There's a trend in web design firms that has been going on for quite some time. Small to medium sized web and interactive studios and freelancers have simply been declaring they "make awesome..." In many cases, they very well may be making awesome websites and apps, and that strategy probably gets them clients. At the same time, it's a risk and might turn other potential clients away.
Personally, I think if it's working for a freelancer or firm (and it must be if they have left these statements up), why not take such a risk with so much competition out there. I haven't seen this trend extend to other creative professionals, such as illustrators or photographers, so the links below are all to freelancers or firms involved in web design, web development, or interactive work such as web and iPhone apps.
A big part of the trend is not only saying it, but saying it big and bold as the first thing a visitor sees on the site. I have seen this trend develop in three stages. First, studios used bold statements to simply declare what they do, such as "we make websites."
- MetaLab: "We make interfaces."
- Electric Pulp: "We Build Websites."
- strangerpixel: "I make websites."
- rocket: "We Have Computers."
- ClarkLab: "I make websites. This is my blog."
- Object Adjective: "Hey, we make websites!"
- CINGHIZ: "I make websites."
Second, studios declared what they did but also said they did it well. These type of statements may be less a part of this trend, as they fall into a category of mission statements that existed long before people declared their awesomeness. This is done by some of the biggest brands in design, and successfully. However, presenting them as bold website introductions does fit the trend.
- Crush + Lovely: "Building a better web for people like you, brands like yours, and lives like ours."
- Nosotros: "We make great websites and unforgettable brands."
- Erskine Design: "We Design and Build Stunning Websites."
- Code and Theory: "Code and Theory creates innovative interactive products and campaigns for leading brands."
- Happy Cog: "We create beautiful websites..."
- ACCORD5: "Makers of Fine Web Apps."
Finally, studios declared "We Make Awesome..."
- Toolbox Digital: "We make awesome websites..."
- YDEK Productions: "We handcraft pixels and make kickass websites."
- Orange Apple: "Using science to make the Internet awesome."
- youlove.us: "We make awesome web sites. Prepare to be amazed."
- Extra Moose: "We make awesome websites."
- Cenix Web Design: "We make awesome websites."
What do you think of the trend? Please vote and discuss in the comments below.
Sort of reminds me of the pizza box: “You’ve tried the rest now try the best!” or the scene from Elf when Will Farrell brings Zooey Deschanel to the coffee shop for the “World’s Best Cup of Coffee” It’s an unfounded lame claim and usually means they aren’t very good.
that should have been will ferrell not farrell. I guess I was mesmerized by all of the awesome websites.
I voted “Interesting Strategy.” A good tag line is the first few words in brand awareness. For my graphic design business, On Q Graphic Design, the tag line is “My business is good for your business”
Although my business is far from established (I am a graphic design student), I take these things seriously. I think my tag line speaks for not just myself, but the whole graphic design industry. Our job as designers and/or advertisers is to make the clients brand, product or service more appealing to their customers. A good tag line for any business should be intriguing and memorable.
I have to agree with Jeff…don’t tell me you’re the best, prove it to me! While communicating this in your tagline can be effective and even trendy, communicate it in your product (ie Apple).
I think this goes against all the rules of good marketing. You should focus on what’s in it for the customer not bang on about how awesome you are. If you are awesome it will sound much better coming from a satisfied customer. Saying it about yourself just makes you sound like an arrogant jerk.
I think it appeals to specific age group most likely anyone who is 30 and younger. The sites that use this may be cutting themselves off at the knees. IMO it invokes immaturity, arrogance and in this case I would think they have an edgy style which is my least favorite style of graphic design. I most likely would not look at their site.
I quite like the trend. For example, Cenix Web Design use it professionally, a very difficult thing to do. On thought, We make awesome websites doesn’t sound professional. But after dealing with them, they manage to use this slogan, yet keep it profesional! Brilliant!
graphicdesign.about.com is amazing, good work!
MW3 giveaway
I miss graphicdesign.about.com !!! Today i come back here
HTC HD7 giveaway