The Wuhoo Xchange!

2012-01-16T09:56:00.000+10:00

Web Hosting

What is it? What do I look for?

These days websites are an essential part of any business, with over 2 billion users worldwide (17 million in Australia) you are selling yourself short by not having one, but how do these websites get on the world wide web?

So your website is ready to go and all you need to do now is show it to people. First you need a place to put your website online, this is called web space. Your web space exists only on a server (a server is a computer that is connected to the internet at all times), unless you have your own server you will need to rent space from a web host (a company that has a server and provides web space), almost like renting a property! The server space you need depends on the size of your website, whether you use Flash or other large components. Most web hosts will provide you with email hosting, site visitor statistics and ongoing technical support.

A good web host doesn’t necessarily mean choosing the most expensive one, but someone who offers cost effective hosting options along with fast and effective support.

Depending on the size of your website and the modules that you have most companies have a plan tailored to suit your requirements. Wuhoo Creative offer three different plans designed for small (25GB), medium (100GB) and large businesses (Unlimited Plan).

For more details on Wuhoo Creatives hosting plans please visit our hosting page.

The Do's and Don'ts when Building a Website

2011-06-29T10:10:00.000+10:00

A professional website is, above all else, professional. What constitutes professional though? This question has been asked by many, and the answers are as varied as those asking the question. There are at least a hundred or more possible aspects to consider, some consisting of parts of others, such as demographics and content. Each factor has its own affect on how customers perceive a website.
Being professional is an attitude portrayed by you, the business owner, your business and your website. You don't have the luxury of smiling real big, wearing your best suit, and shaking hands with the customer. Your site has to do that for you. This brief list of what to do and what not to do when creating a professional website is only the beginning, one small step towards success.

Website Do's

1. Know your visitors. Your site should be designed to fit their needs and wants. If you're selling, know the demographics of the people you're selling to. If you're just providing information, know who you are targeting. Rule of thumb: Know more about your audience than they know about you.

2. Know your product. As strange as that may sound, people know when a site offers products or services that they themselves know little about. If you are letting someone else write the content for your site and that someone doesn’t know the product, then your customers won't know it either. Anticipate questions from customers and answer them before they are asked.

3. Make your site visually pleasing. Just because bright red and bright blue are your favorite colors doesn't mean that they should be the dominant colors in your site. Red and blue are at different ends of the spectrum and will give viewers a headache if viewed to long. You want to make viewers feel welcome, comfortable, and that they are able to trust you.

4. Outline the concept of the site before it is created. Know the answers to those golden questions: who, what, when, where, why and how. While these questions apply to your demographics they are also helpful in deciding what information is truly important and what isn't. Pinning down your tacit knowledge is often a challenge, and not all tacit knowledge is valuable. What do you want the customers to know and what do the customers want to know?

5. Make your prices readily available. Hide your prices and customers will wonder what else you are hiding. Don't wait until after you ask for their credit card information to tell them how much it costs. You don't make sales that way; what you do make is frustrated customers who tell other potential customers to stay away from your site.

6. Keep your site credible. Back up what you say with statistics or links to articles that support your claim. If you have experts in your company, highlight them. Show the customer that there are REAL people running the business. Update the content as often as possible - if updating the content isn't possible, add links to news articles and update those links. It is time consuming, but in the end it is worth the time and effort.

7. Ask for input from people who know nothing about your product/service/business. This is the best way to get true feedback. People who know nothing about what you are doing can find the smallest error and ask the best questions. They can give you a fresh perspective on your site and sometimes your business. They don't know what you know, and they often see what you don't.

8. Use images that portray confidence. You want the customer to trust you right? Then show them that you believe enough in yourself and your product that there is no doubt that you are trustworthy. Dress for success. You wouldn't wear snow boots on a hot summer’s day, would you? Then don't let your site wear images that could make you look cheap and untrustworthy.

9. Keep your site translator-friendly. This can sometimes be challenging as we tend to use different terminology than other countries. What we would consider 'normal phrasing' may be considered 'odd' or offensive to someone else. Avoid slang and check your site with a translator. Check to see which words are translated and which ones aren't, then try to figure out why.

