Echo Design Group | Lifestream

Fri, 18 May 2012 08:37:20 -0700

Check out the site we just completed for Dimension Transportation. It's a nicely designed small site. http://t.co/6JdHJbzq

New Site launched for Dimension Transportation

Fri, 18 May 2012 07:03:12 -0700

We are pleased to launch a new site for Dimension Transportation. This dynamic organization has provided transportation, warehousing and logistics services since 1986.

As part of the development of their brand, we developed a clean design to complement the vibrant and colorful logo we also developed. This logo becomes the focal point for the site, guiding the eye initially. Along with the logo, we designed a simple, yet structured layout which is implemented throughout all pages of the site.

The site is mobile friendly, thanks to our responsive web design which allows the site to work on all devices. We also incorporated our Skybox CMS which makes it ultra easy for our client to add news, upload documents or edit live pages. Overall, it’s a simple site that just works. Take a peek for yourself. Just click the link below.

Dimension Transportation Website

Tue, 15 May 2012 13:19:26 -0700

Smartphones are now the majority http://t.co/0Emh0XLf

DNA Favorites

Tue, 15 May 2012 12:01:31 -0700

Fri, 11 May 2012 15:05:27 -0700

Watch Out, Google: Bing Nabs 30% of Search Market [STUDY] - http://t.co/WQiXHaC5

A great new photography tool is coming to Skybox

Thu, 10 May 2012 14:56:24 -0700

When it comes to manipulating and resizing images, most people don’t have the tools, let alone the time for photo editing. Yet we all know a picture is worth a thousand words. So when it comes to content on one’s website, pictures do help tell the story. Unfortunately, most content management systems struggle with photo editing and uploading.

At echo, we recognized that easy image uploading and editing would be a great feature to add to Skybox. In fact, it’s been on our wish list for a while. Soon our wish will be granted.

We currently are beta testing a new Skybox tool which allows image uploads regardless of size or dimensions. A Skybox user would simply click the upload image button and choose the file they want. Once uploaded, they will be able to crop in or out on the image via a slider. They will also be able to move the image around within the frame by simply grabbing the image via the mouse button and moving to the desired position. More or less, drag and drop. Once they submit the photo, all the sizes needed for the website are automatically generated. This even takes into consideration, Retina ready images which are utilized on Apple’s new iPad.

Look for this great new enhancement to roll out in the next month as we integrate it into the Downtown Naperville website.

Downtown Naperville: Parking

Mon, 07 May 2012 12:32:45 -0700

DNA site to feature extensive Facebook integration

Thu, 03 May 2012 15:22:41 -0700

We’ve been playing around with Facebook’s API and really taking advantage of all it has to offer with an upcoming site we are building for Downtown Naperville Alliance. A company like Facebook releases its API to the public so that other software developers can design solutions that are powered by its service. In the case of Downtown Naperville, we are using the API to allow site visitors to log in with with their Facebook credentials. Once logged in, they will be able to save favorites, post comments, submit reviews and check in. It’s a great way to integrate social media into the web browsing experience and it’s a perfect fit for Downtown Naperville.

Wed, 02 May 2012 20:42:16 -0700

We are looking for a summer intern. Anyone interested check out our AIGA posting. http://t.co/Ux8xsvBX

Tue, 01 May 2012 14:31:22 -0700

Foursquare Launches $10 Instant Verification Service For Businesses http://t.co/WpcIHk3A by @sarahintampa

Tue, 01 May 2012 04:51:15 -0700

Facebook Adds Organ Donor Option to Timeline - http://t.co/uc5I6YCX

Sat, 28 Apr 2012 10:12:39 -0700

Check out our new blog on why you need a mobile friendly website. http://t.co/YRJpCXQu

10 reasons why you need a mobile friendly website!

Sat, 28 Apr 2012 10:08:03 -0700

Mobile device sales and mobile traffic have grown substantially over the past years. For businesses, this creates a tremendous opportunity to reach new customers. Surprisingly, most businesses have been slow to react. In fact, less than 5% of businesses have a mobile friendly website or a stand-alone mobile website. Listed below are ten good reasons why every business should have a mobile friendly website.

1. Mobile Internet use is skyrocketing
Don’l look now, but the world has gone mobile. In fact, mobile device sales are incredibly strong and consequently mobile Internet usage is skyrocketing. In fact by the end of 2014, mobile Internet traffic is expected to surpass desktop Internet traffic.

2. There are 2 billion smartphone users out there
A staggering 2 billion people worldwide have a mobile device. This means more and more people will be browsing the web with their shiny devices. A mobile friendly website will help you capitalize on this growing demand.

