There is a world of difference between designing great web sites, the ones that work, and building run-of-the mill sites that gather dust on some virtual shelf in cyberspace. Your web site is your ambassador on the Internet. It’s your only hope of getting noticed by the very people searching the web for your product or service.

Will they find you among the billions and billions of web pages out there? If you clearly define your market, cater to them and speak their language, they will find you. That’s relevancy.

Will they spend time on your web site, carefully studying your offerings or leave in frustration because they can’t find what they want? If your web site is layed out in a logical fashion and appeals to the eye, you’re in good shape. That’s usability.

Will they spend money or come back again or recommend you to their friends? If you make the case that they should do business with you, you’re home free. That’s reward.

Now I must tell you that the portfolio below hasn’t been updated since the last century. Such is the life of a busy designer. In the little spare time that I have, I’ve been working on a newer, more presentable portfolio. Perhaps you’d like to start there. The graphic presentation is complete. Eventually I’ll include text to help you better understand each project. This link will get you there by opening a new browser window.

Relevance: A redesign of a first generation church web site where the emphasis is on good communication.

Usability: A back-end database was employed to make changes “on the fly.” This allows the staff to update the site at a moments notice.

Reward: This church’s vision is contemporay and upbeat and the site reflects that attitude.

Talk to me: If your site includes a calendar of events or other information that needs regular updates, a database, with a simple Web form for quick changes, will make life easy for your office staff.

Relevance: This cartoonist and illustrator needed a place to display her work—an online portfolio.

Usability: The artist’s client base ranges from schools with first generation computer equipment to art directors at America’s top graphics houses. A slide show presentation was designed using only HTML to accomodate everyone’s needs.

Reward: The presentation comes off flawlessly. Take a look!

Talk to me: You need to present your best and you need to use the right words and pictures. We have every one of them!

Relevance: A redesign of a first generation healthcare site emphasizing easy-of-use and prioritized display of information.

Usability: Incorporates back end database for locating member doctors and hospitals.

Reward: Members find information fast because it is displayed in an orderly fashion. Use of proper HTML coding reduced file size by 73 percent!

Talk to me: If you have list information that changes often, a database updatable through the Web may be the right choice for you.

Relevance: Site created for an electrician who specializes in solar and wind technology. Prospective customer is the average home owner who is not well versed in alternative energy products.

Usability: Web design makes use of a simple and clear navigation structure from introductory page, through testimonials, to FAQs. Direct link to a companion order site. Home page navigation uses a Javascript rollover to light a light bulb - just for fun!

Reward: Very professional, yet very friendly web site. Designed to appeal to emotions, not technical expertise.

Talk to me: A well designed web site and a smart marketing plan can increase exposure and sales. Let’s do it now.

Relevance: Web site promotes a new book aimed at first-time home buyers. Uses very direct and powerful techniques to get the sale.

Usability: Site maintains absolute control over the viewer’s path through the site. Leads viewer from opening questions to closing the sale and on to the order form.

Reward: In less than five minutes, viewer can review content of site, compelling reasons for purchasing book and order on-line using secure server.

Talk to me: Are you selling a product or service? Let’s build a web marketing plan that works.

Relevance: A calendar of events specific to 12 different age group/lifestyle categories and 23 geographic regions in Connecticut.

Usability: Simple three-click approach to discovering events. Information packed, but uses graduated approach to displaying information, so visitors are not overwhelmed.

Reward: Visitor finds relevant events quickly. Advertisers cater to very targeted audience.

Talk to me: Does your site generate advertising income? Targeted advertising is essential to your site’s survival. I have a plan for you...

Relevance: Bible stories rewritten in the format of a modern-day newspaper.

Usability: Very simple navigation through standard table of contents - features Javascript rollover.

Reward: An easy-to-understand and often humorous look at biblical times.

Talk to me: Do you have information you need to share with others? What you say and how you say it can make or break your site. Tell me more about your ideas...

Relevance: Site proposal designed for health care facility. Prospective visitors are often relatives of invalid patients.

Usability: Very straightforward navigation. Visitors introduced to staff, residents and facilities by way of many bright and cheery photos.

Reward: Visuals suggest luxury hotel, not a health care facility. Relieves anxiety associated with hospitals.

Talk to me: Do you need to portray your business in a different light. More upbeat and positive? I know something that’ll put a smile on your face!

Relevance: Rapidly expanding church uses web to help members and neighbors keep abreast of events. Build site around existing logo and color scheme.

Usability: Simple, yet attractive site with clearly defined navigation links. Copious use of graphics to highlight people and experiences in this congregation.

Reward: Easily understand church’s mission, direction and benefits of membership.

Talk to me: Are you a not-for-profit organization? We have special plans for your consideration. Talk to us.

Relevance: Community on-line magazine for parents and educators featuring news, commentary and database of community agencies.

Usability: Makes best use of frames to simplify navigation.

Reward: One-stop children’s advocacy web site.

Talk to me: A well designed web site and a smart marketing plan can increase exposure and sales. Let’s do it now.

Relevance: Small tourism district with very small budget now has presence on the web.

Usability: Frames used to uncomplicate navigation.

Reward: Visitors find information quickly and easily.

Talk to me: Small budgets doesn’t have to mean small web site... or cheap-looking. Contact us now and we’ll show you how to stretch that dollar!

Print is yet another medium to make your name known. It’s saving grace is that it’s been around a long, long time. So, unlike the Web, most of the kinks have already been worked out.

Counter to the old axiom, you canteach an old dog new tricks. Applying the same theme of relevancy, usability and reward to print works wonders.

Take a look at these examples.

Relevance: Product designed to attract users to the Web site highlighted above.

Usability: Engaging and easy-to-read copy make it easy to say yes.

Reward: Designed to be a constant reminder to use the Web site.

Talk to me: It’s smart to use multiple ways to attract an audience. I can think of several strategies that might just work for you!

Relevance: Simple promotion—Buy a camcorder and an expert will show you how to use it.

Usability: All the information you need on one sheet of paper.

Reward: An expert teacher and a discounted price.

Talk to me: Don’ keep your product or service a secret. A well-designed point-of-purchase display will generate much interest and revenue.