Category Archives: All

AG&M Website Launch

Posted on February 3, 2012 by admin

One of our longtime clients AG&M Granite has experienced a lot of great success since we were first engaged as their marketing partner back in 2003. Currently one of the leaders in natural stone supply, AG&M now has seven locations nationwide, including the launch of a new discount outlet branch concept. A lot has changed for the AG&M since we first launched their website more than four years ago and after a thorough analysis of the site and AG&M’s goals – we concluded that the two didn’t align.

AG&M’s goal was to reach a more consumer-based market and ultimately drive people to the stores, so when building the site we aimed to provide users with an engaging online shopping experience that was almost a recreation of an in-store experience to get people excited about visiting AG&M. Our main focus was the Product section that includes easy-to-navigate categories that users are able to clearly sort based on the materials they are interested in. When digging deeper into the individual slabs, users can utlize the customized tools we have built including a Zoomify tool to closely inspect slabs; sharing capabilities to share their favorite slabs with their spouse or on any of 10 social media outlets; and even a “like” function for Facebook integration. To further personalize and engage the user, we built a tool that suggests slabs and products they may be interested in based on their behavior on the site. The product section is also equipped with the capability to sort by colors, styles and origin in the future.

AG&M wanted to further enhance the online experience by adding an online store. Customers are now able to purchase Care & Use products online to eliminate the hassle for in-store purchase. Aha built an online shopping cart that allowed customers to instantly add any products that are available online to their cart while browsing the site.

With the ultimate goal being to get potential customers into the store, we found it imperative to allow users to easily find out location information with a new “Find a Store” feature on the homepage that allows users to instantly find the nearest AG&M location without having to leave the homepage. The location pages use the latest in Google map technology with direction, street views and more – right on the page.

And the best part of all – the entire site is mobile and tablet friendly, ensuring that users on all devices can access the site without any problems. In the short time that the site has been launched, monthly traffic has increased by nearly 1,000 visits and the time spent on the site has increase by 15%. We have to say AG&M is starting out 2012 right.

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Create a Great User Experience in 10 Easy Steps

Posted on February 3, 2012 by admin

If your current website isn’t engaging users from the get-go you might want to consider 10 things that will help create a simple interface that doesn’t distract visitors from their goals which are: finding something, making a purchase or an inquiry. How users engage or not with your website directly affects your bottom line one way or the other.

1. Start obsessing
Over your customers that is. Learn everything there is to know about them – their goals, behaviors, preferences, skills, wants and needs. Focus on your customers first and you’ll be able to create a website that lets them achieve their goals, which are, ultimately, your goals.

2. Flatter established brands
As the saying goes, imitation is the best form of flattery, so there’s no need to reinvent the wheel. There are tons of great user interfaces that your customers are most likely using on a daily basis – Facebook, MSN, Blogspot, Microsoft, Bing and Adobe are some that come to mind. Why not play off these familiar interfaces that your user is already accustomed to? By using familiar layouts and functionality your customer won’t have to spend time figuring out how to wade through your site and will spend more time buying.

3. Consistency is not boring
It’s best to stay consistent in all aspects of your web design and navigation. Once your users become comfortable on your site and have a good understanding of how things work, they will increase their efficiency as a user and feel in control. This is will ultimately lead to a more enjoyable experience without frustrations. A frustrated user is a “bounce” – meaning gone.

4. Design strategically
Use a visual hierarchy that clearly articulates to the user what the most important aspects are. This is especially important in sites that have large amounts of information. If your site doesn’t have a clear starting point and a clear path your visitors will leave. Good design and strategic placement of elements work to create simplicity. Customers like simple not complex sites. Take a look at Google’s main search page. It doesn’t get any simpler than that.

5. Plain and simple
Don’t add anything to your website design that is unnecessary – the best user interfaces (UI) are so streamlined that they are almost invisible. Before you add any design elements, ask why it is needed and what will it accomplish. If it doesn’t help the user do something or get somewhere on your site leave it off.

6. Feedback is important
Website visitors want to know where they are and what they’re doing. Your interface should include simple message boxes or visual cues that inform them of any action or result that has occurred – right or wrong. You need to let visitors know if their actions have led to the desired result Did they complete the purchase or not? Your interface should tell them.