3. Search is very popular on mobile devices
People will use their mobile devices to search on the Internet. In particular, they will search for businesses that are close to their location. In fact, after social networking, search is the second most popular user activity. A mobile friendly website will help you get discovered and connect with consumers.

4. Moblie users spend money
Whether you’re selling online or locally, connecting with mobile users is good business. That’s because mobile users have higher incomes and stronger spending habits than desktop users. In addition, mobile users have a stronger trust and more confidence when buying via a mobile device.

5. Mobile friendly sites reach all audiences
We love apps, but unfortunately not everybody will download, let alone use your app. That’s why a mobile friendly website is important. With a mobile friendly website, you’re accessible to anyone with a smartphone or tablet. Simply put, you’re just a click away.

6. It’s a better user experience
Unless your site is optimized for mobile, it’s probably a nightmare to use. Users are greeted with type that’s too small and they are forced to scroll or pinch to navigate your site. A mobile friendly website creates a much better user experience. Fonts are readable, navigation is easy and information is accessible.

7. Social media is mobile
Social media is the most popular activity on mobile devices. Go to the major social media websites and you’ll discover they are all optimized for mobile. Users have come to expect this from social media and it’s only a matter of time when they will expect it from every website.

8. A mobile friendly website gives you a compeitive advantage
Most businesses don’t have a mobile web strategy, let alone a mobile friendly website. With a mobile site you are staying ahead of the technology curve. People will perceive your business as progressive, user focused and technologically advanced. This is a huge competitive advantage.

9. Data speeds are getting better and faster
Mobile carriers such as Verizon. AT&T, Sprint, US Cellular and T-Mobile have invested heavily in infrastructure. Over the past years we have seen data speeds on mobile devices increase dramatically. Connectivity has improved too. It’s only going to get better which will lead to more customers and more mobile traffic.

10. Search engines are investing heavily in mobile search technology
Search engines such as Google, Bing and Yahoo! index mobile and mobile-friendly sites separately from non-mobile sites. In addition, these companies are investing heavily in the development of mobile technolgy that leads to faster and better search results. They recognize that mobile search will soon be the most popular way to search on the Internet.

Summary
A mobile friendly website is no longer a luxury, it’s a necessity. Without it, you’re frustrating users, driving away traffic and missing opportunities. Now is the time to become mobile.

At Echo Design Group, we are a recognized leader in mobility. We build websites and web applications using responsive web design, a technology where websites automatically adjust to the device. This allows our sites to work on any device whether it’s a smartphone, tablet, e-reader, laptop or desktop. No pinching or zooming necessary.

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 13:35:17 -0700

Study: 95% Of Independent Restaurant Don't Have Mobile Sites, Only 40% Have Online Menus http://t.co/YywT2EtZ by @fredericl

making a form easier to read

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 09:52:22 -0700

Wed, 25 Apr 2012 14:19:33 -0700

We're proud to now be a member of the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce. Looking forward to making many new friends. http://t.co/NvSPwESU

Wed, 25 Apr 2012 14:18:26 -0700

Today's Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for Lockport Express Medical was a great success. http://t.co/Puu4blxL

Echo joins Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce

Wed, 25 Apr 2012 13:27:14 -0700

Yep, we admit it, we’re social creatures. We like to mingle with like-minded people who appreciate the finer points of marketing. That’s why we joined the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce. It’s a great organization with outstanding programs and networking opportunities for today’s leading businesses. We look forward to attending their upcoming events and interacting with the members of the association.

For more information about the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce, please visit their website via the link below.

Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce

Lockport Express Medical Event is a huge success

Wed, 25 Apr 2012 13:08:56 -0700

On Wednesday, April 25th at 10am, Lockport Express Medical located at I-355 and 159th street, officially announced their new venture to the community via a ribbon cutting ceremony. As part of a ribbon cutting ceremony, members of the business community as well as the general public attended this great event.

At echo, we helped market this event for Lockport Express Medical. We developed a direct mail piece that was mailed to key individuals and coordinated event details with Lockport and Homer Glen businesses.

This new state of the art Urgent Care Center will offer quick and convenient medical services 7 days a week. Extended hours, same day appointments and walk-ins make Lockport Express Medical a welcome addition to the community. They also offer diagnostic services such as x-rays and lab testing.

Wed, 25 Apr 2012 01:41:06 -0700

Time to throw out the PC? Tablets will soon be the computing device of choice, says report http://t.co/A1dMZpFy

Retina Graphics and the Web

Sat, 21 Apr 2012 08:11:00 -0700

What does the new iPad mean for Web Development?

