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In recent years, there has been a remarkable increase in accessibility lawsuits filed against businesses and organisations. This surge can be attributed to various factors, including the growing awareness of accessibility rights among people with disabilities, the increased availability of assistive technologies, a higher number of businesses operating online, and heightened regulatory scrutiny of websites and apps. In the United States, these lawsuits are primarily rooted in the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which extends to websites and apps. This article delves into the rise of accessibility lawsuits and offers guidance on how businesses and organisations can ensure compliance to avoid legal troubles.

The ADA and Web Accessibility

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a landmark legislation in the United States that prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities in various aspects of public life. This includes employment, public transportation, and access to public accommodations. Importantly, the ADA also applies to websites and apps. The Department of Justice (DOJ) has made it clear that websites and apps must be accessible to people with disabilities to adhere to ADA regulations. However, there's no specific technical blueprint provided in the ADA, which has led to a surge in lawsuits against entities with inaccessible digital platforms.

The Accessibility Lawsuit Surge

In 2022, there were over 2,300 accessibility lawsuits filed in the United States. This represents a significant uptick compared to previous years, and the trend shows no signs of slowing down. The rise in accessibility lawsuits serves as a wake-up call for businesses and organisations to prioritise accessibility in their digital offerings.

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Ensuring Compliance

To avoid falling victim to accessibility lawsuits and to create a more inclusive online environment, businesses and organisations can take proactive steps to ensure compliance with ADA requirements.

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Here are some key strategies

Familiarise Yourself with Guidelines

Begin by understanding the guidelines and standards that govern web accessibility. The Department of Justice (DOJ) and the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) offer valuable resources in the form of guidelines and standards, such as the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG).

Conduct Accessibility Audits

Consider hiring an accessibility consultant or using automated accessibility testing tools to audit your website or app. These audits can identify existing accessibility issues and provide recommendations for improvement.

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Follow Accessibility Principles

Perceivable: Ensure all content and interface elements are perceivable, regardless of users' sensory abilities.

Operable: Make sure that users can interact with your website or app using various input methods.

Understandable: Ensure content and functionality are clear and comprehensible.

Robust: Ensure your content can be reliably interpreted by different user agents and assistive technologies.

Implement Best Practices

Incorporate accessibility best practices into your design and development processes.

Use clear and concise language.

Provide alternative text for images.

Maintain sufficient color contrast.

Use semantic HTML for better screen reader compatibility.

Ensure keyboard navigability.

Offer transcripts for audio and video content.

Keep a consistent layout and navigation structure.

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Accessibility Testing

Regularly test your website or app for accessibility using a combination of automated accessibility checkers, screen readers, and real users with disabilities. User feedback is invaluable in assessing real-world usability.

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The surge in accessibility lawsuits underscores the importance of creating digital spaces that are accessible to all users, regardless of their abilities. The ADA's applicability to websites and apps is a clear signal that accessibility is not an optional consideration but a legal requirement. By adhering to accessibility principles, implementing best practices, conducting thorough audits, and seeking user feedback, businesses and organisations can not only avoid legal troubles but also contribute to a more inclusive and equitable online environment. In doing so, they ensure that everyone can access their products and services, promoting a more inclusive and accessible digital landscape for all.

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As a no-code web designer, you have the power to bring your ideas to life without writing a single line of code. With the right tools, you can create dynamic and interactive elements that will engage and captivate your visitors. One of the best no-code web design platforms to use is Webflow, and with its integration capabilities, you can add even more functionality to your website. In this article, I will show you how to create dynamic and interactive elements with Webflow and a few third-party tools.

Interactive Forms

Interactive forms are a great way to gather information from your visitors, whether it be for a survey, feedback, or just to collect their email addresses. With Webflow, you can create basic forms, but if you want to add more functionality, you can integrate with a third-party form builder such as Typeform or Google Forms. This integration will allow you to create more advanced forms with options such as logic jumps and custom thank-you pages.

Animations

Animations can add a fun and dynamic touch to your website, but coding them can be time-consuming and challenging. Fortunately, with Webflow, you can easily add animations to your website with just a few clicks. You can also use third-party tools such as Lottie or Bodymovin to add more complex animations to your website. These tools allow you to import animation files created in After Effects and add them to your Webflow website.

