Come to the Dark Side and Help Your Brand Shine

I bet you were expecting some Darth Vader puns...well you would be right! As soon as I hear Dark Mode, I think of the Dark Side. Yes, I'm a Star Wars fan. I think anyone Gen X (best generation ever!) at least knows WTF I'm talking about. I added a link for all the Millenials and Gen Z. Anyway enough of that...

One of the best ways to make your brand shine is having the option of Dark Mode. Or making your website dark mode friendly. Australian business owners, Dark Mode can give your online presence a powerful edge. We'll explore how Dark Mode works and why you should consider using it for your website or app design. You'll learn what dark mode elements look like in practice. From choosing the right colours to considering accessibility needs. Some top tips on how to make this feature work for your brand image! You don't have to be a technical whizz either – all these ideas are user-friendly and easy to implement. So grab yourself a beer or coffee. As we dive into understanding exactly "How Dark Mode Can Help Your Brand Shine."

Australian business owners

No matter how creative and unique, have long sought out answers to the same question: How can I make my brand stand out? Step into any Australian cafe or bar and you're bound to witness someone quickly consult their phone to get more information on a product or service. That's why Misfit Branding is now suggesting Australian business owners explore Dark Mode design. Though traditionally used to save energy on digital products, dark mode has found new life as a viable design option that can comfortably fit with almost any style. By incorporating dark mode into web and app design, Australian brands can turn heads with unique visuals that demand attention.

Can your brand shine using dark mode?

Aussie businesses are catching on to the user experience gains made possible by dark mode. For example, the popular online marketplace Etsy is now offering dark mode so users can enjoy seamless browsing with minimal interruption from glare. While originally seen as just a cosmetic feature, more and more companies are leveraging the functionality of dark mode to differentiate their user experience while also conveying their brand identity through well-crafted design. One such business, travel blog Travelee, has gained recognition for its user interface by taking a page out of the mysterious world of night sky exploration with its star-studded dark mode display. By seeing how brands can utilize the user-friendly attributes of dark mode, we are reminded that user experience doesn't stop at sleek colours; a vibrant user experience is one worth shining bright in any space.

Did you know that dark mode doesn't have to mean oppressive within your brand? In fact, choosing the right colours for your dark mode design can really help your brand shine. Just like how Dame Edna Everage drapes herself bright frocks, we should consider doing something similar with our dark-mode designs. By including pops of vibrant or warm hues throughout, it has the potential to take an otherwise muted style and energize the overall look. This can make a real impact on viewer engagement when they visit your site. So Aussies, start picking the right colours – after all, no one wants their brand looking washed-out against a dark background!

Dark mode is the perfect way to help your brand shine

Misfit Branding has made dark mode their go-to for giving their brand a sleeker, more modern look that stands out from the competition. That's just the start: dark mode can also improve readability and provide energy savings. Not only will you make a statement with dark mode, but you'll save on power costs as well! It's an easy choice. So why not flip the switch and make dark mode work for your brand? It's the dark way to stand out from the pack.

How to make the change to Dark mode

For Aussie business owners who want to make a serious impact on their audience without spending a ton of cash, a simple switch from light to dark mode can do a world of wonders! By implementing a dark mode theme for your website or app interface, you can instantly transform the look and feel of your product to create a sleek, modern aesthetic that will help your brand shine. It's a smart idea that won't take too much time to set up and will leave a lasting impression on current and potential customers alike. So go ahead, give it a go – you have nothing to lose and everything to gain! Speak to your web designer/developer or contact us.

From tech startups to wineries, more Aussie companies are realising how dark mode can help their brand shine. Recent inspiring case studies reveal the power of dark mode designs - transforming homepages, product pages, and more into fresh and inviting experiences. With this approach, Aussie businesses are literally showing off their colours in a whole new light!

To sum it up

Dark mode has taken the design world by storm. For good reason! Brands that make the switch reap all sorts of rewards thanks to its modern look. Improved readability, and energy savings. It creates a powerful user experience that stands out from other competitors. Let the snowflakes have light-mode designs. With some thoughtful consideration of colours that work well with a dark background, your brand will be ready to rock. If you’re ready to make the move, it’s easy! Take some of the tips we learned today and apply them to your website or app interface. From there, it's just a matter of playing around with different options. Until you find something that works best for your business. Even if you’re not an experienced designer or coder, this simple switch can make an enormous impact. So give dark mode a try — you might be surprised at what happens next!

2023 Web Design Trends

Web design trends for 2023 are bringing futuristic technology and bold designs together. Helping web owners provide a really fun way to interact with web visitors. We've all seen those movies with sleek web designs that look like they are from another world - well, now they can become our reality! It's time to let your creative juices flow, web designers!

