Here are some key improvements made with the new design:

• Targeted service landing pages.
• More detailed “About Us” content.
• More attractive case studies.
• Stronger calls-to-action across the website.
• Clearly differentiating messaging on the home page.
• A slicker portfolio.
• Easier to read Blog and Business Learning Center.

Behind all of this design and content lies a powerful Content Management System that gives us total control over the entire website.

There are still many improvements to be made, and we will be conducting copious amounts of split testing to find ways to increase our conversion rates.

To learn more about our redesign, please take a look at this case study.

With BFM experiencing explosive growth, Shaoolian provided his keys to making great hires… and avoiding bad ones.

Here’s an excerpt:

Vague responses or yes-or-no answers weed out about half of the applicants, he says. “I want people who are passionate and articulate,” Mr. Shaoolian notes. “If people can’t communicate a clear vision of what they can contribute, I don’t want them talking to clients.”

For those who pass that first screening, Mr. Shaoolian has devised further tests. He asks designers, for instance, to explain how they would improve a given Web site.

“We want people who understand that the point is to grow the client’s business, not just to look prettier,” he says.

Shaoolian has also recently been featured as an expert columnist on YoungEntrepreneur.com.

Check back twice each month for the latest installment of Gabriel’s YoungEntrepreneur articles. He will be covering a range of topics relevant to doing business on the web, including web design, e-commerce, online advertising and search engine optimization.