For any photographer showing their work to the public is the name of the game and personal websites are today’s best tools for that job.  PhotoShelter has made this easier than ever before. This great software offers a variety of design templates as well as the option to custom design your website.  It also incorporates very well with WordPress for those interested in a blogging and showcasing their photography.  Market you site and work effectively and give users the option to view their personal images, buy photos, and much more.  Check out this great software!

I am happy to announce the K38 Baja website launched yesterday!  The new website was built in utilizing DotNetNuke and has wonderful graphics and images throughout the site.  The goal of the site was to showcase the delicious food served at all 4 of the K38 restaurants, as well, as create a site that would get the loyal K38 patrons more involved in the website.  The site features a form for guest feedback, the ability for parents to sign their children up for the Kids Club, and a catering inquiry form.  As an active member of the community, K38 is now able to keep their website updated with upcoming events and local activities.

We’re proud to announce the launch of three new websites!

McGraw Hardscapes came to Sage Island to update the look and feel of their website and to increase the functionality of the site.  Sage Island developed a fully editable site that allows for updates to the text, photo gallery images and press releases.  The design was customized to showcase the beautiful designs of McGraw Hardscapes.

The newly redesigned Flow Sciences website launched on August 14th.  The client sought our services to redesign their existing website and develop an interactive site that allowed visitors to register and login to access technical product information.  The new site includes a flash header to showcase the different product areas of Flow Sciences.  The site was developed utilizing a content management system and gives Flow Sciences the ability to edit text, images and documents contained within the site.

Nalley Properties launched their new website on August 21st. The new Nalley Properties website includes the ability for the client to enter in available properties and allows visitors to search by property name and location.  The site includes a Google Maps application that maps the available properties and display them on a state by state basis.  The site also features a maintenance request form that allows tenants to contact Nalley directly with any issues they may have.

We are happy to announce that the new Century 21 Sweyer website launched last Friday. The new site design was a collaboration between Sage and Century 21, and we have integrated a lot of new functionality including a quick search that allows users to search for properties and agents directly from the homepage. Other new features include a direct link to new listings that have come out in the last week and a new section for those interested in considering a career in real estate. The Career page was created in Flash and allows users to interactively learn about each of the departments within Century 21 Sweyer.

The most significant change comes with the redesign of the property listing search pages. The new search page has been redesigned for increased usability. The search results pages have options for viewers to select the viewing layout that suits their needs. They can choose from a basic list view of properties, a gallery view that shows larger images of the properties or a map view that plots the listings and highlights which listings are listed by Century 21 Sweyer.

On March 23 we launched the new J. E. Evans Construction website. J. E. Evans is a construction company that has been building homes in the Wilmington area since 1963 and came to Sage to develop their online presence. The company desired a modern website that would showcase their portfolio of work and allow potential customers to reach them easily.  To meet their needs we developed an interactive, Flash photo gallery of their homes and a contact form for users to easily contact them for a quote. Knowing that J. E. Evans would expand their website in the future, the design was created to be flexible and allow for future growth.

On March 6, ARS Heating and Air launched a new website for their New Hanover County franchise.  The site contains information about all the services offered by ARS as well as downloadable coupons for customers.  The website was designed with branding elements similar to the ARS corporate site, but is tailored to meet the needs of the local franchise.  The website will be used as a marketing and branding tool and as a place to drive local customers for more information about ARS services.  ARS will have the ability to make updates to their site and upload current coupons using a content management system. In addition to website design and hosting, Sage Island is also providing internet marketing services and a pay-per-click campaign to increase website traffic.

Today our nation’s teens are paying attention to the issues with our economy and our new president more than ever before. Recently Scarborough Kids Internet Panel released the findings of a new study that indicates America’s youth population is highly interested in the state of our economy and very optimistic that President Obama will help resolve these economic issues. As many as 75% of those surveyed felt that Obama will help solve our current economic problems.

Many teens are seeing for the first time the impact an economic downturn can have on their lives. Teens surveyed say they have had to quit playing a sport, missed doctors’ appointments and changed their eating habits due to the economic pressures their families face. These experiences are leading to an increased interest in politics and government affairs — 81% of teen surveyed are interested in understanding more about the causes of our current economic issues. Today kids are turning to parents and teachers to learn and understand more about our country’s issues. In fact 47% want to talk more to their parents about these issues and 64% are discussing the downturn with their teachers.

What does this mean for those of us marketing to teens and their families? It is good news. This data gives us a window into what Americans are facing on a daily basis and helps give us a better understanding of how to talk to them. It helps us speak their language and develop innovative products designed to fulfill needs and be budget friendly.

Additionally, today’s messaging needs to be smarter and more aligned with what the target audience is looking for. No longer are consumers buying on a whim — price and need are of the utmost concern. Marketers need to be aware of this and focus their messaging accordingly.

Marketers can take this opportunity to stay top of mind with their consumers. Though buyers may not be able to afford their favorite brand right now, staying in front of your audience with consistent messaging will put in the right place when consumers are ready to resume their typical buying habits.