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eye on > Web Design That Offers Real Value 

by Terry Davis, President, see see eye

To talk about Web sites as today’s primary “go to” communications source for every information need is like talking about how great it is to get around in automobiles instead of horses and buggies. In the U.S., every generation now knows about the Internet and virtually all have access to it from their offices, homes or libraries. In fact, Nielsen/NetRatings recently conducted a survey that indicated up to 75% of Americans have access to the Internet in their homes, and that this percentage is increasing steadily among all age groups.

Yet, despite our comfort with and frequent use of the Internet, creating and maintaining updated Web sites can still offer significant hurdles. The most challenging aspect of creating and updating Web sites used to be the programming itself – one needed to know HTML coding or learn how to navigate one of the off-the-shelf Web construction programs in order to put a site together and update it. The easier the Web program, the faster the learning curve. However, one serious constraint of these do-it-yourself programs is often the lack of sophistication and flexibility they offer the user.  A cookie-cutter-looking Web site isn’t what most businesses want, and limited design and construction options can result in a clumsy-looking site if one wants to do something unique.

Professional Design and a Self-Management Updating Tool: Providing the Best of Both

Firms like see see eye offer today Web design and a content management product that combine the best of two possibilities: unique and professional design along with an easy-to-use tool that allows the client to handle future updates to content and layout on their own. In our case, our tool is our own SiteManager™ content management system, which we incorporated recently on two new sites we designed for Brown & Brown and the Atlanta Chapter of the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC).

National insurance intermediary Brown & Brown (www.bbinsurance.com), after almost a decade of incredible growth, was ready to overhaul its existing Web site.  Our solution included a fresh design, an information-rich home page, heightened visibility of Brown & Brown’s mascot and brand, and our SiteManager™ content management system to provide smooth and rapid updating. Since they became our client in 1994, we have also designed Brown & Brown’s annual reports, various collateral materials, ads and its cheetah mascot.

Representing approximately 300 communications professionals, the Atlanta chapter of IABC (www.iabcatlanta.com) is committed to the career development of its members. Our latest Web site for them included a simpler design featuring the organization’s new logo as well as improved navigation to accommodate their content growth. A new search feature enhanced functionality. A photo gallery was also added to showcase recent events. Chapter sponsors are prominently featured in rotating banner ads. And, our SiteManager™ content management system facilitates easy future updates.

With continuous advancements in technology, Web sites are working even harder for businesses and organizations in helping them satisfy customers’ and members’ need for current and in-depth information and online transactions. And, with costs always a concern, the ability to obtain a professionally designed and organized Web site that can be updated without expensive maintenance fees is creative service that offers real value.

Terry Davis, president and founder of see see eye, is an international award-winning communications professional who has developed and executed numerous communication programs for Fortune 500 firms and other companies. see see eye clients have included BellSouth Corporation, Delta Air Lines, Goodrich Corporation, IBM, Neenah Paper, Ryder System, The Coca-Cola Company, UPS and other companies. Terry has spoken frequently on the subject of communications to various organizations, including the Public Relations Society of America, the National Investor Relations Institute, the American Institute of Graphic Arts/Atlanta and Georgia State University.

see see eye works with a range of clients – from Fortune 500 companies to non-profit organizations – to develop creative and effective communications that speak to important stakeholder audiences like customers, employees, investors and communities. Contact Lawson Cox to find out how we can help you.

see see eye is an award-winning graphic design firm that helps build stakeholder confidence in public companies and public causes. The firm uses strategic creative design and effective message development to produce identity and branded collateral programs, Web sites and annual reports targeted to investors, customers, employees and community members. Additional information can be found at the company's Web site, www.seeseeeye.com.