Words of Wisdom from TheCamel

One Size Fits All? Sometimes Not.

Shane Hodge • March 9, 2022

Good old COVID has been a bit of a life-changer (understatement, sorry) for most of the humans occupying this rock in the Universe we call Earth. They say it takes 21 days to change a habit. Well, for the majority of us, COVID has been around for close to 730 days. Wow! So, no doubt we have changed some habits - some good, some bad.

Yes, our eating habits have changed. In fact, 39% of the world has actually gained weight these past two years. We have been drinking more with over 41% of the planet admitting they indulge in the 5 pm cocktail a little more than they did before. You would think that being locked inside might cause a leap in one stat that the birth rate would go up? But hello, bedroom habits changed as the new baby rate has dropped close to 16% since COVID started.

Yes folks, lots of things have changed. Some have gone down, but a lot has gone up, and one of the biggies? Our shopping habits have changed dramatically. Yes, we may not have been able to travel outside as easy and enjoy the pleasures of the local mall. But hello, it didn’t stop us from the joy of whacking the credit card on the table and keying in the last four digits with a smile and then spend a day or two looking out the window, eagerly waiting for the prodigal son of boxes or parcels to arrive.

Global eCommerce sales hit a record of 27 trillion dollars in 2021, a massive increase over 2020. Maybe people spent more time online shopping than making babies LOL! But hello, it was a massive uptrend.

I was imagining people laying on the sofa, a glass of red beside them, an open fireplace (imagine romantic online shopping scene) browsing Amazon, looking for that new outfit to wear to the rubbish bin and back (as that's as far as some got with lockdowns). A cute little number catches their eye, the price excites their Visa Card, delivery is local (most likely made in some obscure place but who cares) and bonus “One Size Fits All”.

Like Elton John playing Rocket Man on a Steinway, you punch those card numbers on the iPad, hit send and lay back and enjoy a sip of that awesome red wine. So happy in the thoughts and contented knowing your purchase will soon be on its way.

A day or two later, the doorbell rings, you greet a delivery person like a long lost friend. And without your feet touching the floor, you take that little bubble-wrapped bundle of joy into the kitchen to unwrap and let your purchase free.

There it is, just like the one of twenty pictures you look at in all its glory. Yes folks, that “One Size Fits All” trash removal ensemble is screaming, “try me on”. But now the nightmare begins. You can’t even get it over your head. The one size fits all was designed not for Snow White but would be perfect for anyone of the seven dwarfs!

Yes folks, sometimes, not often, but sometimes online shopping companies are not good church-going people and they tell lies. One size fits all? Should actually be “One Size Fits Some!” Shame on them.

Now at this stage, all of you who are regular readers of my blog will note the same pattern - open up with some stats and background, build a story, add in a little humour, and then lead into answering your question, “What's this got to do with websites, or SEO, or Google Ads?” Well, I am so glad you have stuck with me through the other 650 words. So, without anymore fun and frivolity, drum roll please, here we go.

Websites $100 a month, Websites only $300 setup then a low $100 a month, so easily fill in the form, add your details, and your website will be delivered to your inbox in 24 hours etc etc. Have you seen ads like that? Have they popped up randomly in your beloved Facebook feed?

Those ads, those websites, are “One Size Fits All”. And when they arrive in your inbox, they could be - One Size Fits Some.

You might be a plumber and the website setup and design might be good for a local Mexican food takeaway. You might be a funeral home and the color scheme and design might be best for a clown that performs at kid’s parties. You might be a hairdresser and the website would be best for somebody that only cuts long grass as a landscaper. Yes, like the awesome pictures of the garbage collection outfit, the facts and details of the online super special website might not be as advertised.

But let's be fair, some might work, but in reality? The quick and easy website might be okay for when you first start up. Might work well for quick and easy business. However, maybe it's also a good idea to look at a custom site. It doesn't have to be a one-off by some designer with Picasso as their last name that charges you zillions, but at a minimum, some custom work that makes sure it fits your business, tells the right story, is a great first web impression and converts customers.