Interactive Maps

Interactive maps can be a great way to show the location of your business, highlight multiple locations, or just provide an interactive element for your visitors. With Webflow, you can add a basic Google Map to your website, but if you want to add more functionality, you can integrate with a third-party map builder such as Mapbox or Leaflet. This integration will allow you to create custom maps with markers, pop-ups, and even allow your visitors to interact with the map.

Video Backgrounds

Video backgrounds are a great way to add a dynamic and visually appealing element to your website. With Webflow, you can easily add a video background to your website and even control the playback settings such as looping and autoplay. If you want to add a video background with even more customization options, you can integrate with a third-party video background builder such as Vimeo or Youtube.

Chatbots

Chatbots are a great way to provide instant support to your visitors and can help improve the user experience on your website. With Webflow, you can integrate with a third-party chatbot builder such as Tars or Drift. This integration will allow you to add a chatbot to your website that can answer frequently asked questions, provide support, and even collect information from your visitors.

With the right tools and integrations, you can create dynamic and interactive elements on your Webflow website without writing a single line of code. From interactive forms to video backgrounds, the possibilities are endless. The key is finding the right tools and integrations to help bring your ideas to life.

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Artificial Intelligence (AI) has been making waves in the field of graphic design and art for some time now. With the advent of powerful machine learning algorithms and neural networks, AI is able to generate designs and art that are on par with those created by human designers and artists. But, can AI substitute human artist?

One of the most popular ways AI is being used in graphic design is through the use of generative design. This is a method of using AI to generate a large number of design options based on certain parameters. For example, a designer might specify that they want a logo that is simple, modern, and incorporates the color blue. The AI would then generate a variety of logo options that meet those criteria. This allows designers to quickly and easily explore a wide range of design options, and can even lead to the discovery of new design possibilities that would have been difficult to come up with through traditional methods.

Another way AI is being used in graphic design is through the use of neural networks. These are algorithms that are modeled after the way the human brain works, and are able to learn and adapt to new information. In the context of graphic design, neural networks can be trained on a dataset of existing designs, and then used to generate new designs that are similar in style or composition. This can be especially useful for tasks like creating variations of an existing design, or for creating new designs that are similar to those of a specific designer or artist.

AI is also being used in art, particularly in the creation of digital art. One popular method is using AI to create generative art. This is a form of art that is created by using algorithms to generate random patterns and shapes. These patterns and shapes can then be manipulated and combined to create unique and interesting pieces of art. This approach can also be used to create animations and videos, as the AI is able to generate different frames and sequences of images. More advanced algorithms can create photo realistic images of people and scenarios with only few line of description, such as the prompt of the main image in this article from Lexica:

"Vincent van gogh at the beach in the bahamas wearing a hawaiian shirt with flowers, with a beautiful young woman in swimsuit"

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AI is also being used in the field of 3D modeling and animation. AI can be used to create 3D models of objects and characters, and then animate them. This can be used for creating animations for films, video games, and virtual reality experiences. AI can also be used to create realistic virtual environments and landscapes.

AI is also being used in image and video editing. AI can be used to automatically remove unwanted objects from an image, enhance the color and contrast, or even change the background. In video editing, AI can be used to automatically cut and splice footage, stabilize shots, and even create slow-motion effects.

Another area where AI is making an impact is in the realm of virtual and augmented reality. AI can be used to create interactive virtual worlds and avatars that can respond to user inputs in real-time. This can be used to create immersive gaming experiences, as well as training and education simulations.

Overall, AI is having a major impact on the field of graphic design and art. It is helping designers and artists to explore new possibilities, create new forms of art, and automate repetitive tasks. With the continued development of AI and machine learning, we can expect to see even more exciting developments in the future.

However, when it comes to substituting human artist, AI is not yet capable of replicating the creativity and emotional connection that humans can bring to their art. AI may be able to mimic the style of a human artist, but it cannot yet create truly original and meaningful art on its own. Therefore, it is more accurate to say that AI is a tool that can be used by artists to enhance their work and streamline their processes, rather than a replacement for human artists. The real question is: Will we even notice?

