the Conscious Design™ Blog

Learn about the Peterman Method™, our approach to conscious design, and how you can take the next step in your project.

The Conscious Design™ blog, podcast, and YouTube channel is your guide to understanding the product development process, branding, and starting up a company. Whether inventor, designer, or entrepreneur, we have content to help you be successful. Written primarily by Ian Peterman, our CEO, founder, and Conscious Design expert, this blog pulls from his and our team’s extensive experience and history with startups, products, and brands as we seek to build conscious brands and products. We hope you enjoy this content and learn something valuable through it. Let’s make your vision a reality.

Mobile-First E-Commerce: Optimize Your Store with Responsive WooCommerce Plugins

Why do some online stores thrive and others struggle to convert their visitors? The answer dramatically lies in mobile optimization. If you didn’t know, more than half of the world uses mobile devices to browse the web. Thus, providing them with a smooth shopping experience is no longer optional but a requirement. A mobile-first approach means building your store for mobile users and scaling it up for larger screens. This shift is significant because mobile users expect the sites they are on to load fast and have simple navigations along with an easy checkout process. If your store does not meet these, you will most likely lose potential customers before they decide to buy anything. One of the most well-known e-commerce platforms, WooCommerce, has several plugins to enhance responsiveness to mobile devices. If you employ the right tools, setting up a user-friendly store that brings in more customers is very easy. Mobile optimization, from improving site speed to easy checkout, is the best way to reach success in the online marketplace. Let’s look at the best responsive WooCommerce plugins that will help optimize your store for mobile users and provide them with the best shopping experience possible. Why Mobile-First Matters in E-Commerce​ A website’s approach defines how effectively it can cater to most online shoppers. Mobile users struggle to navigate slow-loading pages and the absence of responsive designs. If your store is not mobile-friendly, you are likely missing out on various customers and sales. Studies indicate that the majority, over 60%, of online purchases are made via smartphones. A mobile-friendly shopping experience is an essential requirement in this modern era. When ranking, Google prioritizes mobile user-friendly websites, increasing the need for mobile optimization. If you are using a WooCommerce store, optimizing it for mobile devices will improve your competitive ranking, thus receiving more organic traffic. Providing an effortless, seamless browsing experience empowers customers to watch videos and purchase with a button click. Increased sales and improved customer retention are benefits of a well-optimized mobile store. Essential WooCommerce Plugins for Mobile Optimization​ 1. Jetpack Mobile Theme Jetpack theme offers an excellent solution by providing a responsive mobile theme that speeds up the site’s loading time. It automatically adjusts your store’s layout to fit mobile devices, improving users’ shopping ease. This is a must-have plugin for every WooCommerce store as it enhances security and performance and assists in making the layout mobile-friendly. 2. WP Mobile Menu With the rise of mobile shopping, navigation has become an integral part of the overall experience. Therefore, WP Mobile Menu has stepped up to the plate by offering a responsive menu that can be customized according to the specifications of the business. This allows for the effective engagement of customers through sliding and off-canvas menus. Such a feature eliminates the unnecessary complexity of browsing a menu and will enable visitors to engage more with your store effortlessly. 3. AMP for WooCommerce Most website owners and developers recognize the importance of speed; lagging pages often spell disaster. AMP Pages are a robust industry standard that boosts a webpage’s performance metrics. This plugin ensures that your WooCommerce store is served instantly to mobile users. Mobile optimization has never been easier, and the chances of bolstering conversion rate are now in one’s grasp. Studies show that a single-second delay in page load time can reduce conversions by as much as 7%, which is dispelled with the help of this plugin. 4. Mobile Assistant Connector Today’s business owners spend more time on the move than managing their office space, and managing an e-commerce store becomes easy with the right tools. Thanks to the Mobile Assistant Connector plugin, store owners have the freedom to monitor order statuses, stock inventories, and interact with customers. This allows for the creation of a more efficient business and enables the smooth running of essential operations. 5. PWA for WooCommerce Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) provide app-like functionality on mobile browsers. This plugin allows users to view the store when offline. It facilitates easy mobile shopping, increasing user interaction and repeat purchases. PWAs are priceless to customers from remote areas who face internet connectivity issues. Enhancing Mobile User Experience · Optimize Images and Videos Heavy media files can increase your website’s loading speed, hence increasing the bounce rate. Use image compression plugins like Smush or ShortPixel to reduce file size while retaining the quality of the image. Visuals drive sales, and making images load within milliseconds can increase conversion rates drastically. If your store has product demonstrations, consider switching to the WooCommerce product video plugin. This gives customers more information about the product with videos, aiding their decision-making while minimizing return rates. · Simplify Checkout Process The more complicated your checkout process, the higher the chances customers may abandon their carts. Studies show that 69% of customers leave their carts, and complex checkout processes are the foremost reason. The WooCommerce One Page Checkout plugin makes cutting the pinch points easier. Customers can now process their purchases entirely on one single page. There is also the option to turn off guest checkout and auto-fill features. These changes could make the purchase process even easier. · Implement Mobile Payment Solutions Mobile users are willing to pay as long as the method is convenient. You can further reduce these difficulties by adopting Apple Pay, Google Pay, and other mobile-friendly methods. The WooCommerce Stripe Payment Gateway is a good suggestion, as it works with many payment options. Aside from purchase methods friendly to mobile devices, mobile wallets allow for one-tap purchases. This diminishes the buying barriers and boosts the chance of buying. · Enable Push Notifications Push notifications help bring customers back by reminding them about new products, special discounts, and even items left in their carts. One Signal Push Notifications plugin is a good example of these real-time push notifications. This new feature can help boost sales and remind customers about the business even later. This can be especially appealing to mobile shoppers who are on the go. Optimizing

