It’s Time to Shape Up

As the official start of summer approaches, the workout frenzy that precedes swimsuit season is in full swing. Something about the added exposure of a swimsuit propels us to boost our fitness plans and reap the benefits of improved health and endurance.

Unfortunately, many business owners do not feel the same urgency to shape up their Web sites, although the first impressions made online can have a huge impact on a company’s bottom line. We’re not saying that every site has to be sexy, but your site’s user interface should be appealing and attractive to potential customers.

Here are some basic steps to assess your company Web site’s functional fitness:
1.   Write down the keywords that describe your company and the product or service your company provides.
2.   Type these keywords into Google search engine: does your company appear in the first 10 to 15 entries?
3.   Visit a free Web site grading service online. You can use one of our favorites from Hubspot. This site allows you to examine the “backend” of your company’s Web site to analyze your site’s search engine optimization and ranking among competitors.

In addition to search engine ranking, consider the look of your website.  Can your potential customer zero in on your purpose quickly and accurately?  Is your design eye-catching and easy to navigate?  Without design appeal, many Web sites languish as mediocre.

Finally, how does your company Web site compare to your competitors? Does it need a better fitness plan, some minor re-design or a major overhaul?

It’s time to take notice so that others can find your company online and enjoy access to your product or services. Rivers Agency can help you achieve your Web fitness goals – let us know how we can help!

Fall growth and our latest projects

It’s been a busy summer for Rivers Agency! Thanks to the huge success of our home furnishing markets in Atlanta and Vegas, our team continues to implement creative design, advertising and public relations campaigns for our home décor clients.

Some of our latest projects include the development of real estate marketing packages and the design of promotional materials for a local art institution. And as usual, we continue to manage the complete spectrum of promotional needs for a local financial institution – getting the word out about community service events, advisory board appointments and quarterly financial statements.

It’s been a while since we’ve devoted some attention to our blog, but with recent staff added to our web design and public relations departments, we are now able to spread around the workload a bit and take the opportunity to share what’s going on this fall with Rivers Agency.

And we just couldn’t contain our excitement about one of our most recent projects – the design of the fall catalog for Raleigh-based kids clothing guru, Patsy Aiken.

Funky and stylish, Patsy Aiken clothing is kids-wear that stands up to rough and tumble playtime. The fall 2008 catalog features boldly patterned coordinates available in soft, comfortable fabrics. Each outfit can be personalized with Patsy Aiken’s complimentary monogramming service, so each item is truly a one-of-a-kind! From the essentials to seasonal favorites, Patsy Aiken’s catalog features fun fashion for every kid in the bunch. And new this season, Patsy Aiken introduces “Littles” to celebrate the arrival of her first grandchild, Joel.

Patsy Aiken’s fall catalog offers sizing from newborns to size five. Several collections offer adult sizes so that parents can get in on the fun, too.  

That’s the news for now, but you’ll hear more from us again soon - stay tuned!