Category: blog

Winners of Web Excellence Award 2023

Posted on May 24, 2023 by - blog

We won the category Website / Environmental Awareness for the Zero Carbon Cumbria website, built and designed on behalf of Cumbria Action for Sustainability, which is something that is very close to our hearts here at Jili Allen Creative. We work with more than one environmental charity to try and encourage and support sustainability and eco-awareness of our actions.

The Award of Excellence is given only to those entrants who are able to represent themselves as the best on the web. The 9th Web Excellence Awards competition set a record by receiving over 1,350 submissions from 29 countries worldwide, including 38 US states and other countries such as Australia, Canada, Germany, the United Kingdom, India, Turkey, Sweden, the Netherlands, Iran, and more.

The Web Excellence team said “Once again, congratulations; your project is among the best on the web, and this is a tremendous honour!”

Well we can’t ask for more than that!

We built the website with the then Head of Marketing and Communications at Cumbria Action for Sustainability (CAfS), Jaki Bell. The focus was on informing, educating, and involving the people of Cumbria to come together for the shared goal of creating a Carbon Neutral County. The website has been built with accessibility in mind and we followed current accessibility guidelines for alternative text, contrast, and more.

www.zerocarboncumbria.co.uk

Are you looking for an award-winning website? Get in touch and see how we can help.

Product design: the whole package…

Posted on May 24, 2023 by - blog

  • Product design
    Product design is the process of creating a new product from scratch. This includes everything from the initial concept to the final product. A product designer will work with you to create a design that meets your specifications and is functional, aesthetically pleasing, and cost-effective to produce.
  • Branding and identity design
    Branding and identity design is the process of creating a brand identity for your product. This includes everything from the logo to the colour scheme to the typography. A branding and identity designer will work with you to create a design that is consistent with your brand values and communicates your message effectively.
  • User experience design
    User experience design is the process of creating a design that is user-friendly and easy to use. This includes everything from the packaging to the user manual. A designer will work with you to create a design that is intuitive and easy to understand, so that your customers can use your product with ease.
  • Packaging design
    Packaging design is the process of creating the packaging for your product. This includes everything from the box or container to the label or tag. A packaging designer will work with you to create a design that is eye-catching, informative, and functional. The packaging should protect the product during shipping and storage, and it should also be easy to open and use.
  • Digital design
    No brand or product can launch without it’s worldwide platform in tact. A website is a first port of call for many consumers and not having one can damage your credibility. We can work with you to design, build and host a website that works for you.
  • Graphic design
    Print and digital design for your marketing materials, spreading the message and promoting awareness of the brand and product to your target market and beyond.

This list is by no means exhaustive, but may give you pause for thought.

Luckily enough for you, we can help with the whole package, so let us know if you need help with your big idea. Contact us at Jili Allen Creative and see how we can help.

Do you need a graphic design department?

Posted on April 24, 2023 by - blog

  • Brand identity
    A graphic design department is responsible for creating a brand identity that reflects the values and personality of a business. This includes everything from the logo to the color scheme to the typography. A strong brand identity helps to differentiate a business from its competitors and creates a connection with its customers.
  • Marketing materials
    A graphic design department is responsible for creating marketing materials that communicate a message effectively. This includes everything from brochures to advertisements to social media graphics. Effective marketing materials help to attract new customers and retain existing ones.
  • User experience
    A graphic design department is responsible for creating a user experience that is intuitive and easy to use. This includes everything from the design of a website to the layout of a mobile app. A good user experience helps to retain customers and encourages them to use a product or service again.
  • Innovation
    A graphic design department is responsible for staying up-to-date with the latest design trends and technologies. This helps to ensure that a business is innovative and competitive in its industry. By staying ahead of the curve, a business can attract new customers and retain existing ones.

You can have all the benefits listed above without the hassle of full or part time employees; a department that’s always ready, has your brand style to hand, and can create your graphic communications as and when you need them! By engaging an outsourced graphic design department, a business can create a strong brand identity, communicate effectively with its customers, and stay competitive in its industry.

We can offer white label services and act as the Graphic Design Department within your company, helping ad hoc or on a continual basis. Get in touch to discuss your needs.

Print design: is print dead?