10. Be consistent throughout the site. Making each page of your site different can be entertaining to teenagers and new internet users, but most of your potential customers aren't new to the internet. If a viewer feels as though they're on a different site each time they click a link on your site, they are likely to go to another site. Consistency counts in site design and professionalism, and your customers will expect it.

Website Don'ts

1. Don't guess at who you're trying to reach with your site. ‘Guesstimation’ is for horse shoes and card games. If you don't know your demographics then you might as well have thrown your site together.

2. Don't get too technical. Your customers are the ones reading your site, so it should be written for them. Sure, your competition might read your site as well, but they already know the business jargon. Besides, you aren’t trying to sell to them anyway. Remember, other business owners may browse, but your customers are your buyers.

3. Don't give your customers a headache. There are 256 colors available for site design. 216 of those are browser 'safe.' Just because there are an abundance of colors does not mean that they all should be used at once. Warm colors shouldn't be used with cool colors because of the conflicting hues. Meanwhile, bright colors make the eyes work harder to focus and after a few minutes will likely give your viewers a headache.

4. Don't keep content that isn't being read. Keeping track of what your customers are actually reading is very helpful. You want a customer to peruse your site as completely as possible. The more they know, the better your chances are that they will purchase or sign-up. If a page isn't being read then try something else. Rewrite it. Add psychological triggers. Rephrase. Find a way to make the page valuable.

5. Don't repeat the same information on every page. The viewer doesn't want to read the same material over and over. Give them new, fresh information on each page. If they want to go back and read the previous page, give them that option.

6. Don't hide contact information. You'll find conflicting information on this topic. Some designers will tell you to put your contact information on every page, but customers tend to find that redundant. One page with multiple ways to contact you is more affective even if the customer never visits the page. Just having the page there tells them that you can be reached and that you really are there for their convienence.

7. Don't use animations. Some would say use animations to draw attention to your ad, product, 'new' idea/newsletter/etc. but by following that suggestion you frustrate the customer. Flashing, moving objects distract the eyes. A customer is there looking for information, if their eyes are distracted while reading, their comprehension decreases while their frustration rises. The use of colors such as yellow and orange become helpful in this area. Bolding or italicizing words is another way to emphasize phrases, or items you want the customer to notice.

8. Don't use multiple fonts. It only takes the eye seconds to adjust to a new font, but those seconds are distracting to the mind. Different sizes, styles, and colors are confusing. Choose one font and stick with it. Consistency is more important than creativity when it comes to text.

9. Don't take control away from the viewer. Creative cursors, full screen browsers, and other 'entertaining' aspects of site design are great, if your target audience is teenagers or new internet users, but for a professional website they give the appearance of being cheap, second rate, and amateurish.

10. Don't 'bunch up' the text. Add spaces between paragraphs so the customers don't feel overwhelmed with information. Placing a small picture pertaining to the content gives the eyes time to relax before reading further.

Source- Wynn Wilder, Website Psychologist and owner of Critical Thinking

Wuhoo! Out & About 'Art on James' 2011

2011-06-21T14:50:00.000+10:00

What a great way to kick start the month of June. 'Art on James' was a unique initiative for Brisbane showcasing contemporary art within the leading design and retail stores located on James Street.

Designers and retailers such as George Wu, Caterpillar and Urbana all showcased their latest designs on the red carpet. Local designer George Wu donated two dresses that were accessorised by Jim Martin and Irene Vides and later auctioned off with all profits going to a Brisbane charity.

'Art on James' allowed the general public to get up and close with successful, local and interstate artists represented by Cgallery.

For more details on upcoming events hosted by Cgallery visit their website.

St Vincent de Paul CEO Sleepout 2011

2011-06-20T20:10:00.000+10:00

South Bank Parklands, Suncorp Piazza was host to this years St Vincent de Pauls CEO Sleepout. With at total of 122 CEO's participating in this years sleepout and currently just over $540,000 in donations the event was bound to be a success.

