What is a "favicon"?

Posted on July 28, 2008 | Filed Under Business Image, Business Marketing, Social Networking

Having a favicon.ico file for your website is becoming more and more popular as businesses develop their brand on the web. So just exactly what is it?

Formal definition: The small icon displayed next to a URL in the address bar of a browser; A small icon that is used by some browsers to identify a bookmarked Web site; or small image displayed on the browser address bar when visitors view or bookmark your web page .

The following is a favicon we recently created for Internet Marketing Strategies Diva…

In the browser address bar:
favicon in browser address bar

On a “tab” in IE:
favicon in IE tab

In my bookmarked “favorites” list:
favicon in favorites list

How do you get one? Not all image programs will create favicons, but your graphic designer should be able to create one for you that matches your site design. Whether you use your logo, or a memorable image from your site is up to you. Keep in mind that a favicon image is 16 px by 16 px with 16 colors, so really complicated graphics may not “shrink to fit” well. The resolution of the original graphic can make a big difference.

We include a favicon in every website design we do, however you may need to purchase the graphic separately. Prices can range from $10 to $50.

You can also generate favicons online:

They may not be as custom as you’d like, but they are free!

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Even in Mooresvile, NC

Posted on July 17, 2008 | Filed Under Fun Stuff

Sunset in North Carolina
photo by Jeff Cooper

We may be known as “Race City, USA” because of NASCAR, but we can also get some sunsets beautiful enough to rival the coast!

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When Should You Re-Brand?

Posted on July 15, 2008 | Filed Under Business Image, Business Marketing, Logo Design, Smart Business

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As small business owners, we are constantly looking for ways to improve our business. Read any small business magazine, or blog these days and you’ll find references to “re-branding”. First of all, what is it?

The official definition: The process of taking an existing brand and reworking the brand into something different and better than before. The process by which a product or service developed with one brand, company or product line affiliation is marketed or distributed with a different identity.

Business Image We all get an itch to redesign our website…to improve our print materials…or to change our logo. But, it’s not always a good idea to do so–especially not in dramatic fashion. Why? If you’ve had the same look for many years, and have a stable customer base, it can be alarming to those customers when they see a major change.

When is the absolute optimal time to re-brand? When you’re brand/identity was never really defined in the first place; or when your brand/identity needs updating for the current market.

One major re-branding swing that I remember was in the late 90’s when some auto companies decided that their logos were outdated. One major change was Oldsmobile:

Pretty dramatically different–and much more modern.

Web 2.0 and Rebranding

Now is a good time to consider rebranding, if it’s been a while since your website/logo was designed. Using a fresh new look, and moving your business into the “Web 2.0″ revolution will give your customers and visitors the impression of a “fresh” “hip” company.

Don’t Forget…

There are some important things to remember when you redesign your website to fit your new brand/identity. With a good business image consultant and marketing team, these things will go very smoothly.

•RESEARCH Determine exactly what you feel requires you to rebrand. If it’s because your current brand or identity doesn’t appeal to the market you want to reach, research what’s appealing to that market and put those elements into place within your new brand.

• PLAN Take the time to plan out the workings of your site…from navigation (put yourself in the user’s shoes), to researching better keywords. Web 2.0 is not only about the “look”, it’s also about simplicity and ease of use. It’s about guiding your visitors to do exactly what you want them to do while at your site.

Understand that your traffic patterns and business in general will likely slow for a time once your new brand/identity is in place. Be ready for that change…whether it’s an income or time management issue.

Planning ahead will save you frustration in the end.

• REDIRECT Be sure to set up 301 redirects from any pages that were ranked in your old site, especially if you completely rewrite your content, or change from html to php or asp.

• MARKET Your marketing plan will need an overhaul when you rebrand, especially if your target market has changed. Make sure your advertising in the right places to reach the right market.

Dont’ forget your current customers! Be sure to ease them into your new brand through good communication…they will be your most valuable asset during this process.

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