7. To err is human, to forgive, divine
Every user is different – some extremely advanced and some virtually clueless. Although you may believe your website is as clear as day, your users will make mistakes and user error must always be accounted for. We’ve all filled out the wrong information on a form and when we mess up we want an easy way out. Make it easy for users to go back and fix things and undo actions. Make good use of your message boxes when an error has occurred.

8. Watch your language
Although we’re focusing on design, words can be an important part of interfaces as well. Text should be as simple and concise as possible with no question as to what something means or where something is leading the user. Don’t talk over their heads. A more conversational approach that the user relates to is more effective than pomposity and pontification.

9. Be easy to find
The best website in the world is useless if no one can find you. Pay attention to current Search Engine Optimization techniques and implement them.  If you’re not tweaking your SEO at least quarterly you’re probably falling behind and it won’t be long before your competition has a leg up on you.

10. Keep your eyes on the prize
The web is constantly changing, and it is important to keep moving forward right along with it. Mistakes will be made and lessons will be learned, but that is the best way to keep pushing the envelope with design. Embrace the fantastic forward progression of the world wide web.

Want to learn more about user interface design? Are you in need of a new or revamped website with your customers in mind? Call us today at 512.448.4494.

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Women More Cautious Sharing Personal Info on Social Media Sites

Posted on February 3, 2012 by admin

Women are significantly more cautious than men when it comes to sharing a variety of personal information on social media sites, according to a uSamp survey released in January 2012. Women are 33% more likely than men to say they are definitely not willing to share their physical address (78.8% vs. 59.1%), 39% more likely to definitely not share their location (52.4% vs. 37.7%), and 36% more likely to definitely not share their phone number (77.3% vs. 56.7%).

According to a National Cyber Security Alliance and McAfee study released in November 2011, 51% of Americans are not sharing more information on social media today than the previous year, and almost half have changed the way they use social networks because of safety and security concerns.

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Client Feedback: Albany EDC

Posted on January 26, 2012 by Meghan Sutherland

“First, let me tell you how much I love our new site: I LOVE IT THIS MUCH. We continue to receive many compliments; our site has been cited as a role model, if you will, for other sites in the community and region (in fact, our chamber has asked me to be on their internal web site advisory team). And, economic developers from throughout the state contact me about the process, the firm, the cost, etc. So, thank you.”

- Barbara Holmes, Albany EDC

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What to Watch For This Month: November 2011

Posted on November 15, 2011 by admin

Protect Your Company’s Reputation From The .XXX Domain Extension

Recently, The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) approved the .xxx domain extension for use by the adult entertainment industry. So, why should you be concerned? What if you discovered that a porn site has registered your company’s name with the .xxx extension? It’s possible and it could easily and quickly damage your brand’s reputation.

Securing a domain name on a first-come, first-served basis with no restrictions in place means that any trademark violation would have to be settled after finding out that another party has used your trademark as part of a their .xxx domain name.

The best thing you can do right now, rather than get into a trademark fight with the party that’s purchased your company’s name in the .xxx extension, is to prevent it from happening by going through a process called “Sunrise B.” This procedure – and it’s only offered for a limited period of time – allows you to block others from using your brand in the .xxx domain – much like blocking telemarketers from calling you.

The other procedure is to simply purchase the domain name yourself to protect others from securing it. For more information on your options, we suggest you contact your domain provider immediately for complete information.

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Key Strategies: Is Mobile Marketing Right For Your Company?


Posted on November 15, 2011 by admin

With mobile marketing being hyped as “the next big thing,” for every business category, the question remains, “Is it for real, is it for you and how deeply should you participate?”
The answer comes in knowing if your customers will seek out information about your company using their smartphones – much like fifteen years ago, wondering if anyone would seek out your company on the Internet. If so, you want to have a mobile presence.

With that determination, there are some specific mobile strategies you will want to integrate into your sales-building plan. From a customer-driven point of view, they include:

Searching for your company’s name, location and driving directions – go to Google Maps on your smartphone and type your business name. Is your complete company information found?

Searching within your business category – download the Google App and using your voice, ask for your business category. Is your company listed in the results?

Using a smartphone to get to your website – type your company’s web address into your smartphone’s browser. What does your web site look like when “mobilized?” Do you need your website reformatted for the mobile platform?

Giving incentives to visit or purchase your product or service – download “foursquare,” one of the most popular location-based platforms.

Offering your complete services and customer engagement in one package – consider the development of an app.