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Creating a website for a small business can be a daunting task, especially for those without a background in web design or development. The traditional approach to building a website typically involves hiring a web designer or developer who can write code to create a custom website from scratch. However, in recent years, a new approach to web design has emerged: the no-code web designer.

A no-code web designer uses a platform or tool that allows him to create and design websites without the need for coding knowledge. These platforms use intuitive tools to make the process of building a website as simple and user-friendly as possible.

There are several reasons why a no-code web designer is better for small businesses than a code web designer.

First, cost-effectiveness.

Hiring a web designer or developer can be expensive, especially for small businesses with limited budgets. A no-code web designer, on the other hand, is typically much more affordable and can save small businesses a significant amount of money. You can save up to 70% compared to a traditional web developer (code solution).

Second, ease of use.

As mentioned earlier, no-code web designers use tools that make the process of building a website much more intuitive and user-friendly. This means that small business owners can easily edit and manage own website without the need for coding knowledge. This not only saves time, but also allows small business owners to have more control over their website and make changes as their business evolves.

Third, flexibility.

No-code web designers allows for faster deployment of a website, which is important for small businesses looking to establish an online presence quickly. You can have your website up and running in a matter of  days, rather than weeks or months.

Fourth, Speed.

No-code web designer allows for easy scaling, which is essential for small businesses that are looking to grow. As your business grows, you can easily add new features and functionality to your website, without the need for extensive coding or hiring a developer.

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In summary, a no-code web designer is a cost-effective, user-friendly, flexible, fast and scalable solution for small businesses looking to create a website. It allows small business owners to easily create and design their own website without the need for coding knowledge, while also providing them with more control over their website and the ability to make changes as their business evolves. With a no-code web designer, small businesses can establish an online presence quickly and easily, and scale their website as their business grows.

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In web and app design, font plays a crucial role in the overall user experience. The type of font used can greatly affect the readability, legibility, and aesthetics of the design. Four common font types that are often used in web and app design are serif, sans-serif, script, and slab serif.

Serif fonts are characterized by small lines or embellishments that are added to the ends of the main strokes of letters. These embellishments are called "serifs." Serif fonts are often used in traditional print design, such as books and newspapers. They are considered more formal and elegant, and are often used in headlines and titles. Examples of serif fonts include Times New Roman, Georgia, and Garamond.

Sans-serif fonts, on the other hand, do not have serifs. They are considered more modern and minimalistic in comparison to serif fonts. Sans-serif fonts are often used in digital designs, such as websites and mobile apps, as they are more legible on screens. Examples of sans-serif fonts include Arial, Helvetica, and Open Sans.

Script fonts are designed to mimic handwriting or calligraphy. They are often used for invitations, greeting cards, and other formal documents. Script fonts can be quite elegant and sophisticated, but they can be difficult to read in small sizes or on screens. Examples of script fonts include Brush Script, Lucida Handwriting, and French Script.

Slab serif fonts are similar to serif fonts, but with larger and bolder serifs. They are often used for headlines and titles, as they are considered more attention-grabbing than traditional serif fonts. Examples of slab serif fonts include Rockwell, Courier, and Clarendon.

When it comes to choosing a font for web and app design, it is important to consider the purpose and audience of the design. Serif fonts are best used for headlines and titles, while sans-serif fonts are more suitable for body text. Script fonts can add elegance and sophistication to designs, but should be used sparingly as they can be difficult to read. Slab serif fonts are best used for headlines and titles, as they are attention-grabbing.

In terms of readability and legibility, sans-serif fonts are generally considered the best option for digital designs, as they are more easily readable on screens. However, it's also good to keep in mind that readability and legibility are not the only factors to consider when choosing a font. The aesthetics and overall style of the design should also be taken into account.

In summary, serif, sans-serif, script, and slab serif are the four common font types used in web and app design. Each font type has its own unique characteristics and is best used for specific purposes. When choosing a font for a web or app design, I consider the purpose and audience of the design, as well as the readability and legibility of the font. It's also important to keep in mind the aesthetics and overall style of the design.

