Avatar News October 30, 2008

Written By:
Brydie Meek
Edited By:
Mark Rocket
Published By:
Avatar Ltd

Scary Halloween Pumpkin!

Hi there Web Spooks,

Halloween is here and isn't it scary how the year is going by so quickly? Christmas is just around the corner, so it's time to start thinking about sending out online cards for the festive season. View our fantastic ecard deal for newsletter readers.

This month we also take a look at how to make the most of the landing pages on your Web site. You can also read tidbits from around the world and check out our latest Web project.

Early Bird Christmas Offer

Are you looking forward to putting pen to paper for your Christmas cards this year? If the thought of signing your name hundreds of times doesn't appeal to you, sending electronic Christmas cards may be the perfect solution. Think about the benefits:

We can design and create your electronic Christmas cards. You can choose from either stylish static HTML cards, (templated or custom-made) or amusing animated Christmas themed games. You can then send your card out to your mailing list.

If you do not have a mailing program yet, think about using Rocket Mailing, which helps you manage and send out mailings.

Special Offer: If you commission a Christmas card from us before 30th November, we'll give you a discount of 25% off the usual rate.

Contact us today for more information.

How to Make the Most of Your Landing Pages

Landing pages are the pages on which visitors enter your Web site. When a Web user enters your site, you want them to visit other pages on your site and ultimately to take some kind of action.

The most effective landing pages are targeted to specific marketing campaigns and optimising these entry pages has become increasingly important in online marketing. Landing pages should help your target audience to find what they're looking for, without having to make them search for it. Take a look at our tips below to make the most of your landing pages:

Directing Traffic

You need to ensure that if you're using paid advertising, such as Google Adwords, that you're directing traffic to the appropriate page on your Web site. When a particular keyword is typed in, the visitor should be directed to a relevant page that matches their search term.

If you direct visitors to your homepage, they'll have to search through your site. Take your visitors straight to the pages they are interested in. Check your Web site's bounce rate- a high percentage could indicate that visitors are not hanging around to browse through your site pages.

First Impressions Last

Make the first few seconds count. If visitors don't like what they see, they'll leave - quickly. You need to stand out from your competitors, so ensure unique selling points (USPs) are clearly displayed. Update images or special offers on your landing pages regularly to keep the page looking modern and professional.

Clear Communication

Most people skim read Web sites so display your information clearly by using bullet points and meaningful headings. The text on your landing pages should be relevant, interesting and concise. It's also very important that text is accurate, without any spelling or grammar errors.

Follow the guidelines above and make the most out of your landing pages. The reward? A big improvement in your conversion rates. Now that will give you something to smile about.

Contact us today if you if you're looking for advice on how you can update and create landing pages for your Web site.

Tidbits

Google 2001. For their 10th birthday, Google made their oldest search index available again. You can see what your favourite sites used to look like at the start of the decade by clicking on the Internet archive links in the search results.

Get the latest Halloween news. A year long publication that keeps the 'Halloween community informed'. Here's your big chance to join the pumpkin carving gang...

A life saving accessory. An Icelandic designer has created the world's first bullet-proof handkerchief. A must have wardrobe item for all those James Bond wannabes.

Sign language. A site dedicated to amusing signage around the world. From language translation blunders to the downright bizarre, these signs will make you chuckle.

A grand slam idea. A new type of tennis racquet with two handles has been created in the US. The novel design is being adopted by aspiring tennis stars hoping to make it to the top.

Surfs up. Feel like a video? Search this site for a clip that takes your fancy. With over 10 billion to choose from, you're sure to find something to entertain and amuse.

This Month's Sites of Interest

Screenshot of AbouteAboute Property Management (Web design and promotion)

Aboute is a Christchurch based company providing property management services. Aboute approached Avatar for a Web site that conveyed the company's professionalism by utilising a contemporary design.

Featuring Flash animation and attractive design, the site is now an integral marketing tool for the company. Highlights of the new Web site include: