attract her audience while tagging each post with solid keywords aimed directly at your target audience.

And guess what? It is paying off. She already started receiving calls from perfect strangers in less than 2 weeks after her website was revamped, and she continues to receive those calls today. When she asks new clients where they found her, they simply say, “Google.” As if there was any other answer! :)

Congrats, Sara! Wishing you much more success in your continued journey into the internet.

If you are interested in growing your website through SEO, please contact me through my website at detailedwebdesign.com!

Before & After shots of new logo design for LPI. Client was...

Wed, 04 Apr 2012 22:55:13 -0400

Before & After shots of new logo design for LPI. Client was looking for similar structure and font, just something a little more eye-catching. New LPI website coming in the next few days!

This is the new logo created for Pioneer Water. Their website...

Tue, 03 Apr 2012 13:43:29 -0400

This is the new logo created for Pioneer Water. Their website will be completed later this month which will allow for news, information, links, and payments to be made online.