I learned of three new websites tonight that will undoubtedly make me a better Designer. The first is ABtests.com.

ABtests.com is a website that displays how making subtle changes in the design a web page influences how visitors act on what is being offered (ie: conversion rates). The site has screen shot samples of Before and After designs with detailed explanations, conversion rate increase percentages and a summary they call “Results Hypothesis” where they explain what was changed and why they feel it increased the response rates. They even have popular categories like “Sign-Up pages” and “Home Page” so you can see example of what interests you.

The second site is bokardo. As their website states, bokardo provides “Interface Design & Consulting for Social Web Apps. We provide design, evaluation, & consulting services for today’s sophisticated social software.”

What I liked most about this site was they way they illustrate how the less is more strategy when applied correctly with good design greatly enhances the goals of the site. Lots of good case studies and white paper type info here. I have already signed up to receive their Social Design Newsletter (see, it worked!).

The third site is KISSmetrics.com. Their mission: “To give all online businesses (big and small) the tools and technology to measure what’s happening and tune their user’s experience.”

As of this posting their site tools were not yet available but their blog is worth checking out. Lots of good articles on website traffic reports, how to design a great form, and other valuable insights. Check out the KISSmetrics blog by clicking here.

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The Internet can be overwhelming at times. When it comes to keeping track of the comments made on your blog postings I have discovered a new comment tracking system called IntenseDebate to help keep order. Although I am still learning this new system I liked some of the features offered. For one, you can read profiles on those who post comments to your blog. IntenseDebate’s community can vote for bloggers who offer great content, and report those who do not. You get emails sent directly to your inbox when a comment is added to your blog post and the person who added the comment can receive email notifications when there is a reply made. I like that since it should promote more interaction. And I like the fact that you can setup the system to automatically tweet a comment you make on a posting if you want, nice! I would love to hear from others using IntenseDebate. Has it helped with building your blog following? What is the feature you like best?

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Like a proud poppa I am thrilled to announce the latest website designed by Agrotising. TheZooGym.com is a virtual tour of one of Fort Lauderdale’s oldest and coolest gyms. Located right on beautiful Fort Lauderdale beach, one block south of Las Olas Boulevard. I had the pleasure of overseeing the photo shoot and got to meet many of the members. Great atmosphere, easy going staff and a magnet for some of the best fitness trainers in South Florida, maybe even the world! Check out the site: Visit The Zoo Gym on Fort Lauderdale Beach Florida

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I just added DISQUS to my blog. What is DISQUS you may ask? Here is an excerpt from the intro on their website:

Disqus, pronounced “discuss”, is a service and tool for web comments and discussions. The Disqus comment system can be plugged into any website, blog, or application. Disqus makes commenting easier and more interactive, while connecting websites and commenters across a thriving discussion community.

I was intrigued when visiting a blog site that had this system in place. My first reaction when going to post my comment was – wow, this is easy (to post a comment). No more threatening “you must log-in to post a comment”. Nice. I installed Disqus on my WordPress blog (version 2.8) without a problem so now visitors to my blog can have that “it’s easy to post a comment” feeling too

I also integrated my Disqus account with my Twitter, Facebook and of course my blog. Now I will be able to monitor my comments from all of the websites I post to from one source – Disqus. Cool, I love this stuff!

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Social Media Bandwagon

Ok, I am jumping on the social media bandwagon. So far I have signed up with Facebook, Twitter, and Link-In. I also am a member (although not as active) of Naymz.

In researching this cyber community craze I found some great resources which I would like to share with you.

Here’s a great article written by Paula Drum, who for the past 3 years has been with the social media team at H&R Block. Read her top ten list for Social Media Marketers.

I would love to hear from you too. Share your best tip to help navigate the social media waters for business development. Post your comments!!

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