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You need images for your website, a brochure , or social media. The discussion quickly descends into the seemingly simple question: "Should we use a stock photo or have our own photos taken?" At first glance, the answer seems clear: Stock photos are cheaper, readily available, and available in countless variations. But while they save money in the short term, the hidden costs often only become apparent later. Authenticity, trust, and recognizability can't be bought – they must be developed individually. The problem with stock photos Stock photos are a double-edged sword. They're practical, quick to use, and available in seconds on platforms like Adobe Stock, iStockphoto, or Shutterstock. But that's precisely their biggest problem: They're interchangeable. Lack of uniqueness: The same image appears on hundreds of websites. A photo intended to highlight your team's expertise on your homepage might also be on a competitor's site – or even worse, on the website of a company in a completely different industry. Lack of authenticity: Customers nowadays recognize stock photos very quickly. The overly perfect faces, posed scenes, and sterile lighting all seem, well, staged. The result: your brand appears less approachable and less trustworthy. Risk of unreliability: Imagine you're looking for a local provider of crafts or consulting services and come across a website with obviously staged stock photos. Would you immediately trust them? Probably not. In short: stock photos serve a visual function, but they don't tell a real story about your company. a typical stock photo The advantages of real photos Your own photos are more than just a nice-to-have. They're a strategic branding tool. Uniqueness: Real images show your company, your employees, and your way of working. They are distinctive and cannot be copied by any competitor. Emotional impact: Customers respond more strongly to authentic content. A real team photo creates closeness and trust – something a posed stock image can never achieve. High recognition: Individual imagery provides a visual thread. Recurring scenes, places, or people become memorable and strengthen the brand identity. Employer branding: Authentic photos are crucial, especially in recruiting. Applicants want to see how the real work environment looks like – not a generic smile from a stock database. Our employer branding client Spedination knew this and implemented it perfectly. A photo shoot in a real-life setting with real people at work produced perfect images for the website and brochures: In addition to 180% revenue growth after just one year, Spedination also receives ten to fifteen applications per week without having to spend any money on job advertisements. You see: professionalism and authenticity pay off. Cost vs. benefit Yes, a professional photoshoot costs more than a few stock licenses. But it's an investment in your brand that pays off. Short-term cost savings: Stock photos may seem inexpensive at first glance, but they cause losses in the long run because they reduce trust and credibility. Long-term ROI: Once professionally created, photos can be used for years across various channels – website , social media, print , and recruiting. They increase recognition, trust, and ultimately conversion. And this isn't just theory: Studies and practical tests show that real photos almost always convert better than generic stock images . A study by CXL clearly showed that authentic images achieve higher click and conversion rates – because users respond to people and scenes that appear believable. Best practices for using photos Develop a strategic visual language: Define during the branding process (included in our branding work for our clients ) which emotions your photos should convey (e.g., closeness, professionalism, dynamism). This must be documented in a corporate design manual (which we also include in our branding work for our clients). Ensure consistency: Work with clear guidelines for perspective, color schemes, and image composition. This makes your brand distinctive. A mix of authenticity and professionalism: Authentic doesn't mean random . Good images appear real, but are carefully staged – with appropriate lighting, surroundings, and composition. Grids & Recognition: As with logos, grids and rules help with images. This ensures consistent visual language across all channels. Conclusion Stock photos are quick, inexpensive, and convenient – but they cost you trust, credibility, and recognition in the long run. Real images, on the other hand, create authenticity, set you apart from the competition, and directly contribute to your brand identity . The difference is clear: While stock photos can seem arbitrary and mean anything, your own photos tell your story. And that's exactly what customers like and ultimately convinces them to buy into a brand. Are you planning a photoshoot for your brand – or would you like to have your existing imagery reviewed for authenticity and consistency? We can help you develop a customized visual language that builds trust and makes your brand distinctive. Feel free to contact us.