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Peterman Design Firm Named Best Web Design in Vancouver by Expertise

Peterman Design Firm is thrilled to officially announce that we are listed by Expertise.com as Best Web Designer in Vancouver, WA! At Peterman Design Firm, we help visionaries turn their ideas into products, businesses, and brands that change the world. Our design and development services—along with branding and start-up consulting—are designed to help your business build momentum, attract high-quality leads, and drive greater revenue. Expertise.com finds and reviews the top service professionals in over 200 industries across the U.S. Each month, we research more than 60,000 businesses to help customers find the best-qualified professional for their needs. Our research process is always evolving to keep up with industry changes, so we’re confident that when we say a provider is one of the best, it is. We are proud to be listed by Expertise.com and getting recognized for the work we’ve done for our amazing clients and want to thank our clients for all of the love and support you have shown our business.  Your Next Steps Developing Smart Products What does it take to develop a smart product? Develop a Smart Product The Peterman Method™ Learn about the Peterman Method and download your own copy Peterman Method™ Related Conscious Design BLOG Posts Author Mr. Peterman View all posts

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What is Launch Management?

Launch management is the process of planning, coordinating, and executing the launch of a new product or service. It aims to ensure that the presentation is successful and goes according to plan. Many factors need to be considered when launching a new product or service.  The first step is to determine what the product or service is and its purpose. Once this is established, a plan is created outlining the steps to launch the product or service successfully. Why is Launch Management important? Launch management is important because it helps ensure that new products or services are introduced in a way that maximizes their chances for success.  A well-planned launch can help generate excitement and buzz, build momentum, and create a sense of anticipation among potential customers. It can also help ensure that key stakeholders are on board with the plan and that everyone understands their roles and responsibilities. A successful launch requires careful planning and coordination across multiple teams and departments. The goal is to create a seamless experience for customers and other stakeholders while minimizing risk and maximizing the chances of success. This process is a critical part of any organization’s ability to successfully bring new products or services to market. By carefully planning and coordinating the  process, organizations can increase the chances of success while minimizing risk. How much does Launch Management cost? Launch Management is a paid service that starts at $50 per month. Its service price increases with the number of launches you need to manage. For example, if you need to manage two presentations per month, the price would be $75 per month. If you need to manage ten or more launches per month, the price would be $250 per month. Launch Management is a great option for businesses that want to ensure their website is always up and running. The service includes regular website monitoring and 24/7 customer support in case of any issues. Plus, you’ll get a customized report each month detailing your website’s performance. This report can help you track your website’s progress and identify potential problems. What is the process of Launch Management? This is the process of planning, executing, and monitoring the progress of a presentation. It includes all aspects of launching a product or service, from initial market research to post-launch analysis.  The process is a critical part of any successful product or service launch. By carefully planning and executing each process step, businesses can ensure a smooth, successful launch. There are four key steps in launch management: Market research: Before launching a new product or service, it’s important to understand your target market. This involves conducting market research to identify potential customers and understand their needs and wants. Product development: Once you clearly understand your target market, you can begin developing your product or service. This involves creating a product or service that meets the needs and wants of your target market. Marketing and advertising: Once your product is developed, you need to start marketing and advertising it to potential customers. This involves creating a marketing strategy and executing a marketing plan that reaches your target market. Post-launch analysis: After launching your product or service, it’s important to analyze how it performed. This includes assessing sales, customer feedback, and other data to help you improve future launches. Launch management is a critical part of any successful product or service presentation. Businesses can ensure a smooth, successful launch by following the four key steps outlined above. How do you hire a Launch Manager? When you’re ready to launch a new product or service, it’s important to have the right people to make sure everything goes smoothly.  But how do you go about finding and hiring a Launch Manager? And what qualities should you look for in this critical role? Define the role and responsibilities The first step is to define the role and responsibilities of the manager. This will help you determine what skills and experience are required. The Launch Manager will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of the product presentation, from planning to execution. They will need to be able to manage a team and coordinate with various stakeholders. Screen candidates Once you have defined the role, it’s time to start screening candidates. Look for someone who has experience in product launches and management experience. They should also be able to handle stress and work under pressure. Conduct interviews Once you have screened candidates, it’s time to conduct interviews. This is your chance to get to know the candidates and see if they are a good fit. Be sure to ask questions about their experience with product launches and their management style. Make a decision After you have interviewed all of the candidates, it’s time to decide. First, choose the candidate you believe is best suited for the role of Launch Manager. Keep in mind that this person will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of the product launch, so make sure you choose someone you can trust. Find out more about launch management with Peterman Design Firm. You can hire great launch managers to help you with your product. How does Launch Management fit into Marketing? Launch management is the process of planning, executing, and monitoring product launches. It encompasses everything from market research and target audience identification to product development and launches day logistics. Marketing teams play a critical role in launch management, as they are responsible for creating and executing marketing campaigns that generate awareness and excitement for new products or services. This is a complex process, but it is essential for ensuring that new products or services are successful. By working closely with other departments, such as R&D and sales, marketing teams can ensure that all aspects of the presentation are carefully planned and executed. With a well-executed plan, organizations can maximize their chances of success and minimize potential risks.  It is a critical part of marketing, as it helps ensure that new products or services are successful. By working closely with other departments and

