"Does my business really need a branded site?"
Absolutely. A strong, branded site isn't just a vanity project; it's an important marketing tool.
- It's the hub for all your marketing efforts. Your social media (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram etc) will point people to it.
- It provides general info and answers about your business, saving you time on the phone and answering emails.
- It legitimizes your business in the eyes of current and potential customers.
- You can use it to book/schedule appointments.
- You can sell products directly to customers through your own online store.
- You can add videos that help sell your services and provide value to current and potential customers.
- Your site is always there. People don't have to scroll through social media or Google listings to find you.
"Only huge companies like Nike or Coca-Cola have brands, right?"
When we hear the word 'Brand' we usually think of BIG companies: clothing labels, supermarket products, cars, etc. But a brand is really just a combination of things that set a business apart from its competitors. A logo, maybe a slogan or tagline, colors and fonts are all part of a brand. It's also how a company talks about itself and engages with its customers. Some brands use humor, some are more serious, some focus on value. But every business, no matter how small, needs a unique, consistent "presence" to help it stand out from the pack and keep customers coming back.
A perfect example is Nicotra Law. Independent attorney Rachel Nictora specializes in helping employees that have been treated unfairly. After learning about Rachel's business, I created a brand that used friendly, colorful illustrations to set her apart from typical attorney websites. I also structured it so people understood that Rachel knew what they were going through, and used testimonials from former clients to prove that she was the right attorney to help.
An existing brand I helped translate into a successful website is Robicellis Bakery. Their previous site was all over the place, it was generic and it crashed often. It had no personality, and it didn't make you want Robicelli's delicious products. So I consulted with the owners, did research on their competition and gave them an online presence that did them justice.
If you have a business, you have a brand. Whether you're a local dry cleaner, a dentist, an actor or a restaurant; if you have customers or clients, you need a branded hub. That's your website.
A perfect example is Nicotra Law. Independent attorney Rachel Nictora specializes in helping employees that have been treated unfairly. After learning about Rachel's business, I created a brand that used friendly, colorful illustrations to set her apart from typical attorney websites. I also structured it so people understood that Rachel knew what they were going through, and used testimonials from former clients to prove that she was the right attorney to help.
An existing brand I helped translate into a successful website is Robicellis Bakery. Their previous site was all over the place, it was generic and it crashed often. It had no personality, and it didn't make you want Robicelli's delicious products. So I consulted with the owners, did research on their competition and gave them an online presence that did them justice.
If you have a business, you have a brand. Whether you're a local dry cleaner, a dentist, an actor or a restaurant; if you have customers or clients, you need a branded hub. That's your website.
"How would my site be maintained? I'm not a programmer, and I can't keep paying someone to do updates."Another thing that sets me apart from other website designers (which is part of MY brand!) is that I build sites using a platform that is very easy to learn. When I'm done and your site is launched, everything belongs to you. It's all in one place; all you need to do is log in. My clients love that they can add, change and update their sites whenever they want.
The truth is, I'm not a programmer either. My expertise is in advertising, marketing and promotion. Building websites is not rocket science... I'm sure you've seen the commercials for "Do It Yourself" website software. But the experience can be very confusing and overwhelming, which leads to avoidance and procrastination (trust me, I've been there.) Let me help with the heavy lifting so you can have a site you can be proud of. |
Why build a site online?
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"So, who is this Anthony DeVito guy anyway?"
I am a creative director, graphic designer and copywriter with over 25 years experience. I've worked at large and small advertising agencies in NYC — both on staff and freelance — and now I'm an independent creative consultant. That's just another way of saying I work for myself. And for you.
I use my experience to build websites that help people and businesses communicate with their fans and customers. Your goals inform my designs, so everything I do supports what you want —and need— from a website. And if I feel that the kind of site you need is beyond my technical ability, I'll tell you. Never overpromise; always overdeliver. That way everyone's happy.
It's not just about what "looks good." It's about what works for YOU.
I use my experience to build websites that help people and businesses communicate with their fans and customers. Your goals inform my designs, so everything I do supports what you want —and need— from a website. And if I feel that the kind of site you need is beyond my technical ability, I'll tell you. Never overpromise; always overdeliver. That way everyone's happy.
It's not just about what "looks good." It's about what works for YOU.
Curriculum DeVitae:
Creative Consultant (Art Director/ Writer/ Graphic Designer) 2006 – Present
Branding/website expert for small businesses and individuals. Clients include Nicotra Law, Robicellis Bakery and more. Agencies include Grey, KBS+, G2, Cline Davis Mann, Merkley + Partners, Ogilvy, Grey Healthcare.
Co-founder/ Communications Director of The Art of Brooklyn Film Festival/ Brooklyn On Demand 2011-Present
I’m a co-founder of the only international independent film festival and streaming service in the world where every title has a connection to Brooklyn. As Communications Director, I maintain and evolve the festival’s brand voice through graphic design, website design and all advertising efforts. I manage the festival’s social media (Facebook, Twitter, Instragram, Tumblr) write email newsletters, press releases, marketing copy and more.
Associate Creative Director — Merkley + Partners (OmnicomGroup) 1998-2006
Clients included BellSouth, Pfizer, Prevacid, Mercedes-Benz, Elidel, Subaru, AT&T, Oxford Medicare Advantage, Big Tent Entertainment, and more.
Senior Art Director — Grey Advertising 1995-1998
Clients included Microsoft, Chase, Dun & Bradstreet, Best Cellars and more.
Art Director — AGA Catalog Marketing & Design 1992-1995
Clients included The Body Shop, Johnston & Murphy, Anheuser-Busch, Sunglass Hut and more.
Branding/website expert for small businesses and individuals. Clients include Nicotra Law, Robicellis Bakery and more. Agencies include Grey, KBS+, G2, Cline Davis Mann, Merkley + Partners, Ogilvy, Grey Healthcare.
Co-founder/ Communications Director of The Art of Brooklyn Film Festival/ Brooklyn On Demand 2011-Present
I’m a co-founder of the only international independent film festival and streaming service in the world where every title has a connection to Brooklyn. As Communications Director, I maintain and evolve the festival’s brand voice through graphic design, website design and all advertising efforts. I manage the festival’s social media (Facebook, Twitter, Instragram, Tumblr) write email newsletters, press releases, marketing copy and more.
Associate Creative Director — Merkley + Partners (OmnicomGroup) 1998-2006
Clients included BellSouth, Pfizer, Prevacid, Mercedes-Benz, Elidel, Subaru, AT&T, Oxford Medicare Advantage, Big Tent Entertainment, and more.
Senior Art Director — Grey Advertising 1995-1998
Clients included Microsoft, Chase, Dun & Bradstreet, Best Cellars and more.
Art Director — AGA Catalog Marketing & Design 1992-1995
Clients included The Body Shop, Johnston & Murphy, Anheuser-Busch, Sunglass Hut and more.