There are phrases that have become almost legendary in marketing meetings. One of them is: "Could we please make the logo bigger?" Anyone who works in marketing has definitely heard it before – often more than once. The discussion about the right logo size seems banal, but it's a prime example of how different perception and reality can be in design. Many decision-makers (especially managing directors) are convinced: the larger the logo, the more visible the brand , the more attention it attracts. Logo display on letterhead, envelope and business card for our client Kunden Blickpunkt LKW & BUS But is that really true? Or does a logo that's too large damage your company's professionalism and trust in the long run? Why bigger isn't automatically better The logo is undoubtedly a central element of a brand . It symbolizes identity, values, and recognizability. However, a logo should provide orientation – not overshadow everything. Oversized logos can quickly appear intrusive, especially in the digital space, where users scan content and search specifically for information. If the logo takes up most of the space, it obscures the message that is actually meant to be convincing: your offer, your benefits, your uniqueness. This logo display is too big and looks unprofessional. A logo that is too large subconsciously sends the message: “We are insecure and need to artificially emphasize our brand.” A balanced logo size, on the other hand, signals sovereignty and clarity – two qualities that build trust. Psychological effect of logo size Design always has a psychological impact. Viewers often associate a very large logo with loudness, egocentrism, and insecurity. It seems as if the brand needs to command more attention because the content itself isn't powerful enough. A smaller but well-placed logo, on the other hand, conveys self-confidence: "We know who we are. But we don't have to shout." It's precisely this understatement that creates a professional and trustworthy impression. Brands like Apple or BMW often use their logos discreetly in campaigns (on purpose) – and it's precisely this perceived understatement that emphasizes their strength. Apple show their logo subtly and small – here an example of a website we created for Beauty Palace. Application contexts: Not all logos are the same The right size depends heavily on the intended use : Exhibition stand and posters On a trade show booth or a large-format poster, the logo is the most important anchor. It can – or rather, it should – be large. But never without sufficient white space and respecting the protective zone already defined in the corporate design . This way, the logo doesn't appear crowded, but rather deliberately and clearly placed. If it's too large, however, it loses its elegance and appears intrusive. Presentations (e.g. PowerPoint) The following applies here: The logo can appear once in a large format in the title – as a visual signal to immediately clarify which company the presentation is from. A subtle repetition on the slides thereafter, for example, in the header or footer, is sufficient. Small, consistent placements ensure recognition without obscuring the content. Websites and digital media In a website's header, the logo should be prominently displayed, providing users with immediate orientation. It must be immediately recognizable as the brand . However, it shouldn't dominate the entire visual hierarchy. Headlines, calls to action, and content take priority. The logo as an orientation anchor on the website we created for Holzbau Wegscheider. Grid and consistency – the underestimated helpers An often overlooked aspect of logo design is working with grids . Defining grids during the branding process makes placement much easier: The logo is consistently in the same place. Proportions are maintained – regardless of the medium. White space and protection zone are clearly observed. The result: Your brand appears calmer, clearer, and more professional. Especially in the B2B sector, where trust and credibility are crucial, consistent logo placement creates more credibility than any "bigger, bigger, bigger" approach. A branded bag for our client S11 System with powerful logo placement within a grid. Common mistakes in practice "Trust substitute" through size: If the message is uncertain, the logo becomes oversized. This quickly creates a lack of confidence. Inconsistency: Logos sometimes appear tiny, sometimes enormous – without any discernible system. This breaks the recognizability. Missing white space: A logo without a protective zone appears squashed and loses its value. Conclusion A logo is the face of your brand – but it's not your entire brand. The right size is always a balance between visibility and restraint. While it can be a bold anchor on a trade show booth, it should be a discreet companion and provide orientation in presentations or on websites. Grids and protective zones help maintain consistency and build trust. In short: The logo doesn't have to be bigger – it just needs to be used correctly. Are you unsure whether your logo design is having the right impact? Or do you want to ensure it's used consistently, professionally, and strategically across all media? Then let's take a look at your brand architecture together. We'll help you define grids, sizes, and placements that build trust – and showcase your brand to its full potential. Feel free to contact us.

