Surfing the internet is literally part of our jobs. There are things that blend in until you know to look for them. It is kind of like seeing traffic signs. You do not realize how many there are until you are the one pounding them into the ground.
Recently, I have realized just how many sites are using custom backgrounds. I have seen amazing ones on everything from pro-hockey teams to western roping sites and, of course, news publication websites. Like any tool, I have seen designs go badly. But when they work, they really work.
What is out there?
SDCityBeat.com, April 3rd, 2012
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A short time ago one of our clients, San Diego City Beat, added a advertisement on their wallpaper for Illusions Smoke Shop. By using a telephone number as their call to action, they were able to maximize the potential of the ad without adding an additional ad with a link.
While doing some research for the new Media Guide we created for the Milwaukee Admirals in our iPad CMS, I also came upon several NHL hockey teams that make use of a background engine. I really enjoyed how the Anaheim Ducks used it to feature the team's most valuable players. Their background engine also rotates if you refresh your page, allowing them more flexibility.
WSTRoping.com, April 4rd, 2012
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Background engines can also be integrated into the basic construction of a website. On World Series of Team Roping's site, another Wehaa client, the background engine is integrated as a slider with a 'Read More' button below the images as a call to action. The backgrounds they chose always make me think of going to the rodeo when I was a kid and how pretty such a rough and tumble sport can be.
Monetize it
Create an ad package that features an event or advertiser with a skyscraper ad, pencil ad, and wallpaper background. Done correctly, this becomes seamless with the pencil ad is acts as a connection between each side of the wallpaper.
Feature it
What news do people come to you for most? A background engine could put it front and center.