Being able to make a purchase immediately from a smartphone – make sure your have e-commerce purchasing capabilities so you won’t miss a sale.

Offering more detailed information or product knowledge – at various customer touch points, provide QR codes linked to product videos and demos.

Communicating to your customers on a regular basis with product announcements, special events and promotions – develop a text messaging program, utilizing an in-store sign-up incentive program.

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The Secret To Successfully Using Facebook And Twitter

Posted on November 15, 2011 by admin

Crafting a message is the most important element of any advertising campaign. The copy has to be original, creative, memorable and engaging –with a call to action. Without those key elements, delivered to your target audience on a frequent basis, don’t expect the register to ring.

Crafting content for your Facebook and Twitter postings should be no different. It also has to be original, creative, memorable and engaging.

While everyone uses social media platforms because they’re easy to use, the ability to write interesting content that converts fans into paying customers is extremely challenging and can make or break your social media campaign.

The real secret to success using Facebook and Twitter is not the number of fans or followers you have, but the number of people interested enough to become your company’s evangelists and eventually purchasing your product or service. The starting point for that success is always going to be strong content.

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Affair Recovery Website Launch

Posted on October 21, 2011 by admin

Let the Recovery Begin.
According to the Journal of Couple and Relationship Therapy, approximately 50 percent of married women and 60 percent of married men will have an extramarital affair at some time in their marriage. That’s a huge number of people who need help and guidance to heal from the pain of betrayal.  Affair Recovery, founded by Rick Reynolds in Austin, was designed with that cause in mind.

Affair Recovery is an online-based counseling and educational program for individuals and couples who are dealing with infidelity.  Their inspiring programs are research based, combining a solid curriculum with the strength of collaborative support to provide solace and recovery for both couples and individuals. As the program began to garner national media attention Aha was engaged to develop an equally inspiring brand and marketing website.

Beginning with a deep dive into the minds and behaviors of their target audience, which proved to be a more unique audience than the average online consumer, our insight revealed that the branding platform had to be both sensitive and direct, calming and professional. A new logo and positioning strategy formed the cornerstone of the brand expression and were developed to convey key brand attributes.

The new website was designed to generate leads and convert visitors into customers. The website’s search-engine friendly design and performance-tested webpages gently but effectively walk prospects through a qualification process that has boosted conversion rates and increased program applications. Aha’s services included branding, positioning and messaging strategy, visual design, and application development Aha is pleased to have helped Affair Recovery on its journey to help couples and marriages on a global level.

Check out the site at affairrecovery.com

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Albany EDC: Website Launch

Posted on October 20, 2011 by Meghan Sutherland

Established in 1856 as a center of cotton trade, Albany, Georgia, has grown into a regional commercial, educational and cultural hub in Southwest Georgia with a diverse economy that includes tourism, manufacturing, health care, defense and corporate and professional services.

The team at the Albany Economic Development Corporation knew that they needed to elevate their web presence in order to compete in the now global economic development arena, so they enlisted Aha to give their website a complete overhaul that accurately depicts the growing community and allows potential site selection consultants, corporations and developers to interact with Albany online.

Some of the great features that Aha incorporated on the site include: customized reporting that allows users to download data that is pertinent to their needs; GIS mapping system with a continuously updated property search; completely customized content management system that allows Albany staff to modify and edit content, pages, photos, news stories, events and navigation; social media integration; custom charts and graphs and more. But most importantly, the aesthetics and organization of the new site position Albany, Georgia, as a viable player for quality businesses to locate, expand, or relocate.

Check out the new site at: www.choosealbany.com

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Four Things To Watch This Month

Posted on October 19, 2011 by admin
  1. Twitter is introducing “Twitter Web Analytics” that will measure the traffic Twitter sends to your website. Visit https://dev.twitter.com/blog/introducing-twitter-web-analytics for more details.
  2. Facebook’s fan pages – also called individual profile pages – have experienced extensive changes, some of which aren’t yet fully visible. These changes affect how messages sent from your company’s Facebook Page get seen by those who “like” you. One of the most critical changes is that even without “un-liking” you, a fan can now easily unsubscribe from getting your company’s message. In other words, although you may feel great about having thousands of fans, how many have unsubscribed and are not getting your message streams?
  3. Google+ is now open to the public. Although not yet accepting businesses, it would be prudent to start your individual Google+ account now so you’re familiar with the concept and ready to go when they open the gates for businesses.
  4. Watch for an explosive increase in online sales during the holiday season as reports from Ebay indicate that tablet users are more willing to shop online and spend at least 50% more than their counterparts using a laptop or desktop PC.