With the new iPad, the bar has been raised with mobile computing. The Retina Graphics of the iPad usher in a new standard for resolution. If you haven’t seen it, it’s absolutely stunning. Images just pop and type is razor sharp. We can see why they sold more than 3 million this past weekend.

As web developers, we gladly welcome Retina Graphics. While it does create some challenges, we see the benefits far outweighing the negatives. From the positive side, the Retina Graphics deliver a user experience that will delight anyone. Everything looks sharper and readability is greatly improved.

The Retina Challenge
As developers, the challenge we face is twofold. First, how do we deliver Retina Graphics to the iPad, but not to other devices that don’t have Retina Graphics capabilities such as laptops or Android smartphones? To accomplish this, we use media queries to detect the pixel ratio of the device. Once detected, it delivers higher resolution, Retina images to the device. If not recognized, it delivers standard resolution images. On our site, we use this for all icons and our logo, and will soon be applying a similar technique to other imagery.

Page Load Times
Another challenge with Retina Graphics is page load times. While a standard image may only be 50K in size, Retina Graphics can be substantially higher in size. Typically, they will be roughly triple the size. While this does result in greater image detail and resolution, page load times will take longer due to the larger image file. At echo, we are incorporating some savvy programming to minimize load times. For example, with our own portfolio section which features 50 plus images, we are using a lazy load which loads the chosen portfolio image, as well as the previous and next images. It repeats this process as one goes form image to image. By only loading 3 images, rather than all 50, the page load times are reduced substantially, resulting in a better user experience.

Seeing is believing. The following is a screen capture of our footer. The top is the Retina, the bottom is normal.

For more information about Retina Graphics and web development, please contact us. We’re more than happy to share our knowledge in this area.

Circles are the new Square

Thu, 19 Apr 2012 09:50:19 -0700

Mon, 16 Apr 2012 18:25:33 -0700

Neenah Paper, Inc. : Neenah Paper Introduces First iPad App for Paper Selection Process - 4-traders (press... http://t.co/HUwVC383 #iPad

Mon, 16 Apr 2012 13:00:20 -0700

How the iPad Is Revolutionizing Local Businesses http://t.co/MtEeO0RR

Allstar Smiles New Digs

Mon, 16 Apr 2012 08:46:09 -0700

Sun, 15 Apr 2012 20:39:03 -0700

Brands on Pinterest: To $ or Not to $? [STUDY] - http://t.co/PXT8j5pg

DNA Buttons

Fri, 13 Apr 2012 13:31:42 -0700

Fri, 13 Apr 2012 06:10:28 -0700

Video, Social Boost US Mobile Content Consumption - eMarketer http://t.co/vwic5mo4 via @Po_st

Wed, 11 Apr 2012 17:56:44 -0700

Why CEOs Should Allow Facebook in the Workplace [INFOGRAPHIC] - http://t.co/oyOjsNYq

Wed, 11 Apr 2012 12:51:58 -0700

StatCounter finds 1366 x 768 to be most popular screen resolution for the first time http://t.co/TZHLXnim

Tue, 10 Apr 2012 09:34:12 -0700

Gartner: Tablet sales to double this year. The iPad still rules http://t.co/7nnhRHbd

Echo launches a new site for Lemont Kitchen & Bath

Mon, 09 Apr 2012 17:56:37 -0700

It’s been a busy month for echo as we roll out another site. The most recent launch is for Lemont Kitchen & Bath, a highly respected firm with a national reputation for building stunning kitchens and baths.

Like most firms in their industry, showcasing your work is critical. Potential clients will typically review one’s gallery identifying trends or styles that they like. Our goal was to make it as easy as possible for site users to review images within their gallery. We created a gallery that displays their work in all it’s glory with big, vibrant images and gave the user the ability to control the gallery images via mouse, arrow keys or touch controls. We also built the site with responsive web design. So no matter what the device, the site adjusts perfectly.

On the backend, the site has our Skybox CMS. This allows for easy editing of website pages or custom built modules such as the gallery or news. We also developed a new design which works as an extension of the brand we developed for them many years ago. Please click the link below to review the site for yourself.

Lemont Kitchen & Bath Website

We're rolling out Retina Graphics on the web

Thu, 05 Apr 2012 10:03:53 -0700

When Apple announced the new iPad, the much anticipated Retina Display was announced to the world. With this technology, the new iPad has 4 times the pixel density compared to the iPad 2. So what does this mean to the average user? It means plenty. From a user perspective, Retina Graphic technology makes everything look amazing. Images pop, colors look richer and text is razor sharp. It creates a user experience that is unparalleled. Everything feels lifelike and details are seen like never before.

