Obelisk Agency

The Challenge

We weren’t just building a website; we were creating a digital handshake, one that embodies our brand and answers the unspoken questions every potential client has. It’s not just about showing off, it’s about building trust. And hey, if after checking us out they realize we’re not the perfect fit, that’s totally cool! We respect your time as much as we value ours.

Research & Analysis

Diving into hundreds of agency websites, I noticed an interesting trend: the balance between self-promotion and project showcases shifts depending on the agency’s size. Big-name players, already widely recognized, let their impressive visuals do the talking. They trust their reputation speaks for itself, so they grab viewer attention with the most impactful element – stunning visuals – rather than text-heavy self-introductions.

On the other side of the spectrum, smaller agencies and studios often prioritize showcasing their “who we are and how we do it” story. After all, they’re building brand awareness! So, naturally, their websites focus more on introducing themselves and their unique approach rather than relying solely on past projects.

Finding the right balance for Obelisk’s website, however, became an intriguing challenge. How do I effectively showcase projects while simultaneously introducing myself without appearing desperate, unprofessional, or self-absorbed?

Information Architecture

Based on my research, I was determined to create a website that was ultra-simple, but not snooze-worthy. The key, I thought, was to highlight essential information and strike a perfect balance between introducing ourselves and showcasing our projects.

Forgoing a header call to action was a conscious choice. In my experience, everyone scrolls anyway, especially when they’re getting to know a new brand. Our goal was to give visitors a feel for who we are, letting them make an informed decision to contact us if they felt a connection.

Navigation is tucked away in a clean, familiar fullscreen burger menu, just like you’d find on most mobile sites. This keeps the landing page uncluttered and visually appealing. Bonus points: you can also explore the site by scrolling through the landing page, with each section leading to its own dedicated “Read more” page.

For me, the magic happens in the visual design stage. So, even though wireframes could have been helpful, I opted to jump right in and explore the visual direction – it’s simply where I find the most creative spark.

Visual Design

The visual design seamlessly extends the brand, embracing its core values with every pixel. Imagine an elegant Japanese garden – dark, earthy tones evoke tranquility, while clean typography provides effortless navigation. Each movement, from subtle animations to smooth page transitions, is designed to delight and guide your journey, seamlessly weaving the website into a unified and captivating experience.

Implementation

We opted for WordPress to build our website, as it ticked all the boxes for us. Its flexibility and extensive customization options allowed us to tailor it precisely to our vision, while it remained budget-friendly. I went beyond the standard setup by installing it on a private server, where I manage it alongside other essential tools to ensure smooth operation. Why WordPress? Because it’s fast, secure and reliable, opensource, easy to learn and manage, and it powers almost half of all websites on the Web.

Why WordPress? It’s our go-to platform for a reason. It’s built for speed, keeping our website fast and responsive. Security is tight, so we can rest easy knowing our content and visitors are protected. And unlike some other options, WordPress is open-source, meaning a global community keeps it constantly evolving and secure. But the real beauty lies in its simplicity. Even beginners can easily learn the ropes and manage their website without needing a coding degree. Plus, with WordPress powering nearly half of all websites on the internet, you know you’re joining a proven winner. Not an ad!

Results

The positive feedback from our peers was incredibly motivating! We’re taking their input seriously and have already begun analyzing visitor data to identify areas for improvement. Additionally, we’ll be actively seeking further feedback to guarantee the website delivers an exceptional user experience.

Takeaways

Landing pages aren’t just about ticking boxes; they’re about creating a welcoming experience that guides visitors towards your goals. Here are some key points:

1. Walk in Their Shoes: Imagine your ideal visitor’s journey. What questions do they have? What are their pain points? Design a clear path that answers their needs and leads them seamlessly towards conversion, avoiding confusing detours.

2. Highlight the Wow Factor: What makes your offer special? Don’t bury it in technical terms. Craft a concise, compelling value proposition that speaks directly to their desires and demonstrates why your solution is the answer.

3. Look Good, Feel Good: Visuals are powerful persuaders. Use high-quality images, graphics, and a layout that’s both stylish and user-friendly. Remember, good design isn’t just about aesthetics; it fosters trust and enhances the overall experience.

Bonus Tip: Testing and adaptation are like the secret sauce. Don’t be afraid to experiment, gather feedback, and iterate your landing page based on real-world data. This ensures it stays relevant, effective, and continues to resonate with your audience.

By focusing on these elements, you can move beyond mere “correctness” and create a landing page that feels natural, engaging, and truly converts. After all, a winning landing page isn’t just about technicalities; it’s about understanding your audience and connecting with them on a deeper level.

Disclaimer

The website has evolved quite a bit since its first iteration. I’ve made changes directly on the live site, which allows me to quickly prototype and test ideas without getting bogged down in upfront design work. This iterative approach helps me ensure the site constantly adapts to user needs and feedback.