 

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Now’s The Time For You To Take It Up A Notch

Posted on October 19, 2011 by admin

With just a month away from the critical holiday shopping season, now is the time to move ahead of your competitors by providing a higher level of service and a better value.

In light of the country’s economic debt crisis and attempts to resolve it, the journey into 2012 will feel like a roller coaster ride. What do you do? Go back to basics and provide a great customer experience.

If you’re ready to turn the heat on and take your marketing experience up a notch, then call us. We can help you get there … now faster than ever.

 

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The Experience Is The Marketing: Southwest Airlines Turns It Up

Posted on October 19, 2011 by admin

It’s no secret that the airline industry is in turmoil and they’re passing the pain on to passengers by adding extra fees and cutbacks in service. While airlines have a right to make a profit, is downgrading service the right tactic for achieving long-term customer loyalty?

Despite this industry turbulence, Southwest Airlines continues to succeed in this economy by doing what it does best – providing a great value and a fun flying experience for passengers. While other airlines are tacking on extra luggage fees, Southwest pokes fun at them, boasting that on their planes, “Bags fly free.”

The big lesson for companies is simply this: Fly Southwest and you’ll understand that the “experience is the marketing.” A great experience will overcome any issue about pricing.

What experience do your customers and clients get from your company that makes them want to talk about you? Is it bland or is it fun and memorable?

 

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How To Demonstrate Stability And Trust In A Volatile Economy

Posted on October 19, 2011 by admin

Much like what you’re reading now, a monthly newsletter emailed or mailed to your customers is one of the best and most cost-effective ways to remind them of the great products and services you offer.

In these tough economic times, your company newsletter demonstrates stability and trust. Customers and clients prefer to align themselves with those who will be around for the long haul.

Here are eight tips for developing your own company newsletter and sending it to your email or mail list:

  1. Keep the content generic, yet industry-relevant.
  2. Keep the articles brief and in bullet point form.
  3. Start with a table of contents, so readers can choose their articles of interest.
  4. Provide a link in case the recipient wishes additional information on a topic.
  5. Maintain a consistent delivery schedule and creative format.
  6. Include your contact information and a link to your Web site, if the recipient desires to e-mail or phone you.
  7. After the fifth issue, develop a readers’ survey to determine what readers like and don’t like about the newsletter. Ask them if there are topics they would like to see included in future issues.

Bottom line: A consistent newsletter is all about “rememberability.” It keeps your company’s name in front of your prospective customers and clients, so when they’re ready to make a purchase, your name will be well-remembered.

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The Big Question: Why Should Your Customers Like You Or Follow You?

Posted on October 19, 2011 by admin

Companies in every business category are putting social media logos on their advertising materials requesting that their customers follow them on Twitter or like them on Facebook, all without giving them a specific convincing reason to do so.

Other than for the purpose of giving away a discount, most companies don’t know why their customers should connect with them. And if you don’t know why, then your social media strategy needs to be redefined.

We recommend you have a stable of at least five to ten reasons within your social media strategy why your customers should connect with you online and remain interested enough in staying connected with your company for years to come.

 

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Aha Announces Partnership with Truth Be Told

Posted on September 7, 2011 by admin

Aha is delighted to be working with Truth Be Told, a 501(c)(3) non-profit service organization providing transformational tools for incarcerated women. Truth Be Told’s programs help women face the truth of their pasts and embrace the hope of their futures. Aha’s full-service capabilities will help the organization through a rebranding process that will ultimately lead to increased awareness and fundraising so that they can help even more women, their children and families.

Truth Be Told’s ground-breaking work and commitment to this under-served and under-valued population of women pulled at our heart-strings. They will be our primary pro-bono client well into 2012. Watch this site for news and developments.

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Austin Trailer Crawling – Grill Haven

Posted on August 22, 2011 by Meghan Sutherland

Or maybe more appropriately titled Grill “Heaven”. The next stop on our trailer crawl brought us to a small non-descript sandwich trailer at the corner of South 1st and Liveoak in the South First Food Court. It doesn’t look like much from the outside, but don’t judge a book by its cover – this gem knocked it out of the park. We tried four different sandwiches – all completely unique and delicious in their own way – Tomato & Brie, French Dip, Turkey with Avocado and the Salmon & Tuna Melt. How someone can perfect four sandwiches with such different ingredients is beyond belief, but Grill Haven has done it. From the wide variety of breads and super fresh ingredients to the care the owner takes in crafting and grilling each sandwich, we were truly impressed.

