Many think an effective website stems from the site design or development. However, the roots of a well-organized and and smart website are in the planning. Sure, execution is imperative. But, you wouldn't build a house without a foundation, would you? Planning is the foundation to the entire site. 

Thanks to Jim Poole and the staff at the James J. Hill for hosting us this morning as part of their social media series.

Thanks to everyone who attended for great questions and feedback.

Lisa Helminiak, partner at Azul 7, will present on online social media business success on November 4th at the JJ Hill Library. Helminiak will explain the shift in how people discover, read and share news, information and content caused by social media. Click here to register. 

Azul 7, a Minneapolis-based branding and digital agency announce that it has signed new accounts for work totaling over $500,000.

Steven Snell, a freelance blogger and web designer, shares the potential uses and pitfalls of corporate blogs in a post for Smashing Magazine. Snell points out that the main benefit of blogs is that they can serve as a "direct line" of communication to customers and potential customers. Blogs have the added benefit of personalizing a customer's experience with a corporation, especially if their posts are responded to. Other uses for blogs include: promoting products and services, reputation management, showing corporate responsibility, and facilitating communication between employees and management.

Click here, to view Snell's post, including the section on potential pitfalls.

Azul 7 is looking for a Senior Account Executive with at least 5 years of account/strategy experience managing interactive projects to help us develop deeper customer relationships and grow business. Candidate must understand the interactive design and development process. Knowledge of and experience with online media and/or social media is a plus.

EnviroBate improves indoor air quality through the successful diagnosis and removal of asbestos, lead, mold, dust and other health hazards. Since its founding in 1989, EnviroBate has grown into a premier, regional environmental contractor. They serve individual homes through large-scale commercial buildings. Regardless of scale, EnviroBate applies the same degree of professional integrity, workmanship and client attention.

View the case study for Envirobate.

Acera Innovation Website Azul 7 announces the launch of the Acera Innovation website. Acera Innovation is a start-up company focused on an integrated approach to help medical device and life science company get regulated products to market release. Follow Acera Innovation on twitter.

Social Media Basics

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Lisa Helminiak, principal of Azul 7, will be presenting on analytics at today's St. Paul Area Chamber of Commerce IT Day in St. Paul.

SPACC IT Day Azul7 Analytics Presentation

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