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Keeping a website simple and clean is crucial for user experience and business success. Many well-known businesses have recognised the importance of simplicity in their web design, and have implemented it to great success.

One of the best examples of a simple and clean website is Apple. The company's website is minimalistic, with a white background and simple layout. The website is easy to navigate, with clear and distinct categories for their products and services. This allows users to quickly find the information they need, whether it's about a new iPhone model or the latest updates on Apple Music. The simplicity in design and user experience is a key reason why Apple’s website has been a success, it makes it easy for users to understand and interact with the site.

Another great example of a simple and clean website is Google. The search giant's website is designed with a similar aesthetic to Apple's, with a simple layout and a focus on the search bar. The website is easy to navigate, with clear and distinct categories for their products and services. This allows users to quickly find the information they need, whether it's about a new Google product or the latest updates on Google Maps. Google's simple and clean website design has helped them to become the dominant search engine in the world.

Another great example of a simple and clean website is Microsoft. The company's website is designed with a similar aesthetic to Apple and Google's, with a white background and simple layout. The website is easy to navigate, with clear and distinct categories for their products and services. This allows users to quickly find the information they need, whether it's about a new Surface model or the latest updates on Microsoft Office.

Simplicity in website design not only improves user experience but also helps with search engine optimisation. Search engines like Google prefer simple and clean websites because they are easier to crawl and index. A simple and clean website is also more mobile-friendly and is therefore more likely to rank higher on search engine results pages.

Simplicity and cleanliness in website design is not only beneficial for user experience but also for business success. Many other well-known businesses have recognised this and have implemented it in their website designs with great success. A simple and clean website is easy to navigate, faster to load, and is more likely to rank higher on search engine results pages. Businesses looking to establish or enhance their online presence should consider keeping their website simple and clean.

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A responsive website is a website that has been designed to adapt to the screen size of the device it is being viewed on. This means that whether a user is viewing the website on a desktop computer, a tablet, or a smartphone, the layout and functionality of the website will be optimized for that particular device.

On the other hand, an app is a standalone software application that is designed to be run on a specific platform, such as iOS or Android. While apps can offer a more personalized and engaging experience for users, they also have several limitations that make them less desirable than responsive websites.

One of the main advantages of responsive websites over apps is that they are much easier to develop and maintain. Building a responsive website requires only a single codebase, which can then be adapted to fit the different screen sizes of various devices. In contrast, building an app requires separate codebases for each platform, which can be time-consuming and costly.

Another advantage of responsive websites is that they are more accessible to a wider audience. Since responsive websites can be accessed on any device with a web browser, they can reach a much larger audience than apps, which are limited to specific platforms. This means that businesses and organizations can reach a wider audience with a responsive website than they could with an app.

Responsive websites also have a much lower barrier to entry than apps. In order to download and use an app, users need to have a smartphone or tablet and be able to access the appropriate app store. This can be a significant barrier for users who may not have access to these devices or who may not be comfortable using them. In contrast, responsive websites can be accessed by anyone with a web browser, regardless of their device or level of technical expertise.

Another important consideration for businesses and organizations is the cost of developing and maintaining a responsive website compared to an app. Developing an app can be a costly and time-consuming process, as it requires a separate codebase for each platform and regular updates to ensure compatibility with new versions of the operating system. In contrast, a responsive website can be developed and maintained much more easily and cost-effectively, as it requires only a single codebase that can be adapted to fit different screen sizes.

Finally, responsive websites offer greater flexibility and scalability than apps. With a responsive website, businesses and organizations can easily add or remove features and functionality as needed, without having to worry about compatibility issues or the need to submit updates to app stores. This allows them to respond quickly to changes in their business or the market and to adapt their online presence to meet the evolving needs of their audience.

Responsive websites offer several advantages over apps for businesses and organizations, including ease of development and maintenance, wider accessibility, lower barriers to entry, cost-effectiveness and greater flexibility and scalability. Therefore, responsive websites are a better choice over an app for a business looking to establish or enhance their online presence.

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When it comes to running a small business, many entrepreneurs believe that having a website is a must-have in today's digital age.