CEO's were encouraged to bring their own sleeping bags + warm clothing and cardboard was also provided to protect them from the elements.

Dinner? Yes you guessed it, a basic meal of soup and bread rolls, served with tea or coffee. I huge congrats goes out to the CEO's that took the time out to raise much needed funds.

In Queensland, the St Vincent de Paul Society has over 420 beds for people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. This includes short, medium and long term accommodation, as well as disability housing. Every month in Brisbane alone, Vinnies helps more than 4,000 families in crisis. Despite this work, 2,070 men and women are homeless in Brisbane on any given night.

Wuhoo! Putting their best PAW forward!

2011-06-02T09:33:00.000+10:00

The team at Wuhoo Creative put aside their creative talents and tried their hand at dog handling for the Million Paws Walk, in order to raise much needed funds for the RSPCA on 15 May 2011. There were dogs running left right and centre and the Wuhoo team had their hands full with a staffy called Barney and his pal Meischa. Lets just say the trip was anything but a 'walk in the park'. Dogs of all shapes and sizes turned out to put their paws to the path and help their underpriveledged fur friends.

The RSPCA Million Paws Walk is held yearly across all states and is a great reason to get out and about for the day.

Wuhoo! would like to thank their friends, family, clients and suppliers who took part in the walk and helped raise an amazing $710.

Brisbane's Got Talent!

2011-04-27T13:46:00.000+10:00

Next time you are driving through Brisbane and you stop at a set of lights, make sure you have a look around. Chances are you have driven passed one of these awesome traffic signal boxes designed and painted by local artists. There are over 1500 of these painted boxes situated in Brisbane and even more available for you to add your own creative touch to.

Wuhoo Creative ft Barney supporting RSPCA in the Million Paws Walk!

2011-04-26T21:34:00.000+10:00

Help the team at Wuhoo Creative raise much needed funds for the RSPCA by sponsoring us to walk the 3km leg with our lovable friend Barney on the 15 May 2011.

HOT OFF THE PRESS!!

2011-04-05T12:49:00.000+10:00

WUHOO! HOT OFF THE PRESS. Lakeview Trading business cards.
Is it about time you updated yours??

Creapy or Creative- Blinking Ketchup Bottles

2011-04-04T13:17:00.000+10:00

At what point does something creative become creapy.....? I think when you add blinking eyes to a ketchup bottle you cross that line. This set of two classic red and yellow condiment bottles each hold 12 oz and blink when tipped - yep.
Just be glad they don't scream at you when you squeeze them.

Sidewalk Art by Julian Beever

2011-04-04T11:49:00.001+10:00

Wuhoo! check out this amazing sidewalk art by Julian Beever. Being in the creative industry I receive emails of his artwork all the time. My favourite pieces are definitely the optical illusions. After hours and hours of creating these great pieces they are all washed away at the end of the day- such a shame.

WUHOO! Cool new Mood Mugs.

2011-04-04T09:55:00.000+10:00

Let everyone in your office know what mood you are in each morning with these awesome new Mood Mugs. These cute mugs feature facial expressions like happy, moody or sleepy and are double wall insulated to keep your drink warm and your hand cool. If you are anything like me you will require all three mugs to get you through some mornings.

Volkswagen Commercial: The Force

2011-03-29T20:03:00.000+10:00

For all you 'Star Wars' Fans, such a great little commercial for the new Volkswagen Passat.

GETTING SCHMICK with Brisbane Youth Service

2011-03-15T09:40:00.000+10:00

Join forces with the Brisbane Youth Service and help hundreds of young homeless and disadvantaged people get healthy and look Schmick for National Youth Week 2011.

Get your workmates, friends and family to donate new bathroom goods. Here’s what to do: Buy an item/s from the list below. Take to your work or school. Drop off all the products together sometime throughout the working week between 9am-5pm before 8th April to the Brisbane Youth Service – 78 Berwick Street, Fortitude Valley.

Lets all get behind this great cause and help homeless and disadvantaged young people get Schmick for National Youth week 2011.

