Words of Wisdom from TheCamel

Stop Beating Around the Bush and avoid the Waffle

Shane Hodge • November 26, 2015

I love a sunburnt country, a land of sweeping plains of ragged mountains ranges of droughts and flooding plains, and I love the fact there is no beating around the bush and no waffle in that great Poem written in 1908 by Dorothea Mackellar (everyone thinks it was Banjo Patterson).

I think every Australian can not only sing Waltzing Matilda (that was written by Banjo) but they can also recite at least one paragraph of that awesome poem. Straight to the point no beating around the bush and with no waffle. Both describe what Australia is truly like and as an Aussie what you miss when you’re far away from the old home land.

So what does, “Beating around the Bush” and “Avoid the Waffle” have to do with a great poem and song? Well, they are also great Australian Icons, typical Australia phrases that tell people to get on with it and get to the point and that is what this month’s blog is about.

Yes folks, when it comes to the front page of your Online Business Presence (website to old schoolers) you have to stop beating around the bush and avoid the waffle! At this stage you’re calling for a translation right?

People are visiting your site for the facts, why they should buy something or book with you. They want to know what is hot and what is not, what are the key benefits of your business, what is the major reason they should search no more and just spend their hard earned cash with you.

It’s not only your customers want to know that, by the way it’s also Google. It still amazes me how much waffle I see text wise on a site and rarely do I see key words or even a business name inserted into the text so Google can find it, no wonder sites have trouble ranking.

So yes your online presence has to be an awesome first impression but your content also needs to have a wiggle in its walk!

So how to avoid beating around the bush and too much waffle? Think about the Old Elevator Pitch. Yes, I know it’s an old school technique but it works. Imagine you’re in an elevator and the customer you have always wanted to get, the food critic you have always wanted to eat at your restaurant or bar, that famous celebrity you wish would walk into your store take a Selfie and you could Facebook your way to fame. Now? You have a few floors of, “Going Up” to impress them on why they should visit your business.

What would you tell them, what excitement would you share, and what facts would you bare?

Well those words of wisdom contain the secret sauce of what content should be on the front page of that first web impression. So write that elevator pitch down, read through it, clear away the bush and the waffle and not only will customers love you more, but so will Google.

Enjoy the day and remember, No Second Chance on a First Impression.

Hugs from The Camel

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By Shane Hodge • September 27, 2024

Yes we have to pay humans (How dare they ask for money some ask) But Folks In a world where artificial intelligence is rapidly advancing, it's easy to imagine a future where robots are designing our logos, creating our advertisements, and even picking out the perfect shade of blue for our websites. But before we hand over our graphic design tools to our silicon-based friends, let's take a moment to appreciate why humans are still the reigning champions of creativity in the design world. Spoiler alert: it’s not just because we can appreciate a good cup of coffee while working! The Human Touch : More Than Just Opposable Thumbs AI might be able to churn out designs faster than you can say "Helvetica," but it lacks the human touch. There's something about the way a human designer can capture emotion, tell a story, and connect with an audience that AI just can't replicate. It's like comparing a hand-knitted sweater from grandma to a mass-produced one from a factory. Sure, they both keep you warm, but only one comes with a side of love and a hint of mothballs. Creativity : The Unpredictable Muse AI is great at following patterns and algorithms, but creativity often thrives on breaking the rules. Human designers have the ability to think outside the box, color outside the lines, and occasionally spill coffee on the canvas, creating a masterpiece by accident. AI, on the other hand, would probably just short-circuit at the sight of a coffee stain. Humor : The Secret Ingredient Let's face it, AI doesn't have a sense of humor. It might be able to generate a pun or two, but it doesn't understand the nuances of wit and sarcasm. Human designers can infuse humor into their work, making it relatable and memorable. After all, who doesn't love a good visual pun? Just imagine an AI trying to design a funny cat meme—it would probably end up with a picture of a toaster. Empathy : Designing with Heart Graphic design is not just about making things look pretty; it's about understanding the audience and designing with empathy. Humans have the ability to put themselves in others' shoes (or flip-flops, if that's your thing) and create designs that resonate on a deeper level. AI might be able to analyze data, but it can't feel the joy of a child seeing their favorite cartoon character or the nostalgia of a retro design. The Happy Accidents Some of the best designs come from happy accidents—those unexpected moments of brilliance that occur when a designer is experimenting and playing around. AI is programmed to avoid mistakes, but humans know that sometimes, a little chaos can lead to something extraordinary. It's like the time you accidentally added too much chili to your soup and discovered a new favorite dish. The Human Connection At the end of the day, design is about connecting with people. Human designers have the ability to build relationships, understand client needs, and collaborate in ways that AI simply can't. Plus, humans are much better at handling client feedback without overheating or needing a reboot. In conclusion, while AI is a fantastic tool that can assist in the design process, it lacks the creativity, empathy, and humor that make human designers truly exceptional. So, the next time you're admiring a beautifully crafted logo or a cleverly designed ad, remember to thank the human behind the screen. After all, we're the ones who can appreciate the finer things in life—like a perfectly brewed cup of coffee and a well-timed joke. Love & Hugs from TheCamel