- 6 Things Kim, Khloe and Kourtney Taught us About Web Design
Yes, you haven’t read incorrectly. I’m fully admitting that Kim, Khloe and Kourtney have fully added some real value to the practice of web design and online marketing. As digital marketers, web designers and developers, we’re constantly changing and evolving but keeping up with the latest trends is easier said than done. If you work in the web design industry you’re probably cringing at the suggestion that what you do is in any way related or credited to an influence from the Kardashians.
I have come to realise, however that the Kardashian sisters are on to something. Although I’m not seriously considering they have any seriously knowledge of the industry- if we cast our dispersions aside – we could (metaphorically) learn a thing or two from them.
1. Video Is Everything
Credit where credit is due, Kimmy K managed to figure this out well before any one uttered the words viral marketing.
From the popularity earned from her video exploits one can only deduce that people absolutely love video content. While we’re not advocating or suggesting you end up with a VCR cam and dimly lit hotel room like the aforementioned, video content is an amazing way to engage your customers and convert them into real clients.
In the digital age, video is everything. And in web design, you can bet this rings true – consider adding your own video or videos to your website as it is developed. More and more web designers are implementing these simple features because the results speak for themselves.
2. Embrace What You Have and Flaunt It
If anyone knows how to do this, it’s the Kardashians. The family, who are essentially famous for doing nothing, know how to re-shift focus to capitalise on their strengths. If you’re not a bikini model you might be wondering what can you as a business owner or a web site owner take away from this.
Well, like the age old adage goes – be yourself, be proud of your assets, and when you’ve got it, flaunt it. Don’t copy what ‘other’ companies do. The Kardashians certainly didn’t follow the pack with their own brand of celebrity.
Look playing the strengths of what your company is known for and focus on that sense of direction when you’re planning your website. People crave and recognize both consistency and uniqueness, so make your company website one that highlights and clearly defines your unique strengths.
Knowing what sets you apart from the crowd is invaluable in business, and knowing how to do that is even better. Focus on what makes you different from everyone else and stick to it.
3. It All Comes Down To Strong Branding
How in the hell are they a household name and how do we know or like them so much? For one, they’re endlessly familiar, relatable and kind of loveable (in a weird way) to their audience. The same goes for you and your website. Branding is a powerful thing, and has made Kim Kardashian’s name powerful in itself.
No matter how helpful or powerful your website or web design is – when it comes down to conversion and attracting those target audiences; the success of your new website is in a kohensive (sorry) brand. Having a consistent and memorable brand and logo design with your Web design is key.
4. Sometimes It’s Okay To Admit You Failed.
A 72 day marriage is a hard pill to swallow. But the famed Kardashian has shown us, if anything, that it’s better to admit when things just aren’t working.
Sometimes it’s better to admit your current website is just not going to cut it, and move on to another company or solution.
So, pass the tissues and get on with it. The good news is that you can always start over, and far better things (like Kimye!) lay ahead.
5. Fame Can Be Created, Not Earned.
Creating a buzz (growth hacking, digital marketing, if you will) is just as powerful as having an amazing website.
What’s even more powerful is having all of this automatically built into your website – content marketing, SEO and mentions, boosting backlinks and having a strong online presence. When getting your website designed, it’s just as important to have a launch plan about how you will drive traffic to your new website and maintain your existing rankings.
Particularly with small business, this 360 approach to their wider online presence can be neglected and their website experiences little or no traction. Thinking about how you can grow your audience using automated functionality and integrating with external software is essential. You may not be the biggest brand in the ‘real world’, but if your website and online marketing strategy is up to scratch you can compete with the best of them.
As Kim knows, no publicity is bad publicity. And just like she used the internet and other mediums to create a loyal fan base, so business owners.
6. Your Look Will Be Constantly Updated To Stay Relevant.
As we all know, it’s all about re-invention and rolling with the times in all areas of life. The funny thing is that the same goes for web design. Don’t be one of those companies with a design from 1995 that makes everyone quickly ‘bounce’ right off your website. Web design evolves quickly and a website can easily look outdated within 2-3 years, through no fault of the web designer’s foresight.
As a small business owner, you need to be prepared to update your website more frequently than other marketing assets. These updated don’t have to be a completely new website, but can relate to design updates on your homepage, frequently updating content or even freshening up your logo and branding. Unfortunately, if you choose to ‘set and forget’ your website, you’ll not only see a significant drop in your position in the SERP’s over time, but you’ll also potentially harm first impressions with potential clients.
It’s important to constantly be altering and updating your website to keep up with the latest in digital trends, such as smart phone compatibility or social media links.
7. Sometimes Investing In A Trend Can Pay Off.
I mean this with the largest sense of caution. And although it may be a passing trend, Kim herself is no expert in gaming culture or app development. But Kim has shown us not to underestimate a calculated risk, and perhaps even more relevant to our industry; don’t underestimate gamification. That is, integrating game mechanics into a site to motivate participation, engagement and loyalty to motivate actions and add immeasurable value to your business.
Kim Kardashian’s game has grossed $200 million by some accounts. This isn’t bad for a girl who know one really knows what she actually does all day.
Have you ever had a failed 72 day marriage or just need to learn a few more tips and tricks from the Kardashians? Tell me about it below.
