“Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication” according to Leonardo da Vinci.

He’s right.

The best teachers, consultants, pastors, artists, and leaders all do the same thing: they make the complex simple. Does what you do fall into any of those categories?

What should you do when you have to explain something complex? How do you make it simple? Find a metaphor.

If someone doesn’t understand something, figure out a way to say, “Well, it’s just like…”.

Is he still not getting it? Use careful examples. Starting a phrase with “For example…” is one of the most powerful ways to bring meaning to what you are saying.

In graphic design and web design, simplicity is achieved through the use of white space.

What’s white space? Well, it’s just like what you would have when you clear away all the hay to find the needle.

For example, look at how simple it was to donate to Haiti relief efforts through the way this iTunes store page was designed and written:

Adding by subtracting,

brody

P.S. You know that needle that your audience found so easily because there wasn’t any hay? They’re now using it to stitch with.

You’re meeting a new prospect. Here’s how it might go:

You: Hi, I’m so-and-so from company X. We do this-and-that.

Some Guy: Wow, that sounds really interesting! What’s your website?

Sound familiar?

Notice the question that used to be “Do you have a website?” is becoming “What’s your website?”

Having a website is expected.

What really matters is how good your website is. This isn’t just a matter of “good design”.

It’s a matter of user experience, information architecture, content, navigation, and effectiveness. It’s getting people to return to your site. Most importantly, it’s adding value to your user. (Remember, you need to add value to your audience in order to earn a voice that can influence them.)

So now you have a website. What next? How do you drive traffic? How do you get your money’s worth out of your communication hub?

The Big Offer
We’ll let you know what we think of your website for free, and offer some advice on improving it. Do you want some honest feedback? Give us a ring.

Stand out, but in a strategic way,
brody

P.S. A key to driving traffic to your website is search engine optimization (SEO). SEO means that your site will come up when someone searches for what you do. You can call us for some free pointers.

P.P.S. In case you missed it, that’s two free offers we’re starting this week and will continue as long as we can: 1) brief honest assessment of your current website plus ideas for improvement, and 2) basic SEO tips. My cell phone number is 443-804-0108.