Although all of the sandwiches deserve an A+, the Tomato and Brie was particularly outstanding – fresh tomatoes, olives, spinach and olive oil with slices of brie perfectly melted on rye bread to make this sandwich completely delicious. We paired of all the sandwiches with some yummy sweet potato fries that were accompanied by a great chipotle mayo dipping sauce. The biggest shock came from the prices – $4 – $5 – a true bargain – especially in the trailer world where most sandwiches run around $10. Another bonus is the owner who happens to be a super nice guy even though he keeps his home A/C at 87° – nice and a conservationist at the same time. Grill Haven will definitely be a staple in the Aha lunch hour.

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Austin Trailer Crawling – SoCo ToGo

Posted on July 25, 2011 by Meghan Sutherland

Comfort Food Fast (and they deliver!)
The next stop on our quest to try every trailer in Austin (this is going to take longer than we thought!) was catering company turned trailer, SoCo ToGo. This really was a gem, seeing as how they would deliver to our office within 15 minutes at no additional charge. Okay so maybe we are cheating on the “crawl” part, but we have client deadlines looming and venturing out in the 105 degree heat is never fun.

Our food arrived quick, hot and fresh. Among the items we tried were the fried tilapia tacos, fried avocado tacos, brisket sammies, fried pickles and hash brown casserole. The fried avocado tacos won the taste test against the slightly fishy tasting fried tilapia tacos – the toppings were fresh and delicious – a crunchy slaw of carrots, red cabbage on fresh homemade tortillas. Make sure you drizzle some spicy cilantro ranch on top for added flavor.

Next up was the brisket sammie – slowly smoked beef brisket served with their homemade BBQ sauce = Delicious. This sandwich measured up to some well-known BBQ joints in town. Paired with the uber-rich hash brown casserole, this meal was one that just might put you to sleep after eating. The fried pickles were an added bonus with a yummy homemade batter, although they could have been a tad crispier.

SoCo ToGo will definitely be getting our return business – especially on those days where everyone yells “not it” on the food run.

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Lost In Space? Get Google’s 32-Page SEO Starter Guide

Posted on July 14, 2011 by admin

The foundation of online marketing is search engine optimization – being easily found online when a user types in and searches keyword phrases relevant to your company’s product or service.

While it’s a challenge to get listed within Google’s first two pages, as three million other companies are competing for the same twenty spots, it can be done.

More companies, tired of being lost in cyberspace and hurting from the lack of online visibility, are realizing the importance of budgeting additional dollars to hire the right team to accomplish the goal of being found online – and hopefully within Google’s first two pages.

To learn more about SEO, just email info@getaha.com for a free copy of Google’s Search Engine Optimization Starter Guide.

Posted in All, Newsletter Articles, Social Media & SEO | 1 Comment

Protect Your Company’s Market Share With Trademarks

Posted on July 14, 2011 by admin

We create many materials from scratch for our clients – names, logos, slogans, corporate colors, artwork, videos, characters, special products, websites, as well as shapes, icons, sounds and programming code – all critical elements to distinguish your company’s goods and services from others.

In order to protect these important elements from illegal use, we encourage our clients to trademark and copyright the final versions.

Have you identified every element of your company, including names, products and services that requires a trademark or a copyright? Did you include your website, programming code or even your Facebook page?

We urge you to update your company’s intellectual property rights and protect its image, ownership and market share.

Complete information on trademarks can be found at: www.uspto.gov and copyrights at:  www.copyright.gov.

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You Don’t Get This From Others

Posted on July 14, 2011 by admin

Differentiation is a big part of the services our company provides. While we can easily draw the pictures and come up with the big idea, our strength is in guiding your business in the right direction and making sure every element and process is in place to ensure your success.

From the very obvious aspects to the things you never think of, such as helping you build a championship team, separating the online facts from fiction and even advising on intellectual property rights, we’re a little different than your normal advertising marketing firm. And we’re proud of that.

If you’re ready to experience something a little different, then call us. We can get you there … faster than ever. And don’t forget to email me to obtain your free copy of Google’s Search Engine Optimization Starter Guide.

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