Its co-founder, Julien Van Rampelbergh, shares his point of view on the return on investment of the solutions offered by an agency, but above all on the importance of a strong image, allowing you to stand out from the competition and to be selected first by visitors on the web.
Website design, logo creation and brand building are all areas where the public is more educated than before.
Why opt for the services of an agency when many pre-designed solutions are easily accessible at competitive prices?
Julien Van Rampelbergh: Indeed, nowadays, many online tools offer the possibility for everyone to get started in creating websites or graphic identities.
However, based on our experience and customer feedback, these all-in-one solutions have some shortcomings.
In my opinion, online tools cannot fully replace the technical and creative expertise of a web agency.
Agencies specializing in the creation of quality websites offer customization tailored to the specific needs of each client.
They manage the entire project from A to Z, provide ongoing technical support, and guarantee a long-term return on investment.
Although it may seem more expensive initially, it is crucial to recognize the significant benefits an agency brings in terms of
customization, originality, expertise, and long-term strategies.
What are the most common mistakes you see from your clients, either in their approach to building a site or in existing sites?
Julien Van Rampelbergh: We are frequently asked for sites that have become obsolete, requiring a complete modernization of the brand image and redesign of the logo.
It also happens that we have to rectify sites that are not adapted to mobile devices (non-responsive), even though 60% of web traffic in France comes from mobiles and 96% of French people have a smartphone.
Sometimes we take over poorly designed projects to correct and improve their deficiencies.
Some clients suffer from poor natural referencing (SEO) on search engines or a poor user experience (UX), but the user must be at the center of concerns when building a website.
UX is a key point.
We need to resolve issues related to lack of quality web maintenance, landing pages that are ineffective at converting visitors into future customers, server security issues, or a lack of features such as calls to action (conversion).
What is the profile of the companies you support?
The advantage of offering web services is in particular being able to work for clients around the world. Is this your case or your ambition?
Julien Van Rampelbergh: Indeed, we have had the chance to work on projects across the world, without any geographical limits.
Our collaborations extend in Belgium and abroad, covering various locations such as Luxembourg, Switzerland, France, but also projects in the United States, United Arab Emirates and even Ecuador.
We collaborate with a variety of entities, institutions, non-profit associations (NPOs), large companies, SMEs, independent workers, and artisans.
Our clients encompass a wide range, from clinics, hospitals, architects, lawyers, sports coaches, to storage centers and florists.
Each project is a challenge that we take 100% to heart.
It is with this in mind that we decided to concentrate on three or four projects per month, in order to be able to concentrate all our energy on each of them and to give them that “wow” effect.
Each of our customers is pampered, because we fully understand the positive impact of a satisfied customer.
We aspire to continue to attract foreign companies by highlighting our personalization, our expertise, and our “French touch” which characterizes us.
For all these actors, whether non-profit organizations, institutions, or artisans, what is most important?
Julien Van Rampelbergh: That’s a very good question.
For them, what is most important is that we provide real value in terms of content for their visitors.
They want an optimized site, compliant with Google criteria for efficient natural referencing, as well as a brand image consistent with the services offered, as well as impactful online visibility, essential to stand out.
They are also looking for a site redesign, smooth navigation, and an optimal user experience on each device, whether mobile or PC.
Why is it so important to have a strong identity?
Julien Van Rampelbergh: In a context where competition is intense and certain sectors are already very saturated, the notion of “
standing out
” is of capital importance.
A strong identity guarantees the success of a company.
It allows you to
stand out from competitors
and facilitates customer loyalty in a quick and lasting manner.
A future client's final decision may depend on the image the company projects, the
"wow" effect of its site or its communication
.
A prospect's final decision can often depend on the image projected by the company.
For example, among three websites offering a similar service or product, it is more than likely that the customer will choose the one that, in their opinion, stands out in terms of navigation, design and originality.
The identity helps create
coherent visual communication
around the brand, thus strengthening its notoriety both online and on other communication channels.
A strong identity can bring valuation to a business, leading to better profitability and the ability to set
higher prices
.
By strengthening the
bond with its customers
, it promotes customer commitment and trust in the brand in the long term.
“VR Agency, the partner of small, medium and large businesses, institutions, non-profit organizations (NPOs), and above all small local artisans.”
What is your opinion on artificial intelligence?
Do you think that it could, for example, threaten the web professions?
Julien Van Rampelbergh: In my opinion, AI will never be able to replace
human creativity
and the personal touch it brings.
Although artificial intelligence is introducing significant changes in many areas, including those related to web and design, such as the creation of logos and visual identity,
its capabilities remain limited
.
Currently, it is possible to generate several logo proposals using AI tools, but these are often based on image banks.
It’s a melting pot of what already exists.
There is no creativity, originality, or
understanding of the specific needs
of a business or brand.
However, I believe that AI can be an excellent complementary tool.
Web professionals can use it to automate routine tasks, freeing up time to focus on more creative and strategic aspects.
It is a tool that allows us to improve our efficiency and productivity, rather than constituting a threat to web businesses.
This is why we are currently supporting our customers by training them in the use of online tools integrating AI.
Our goal is to improve their productivity and internal organization, which will allow them to save time, an essential element for all companies, whatever their field of activity.
When AI tools are used correctly, they can significantly benefit businesses.
Do you want to grow your online business?
Contact VR Agency by following the link below and build your digital presence today with support from A to Z.