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Tools of the Design World: Adobe Spark

If you’re a creative professional, chances are you’re well-versed in the Adobe Creative Suite. After all, it’s home to some of the most popular design tools out there, like Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign.

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What is Digital Ads?

Digital ads are advertisements that appear on digital devices, such as computers, phones, and tablets. They are often used to promote products or services online.

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Tools of the Design World: WooCommerce

If you’re running a WordPress website, there’s a good chance you’ve heard of WooCommerce. But what is it, exactly?  WooCommerce is a plugin that turns your WordPress site into an online store. It’s free and open-source, and it’s one of the most popular eCommerce platforms on the web. In this post, we’ll take a closer look at what this tool is and how it can help you run your online business.  What is WooCommerce? WooCommerce is a powerful, open-source eCommerce plugin that helps you sell anything online, anywhere. Built on WordPress, it is perfect for entrepreneurs who want to launch their online store with little time or money investment. Plus, the tool is free and always will be.  You can use WooCommerce to create a simple online store or marketplace. With this tool, you can sell physical products, digital products, and even services. You can also accept payments via PayPal, Stripe, or any other payment gateway supported by WooCommerce.  How much does WooCommerce cost? Like many WordPress plugins, this is is free to download and use. However, several paid extensions and add-ons available to enhance your store’s functionality. These can range in price from a few dollars to several hundred dollars, depending on the features you need. There is also a premium version of this specific tool that offers additional features and support.  Is WooCommerce worth the price? That depends on your needs. If you’re starting and don’t need a lot of features, the free version may be all you need. However, if you want to add more complex functionality or need support, the paid extensions and premium version may be worth the investment. Overall, WooCommerce is an affordable eCommerce solution that offers many flexibilities and customization options. And since it’s free to download and use, it’s a great option for small businesses on a budget. When is WooCommerce used in the process? This powerful eCommerc tool is used as a payment gateway on an eCommerce website. It is used to process payments for digital and physical products. Additionally, it is used to create an online store.  What are the benefits of using WooCommerce? Some benefits of using WooCommerce include  flexibility  the ability to process payments for digital and physical products  easy to use; and  can be integrated with other platforms. How is WooCommerce different from other payment gateways? This eCommerce tool is different from other payment gateways because it is an open-source platform. This means that it can be customized to meet specific needs. Additionally, it is free to use. So what are the requirements for using this tool?  Businesses must have a WordPress website to use this eCommerce tool. Additionally; businesses must have an SSL certificate. So, how is it integrated into WordPress?  WooCommerce is integrated into WordPress by installing the plugin. This plugin is downloaded from the WordPress plugin directory.  What are the payment methods that WooCommerce supports? This tool supports a variety of payment methods, including  credit cards debit cards PayPal bank transfers checks cash on delivery.  Is WooCommerce available in multiple languages? At this time, it is available in English only. However, there are plans to expand to other languages in the future. Conclusion WooCommerce is a valuable tool for the design world. It is simple to use and helps with the organization of products. Additionally, it can be customized to fit the needs of any business or individual. With these features in mind, it is clear that this tool should continue to be a popular choice for those looking for an eCommerce platform.  Your Next Steps Smart Tools What areThe Tools for Product Development? product development Design Tools Tools of the Design World: Slack new tools Related Conscious Design BLOG Posts Author Mr. Peterman View all posts

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What is Customer Experience?