However, there are certain situations where a website may not be necessary.

I understand that this statement is in total contradiction with my previous post "why you need a website for your small business" , however in this blog post, I’ll explore some of the reasons why a small business may not need a website, and what alternative options they can consider.

First and foremost, it's important to consider the target audience of the business. For example, if a business primarily serves local customers, a website may not be the most effective way to reach them. Instead, they may find more success utilising local directories and social media platforms to connect with potential customers in the area.

Another consideration is the type of products or services offered by the business. If a business primarily sells physical goods, they may not need a website as they can sell through online marketplaces such as Amazon or Etsy.

Additionally, for small businesses that already have a strong presence on other platforms, such as social media, a website may not be necessary. Social media platforms can serve as a hub for all business related information, such as contact information, hours of operation, and product or service offerings.

In some cases, for example a micro business (or a business that just started) may not have the resources or expertise to maintain a website. Building and maintaining a website can be a time-consuming and costly endeavour, particularly for a businesses without a dedicated employee.

So, what are the alternative options for small businesses that don't need a website? One option is to utilise social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram to connect with customers and promote products or services. Additionally, listing the business on local directories such as Yelp or Google My Business can help to increase visibility and attract customers in the area.

Another alternative is to leverage the power of email marketing. With an email marketing service, small businesses can create and send newsletters, promotions and other communication directly to their customer base. This can be a cost-effective way to build and maintain relationships with customers, without the need for a website.

While a website can be a valuable tool for many small businesses, there are certain situations where it may not be necessary. By considering the target audience, type of products or services offered, and resources available, small business owners can determine the best course of action for their specific needs. Whether it's utilising social media platforms, local directories, or email marketing, there are plenty of alternatives to having a website.

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Consistency is a crucial aspect of web design that helps create a cohesive and professional-looking website. It refers to the use of similar design elements and styles throughout the website, which helps users navigate and understand the content more easily. In this blog post, we will discuss the importance of consistency in web design and how it can help improve the user experience.

One of the main benefits of consistency in web design is that it helps users understand the purpose and structure of the website. When design elements are consistent throughout the site, users can easily identify the different sections and understand how they are related to each other. For example, if all the headings on the website are in the same font and size, users will quickly learn to associate that style with headings and know what to expect when they see it again. This helps users navigate the website more easily and find the information they are looking for.

Another important aspect of consistency in web design is that it helps create a sense of trust and professionalism. A consistent design gives the impression that the website is well-maintained and that the organisation behind it is professional and reliable. This is especially important for businesses, as it can help build trust with customers and increase the likelihood of them making a purchase.

Consistency in web design also helps create a cohesive brand identity. By using similar design elements and styles throughout the website, the organisation can create a visual language that is unique to their brand. This can include things like colour schemes, typography, and imagery. By having a cohesive brand identity, the organization can create a strong visual impact and make it easier for customers to recognise and remember the brand.

Consistency also helps in creating a better user experience. A consistent design helps users understand the structure of the website, making it easier for them to find the information they need. Additionally, a consistent design can make it easier for users to complete tasks, such as filling out forms, because they know what to expect.

However, it is important to note that consistency should not be confused with uniformity. A website does not need to look the same on every page in order to be consistent. Instead, it is about using similar design elements and styles throughout the website in a way that is appropriate for the content. For example, a landing page for a product launch may have a different design from a blog post, but the design elements should still be consistent with the overall website.

Consistency is a crucial aspect of web design that can help improve the user experience, create a cohesive brand identity, and build trust with customers. By using similar design elements and styles throughout the website, organizations can create a cohesive and professional-looking website that is easy to navigate and understand. While it is important to maintain consistency, it should not be confused with uniformity and it's also important to consider the content on the page and adjust the design accordingly.

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The importance of having a website for small businesses in the UK cannot be overstated. In today's digital age, having a strong online presence is crucial for businesses of all sizes, and a well-designed website can help small businesses in the UK reach new customers, showcase their products or services, and establish their brand online.

