WT
Member Since: 28 Aug 2007
Location: North Carolina/Raleigh
Posts: 14
 
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Interesting notes left by the designer on the "Links" page... I'm guessing this site is very, very new (as in beta) and hopefully the bugs get worked out. I'm also guessing that the company is "smaller" and trying a new venture/line of business so understandably there'll be some challenges. Kudos to them for the initial effort; they could probably benefit from some contructive criticism and/or help improving (although it is fun to watch a public flogging)...
That said... I really dislike the mouse-driven scrolling and the menus - too much back and forth... what a pain. Also would be a good investment to get a high-res camera and train someone to use it. The pencil drawing of the UDI Q7 is a turn-off - if you're going to do concept art it should as close to top-notch as you can get - take a look at some of the stuff automotive design students are creating at: http://www.cardesignnews.com/site/home/
Actually I just looked at the IbherDesign website... now that's really bad stuff! 1989 is calling and wants its cutting edge stuff back! 
Couple of marketing tips (I like you guys, really):
- Figure out exactly who your target audience is and concentrate your efforts on them.
- Taking "broad strokes" and plastering your company everywhere may do more harm than good - ex: this board, where your products may be less than well received (at least by some and they may be the more vocal crowd).
- Determine what you're really in the market selling: Are you an auto parts & accessories company or a "lifestyle and design" company? This is probably the most overlooked, yet simple, thing.
- Look at a variety of similar websites and see what you like or don't like, then work with your web designer on crafting exactly what you want - don't let someone else have complete direction on an important channel such as a website. If web is going to be your primary channel for generating interest/sales (it will definitely serve to help communicate/reinforce your brand) then make sure you're allocating the proper budget to support quality efforts.
- Align your perspective with an "outside-in" view, meaning look at your business and marketing efforts through the eye of your clients: what do they see, their perceptions, expectations, desires. Listen objectively to what they say and adapt your business to meet those wants. Is your business a catalog of automotive parts or does it envoke the "gotta have it" response?
Sorry if any of this is redundant to what you might already know - not my intention to come off as patronizing - I do see so many small businesses that have potential but don't have the benefit of depth of marketing experience. Best regards...
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Tue Nov 25 2008 3:50pm |
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