Think about your website design. Has it been updated lately? Keep in mind that design = NEW.

So what should you be aware for 2010? Blalock of Executionists says websites are becoming holistic, meaning they are more than just a statement, they are a solution. Focusing on clear, effective communication and content is key. Focusing on bare essentials of what a visitors is there for is what needs to be reviewed for clean, clear design. Simple layouts that are non-intrusive, nor baffling to the user must be considered.

Content is KING and outreach is QUEEN.

The Web Marketing Therapy team has preached this ideology A LOT (and we won’t stop.)  It would be healthy-marketing-wise to re-assess HOW your content is presented. What do you want to communicate? Are you optimizing your social media for that outreach? Once you have attracted customers and potential clientèle on your website, are they finding the information they seek? Are they enjoying your website? Or is your web design disrupting their online chi?

Wait, online chi, you ask?

That’s right! Thanks to Executionists “kingly” content, it is time to enter feng shui web design for 2010! Your web design is extremely important as it’s the main source of communication between you, your business and the consumer. It presents what you want to say – therefore, it is fundamentally important that you are saying it clearly! Getting rid of all that unnecessary clutter that will confuse the web user and de-tract from the main PURPOSE of your website, is a starting point.

Get some tips on de-cluttering your website by checking out these simple trends as laid out by Executionists (thank you Jessie Jo Blalock for the clear tips!):

Back to Basics

Websites are taking on their old-school look, sans the flash. Content-oriented sites are mirroring their print media counterparts – using layouts similar to the ones you see in your daily paper. The key is in using the design to make your website appear credible and refined.  Simplicity is not necessary boring, but rather allows effortless navigation of your website.

Personalize

Unique and memorable sites are you friends. Avoid standard templates and layouts or that typical corporate feel. Use a design that’s indicative of you, your business and what its VALUES are. Make the design engaging to the user, use your originality.

Breadcrumb Navigation

“Breadcrumb trails” style navigation gives the user an easy-peasy and simple perusal of your site, limiting content overload by allowing less screen space. This drives the transparency of your site, makes navigation obvious and effortless and encourages users to explore your site further. This trend is similar to the simplicity and clearness of mobile web browsing.

Vitaly Freidman, Editor in Chief of Smashing Magazine explains the key: “Design trends do not exist to be followed. They exist to be broken, reshaped and abolished by the spirit of creativity rippling through the design community.”

Use your imagination in re-inventing a web site layout that supports your content and does not overwhelm your users. And take these trends on board as a starting point! Read the full blog post on web design minimalism’s (as per Feng Shui principles) in the 2010 Web Design Trends: Now and Zen blog post.

 Thank you to caroline (iluvpepero  / caroline on Flickr) and www.home-designing.com for the healthy dose of Tweet Comic Relief!!

I love this photo – I have used it in Internet marketing speeches, in classes and in custom training sessions.  This healthy dose of comic relief reminds us is that on the web, the power of credibility and trust can be developed from sound design, great marketing messaging, value-rich content, social media marketing and more.

For those of you staring businesses, I would like to remind you to “fake it til you make it” – even if you are still building your business, the power of smart web marketing working to brand, build and ultimately boost business cannot be ignored!

Follow us on Twitter @webmarketing_rx or find us on Facebook (Web Marketing Therapy page and Web Marketing Group Therapy group) to get community tips and advice!

Don’t be sorry – you need to know what comes up so DO GOOGLE YOURSELF!

When I travel to San Francisco to teach Web Marketing Classes for Berkeley Extension (I do workshops on their San Fran campuses) I always stay at the Hotel Triton. 

Hotel Triton is part of the Kimpton eco-friendly hotel chain (WMT loves supporting eco-friendly and socially responsible companies!!)

The hotel’s decor, theme and staff has a rocking sense of humor.  During my last stay, my door hanger that usually says “Privacy Please” was replaced with the door hanger to the right.  HA!

Emilia did a great post called Have You Googled Yourself Lately? that started our Google giddiness.  When hotel chains are changing their door hangers to share the Google love, I say it’s time to face the fact that our personal and professional brands are impacted by Google….would you agree?

Right now, I am dealing with the unfortunate fact that there is another Lorrie Thomas who is messing up my searches for my name!  She has been on trial for murder and the news has been all over it, and so has Google

Wish my friend wasn't in this pic so I could use if for my profile pic!

It’s ok to admit that you obsess a little over what profile picture you use

With MyProfilePic - It's all about meeee!

in Facebook, My Space, Twitter or other social media applications.  Profile pic ego issues are healthy and we found an INCREDIBLE low-cost solution to pimp your profile pic!

If you have a picture that you wish you didn’t have red eye in, or your friend wasn’t in the pic (or ex!) then MyProfilePicture.com is the solution!

Starting at only 99 cents per photo, a professional will retouch your profile photograph for use on any social network media.  No more zits, people you don’t want in the picture or wrinkles!

Check it out!  www.myprofilepicture.com