Why Tyrol’s economy needs more networking, attitude and brand strategy Tyrol is many things: tradition-conscious, close to nature, and down-to-earth. But to remain strong as a business location in the long term, it needs more than tradition. It requires vision – and companies that live it. HCG corporate designs is now an official cluster member of Standortagentur Tirol . Between mountains and business: Where attitude is born Anyone who works in Tyrol is familiar with the view upwards. Mountains provide orientation – but sometimes also limit the boundaries of thought. We believe that companies that want to grow must think ahead , because at the summit you can see more: connections, perspectives, potential. This is precisely where the things that determine economic success today emerge: clarity, focus, and attitude. Three values that we at HCG corporate designs not only design, but also systematically translate into brand processes . Business with attitude: Why networking increases impact As a cluster member of Standortagentur Tirol, we want to make our contribution to an economy that thinks more strongly – and grows more sustainably. We bring to this network what brands need today: Systemic branding that combines strategy, design and implementation. Enterprise-level web design (Wix Studio) – low-maintenance, measurably high-performance, and brand-consistent. Employer branding expertise that helps companies attract talent instead of just looking for it. Because real innovation arises where design, technology and business are thought of together . Tyrol as a starting point – not as a border In the future, "Made in Tyrol" may well mean more than just origin. It can stand for quality, networking, and sustainability . Our goal as a cluster member is to make Tyrolean companies more visible, to strengthen brand strategies, and actively help to network innovations across industries and borders. A brand with roots in Tyrol can have an international impact if it builds on systematics, attitude, and authenticity . Attitude is the new currency for visibility In a world where everything is becoming louder, faster and more interchangeable, attitude is becoming a decisive competitive advantage. Companies that know what they stand for — and make this visible through consistent design , clear language, and digital precision — gain trust. And trust translates into impact. That's why HCG corporate designs stands for: systematic branding. Design with attitude. Communication with impact. Conclusion: Business with vision begins with brands that lead – not follow Tyrol's future does not depend on how strongly we cling to old patterns, but on how courageously we think of new paths. As a cluster member of Standortagentur Tirol we are delighted to be helping to shape this very path – together with companies that not only operate in the present, but want to shape the future. Because business with vision means broadening horizons without losing one’s roots. HCG corporate designs is a premium boutique for branding, web design, and digital brand communication . With over 15 years of experience, certified brand development, and a systematic approach, we develop brands with measurable impact – from the logo to the digital experience.

Imagine: A potential customer is searching for a solution in ChatGPT – and your logo appears right next to your competitor. It's tiny, barely larger than a pinhead. This tiny image is ... drumroll... the favicon (!) of your website. This is exactly where the decision is made: Will your brand be recognized immediately – or will it disappear? In times of AI search and generative search , the logo is not just a figurehead, but a strategic competitive advantage. Why the logo format is now even more important In the past, the world of logos was manageable: Website header business cards Presentations Today, new touchpoints are being added: Favicons in the browser App Icons Social media profiles AI search systems like ChatGPT Here, your logo will be reduced to a minimum – just 16 x 16 pixels . Remaining recognizable in this miniature format gives you a decisive advantage: In AI Search, your brand appears alongside the competition in the same context . It has to be instantly recognizable to visually stick in people's minds. Flexible logo use instead of rigid individual solution A strong corporate design thrives on flexibility . Today, it's no longer enough to have a logo in just a long, landscape format. At least: a variant that works in a square format or a unique symbol or logo icon that remains immediately recognizable even in the smallest size This isn't just useful for favicons, social media, and AI search – it's also a sign of professionalism . It shows whether your corporate design is truly well thought out (or not). Years ago, we explained in this video why flexibility is essential in logo design: Today – in the age of AI Search – this insight is more relevant than ever. Text, symbol and reduction – the right balance Especially for new brands, it makes sense to include the full name in the logo. However, in miniature format, text is often barely legible. Therefore, the following applies: Primary version: Logo with lettering for website, print and presentations Icon or symbol: A highly simplified shape that works in small, square formats Important: The logo must remain clearly recognizable even in a single color . We explain in detail why this is crucial in this video: Quick tips for logos in the age of AI Search Integrating a favicon correctly: A must for every website (we do this for our clients, of course). Ensure square readability: Logos must remain recognizable even in mini formats. Reduce details: Less is more – clear shapes work better. Test in one color: Does your logo also work in black and white or in a reduced, single color? Reality check: Check your logo at 16 x 16 pixels. If it's illegible, you need an optimized version. Conclusion As customers are increasingly turning to AI search engines (such as ChatGPT) first, a logo that works reliably in all formats is needed. A professional corporate design takes into account that the logo works for large, representative applications as well as for smallest representations such as favicons or AI search results This way, your brand remains visible, clear, and professional even in the age of ChatGPT and other platforms – and stands out clearly from the competition.