The customer experience (CX) is all the interactions a customer has with a company. It’s not just about the product or service but how the customer is treated along the way. Good customer experience is essential for businesses today. In a world where customers have more choices than ever before, they can easily take their business elsewhere if they’re not happy with the experience they receive. That’s why companies need to focus on delivering good customer experiences across all channels, from marketing to sales to support. The goal is to create a seamless experience that meets or exceeds customer expectations every step of the way. What are some of the benefits of a good customer experience? Some of the benefits of a good customer experience include: Increased loyalty and customer retention Improved word-of-mouth marketing Higher levels of customer satisfaction Reduced churn rate Increased profits and market share How can companies improve their customer experience? There are several ways companies can improve their customer experience, including: 1. Developing a customer-centric culture. This starts with putting the customer first in everything you do. Everything from your mission and values to your product development process should be focused on delivering the best possible experience for your customers.   Creating a customer-centric culture is not always easy, but it’s worth the effort. By making your customers the focus of your business, you’ll create a more sustainable and successful company. If you’re ready to start making your customers the focus of your business, here are a few tips to help you get started: Define what customer service means to your company. Train your employees on how to deliver exceptional customer service.  Make it easy for customers to contact you.Respond to customer feedback quickly and effectively. Reward employees who go above and beyond for customers. Continuously improve your product and service offerings based on customer feedback. 2. Creating a strong brand identity. A strong brand identity helps customers feel connected to your company and makes it easier to trust you. It also helps guide your marketing and communication efforts, making it easier to deliver a consistent customer experience across all channels. Building a strong brand identity takes time and effort, but it’s worth it. Here are a few tips to get you started: Know your brand story. Every company has a story, and understanding yours is key to creating a strong brand identity. What makes your company unique? Why do customers care about what you do? Once you know your story, make sure it’s reflected in everything you do—from your branding to your customer service. Be consistent. Consistency is key when building a brand identity. Make sure all marketing materials look and feel the same and that your messaging is consistent across all channels. This will help customers develop a strong connection to your brand and make it easier for them to trust you. Be creative. A strong brand identity doesn’t have to be boring! Be creative with your branding and marketing efforts, and find ways to express your company’s unique personality. This will help you stand out from the competition and connect with customers on a deeper level. Listen to your customers. One of the best ways to strengthen your brand identity is to listen to what your customers have to say. When developing new products and services, take their feedback into account, and make sure you’re responsive to their needs. This will help you build a stronger relationship with your customers and create loyalty for your brand. 3. Focusing on the little things. The small details often make the biggest difference when it comes to customer experience. So make sure you’re paying attention to things like customer service, packaging, delivery, and follow-up communications. By focusing on the little things, you can create a big difference in the overall customer experience. One of the best ways to improve your customer experience is to make sure you’re providing great customer service.  This means responding to inquiries quickly, addressing concerns effectively, and providing support that goes above and beyond what’s expected. You’ll show your customers that you care about them and their satisfaction by providing great customer service. Another way to improve your customer experience is by paying attention to the packaging and delivery of your products or services.  Make sure items are well-packaged and arrive on time. If there are any delays, be sure to communicate with your customers promptly. This will help keep them informed and ensure that they remain satisfied with your products or services. Finally, follow up with your customers after they’ve received their order. Thank them for their business and ask for feedback. This will help you identify any areas where you can improve your customer experience in the future.   4. Using technology to improve the customer experience. Technology can play a key role in improving customer experience by making it easier for customers to interact with your company and access the products and services they need. It can also help you collect and analyze customer data to continue to improve your offerings. Some common ways businesses use technology to improve customer experience include: Offering online chat or support to help customers with questions or problems. Allowing customers to place orders and track their shipments online. Offering self-service options such as tutorials or FAQs that help customers find the information they need without contacting customer service. Collecting and analyzing data about customer behavior so you can see what products and services are most popular and what areas need improvement. Technology can help businesses create a more seamless, positive customer experience. Still, it’s important to make sure that the technology is easy to use and meets your customers’ needs. Take the time to research different options and find the best solutions for your business. Then, with the right tools in place, you can make it easier for customers to do business with you and improve their overall experience. 5. Training employees to deliver great customer service. Employees are the face of your company, and

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Who Provides Product Development?