So, if you’re looking for a new or improved first web impression for your business, a new customer attraction program (website to any newbies) instead of just clicking on that oh so enticing Facebook website ad, maybe put another log on the fire then let your fingers do a little walk on that iPad screen whilst you have another sip of that awesome wine and search for “Local Website Designers”. See how one of them can make you something that is not off the rack, will fit like a glove, and attract the right customer attention. Enjoy the wine!

Hugs to all.

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The Secret to Great Customer Service: Ancient Wisdom for Modern Success

By Shane Hodge • December 3, 2024

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When Your Get Up and Go Has Got Up and Gone

By Shane Hodge • November 1, 2024

Ah, the digital agency dream! The freedom to set your own hours, the thrill of building something from scratch, and the joy of staying in bed all day because your motivation decided to take a vacation. We've all been there. One moment you're ready to conquer the world, and the next, you're contemplating if you can run your business from under the covers. Fear not, fellow business warriors! Here’s a guide to reigniting that spark when your get up and go has got up and gone. 1. The Snooze Button Tango First things first, let's address the elephant in the room: the snooze button. It's tempting, isn't it? Just one more tap and you can dream a little longer about that tropical island getaway. But here's a tip: place your alarm clock across the room. This way, you'll have to physically get out of bed to turn it off. By the time you've stumbled across the room, you're halfway to being a functioning human. Plus, it's a great way to practice your morning dance moves! 2. Coffee: The Elixir of Life If motivation had a flavor, it would undoubtedly be coffee. There's something magical about that first sip that transforms you from a groggy zombie into a semi-alert human. So, brew yourself a cup of your favorite blend and let the caffeine work its wonders. If you're not a coffee person, tea or a refreshing smoothie can do the trick too. The key is to find your personal elixir that kickstarts your day. 3. Dress for Success (Even if No One Will See You) Working from home has its perks, like wearing pajamas all day. But sometimes, a lack of motivation stems from feeling too comfortable. Try dressing up as if you're heading to an important meeting. It might sound silly, but putting on your "power outfit" can boost your confidence and productivity. Plus, you never know when an impromptu video call might happen! 4. The To-Do List: Your New Best Friend When you're feeling overwhelmed, a to-do list can be your savior. Start with small, manageable tasks and gradually work your way up to the big ones. There's nothing more satisfying than crossing items off your list. It's like a mini celebration each time you do it. And if you're feeling extra adventurous, add "make a to-do list" to your list just so you can cross it off immediately. Instant success! 5. Dance Like Nobody's Watching Sometimes, all you need is a little music to lift your spirits. Create a playlist of your favorite upbeat songs and have a dance party in your living room. Not only will it boost your mood, but it's also a fun way to get some exercise. Remember, the goal is to have fun, so let loose and dance like nobody's watching (because they probably aren't). 6. Phone a Friend When motivation is low, reach out to a fellow entrepreneur or a friend who understands the struggle. A quick chat can provide a fresh perspective and remind you that you're not alone. Plus, sharing a laugh or two can work wonders for your mood. Just make sure the conversation doesn't turn into a marathon gossip session! 7. Reward Yourself Set small goals throughout the day and reward yourself when you achieve them. Whether it's a piece of chocolate, a short walk outside, or a few minutes of scrolling through your favorite social media, having something to look forward to can keep you motivated. Just be careful not to let the rewards overshadow the work! 8. Watch TheCamel.co Live Stream Replays Shameless Promotion, LOL, at least you can have a laugh rather than be miserable. In conclusion, when your get up and go has got up and gone, remember that it's perfectly normal to have off days. The key is to find what works for you and embrace the journey with a sense of humor. After all, laughter is the best motivator. So, get up, get moving, and show the world what you're made of! Hugs from TheCamel

Why Humans Are Still the Picasso of Graphic Design in the Age of AI

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