There's good web design – and there's prime interior design . With this professional website template, we at HCG corporate designs have set a new standard for digital elegance. After enthusiastic feedback and a lot of attention on social media, we knew this design couldn't remain exclusive. That's why we're now making it available as a high-quality website template – for anyone who's into interior design or architecture and wants to showcase amazingly stylish interior design online. Luxury meets technology: What's behind the template Prime Interior Designs isn't just a website template – it is an experience. From the first click, you'll sense its high-quality appeal, refined attention to detail, and harmonious aesthetics. Individual CSS grid for maximum freedom in web design The heart of the template is a custom CSS grid that allowed us to create animations and user interactions that are not possible on classic templates and old-fashioned modular systems. Here, images appear on the screen, text glides smoothly into the field of vision, and info boxes appear at the right time in the right place – without any distraction, but with maximum impact. A world of colors like from a designer's showroom The color palette is deliberately understated and elegant – with delicate beige tones, deep anthracite, and other warm accents (such as salmon pink). Perfect for interior designers who value stylish restraint while still wanting to make an impression. Luxurious fonts with high-speed loading time The fonts used not only look elegant and high-quality, they load lightning fast and are perfectly optimized for both the mobile website and its desktop counterpart. The beautiful balance of typography and layout ensures a harmonious user experience – without anything unnecessary. This Wix Studio website template is packed with practical highlights for an outstanding online experience: Floating contact button that remains visible on all pages (desktop) Google Maps integration for quick location display Newsletter connection for lead generation Mobile website with perfect look and high user-friendliness Social media integration for seamless brand presence Bite-sized info boxes on full-screen images – ideal for presenting projects in a sophisticated and structured manner A design for people with a sense of aesthetics Whether you're a design studio, interior design professional, or architect, "Prime Interior Designs" was specifically developed for companies that have high design standards and want to combine professionalism with visual finesse. This is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful and elegant website designs we've ever created on Wix Studio. That's why we're offering it as a professional website template for those who don't want to compromise on their web presence.

