I want to make a header

[Sadierhianne]

Hi, i need a header for a new website that is being built for me, it only needs to be simple with the business name and one image - would it be worth attempting to make myself or would you advise having one made?

Hmm and if anyone thinks i could do it myself - where would i get the text and images from?

I have adobe elements 5 - would i be able to do it in this or is there an easier way of doing it (not quite grasped all of elements yet)

You can tell i am cluless can't you

Thank you!

anne

[chicgeek]

I really have loved http://www.istockphoto.com/ for stock images. Worth paying for.

I've never used elements myself, but I think it should do the job. If you can't get the effects you want, try downloading Gimp - it's free!

If you're willing to pay someone else to do the work for you, you can always host a contest in the design contest forum here. You'd have to put up at least $50 in prize money (and there are other guidelines), but that way you'd be given a choice of many.

[Sadierhianne]

Thank you! I used to have gimp - that was almost imposible for me to work out - elements is very similar but far easier to use and worth the £60 i paid for it just for erasing backgrounds.

I have heard of istockphoto before so will take a look there - i didn't think that you could use thei images for advertising but as you have mentioned paying for the images i must be thinking of the wrong company.

Thanks

Anne

[Dsgnr]

What is your business?

[Sadierhianne]

It will be an online sales business - nothing fancy and nothing like my current business, just straight forwards pick it, pack it and post it.

That is about as much as i will give away until after its launch cause whilst the business is simple, the idea behind it - i think is unique - although nothing special.

anne

[3ncryptabl3_lick]

This is a common practice for web-business owners.

Have idea: Make site: site isn't paying off

Most of the time it's just bad business practices, but allot of times it’s because the site doesn't instill an expected level of professionalism. If you don't look professional, you can kiss allot of business goodbye. Your service or product can probably be found elsewhere. (of course this doesn’t really apply to specialty or custom services/products as much)

As a business and website owner, do what you can to stack the deck in your favor. If your online business fails, make sure it isn't due to a bad design or unprofessional look/feel of your online store-front.

[aceonline]

Well you can give me some details in pm and perhaps i can make something for you

Regards,
Ace.

[riven_kalki]

Hi. 3ncryptabl3_lick is right. Your online header or logo design is pretty much an important pillar of your online selling strategy so it beter be done well. The moment it accomplishes the task of making the viewer's focus stay a bit more on your site, then is very much worth the time/money investment you put on making it.

The reason why Desgnr is asking for the idea behind the actual business is simple: it determines the main purpose of the logo/header.

The moment you mentioned "online SELLING", the gears started turning. Trying to catch the attention of what kind of market? Professionals? Yuppies? Or the new frontier Disney has opened: tweens? What are you selling anyway?

The answers to these affect the decision of whether to make your own logo or get it made. If you are good with graphics (enough for the task at hand you realize), knows the software that can do the job, and has a lot of patience (and time), then you could do it yourself.

On the other hand, getting a logo design made from online companies such as LogoDesignGuru.com is a lot easier, not to mention that professional logo designers have experience on how to catch the attention of your target market.

So decide with these points in mind, and I'm sure you can arrive with a solution that will work for you. Good Luck OK?

[Sadierhianne]

Thank you!!!! I will have one made.

With my current store despite being told that a white backfround, clear crisp everything and a modern header was vital, i went against everything, i wanted delicate, i wanted pastel i wanted traditional - i wanted something that women would like - so a feminine traditional almost old fashioned feel was needed - i aim at eco friendly but most stores are white background with the green - i wanted different because i didn't want to be mingled in with the others. The header is not easy to forget and i am recognised by that header now.

I am about to have the background changed to white - not sure if that would be a wise move or not but the header will never change - ever.

I know what i have in mind with the new site - i will be aiming at a wide market but initially it will aim at parents of younger children but as it will be a business that will grow over tome - as they all do but initially i am not prepared to buy all the stock and see it sit collecting dust whilst the business is flat - i would however if things are improving and sales rising increase the products to appeal to a much wider market. So, the header imo needs to be pretty neutral - the image that i have on it though is an issue because like was said above, i don;'t want to be advertising a child's play thing when in time i may be selling items that appeal to "boy racers", not that i think i will but it is a possibility. So the site needs to appeal to all ages, to everyone. Also, although initially the items will be aimed at children, i recognise that it ain't the children actually buying so it has to appeal to adults more than kids.

This is why i have decided on very simple, very clear text and one image - it has to be a no fuss thing. It is a started business and one being built on a tight budget, then if it moves i will then throw some dosh into it and make the changes but being sensible i have to test the market first.

I will definately have one made now though - i more or less know what i want - thank you for helping me make that decision and when i am ready i will come and ask for some quotes - have already looked at a few sites on here.

Thanks

Anne