According to data from the UK government, small businesses with a website are twice as likely to grow their business compared to those without a website. In fact, a website can be a vital tool for small businesses in the UK to reach customers, as more and more people are turning to the internet to research products and services before making a purchase. In 2021, it is estimated that over 90% of UK adults used the internet on a daily basis, and almost 80% of them made an online purchase in the past year.

Having a website can also help small businesses in the UK stand out from their competition. In a crowded marketplace, a professional-looking website can give small businesses an edge by showcasing their products or services in a visually appealing and easy-to-navigate manner. This can be especially important for small businesses in the UK that may not have a physical storefront or storefront presence, as a website can provide an online storefront that is accessible to customers 24/7.

In addition to helping small businesses in the UK reach new customers and stand out from the competition, a website can also be a valuable tool for building and maintaining customer relationships. By providing useful and up-to-date information about products or services, as well as contact information and customer support options, small businesses in the UK can use their website to nurture and retain customer loyalty.

For small businesses in the UK that are professionals, such as lawyers, accountants, or consultants, a website can also be an important tool for establishing credibility and trust with potential clients. By providing information about their qualifications, experience, and areas of expertise, small business professionals in the UK can use their website to demonstrate their expertise and build confidence in their services.

A website can be an important tool for small businesses in the UK to establish and maintain their brand identity. By choosing a domain name that reflects their brand, creating a consistent look and feel across their website and marketing materials, and regularly updating their website with fresh content, small businesses in the UK can use their website to build a strong and recognizable brand that resonates with their target audience.

Having a website is essential for small businesses in the UK. Whether they are looking to reach new customers, stand out from the competition, build and maintain customer relationships, or establish credibility and trust with potential clients, a well-designed website can be a powerful tool for small businesses in the UK to achieve their business goals.

When people talk about "brand" they usually refer to a specific logo or symbol. As much we like to simplify things, this isn't true. At least, not completely.

Yes, a good logo makes your company more recognisable to the eye of your clients and future customers, but it doesn't build the brand.

To build trust, interest and subsequently increase the revenue for your company, you'll need to work on other aspects too.

Beyond a beautiful and unforgettable logo, branding increase the perceived value of your company, products and services, gives your employees motivation, direction and guidelines while creating a bond between you and your customers. 

Let's see together a few reasons why you need to build your brand:

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Branding builds financial value

Most of the companies who publicly trade on a stock exchange receive evaluations at many times the actual tangible assets of the company.

Part of this value is due to the strong branding and recognition of the company in the industry. A strong brand more likely guarantees future business while being perceived as more valuable will make the process to borrow funds for expansion or rolling out to an IPO much easier for the company owner.

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Branding generates new customers

The most profitable companies, whether they are small or large, have at least one thing in common. They have established themselves as a leader in their particular industry by building a strong brand, starting with a strong logo. This generates interest in future customers and helps the business grow via word of mouth referrals.

How could a potential client remember or describe a brand if you don't have one?

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Branding creates recognition

Probably the major component of a brand is the logo, the “face” of a business, really it’s what people instantly recognise and we all associate with the word "Brand".

If I say, Nike, Apple, Starbucks you'll remember the logo and how the overall experience of those companies made you feel more than the products themselves. The proof is that we proudly wear or show companies marks around like a badge of honour, willing to pay a premium price for it.

That's the power of a good logo and a strong brand.

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Branding generates trust

It's not a secret that people are more likely to purchase from a business that appears trustworthy, polished and legitimate, that has a clear direction and they feel comfortable spending money too.

Companies that don't invest time and resources in the process of branding trying to separate themselves from the mass, will always be many steps behind their competitors not because of the quality of their products and services provided, but mostly based on the perception that they have in the eyes of the customers.

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Branding inspires employees

I've known many employees that loved their work and the company they've been working for despite longer hours and less benefit compared to other companies.

Why?

Because many employees want and need more than just a job;

They need a goal to work toward. When the mission of a business is crystal clear employees are more likely to feel proud of the company's achievements as they see them as their achievements.

And when the employee is happy and satisfied with the company mission and culture, he/she will go the extra mile to make the clients happy.

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To sum all this up, as Marty Neumeier said:

"A brand is a gut feeling about a product, service or company. You cannot control the process, but you can influence it."

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