1. Dark mode

With the growing popularity of dark mode, more websites are expected to adopt this style in 2023. Dark mode provides a visually striking and elegant design that is easier on the eyes and helps reduce screen glare. We are huge fans of dark mode and you will see more of that from us this year.

2. 3D and AR/VR

The use of 3D and AR/VR technology in web design is on the rise. 3D models, animations and interactive elements are becoming increasingly common, while AR/VR experiences are set to become the new normal for e-commerce websites. Wondering WTF AR and VR is? Don't worry, we got you! AR is Augmented reality a technology that superimposes a computer-generated image on a user's view of the real world, thus providing a composite view. Think the Pokemon game! For more practical applications check out this site by Showroom

VR is Virtual Reality the computer-generated simulation of a three-dimensional image or environment that can be interacted with in a seemingly real or physical way by a person using special electronic equipment, such as a helmet with a screen inside or gloves fitted with sensors.

3. Micro-animations

Micro-animations, or small animations that enhance the user experience, will be big in 2023. These animations can be used to bring attention to specific elements on a page, to improve the overall feel of a website, or to make navigation more intuitive.

4. Bold typography

Bold and eye-catching typography will be a key trend in 2023. Designers will use big, bold type to make a statement and create a strong visual impact. We've already seen webpages make use of bold typefaces that jump out at us. Folks say it's a look that will never go away and I suppose we'll have to wait and see if that is true! As web designers, all we can do is hang on for the wild ride that is bold typography. We love the Futur for a great example of bold typography.

5. Gradients

Fasten your seatbelt web design enthusiasts, because gradients are back and they're here to stay! Yet these newfangled ancestors of web design past have had a major glow up since the days of Web 1.0. Nowadays, in web design 2023, its all about those way out rainbow gradients, colourful combinations that look like vintage video games, or subtle shade shifts that give out words like "sleek" and "professional." We'd say it's enough to make web designers jump for joy after such a long break from them, but we'll leave that up to the readers imaginations. We freaking love gradients, check out our home page

6. Video backgrounds

More and more businesses are beginning to incorporate video backgrounds in their websites to create lush and interactive designs. Video backgrounds make a website much more dynamic, as viewers can become instantly engaged by the moving imagery. These videos also offer many opportunities to express the company’s message in a very visual way, which for many businesses is essential for making a lasting impression on potential customers. However, if not done correctly, video backgrounds could take up too much loading time or be too distracting. For that reason it is important to find a balance between style and usability when creating those kinds of designs. One of our favourite designs with video backgrounds and micro animations is Humaan

7. Mobile-first design

This shouldn't be a trend, all sites should be mobile-first design. It is a critical aspect of web design. As more and more people access websites from their mobile devices, it is essential that websites are optimized for smaller screens and provide a seamless experience. Mobile-first web design has quickly gone from being a hot web development trend in 2021 to becoming the web design norm for 2023. And you can count on web developers everywhere scrambling to keep up with the newest trends and fads – after all, everything from single page websites to entire eCommerce sites have to look amazing no matter which device your customers are using. So if you're looking for websites that will make use of the latest web sorcery so that your business stands out from the pack, mobile-first web design is definitely the way forward. Our favourite mobile-first design is Typeform.

What our 2023 Web Design Trends means for you

2023 is an exciting year for web design. I mean every year is for us, considering it's our bread and butter! These trends will bring new and innovative design elements to the forefront, creating an even more immersive and engaging online user experience.

Now don't go running out and changing shit on your website just because there's a new list. Trends are just that, a trend. The best way to make your site look on-trend is to make sure you have all the basics covered first. Then if your feeling fancy, contact your local web designer for help, or contact us of course!

Where to get free stock images

Stock images for your website, social media or digital profiles, can get pricy! We are sharing our favourite free stock image sites with you. Yes, you read that right, FREE stock images.

I can see some of you are super pumped, others a little sceptical. Rightfully so! If you have ever used someone's image without their permission it can get very expensive! Most people are happy as long as you take it down. Some are not and will send legal letters.

With the free stock images, they are uploaded by amateur and professional photographers all over the world. They submit their work to these sites knowing it can be used by downloaded by anyone. You can link back to the photographer or even send them a tip if you like. We normally give them a shout-out as a professional courtesy BUT you don't have to. The image we have used in the header is by Photo by Krisffer Aeviel Cabral on Unsplash

Here are two sites we use often for ourselves and clients:

UNSPLASH
PIXABAY

Paid stock images

If you are looking for paid stock image site we use Adobe stock. Great for web designers, content creators or company that use a lot of stock images. We have also used:
Stocksy
Shutterstock
stocksy

Our stock image experiment

As an experiment, we started an account with Pixabay and uploaded 3 images. Have a look below at how many times they have been seen, downloaded, liked or commented on. These images were taken on one of our many trips to our home town.