We are excited to share that HCG corporate designs has been selected to join the prestigious Wix Studio League . This recognition highlights our dedication to delivering top-tier web design solutions. Being hand-picked and chosen from a pool of millions of Wix Studio designers is a huge accomplishment, and we couldn't be prouder. Our passion for creating intuitive, attractive, and highly functional websites has been acknowledged with another milestone since our agency started in 2010 . This achievement reflects our commitment to quality and ongoing improvement in web design. As our diverse portfolio continues to grow, we look forward to new opportunities in the digital landscape. Joining the Wix Studio League is not just an honor; it represents a pledge to our clients that we will consistently elevate our craft and provide unparalleled website design and service. Our path to the Wix Studio League Our journey to the Wix Studio League was not an easy ride. It required time, effort, and a willingness to learn. And to be honest, we will never stop refining our skills, exploring new design techniques, and adapting to the ever-evolving digital landscape. Each project we completed not only boosted our capabilities but also forged stronger relationships with our clients , ensuring we understood their unique visions. As we navigated through the vast Wix Studio environment, our primary focus was (and still is) on creating websites that exceeded our clients' expectations. By prioritizing personalized solutions that resonate with their audiences, we garnered the attention of Wix Studio, which ultimately led to our selection. Every design we create embodies our core values: creativity, professionalism, and meticulous attention to detail. Be it a sleek corporate website or a vibrant e-commerce platform, our aim is to turn ideas into captivating digital experiences. The recognition we've received fuels our ambition to keep pushing our limits. Benefits for our clients This recognition is more than just an honor; it brings real advantages for our clients. As members of the Wix Studio League , we have access to the latest design tools and innovations. This enables us to continue providing exceptional web solutions that are visually impressive, functional, and optimized for peak performance. Our commitment to excellence is stronger than ever as we refine our design processes. With new resources available, we can deliver more customized solutions that fit each client's unique needs. This ensures that every website we create not only positions our clients' brands effectively but also resonates with their target audience. Staying ahead in today’s fast-paced digital world is essential. Being part of the Wix Studio League means we can adopt the latest design trends and technologies into our work. This proactive stance enables us to help our clients stay competitive and relevant in their industries. With our new position in the Wix Studio League , we are excited about upcoming projects. Our pipeline is full of innovative concepts that are sure to impress. We can't wait to share what's in our pipeline! We are currently investigating new design elements, enhancing user experiences, and emphasizing responsive design principles. Our goal is to ensure that the websites we create are accessible across all platforms . Our commitment to improvement sets us apart, and we will keep this focus as we move forward. Our commitment to excellence in web design At the core of our success is our unwavering dedication to our clients. We believe that successful web design is a collaborative effort that thrives on open communication and understanding. Feedback from our clients drives our creative efforts and allows us to craft solutions that genuinely address their needs. We are incredibly thankful for the recognition that comes with being chosen for the Wix Studio League . It validates our passion and hard work in the quality of our web design services . As we turn this new page, our focus stays on delivering exceptional websites that perfectly translate our clients' brands into a digital experience . We look forward to many more remarkable projects ahead!

Fitness is more than just sweating it out in the gym – it's energy, personality, and confidence. This is exactly what a fitness website should reflect. In our digital world, where first impressions are often made online, a clearly structured, mobile-optimized, and visually compelling website is crucial to success as a personal trainer or fitness studio owner. Convince online – with a website that makes performance visible To meet the needs of personal trainers, we, as a Wix Partner, developed the Wix Studio template "Dynamic Fitness Training" – specifically for the fitness industry. It's aimed at personal trainers, fitness coaches, and studio owners who want to present their own website in a clear, active, and modern way – relying on a foundation that impresses with its professional design, sophisticated user interface, and technical quality. The advantages of this website template at a glance Visual dynamism: Strong colors, large typography, and animated elements bring movement to the website – and convey the energy that customers should experience during training. Mobile-optimized web design: The website works seamlessly on all devices – from desktops to smartphones and other mobile devices. This ensures that all content shines wherever the target audience is on the move. Integrated booking function: The website becomes an active sales channel: Interested people book directly online – easily, intuitively and around the clock. Better discoverability & trust: Thanks to the embedded Google Maps integration, local visibility is strengthened and potential customers are helped to find the location quickly. Technically strong – visually convincing The website template is based on Wix Studio, a powerful platform for modern, responsive web design, which we use for all our client projects . For anyone who purchases "Dynamic Fitness Training," this means: A stable, future-proof basis on which extensions such as member areas or online courses can be easily implemented. Intuitive backend maintenance so content can be updated independently – without ongoing agency costs. The website template can be tested live here and purchased directly from the Wix Studio Marketplace . A video introduction can be found on YouTube:

