Well....the Big G (Google for those that are not internet nerds!), came by our old website, Awebtech.com, and found a whole bunch of 301 redirects all over the site sending users to our new website, BrianJosephStudios.com.

Awebtech.com has ranked firmly in the top 3 for all of our targetted keyword phrases, and we receive a large amount of traffic from search engines like Google, Yahoo, and MSN (Live).

So, for a while we had both websites up and finally we decided to make the full switch over to Brian Joseph Studios as our main company name. Here's where it gets messy!

On all pages on awebtech.com, we had to add a server side redirect to the corresponding pages on brianjosephstudios.com. For example, if we had a page : http://awebtech.com/web-design/ we had to add a redirect to a similar page on our new site...like this http://brianjosephstudios.com/web-design/ .

So, with every page on awebtech.com re-directing the user to brianjosephstudios.com, Google gets a little worried (temporarily) about both websites. This is due to the fact that spam websites, and black hat seo's will use re-directs of all kinds to spam the search engines, showing users something else.

301 re-directs are the correct way to transfer your site over to a new domain name. They are also widely acknowledged as the favored redirect method for all search engines.

The problem with it is though that Google knocks your new site down quite a bit for a short period of time, until it figures out what exactly is going on. So, right now, our website is not ranking as high as it did before all of this was implemented. However, we expect our rankings to come back within a week or two , and when they do, they will come back even stronger.

Labels: google, optimization, search engine marketing

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Yet another logo design client / web design client.

We introduced this project when we finished the creation of the logo, business cards and tri fold brochures.

The overall identity of Dart Frog Powerboat Charters is unique, exciting and interesting. There are many boat charter and boat rental services in the market, but with this new logo and identity, Dart Frog really stands out from the crowd!

With the use of some flash animation, the website continues the unique brand of the company, and with a custom interactive map for users to read some local info on all of the areas serviced, the website is much more than a simple online brochure.

Visit the website here

Labels: logo design, new clients, official launch, web design

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Over at DavidAirey.com, there was a guest article written by Sharon Hayes of Round Box Design.

10 tips for writing graphic design briefs

1. Realise that any designer you hire is a professional (or should be) and must be treated as such.


2. Understand that designers are not mind readers – that class is still under development.


3. Before coming to a graphic designer, have your business model ready and your plan up to par. No design can save any business that is not well thought out.


4. Number 3 will allow you to fully understand the goal of your business, the ideas you want to convey and who your target market is for any design.


5. Understand your product or service and be able to explain it clearly – this ties in with number 4. It definitely helps the designer if you clarify exactly what (if it’s a logo) the design will be developed for. Knowing this ahead of time can prevent any future misunderstandings, in-effective design or troublesome production.


6. Understand it wont be free. When people post on a design forum and expect a design service for free it is frustrating and (in my opinion) shows how little they think of the process.


7. Communicate with the designer – dont dictate. If you have questions or concerns, voice them, and return the favour of listening.


8. Don’t try to design for the designer – you hired them for their knowledge and talent. Let them utilise that to put your company in the best light possible. Of course the designer should also take your opinions into consideration, especially if it deals with an industry-specific issue. This is still very much communication on both sides.


9. For the designer: Do not assume you know the client industry! Each industry has its own specific requirements, quirks and expectations. LISTEN to the client, their concerns, what they want to play up, what they are truly selling and how they want to present themselves in the market. Ads that are pretty may win awards but they don’t always win marketshare.


10. Set expectations up-front: Both the client and designer need to let the other know what they expect as far as materials, deadlines and communication. Will you be meeting on a regular basis? Phone? Emails? How are you delivering materials? Are you going to be there for press proofs? How far will you follow the completion of the project. Make sure there are no surprises.

Labels: tips for clients

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Today, we launched another new website (yes, we know it is Sunday!). Another client that we had previously designed a logo for also, just like the site we launched on Friday for Victory Marketing Agency.



The client is "At Your Service", and they are providing a professional concierge and homewatch service for the Southwest Florida area.

The design and development process of both the logo design project and the web design project was enjoyable, and the client is delighted with the end results.

We received some kind and much appreciated comments from the client that can be read here

Labels: logo design, new clients, official launch, web design

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