CGallery REK 925 Showcase

2011-03-03T16:22:00.000+10:00

C Gallery has Art for everyone from the serious collector looking to acquire internationally recognised artists to buyers looking for a unique piece to complement their home, everything at C Gallery makes a powerful visual statement.

ORIENTIQUE 2012 SUMMER SHOOT- Last day!!

2011-03-02T15:57:00.000+10:00

ORIENTIQUE- Summer Cotton Prints and Solids!

Talk about a chellenging day! With almost 100 items of clothing to shoot we had our work cut out for us.

ORIENTIQUE 2012 SUMMER SHOOT- Day 3/4 Cont...

2011-03-02T15:50:00.000+10:00

ORIENTIQUE- Summer Cotton Prints and Solids!

ORIENTIQUE 2012 SUMMER SHOOT- Day 2/4 Cont...

2011-03-02T15:47:00.000+10:00

ORIENTIQUE- Summer Cotton Prints and Solids!

ORIENTIQUE 2012 SUMMER SHOOT- Day 1/4

2011-02-22T15:24:00.002+10:00

ORIENTIQUE- Summer Cotton Prints and Solids!

With a Summer range containing over 300 items, this season will be
Orientiques biggest and best!
Stay tuned for footage from days 2, 3 and 4!

'SHOCK' Advertising- Is this a fair comparison?

2011-02-10T19:10:00.002+10:00

The nation's peak doctors' body has renewed its call for a ban on junk food advertising targeting the young, after research has confirmed how easily they are persuaded.

Australian Medical Association (AMA) national president Dr Andrew Pesce said the AMA has for years been calling for a ban on broadcast advertising of energy-dense and nutrient-poor foods and beverages to children, particularly in children's television viewing times.

A recent survey found one in four children were overweight or obese, while more than half indicated they had tried a new food or drink product in the past month because they had seen it advertised.

A quarter said they had eaten at a fast food outlet because it had a special offer or giveaway with a meal, while almost 20 per cent opted for a food or drink because it was linked to a movie or sports personality.

Above is an advertisement comparing drug use to eating fast food. Do you think its fair for advertising companies to use 'shock' tactics to get their point across?

Vein / Ray Ban Rare Party - Wed 4th Feb 2011

2011-02-04T23:00:00.001+10:00

Szuting Lai Mccallum (Vein Wear) and Ben Wright (Wuhoo Creative)

Ben won a pair of Rare Print RayBan sunglasses!!

MBFF Group Show 3, 7th August 2010 - George Wu bespoke collection 2010

2010-08-12T14:42:00.000+10:00

The 2010 Mercedes-Benz Fashion Festival is being held at Southbank and showcases local designers’ and retail stores. Fashionistas frocked up and travelled from all over Queensland to make an appearance and to take a glimpse at the latest trends.

The Wuhoo! Creative team attended George Wu’s group showcase (were some were lucky enough to sit in the front row, Jen) where the glamorous models and garments lit up the catwalk and inspired onlookers.

Australian Animal Cancer Foundation Fundraiser

2010-06-16T17:43:00.000+10:00

6:30pm, 3rd June, 2010

The Australian Animal Cancer Foundation hosted what could be described as a night of glitz and glamour where women frocked up to see the long awaited Sex and the City 2. A big thumbs up to Jody O'Carrigan for organising such a great night. The team at Wuhoo! Creative definitely look forward to attending Jody’s next fundraising event, Twilight!

Shen Yun Performing Arts Night

2010-06-16T17:20:00.000+10:00

7:30pm, 2nd June, 2010

Shen Yun Performing Arts take to heart an ancient Chinese belief: that to create true art, there must first be inner beauty. Many draw personal inspiration from traditional Chinese culture and practices, such as the self-cultivation method of Falun Dafa, and naturally bring a calm expressiveness and depth to their work. Thanks to Ted L.M. Liao from Taipei Economic & Cultural Office Brisbane and Shan Ju lin from The Epoch Times publication for giving Wuhoo! the opportunity to witness the true beauty of such a remarkable body of talent.