Posted on April 24, 2023 by - blog

Here are some reasons why:

  • Tangibility: Printed marketing materials are physical objects that customers can hold and touch. This creates a sense of tangibility and makes your brand more memorable. When customers receive a brochure or business card, they are more likely to remember your brand than if they simply saw an online ad.
  • Credibility: Printed materials can lend credibility to your brand. A well-designed brochure or flyer can make your business appear more professional and trustworthy. This is especially important for small businesses that are trying to establish themselves in a competitive market.
  • Targeted marketing: Printed materials can be targeted to specific audiences. For example, you can distribute flyers in a specific neighbourhood or hand out brochures at a trade show. This allows you to reach your target audience more effectively than online advertising, which can be seen by anyone regardless of their interest in your product or service.
  • Brand awareness: Printed materials can help increase brand awareness. By distributing flyers, brochures, or business cards, you are putting your brand in front of potential customers. Even if they don't need your product or service right away, they may remember your brand when they do.
  • Personalisation: Printed materials can be personalised to each customer. For example, you can include a customer's name on a brochure or business card. This creates a more personal connection with the customer and makes them feel valued.

By incorporating printed materials into your marketing plan, you can reach your target audience more effectively and increase brand awareness. So let’s discuss your project and get something tactile together that carries your message across in the most effective manner.

Print design comes in many guises so let’s find the ones that work for you. Contact us at Jili Allen Creative and let’s discuss your fabulous physical design plans.

Why should you get a new website designed?

Posted on March 26, 2023 by - blog

Here are ten top reasons:

  • Enhanced User Experience: A well-designed website can provide a seamless and enjoyable experience for your visitors, making it easier for them to navigate, find information, and engage with your content.
  • Improved Branding: A new website gives you an opportunity to update your brand identity, ensuring that it aligns with your current business goals and reflects your brand's values, personality, and unique selling points. (We can obviously help with all aspects of this one as well!)
  • Responsive Design: With the increasing use of mobile devices, having a responsive website that adapts to different screen sizes is crucial. A new website allows you to create a mobile-friendly design, providing a positive experience for users across all devices.
  • Better Performance and Loading Speed: Older websites may have accumulated unnecessary code or plugins, leading to slower loading times. A new website can be optimized for performance, resulting in faster loading speeds, which can improve user satisfaction and search engine rankings.
  • Search Engine Optimisation (SEO): A new website can be built with SEO best practices in mind, ensuring that it is easily discoverable by search engines. This can help improve your organic search rankings and drive more traffic to your site.
  • Integration of New Technologies: Website design is constantly evolving, and new technologies emerge regularly. A new website allows you to leverage these technologies, such as chatbots, interactive elements, or video backgrounds, to enhance user engagement and stay ahead of the competition.
  • Better Conversion Rates: A well-designed website can guide visitors through a clear and intuitive user journey, leading to higher conversion rates. By optimising the layout, calls-to-action, and overall user flow, you can encourage visitors to take desired actions, such as making a purchase, filling out a form, or subscribing to a newsletter.
  • Updated Content Strategy: A new website provides an opportunity to review and refine your content strategy. You can ensure that your content is relevant, up to date, and aligned with your business goals, helping to attract and retain your target audience.
  • Improved Security: Older websites may have vulnerabilities that could be exploited by hackers. A new website can be built with the latest security measures in place, protecting your data and providing a safe browsing experience for your users.
  • Competitive Advantage: In a fast-paced digital landscape, having a modern, visually appealing, and user-friendly website can give you a competitive edge. It can differentiate your brand and create a positive impression, helping you stand out from your competitors.

Remember that these reasons may vary depending on your specific business goals and industry. It’s important to assess your unique needs and determine how a new website can align with your overall strategy and objectives.

Contact us at Jili Allen Creative for all your web design and hosting requirements.

What’s the difference between branding and a logo?

Posted on March 24, 2023 by - blog

What is a logo?

A logo is a visual representation of a company or brand. It is a symbol or design that is used to identify a company and its products or services. A logo can be a wordmark, a symbol, or a combination of both. It is often the first thing that people notice about a brand, and it is used on all marketing materials, including business cards, websites, and advertisements.

What is branding?

Branding is the process of creating a unique identity for a company or product. It is the way that a company communicates its values, personality, and mission to its customers. Branding includes everything from the company’s name and logo to its messaging, tone of voice, and visual identity. It is the way that a company distinguishes itself from its competitors and creates a connection with its customers.

 

The difference between branding and a logo

While a logo is a part of branding, it is not the only element. Branding is a much broader concept that includes many different elements, such as messaging, tone of voice, and visual identity. A logo is just one part of the visual identity of a brand. It is a symbol or design that is used to identify a company, but it does not communicate the company’s values, personality, or mission.

A logo is important because it is the visual representation of a brand, but it is not the only thing that makes up a brand. A strong brand is built on a foundation of values, personality, and mission, and it is communicated through all aspects of the company, from its messaging to its visual identity.

A logo is just one part of the visual identity of a brand, and it is important to remember that a strong brand is built on a foundation of values, personality, and mission.

 

Find out more about our design identity services here. If you’re looking for a new brand, a rebrand or just a refresh or re-evaluation of your brand positioning, get in touch!