You may be wondering who provides product development services. The answer is that there are many different service providers, each with its strengths and weaknesses. Here is a brief overview of some of the most popular options: Offshore Development Centers Offshore development centers (ODCs) provide offshore software development services. ODCs typically have many employees and can offer a wide range of services, including custom software development, web development, and mobile app development.  There are many benefits to working with an ODC, including access to a large pool of skilled workers, lower labor costs, and increased efficiency. However, some risks are associated with offshore development, including language barriers, cultural differences, and time zone differences.  When choosing an ODC, it is important to consider your needs and objectives carefully.  Make sure you select a reputable provider with experience in developing the type of software you need.  You should also be aware of the potential risks involved in offshore development and make sure you have a plan in place to mitigate these risks. ODCs can be a great option for organizations looking to reduce costs or increase efficiency. First, however, it is important to choose a reputable provider and be aware of the potential risks. Product Development Firms Product development firms are companies that specialize in helping businesses develop new products. These firms have a team of engineers and product managers who can help you design, prototype, and launch your product. They also offer services such as marketing, manufacturing, and distribution.  However, these firms can be expensive and may not always have the expertise you need. Consider working with a product development firm when you’re ready to take your product to the next level. These companies can help you turn your idea into a reality.  First, however, make sure to do your research and choose a reputable firm with experience in your industry. Otherwise, you may end up wasting time and money. Product development firms can be expensive, but they offer expertise and resources. So if you’re serious about taking your product to market, it may be worth the investment. Just make sure to do your homework before signing on the dotted line. Freelance Developers Freelance developers are individuals who offer their services to businesses on a project-by-project basis. This option can be cheaper than hiring a product development firm, but it can also be more difficult to find qualified developers. You’ll need to do your due diligence to make sure you’re working with a reputable developer. Ask for references and check out their work online. The best way to find a freelance developer is through word of mouth. Ask your friends, family, and colleagues if they know anyone who freelances development work. You can also post a job listing on websites like Upwork or Craigslist. When you’re interviewing potential developers, be sure to ask them about their experience with the project you’re working on. Also, ask them how they would approach solving certain problems and what kind of timeline they think they could complete the project. Make sure you have a clear idea of what you want before hiring a freelance developer. This will help ensure that everyone is on the same page and that there are no surprises down the road. Open Source Platforms Open source platforms are websites and software free for anyone to use. These platforms allow you to develop your product without hiring any outside help. It would help if you considered a few things before using an open-source platform.  First, ensure the platform is free and not just free for personal use. Second, be aware that most open-source platforms do not offer support or documentation. It can be difficult to figure out how to use the platform and customize it to your needs. Finally, be sure that the open-source platform you choose has a large user base and an active development community. This will ensure that someone is available to help you with any problems you may encounter and that new features and updates are released regularly. If you decide an open-source platform is right for you, take some time to research which one would best meet your needs. Freelancers Freelancers are individual contractors who can provide various product development services, depending on their skills and experience. Freelancers can be a great option if you’re looking for a specific skill set that isn’t available from other service providers.  They are individuals who work on a project-by-project basis for various clients. This option can be cheaper than using an ODC or a product development firm, but it also has drawbacks. First, it cannot be easy to find qualified freelancers with the right skillset. Second, managing a team of freelancers can be time-consuming and challenging.  If you’re considering using freelancers to help with your next project, here are a few things to keep in mind: Make sure you have a clear understanding of the project scope and requirements before posting any job listings. Be prepared to interview several candidates before making your final decision. Ask for samples of previous work and check references carefully. Put everything in writing to avoid misunderstandings down the road. With careful planning and execution, working with freelancers can be a great way to get the help you need without breaking the bank. Remember that it’s important to do your homework upfront to ensure a smooth and successful experience. Software Development Companies Software development companies are organizations that specialize in providing software development services. These companies typically have a team of experienced developers to help you build custom software applications, websites, and mobile apps. They also offer a wide range of additional services, such as project management, QA testing, and support and maintenance. Software development companies are often more affordable than ODCs and provide faster turnaround times.  IT Consultants IT consultants are experts in information technology (IT) and can provide various product development services, including software development, website design, and mobile app development. IT consultants are a great option if you need help with specific aspects of your project or

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