Science, technology, and consulting require professional web design that is structured, reliable, and flexible at the same time. Especially in consulting-intensive industries, it's important to present complex content in such a way that it's not only understandable but also quickly grasped. At HCG corporate designs, we therefore rely on a clear, reduced design language that does not overlay content but presents it in a structured manner – and this is exactly what is reflected in our “Industry Consulting” template on Wix Studio. This professionally designed website template is ideal for companies in the B2B sector – whether consulting, technology services, or science-related offerings. It combines a minimalist, business-oriented web design with sophisticated features such as an innovative scroll animation, eye-catching dividers between different sections, and an editable database in the backend. The latter allows you to easily manage content such as webinars, events, or publications yourself – without any technical hurdles. It also includes customized contact forms with smart user guidance, allowing you to easily offer consultations, workshops, or online seminars directly via the website. Another highlight: The website is, of course, fully responsive – it works seamlessly on mobile devices and looks just as professional as it does on desktop or tablet. This aspect is particularly crucial for target groups in the science and technology industries, as access to information must be easy regardless of location. And as with all our projects, the same applies here: thanks to a clear structure and consistent design elements, a uniform brand image is created that creates trust and exudes professionalism. This premium website template is based on our many years of experience with corporate design and digital processes. It's particularly made for companies that have little time for website maintenance internally, but still want to remain flexible. The content is easily editable, the layout remains stable, and the modular structure allows for additional pages, functions, or content to be added at any time. Click here to go directly to the template. You can see a short video insight here:

Entrepreneurs are people who love their freedom and therefore want to make their own decisions. But this freedom of choice is limited when you become dependent on a single design, advertising or online partner. The reason for this often lies in a fundamental mistake: there is no documentation of the corporate design. Without a design system and its clear documentation, many entrepreneurs fall into an extremely dangerous dependency. The invisible trap: dependency due to lack of design documentation Maybe you know the situation: your design, indeed your entire external image, is tied to a single agency that works with you without setting up a transparent system. Or a "run-of-the-mill designer" started your brand, but without strategic planning or clear rules. The result? Chaos, inconsistent branding, the feeling of having your back against the wall and a lasting loss of trust among the target group. Many agencies secure their business through this dependency. They may deliver creative results, but without an underlying system or practical documentation, other designers cannot work with them. This makes you dependent on just one provider. That is very dangerous. But there is a way out of this trap. What is a corporate design manual? A corporate design manual is the basis for your brand communication. It documents all of your brand's visual guidelines, such as: Logo variants and their areas of application color schemes and typography design grids and guidelines for print and web imagery and other design elements The corporate design manual creates a system that keeps your brand consistent over the long term – regardless of who works on it. How a design manual secures your independence With a clearly documented branding system, you as a business owner gain control over your design. Any professional designer can work with a well-structured corporate design manual. You are no longer dependent on a single agency (or a single "run-of-the-mill designer"), but are free to decide who you work with. A corporate design manual offers you: Clarity and consistency: Your brand remains visually consistent, no matter which designer or agency works on or with it. Your target group's trust in your company is sustainably strengthened. Your customers become fans of your brand. Time and cost savings: New partners can get started quickly and efficiently without having to “reinvent” your branding. Independence: You retain control over your brand and the freedom to decide who you want to work with. Conclusion: your "ticket" to freedom of decision and a consistent brand message A corporate design manual is more than just a collection of design guidelines – it is your key to entrepreneurial independence. It allows you to maintain control over your brand and ensure that you can freely choose your design partners. So why should you give up your freedom as an entrepreneur when it is so easy to secure it? A design manual gives you the tools to free yourself from unnecessary dependencies and to manage your brand confidently. We are happy to support you from the start with professional branding including documentation.