For web developers like us, this was exciting news. Everything we do is focused on the user experience and this was an opportunity to take the user experience to a new level. At echo, we’re already implementing Retina Graphics into our sites. Our upcoming site for FQC Construction Management will take advantage of Retina Graphics. At the core of their site is a project module that showcases their work with beautiful imagery. This is where Retina Graphics will truly shine as their images will show amazing detail and clarity. Look for this site to roll out in the next month.

As a progressive web development firm, we are always looking to utilize technology that benefits our clients. Apple’s Retina Graphic Display technology is a perfect example of our commitment. We’re on board and making it part of our web development for every site we build.

Want to learn more? Please contact us if you want to learn more about our web development process with Retina Graphics.

Mon, 02 Apr 2012 06:53:16 -0700

Tablet Users Demand Faster Load Times - eMarketer http://t.co/tMMeWSjK via @Po_st

Sat, 31 Mar 2012 10:55:21 -0700

@thefinley @ogvidius Saw this. It looked pretty cool.

D. Diamante chooses echo for new website

Wed, 28 Mar 2012 08:54:09 -0700

D. Diamante Ltd, a leading jeweler with a specialty in diamonds, has selected echo design group for the development of a new website. Like all echo built sites, this new site will be mobile friendly, thanks to responsive web design. In addition, the site will feature content management with custom modules for news items, diamond inventory, client education and more. These custom modules will be part of our Skybox CMS system for complete site management. Expected timeframe from concept to launch is 8 weeks.

Tue, 27 Mar 2012 08:02:00 -0700

Restrictive Fed Guidelines Could Keep The iPad Out Of Doctor's Hands http://t.co/ymhTESQl

Global Exchange Cover

Thu, 22 Mar 2012 15:08:50 -0700

Wed, 21 Mar 2012 13:50:34 -0700

Our March eblast has just been sent. Check it our for yourself.... http://t.co/P2OWOydQ

Online Advertising Generates Big Results for Applebee's

Wed, 21 Mar 2012 08:12:19 -0700

When it comes to marketing on the Internet, most companies will focus on Pay Per Click (PPC) Advertising. It’s a great way to capture leads and generate conversions based on online search behavior. In fact, pay per click is known for it’s fantastic ROI when compared to other marketing initiatives. At echo, many of our websites have ongoing PPC campaigns.

While pay per click is great, there are other online marketing options that can generate tremendous results too. This was the case with Applebee’s Illinois. When we began working with them on their online advertising in 2010, we looked at many options. The goal was to drive more traffic to their website ourapplefans.com and their Facebook page. To achieve this goal, we chose to focus on online display advertising to generate interest and drive traffic to these sites.

1 Million Site Visitors
We developed banner/display ads and focused on a new message every month with a very specific call to action such as email, text, or ‘like’. We honed in on current restaurant promotions and specials which resulted in a rotation of 4-5 messages per month. With these banner ads, we were able to reach a very broad audience which led to fantastic results. In fact, Applebee’s had 1 million unique visitors with our display ad campaign. This was a remarkable number that far exceeded Applebee’s expectations.

A fantastic feature of this online campaign is the transparency of the data. Not only do we have general campaign tracking available to us, we also had the ability to track specific call to action messages, allowing us to compare one banner ad to the another.

Valuable Customer Data
Beyond unique visitors, we also were able to gather valuable customer data. One promotion which offered a free appetizer with a text, was able to capture phone numbers. While another free dessert offer, captured opt in emails via a online form submittal.

In the end, this campaign is a great example of how online banner advertising can work. In fact, Applebee’s has expanded this advertising program with us. The territories in Florida, Ohio and Indiana have jumped on board with a campaign of their own in March 2012.

Can online advertising benefit you? Please contact us and we’ll help you sift through all your options and recommend what can work best.

Echo Design Group | Lifestream

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New Site launched for Dimension Transportation

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DNA Favorites

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A great new photography tool is coming to Skybox

Downtown Naperville: Parking

DNA site to feature extensive Facebook integration

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10 reasons why you need a mobile friendly website!

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making a form easier to read

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Echo joins Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce

Lockport Express Medical Event is a huge success

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Retina Graphics and the Web

Circles are the new Square

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Allstar Smiles New Digs

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DNA Buttons

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Echo launches a new site for Lemont Kitchen & Bath

We're rolling out Retina Graphics on the web

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D. Diamante chooses echo for new website

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Global Exchange Cover

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Online Advertising Generates Big Results for Applebee's