February 2017 Summaries

Webflow's new feature, global swatches, revolutionizes color management in web design by allowing users to define colors as global, ensuring that any change to a color is automatically reflected across all instances on a website. This advancement simplifies the process of updating colors, eliminating the tedious task of modifying each instance individually across numerous pages and styles. Similar to the concept of Symbols but for colors, global swatches facilitate more efficient and cohesive design systems, edging closer to the sophisticated styling controls found in Sass and LESS. Regular swatches remain available, but global swatches enhance the ability to manage complex styling systems seamlessly across a website.

Building a website that effectively converts visitors into leads involves a strategic application of best practices, primarily through rigorous A/B testing. Key elements to test include headlines, calls to action (CTAs), form fields, and overall page design, with a focus on changing one variable at a time to accurately measure impact. Tools such as heat-mapping software, Google Analytics, and A/B testing platforms like Optimizely can aid in these evaluations. Additionally, converting blog readers into leads can be enhanced through the use of ads, such as drop-downs or page takeovers, although these must be balanced against user experience considerations. Sidebar and banner ads, while less intrusive, should also be tested for effectiveness. It's crucial to use tagging methods like Google’s Campaign URL Builder to track the performance of different strategies and refine them accordingly.

Creating an effective portfolio involves thoughtfully curating work that highlights your strengths and specialties, rather than including every project you've ever worked on. It’s important to showcase high-quality images of your best work, ensuring they are well-presented and demonstrate your creative process and thinking. Including current projects in your portfolio not only shows your relevance and adaptability in a rapidly changing field but also invites feedback and generates excitement for your future work. Additionally, writing about your work and creative process helps convey your unique skills and personal attributes, which can set you apart from others. While common processes are shared across creatives, detailing how you apply these to specific challenges can illustrate your depth and adaptability, providing potential clients or employers with a fuller picture of who you are beyond just your visual work.