Our images

Highly recommend setting up an account if you are a budding photographer, you never know where it will lead you! Although it is an experiment for us it is also getting our name out there in a creative space. We will have libraries down the track! Misfit stock sounds cool, don't you think?

Get a professional email address

It drives me insane to see a nicely designed website or signage and it all looks professional until you get to the email address… You’re either nodding or going WTF? My email address is fine and I don’t have to pay a cent! goatfucker200@hotmail.com has served me well. I did just make that email address up but you get the picture. An unprofessional email address that you think was funny, cute or sassy could be losing you business BIG TIME!

Is your business legit or dodgy AF

I know its not just me that thinks twice before emailing a dodgy-looking email address. When I look online for say a business, lets say a company that make a film of your pet dog. I find one. They have a nice website but their email address is dogfilm69@hotmail.com I am going to think twice. Am I emailing the actual business or is it some weird sex thing? Or are you going to spam the shit outta my email address if I email you? I might be a little paranoid but that happens when your job involves working in web design on the daily.

The other thing that frustrates me is you have a website. Let’s say its www.dogsonfilm.com.au You already own the domain name! Why not turn that into a professional email address??? Its so freaking easy!

SEO! You have to be in it to win it!

Imagine how much business you would lose if someone with a similar business name had a professional email address and a registered domain name similar to yours? So what if dogfilm69@hotmail.com is your email and only point of contact other than a Facebook or Instagram account. What if another business starts called Dog on fil Brisbane.  Then they register the domain name dogsonfilm.com.au and set up the email: book@dogsonfilm.com.au They are going to rank higher than you on the Google search for one. They also have created ownership of that name. Sure you could have been in business longer, but unless you have some kind of digital footprint, you will fall behind. Yep there could also be trademark issues as well from either end but that’s a whole new story.

So if it’s purely for the sake of being found online or even existing online. Buy your domain name now!

Branding

Strengthen your brand with your professional email. The email address bark@dogsonfilm.com.au incorporates the business name. As soon as you see that email address you know what their website is because you have their domain name. If you’re really into digitally stalking a business, you can probably guess what their social media pages would be called as well. So simple!

Junk mail

How many of the emails you send from your free email address are going directly to junk mail? Why? Because your clients or suppliers email providers are putting your cheap ass into the junk folder. You will be forever written off as spam until the receiver sees your email and tags it not spam. But it is a process to do that. How often do you check your junk folder? I can tell you I do once a month if that. Unless a client insists they sent an email and it’s not in my inbox, I will check junk.

Setting up a shiny new email address

If you have a web designer/developer or IT person that has all your domain name details, they can help set up your email address. If you have all your domain name details you can most probably go it yourself. Just follow the prompts from your domain name provider and your email provider.

If you don’t have a domain name yet, what are you waiting for?! They start from around $15 per year. I highly recommend Ventriap They are an Australian based company and their support is amazing! I do have an affiliate with them, pop in my email address at the end of your purchase if you want to help a sista out 🙂

I use Google Workspace for my email. I like it because it's easy to use, affordable and you can access it anywhere. From your phone, tablet or computer. I also like that it comes with online storage and office programs like Sheets (equivalent to MS excel), Docs  (equivalent to MS word), calendar and more. Prices start from $9.40 AUD per month.

My email advice:

WTF is a domain name

We’ve all heard the term Domain name, but WTF is it? And why is it important for your business? The dictionary explains it as ‘the part of a network address that identifies it as belonging to a particular domain’. Well, that still doesn’t really say what it is exactly.

I’m not doing to deep dive into a nerdy explanation. I want you to walk away confident, you know what one is. I always find visuals way easier to understand.

Check out the diagram of my web address.

WTF_is_a_domain_name_explained

You can see misfitbranding in red is my domain name. It’s my business name. It is my unique IP address.

Pretty simple really.

Why are domain names important for my business?

Because without one you risk not being found on the web. You can still be found without one but usually, you will have some kind of online page like social media. Facebook for example, if you have set that up properly your page will be your business name and that can be found by Google.

You need one if you want to play in the SEO world. Which basically means do you want to be found on the internet or are you a prepper that is too paranoid to be found online…

How to get a domain name

You can search anywhere online to purchase a domain name. I highly recommend purchasing one from a company that you will also one day host your website. You can expect to pay anywhere from around $15 AUD per year and up depending on what domain extension you want (like .com .com.au .org and the list goes on).

