Q&A with John Leary
Senior Art Director
What are the three most important tips to having an effective website?
First, you have to drive people to your site: promote your web address in print ads, direct mail, stationary, blog contributions, even email signatures (it’s an obvious but often forgotten step). Next, keep your audience interested, not just on their first visit, but give them reasons to come back again and again. Last, and most important, get them to act. Achieve your goals by requesting a phone call, form submission, online purchase, or offline action. In short: get them there, get them excited, and get them to contact you.
Name a big-brand website that you think is done well.
Tivo.com is a great site – well organized, entertaining and has a number of very intuitive tools for members. Check out their TV listings guide and integration with Netflix and Amazon.com video downloads.
What was the first web site you ever worked on?
Aside my own portfolio site, the first web site I designed and programmed was for the New Jersey Jewish News in 1997.
What is your favorite vacation destination?
Ha! This question wasn't staged at all. My favorite is Walt Disney World, of course.
Which Disney character represents your personality the best?
Believe it or not, it's not a Disney character. I've always felt I could relate most to Kermit the Frog – optimistic, being both level-headed and a tad weird, with a great love for life.
What was the last website you visited?
Consumerist.com. It’s a resourceful and entertaining "watch dog" blog, reporting on consumer issues.
