by Julia D. Stege, MFA
"Beauty represents the supremest living quality of thought. It is the glorious overflowing of fullness of love which indicates the presence of infinite reserves of power behind it... Beauty is the externalization of harmony." Thomas Troward*
I am a lover of beauty. Perhaps you could tell this by looking at my portfolio of designs . I have always wanted to fill the world with beautiful expressions of unique and uplifting ideas, and my clients appreciate this quality in the logos and websites I create for them.
But recently I have heard several different and unrelated internet marketing advisors declare that you don't need a beautiful website or brand to market your business. In fact, they recommend following basic template guidelines including garish bold red headlines on white pages with blinking arrows and opt-in boxes. They criticize "pretty websites that don't sell," as if it's the prettiness of the website that causes it to not sell.
I really feel that these Internet marketing advisors are throwing out the baby with the bathwater.
Yes, of course we all know we want to build our lists and communicate clearly with our potential customers. But when we copy these basic site templates and follow standard sales copy scripts, the beauty that lies inside of us remains unexpressed in favor of mere utilitarianism.
I believe that this approach to marketing is so unappealing to Conscious Entrepreneurs because it ignores the infinite store of power that we represent, and that is only revealed through the beautiful expression of love.
As Thomas Troward wrote, "What is the most beautiful form in which I can express the good that I intend? That is the ultimate question for the true beauty which our work expresses is the measure of the power, the intelligence, the love, in a word, of the quality and quantity of our own life which we have put into it." The offerings you have for the world are an expression of your beauty, that's for sure. The question is does your marketing, your website, your blog reflect the depth of your beauty?
To start an inquiry, as Trower suggests, into the most beautiful forms in which to express your mission, your message and your gifts, start seeking out words and imagery that resonate with you. Collect cards, clippings, artwork, and objects that feel good to you and are a match for your vision, message and offering. Use these to communicate with a designer you have selected to help you visually express your mission in the world.
*Thomas Troward was introduced to me in a Recession Rescue with Rapid Results teleclass by David Neagle
WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR EZINE OR BLOG? You may if you include this entire blurb with it: Julia D. Stege, MFA, founder of GraphicGirlz.com, is known as The Magical Marketer because of her unique approach to client attraction. Combining beautiful designs with law of attraction principles and smart internet marketing tips, Julia helps her Conscious Entrepreneur clientele to attract perfect customers authentically. Julia is the author of The Magical Marketing Blog and the upcoming book "Client Attraction Breakthrough: How to Attract Clients Fast in the New Economy." Start your client attraction breakthrough at http://www.magicalmarketingtoolkit.com
I agree with you, Julia, about the website designs. Through the design of the website there is a message relayed to the viewer that often cannot be expressed in words. It also relays a feeling on a deeper level for the viewer and I believe makes a difference if the website vistor stays to read about you and what you have to offer. You get a feeling of what that person is like and is about.
ReplyDeleteThose web pages that are black and red print with the blinking arrows remind me of Las Vegas.
Auriella, thanks for your comments. I appreciate hearing your views about this. I was beginning to wonder if everyone was ready to ditch beauty in favor of being salesy. I love what you said about Vegas. You're right!
ReplyDeleteHey it's me. It's good to see you keeping up the fight for beauty, and yes it is what inspires us, whether it is beauty found in the wildness of nature, art, or the look in the eyes of someone who loves you. Love, Alex
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