The new year is just around the corner, and with it the annual reflection. It is the perfect time to pause, analyze the past year and decide: What will stay the same? What needs to change? But often this honest confrontation with ourselves and our company is uncomfortable - even painful. This is how human beings are made: pain is the biggest trigger for change Why is it so hard for us to be proactive? The truth is: many people don't change until they have to. Pain is one of the strongest driving forces. We experience it all the time - whether in our personal lives, in customer projects or when building a brand. Let's take time management. Entrepreneurs often only realize that they need to change something when their health suffers. The "awakening" comes when the to-do list overflows, deadlines are missed and stress levels explode. At this point, the pain is an unmistakable wake-up call. Tip: Check out our video on 15 productivity hacks to work more stress-free and efficiently: But what about design and branding? The pain point in branding: transformation begins in the uncomfortable Many companies only realize that their brand no longer works when they experience massive consequences: stagnating sales, declining market share or a feeling of being lost in the crowd. What it takes to become a top brand is a clear strategy – and a willingness to go through the pain of transformation. This process can be painful and challenging, but the reward is enormous. The steps to brand transformation Analysis of the status quo: Where do you stand? How is your brand perceived? Developing a branding strategy: What values, visions and messages define your brand? Initial implementation: From the logo and color palette to the tone and storytelling – everything has to be consistent. Measuring success: Check whether your new brand is being received by your target audience. Continuous use: Branding is not a one-time project. It thrives on consistent use. Contact us to find out how your company can become a brand that customers love! Transformation: the cycle of joy, panic and pride The process of change is rarely linear. Especially in branding, we go through this cycle again and again: Initial euphoria: The ideas are fresh, the motivation is high. Panic: Suddenly it becomes clear how big the task really is. Doubts arise. Pain: The hard work begins. Strategies are questioned, resistance is overcome. First successes: Suddenly you realize that you were on the right path. Self-doubt gives way to pride. Pride and joy: When the result is achieved and the customers are delighted, every effort pays off. Yes, it hurts to leave your comfort zone. But that pain is proof that real change is happening. A logo is a symbol. Branding creates a feeling. The fact is: A logo alone will not carry your brand. Branding is much more than that - it is the feeling that your customers associate with your company. And feelings ultimately decide whether prospects become loyal customers or even fans. Join us in this transformative process. It won't always be easy, but it will be worth it. For sure. At the end of the day, you won't just have a new design or better numbers - you'll have the proud feeling of having created something great. The turn of the year is a good time for transformation. Let's take your business to the next level - together.

Accessibility is not only an important legal issue, but also an opportunity to optimize your own digital presence and make it accessible to more user groups. In this article, we explain why accessible web design is not only a legal requirement, but can also be seen as a clear competitive advantage for companies. Accessibility in the digital world: what does the law say? Since September 23, 2020, all websites of German federal government agencies have been required to be barrier-free (or accessible). This also means that they must provide their essential information on the website and navigation in plain language. Since June 23, 2021, this also applies to mobile applications of authorities. From June 28, 2025, this requirement will also apply to all online commerce - a development that affects many companies. The new regulations of the Disability Equality Act (BGG) require that all companies operating in the B2C sector design their online offerings in such a way that they are accessible to all people, including those with physical, mental or visual impairments. Which companies are affected? All companies that offer products or services in the B2C segment are affected - from manufacturers to retailers to service providers. Micro-enterprises in the service sector that employ fewer than ten people and (!) remain below certain turnover limits (2 million euros per year) or below an annual balance sheet total of 2 million euros are exempt from this regulation. Simple language vs. easy language: the key difference for German language An additional aspect of accessibility is the use of easy language . While simple language primarily avoids complex technical terms, easy language goes a few steps further and also takes into account people with disabilities such as people with intellectual challenges, people who learn German as a foreign language or people with other learning difficulties. Easy language follows clear rules: Positive wording: Negative wording is avoided to minimize misunderstandings. Short sentences: Sentences are simple and clearly structured and should not be longer than one line. A new sentence must always start on a new line. Compound words: Long or compound words are visually separated with either a dot in the middle or a hyphen. Example: football-club instead of foot-ball-club. This is intended to visualize the pronunciation or emphasis. Avoidance of foreign words: Foreign language terms are avoided to increase