I use Ventraip.  They are an Australian company. They have great service and support. I highly recommend setting the billing up to auto-renew so you don’t lose your web address. Most companies will remind you but if it auto charges, then you don’t need to stress about it.

If you forget to pay the domain renewal it can be very hard to get it back. Sometimes it’s simple but most of the time it’s not. Especially if someone wants your domain name. You could lose more than your website and email. How devastating would that be for your business!

So you’ve got a domain now what?

Set up email addresses

Professional emails are the bomb! You can set yours up right now. I have instructions to help you out >>here <<

Build your website

You can start contracting someone to design your website or DIY. Or use me! You will need hosting first which is basically where your website lives. Its an added cost on top of your domain name. Most basic hosting starts from $8.95 AUD per month. You can purchase that yourself if you use Ventraip.

Share it with the world

When your website is up, shout it out across your social media channels. Don’t forget to update your bios in social media to include your new website address. Add it to all your printed marketing materials and stationery.

Nerdy AF website terms

WWW = World Wide Web.

URL = Uniform Resource Locator and is defined as the global address of documents and other resources on the World Wide Web.

IP = Internet Protocol. An IP address is a shit tin of numbers separated by full stops that identifies each computer using the Internet Protocol to communicate over a network.

SEO = Search engine optimisation. Make sure your website has the best chance of being found.

Domain extension: Its the bit at the end of your web address that no one really gives a fuck about. Typically .com or if  you are in Australia you can have .com.au or .sydney and so forth. 

via GIPHY

Why should I update my website?

You either had your website built or DIY your site when you first started your business when you realised the internet wasn’t just a fad. You were proud of it then and you might still be. How much attention have you given it lately? Why should you update your website?

Are you stuck in the 80’s with an unresponsive horror show or have you not added to your site since it was built? Have you kept up with the trends or are you standing your ground waiting for GIF’s to be cool again?

The cold hard truth is you need to update your site. Technology and user experience evolves on the daily so why shouldn’t your website? It’s a lot easier than you think.

via GIPHY

Back to the future

If you have an old site built in the 80’s, 90’s or even a few years ago, chances are you’ll need to change platforms. This is basically a complete rebuild. Yes, it will be costly but believe me, it’s worth it. Here’s why:

Responsive

Probably the most important your page will be responsive which means it will function on mobile, tablets and desktops. 90% of people looking for you online will be doing it with a device and not a desktop.

Design

Design wise your site will be modern making your business seem up with the times (even if the accounts lady still prints everything)

SEO

Your SEO should also be updated along with your images which will help with your rank on Google

Speed baby!

Speed baby! Apparently, our attention spans are dropping..who knew?

Time to refresh

So you’ve updated your logo and other branded items but your website is dated. You have no freakin idea how to freshen it up so you just stuck the new logo on the header and got the fuck outta there. Trends come and go. Remember when sliders were amazing? Now they are seen as a no-no for site speed and SEO (yeah I know!). Hero images are in. Great imagery has always been in. Current website trends are leaning towards dark coloured sites but legibility will always be king.

Is your privacy policy up to date?

A while ago you would have felt spammed by every online thing you’ve ever signed up for. All saying they are now GDPR compliant. What the fuck is GDPR? Well, it stands for General Data Protection Regulation. It aims to improve data and privacy protection for EU residents. While also simplifying regulations for global enterprises. Any company that does business in the EU or handles the personal data of EU citizens must comply. Even if the company does not have a physical office location in the EU. Seriously EVERYONE freaked out and many companies just went with it anyway. If you don’t do business with anyone in the EU then you don’t need to stress. However, you will need to make sure your website its legal obligations sorted. Online businesses should have these 3 legal notices to protect themselves and the Website Legal Package includes all of them:

Privacy Policy – To explain how you use, store and update customer and visitor personal information.
Website Disclaimer – To limit your liability from the information you publish and to protect your Copyright.
Terms & Conditions – To state the terms under which you do business, including delivery, return and refund policies. The latest Australian Consumer Law now requires this.

I use 123 legal and have an affiliation with them. Its a quick way to ensure your details are up to date. Feel free to use my link and show me some love.

Need help?

You know you need to update your website but you don’t know where to start. I’m here to help!

I have options for monthly web maintenance and management. With the option to have content changed or added to your site. Great if you need to change information on your website or had a change in services and pricing. Catering to e-commerce sites as well. It can be a total pain in the butt if you need to add, remove or alter products on your website.