readability. Visual support: Pictures and illustrations help to explain the text and make it understandable. Increased readability: A larger font than in "normal language" is required. A clear contrast (dark font on a light, single-colored background) is required. Make sure that the line spacing is sufficiently large (high line spacing!). A maximum of two different fonts may be used. Headings and important information in the body text should be highlighted. Acceptance by control groups: The easy language must be checked and approved by a control group before it is used on the website, for example. The text is then tested within the target group to ensure that it is understood without restrictions. All of these requirements affect the overall visual appearance and structure of a communication medium. This also means that design in plain language requires significantly more space. Accessible web design with HCG corporate designs As a Wix partner, we have been offering web design solutions that have met accessibility requirements for several years. Wix Studio offers numerous technical tools that ensure that a website can be used easily with screen readers and without a mouse (i.e. just with the keyboard). This means that accessible web design has been standard at HCG corporate designs for years. "Another positive aspect of our accessible websites that we create with Wix Studio is that Google is paying more attention to accessibility and is pushing accessible websites further up the rankings." Design research and legal requirements In practice, implementing accessibility for websites means not only taking technical specifications into account, but also incorporating design research. An interesting finding from this research concerns the use of Antiqua fonts (serif fonts) compared to Grotesque fonts (sans serif fonts). Because: Despite the legal requirement to use clear fonts (ideally without serifs), research prior to the legislation proved that serif fonts are easier to read for most users - and not just in the test group (disabled people)! Surprisingly, this aspect was not taken into account in the standards. There is clearly a gap between theory and practice here. A somewhat amusing aspect that we were able to learn about in a training course lasting several weeks at the Munich Typographic Society . Another noteworthy point is that gender is not used in Easy Language. The language should remain as simple and understandable as possible, and the focus is on the clarity of the message. Why you should act now From June 28, 2025, companies will have to ensure that their online commerce is accessible. It is therefore advisable to start implementing accessibility now. While the legislation is unlikely to impose harsh penalties for the time being, companies should prepare for the fact that their websites could be subject to strict controls in the future. Adapting early will ensure that you not only meet legal requirements, but also improve the user experience for everyone (including those without disabilities). The benefits for your company: Increased reach: An accessible website speaks to a wider audience – not just people with disabilities, but also people who prefer clear and simple communication. Improved user experience: A user-friendly design benefits all users and promotes customer satisfaction. Better Google ranking: Google rates the increased reach and the technical implementation of accessibility (screen reader compatibility, etc.) positively, which in turn has a positive effect on the Google ranking of a website. Legal protection: By complying with legal requirements, you protect yourself from possible legal problems and penalties. Conclusion: accessible websites as a competitive advantage Designing accessible websites is not only a legal obligation, but also an opportunity to improve your own digital presence and offer a more inclusive user experience. With Wix Studio, we have a powerful tool at our disposal that helps our customers launch accessible websites that meet current requirements. If you integrate the principles of easy language and accessibility into your design, not only people with disabilities benefit, but also your entire user groups. It is worth focusing on this topic early on - because an accessible website is a website for everyone.

What entrepreneurs can learn about branding from a blue-footed booby Copyright: Helene Clara Gamper A few years ago, I was on a tour through Peru and Ecuador, which also included the Galapagos Islands. This small group of islands is located about an hour's flight west of the Ecuadorian mainland on the Pacific coast. Apart from the giant tortoises, the Galapagos Islands are also known for a very special bird: the blue-footed booby (guess why it is called like that). The color contrast of his light blue feet and the rust-red vegetation in the background was a beautiful sight that I will probably never forget. This very special shade of blue on his feet somehow reminded me of baby blue and is said to make the male blue-footed boobies particularly sexy for the females during mating season. There are so many unusual animals on the Galapagos Islands, but the blue-footed booby stands out from the crowd with its striking appearance and is therefore one of the most photographed animals in the archipelago! As a designer, I have to say: congratulations to this bird! It has recognized the power of striking appearance and uses it perfectly for its purposes (reproduction) among its target group (female blue-footed boobies) and is also the object of photo desire among tourists. In a business context, as a designer, I would say: Branding with a high recognition value ensures growth and the desired pull in the target group. Dear blue-footed booby, you are a role model for entrepreneurs, bravo!