Web site design is a critical element in niche marketing.
If you want to build your reputation as a Professional in your niche, you need to project a professional image from the moment your visitors reach your web site. Like it or not, first impressions count and no more so than on the Internet. Your web site is the only way that visitors can judge you and your product. Give them the wrong impression, make it hard for them to find the information they're after and chances are they will click away into cyberspace and never come back.
To avoid this happening to you, here are ten web design tips to help ensure that your niche web site projects a professional image :
1 - Use the KISS approach - Keep your web design simple and straight forward with clean lines and a suitable colour scheme. Avoid distractions like Flash presentations, animated gifs and audio which loads as the page opens.
2 - Visibility - Design for a screen resolution of 800x600 pixels and a maximum page width of 760 pixels so that your web site visitors don't have to scroll from side to side to read your content.
3 - Graphics - Keep your graphics down to one or two smallish ones and optimise them to load quickly (You can optimise your graphics at www.netmechanic.com who offer a free facility to do this). Always add "alt" tags to each image, with a concise description, so that people who surf with graphics turned off and the sight impaired, who use text readers, know exactly what the image is.
4 - Load time - Aim to have your pages load in 8-10 seconds on a 56K modem. You can do this by keeping your page size down to about 10k or less.
5 - Use CSS - CSS stands for Cascading Style Sheets. CSS enables you to define the look of your web site with various style elements like font type, size and colour, backgrounds, Hyperlinks and a lot more. By linking your HTML pages to a Cascading Style Sheet you can reduce the amount of code on your web pages and speed up load times.
6 - Navigation - Make sure your main navigation links appear in the same place on every page so that your visitors don't have to hunt around for them. Your visitors should also be able to see at a glance exactly where they are on your web site, so include "You are here" links at the top and bottom of each page showing the path from your Home page, for example :
"You are here >> Home > Widgets > Redwidgets"
In this case Home and Widgets would be linked back to the relevant pages.
7 - Site Map - Include a Site Map on your web site listing the title of each page with a short description and a link back to the relevant page. Not only will this enable your site visitors to find their way around, it will also help to encourage search engines to spider your entire site.
8 - Readability - Avoid dark backgrounds and fancy font styles, if you have a lot of stuff to read on your web pages it is better to stick to a white background with black print as that is less fatiguing to read. Arial, Verdana and Times Roman are the most common fonts to use and the easiest to read. Oh and one other thing - not everyone has 20/20 vision, make your font sizes big enough for those people to read comfortably.
9 - Test - Test your design in as many browsers as possible. Although Internet Explorer is still the dominant browser, don't ignore alternatives like FireFox, Mozilla, Opera, K-Meleon, Netscape, Safari, etc. they may only constitute 15%-20% of browsers, but that's still millions of potential customers you might otherwise miss out on.
10 - Relevance - Don't cover more than one major topic per page, this will help you get your message over more easily. Make sure that everything you are going to include on your web site is relevant to the niche market you are targeting. For example if your site is about golf, don't include links to a dog training site (unless it's about training dogs to find lost golf balls:-).
Copyright © 2005, André Anthony Niche Market Know-How
André Anthony has been running his own businesses on and off the Internet since 1983. He owns and operates Niche Market Know-How a resource for beginning Niche Marketers. Visit http://www.nichemarketknowhow.com today to find strategies, tips, tools, products and resources for effective niche marketing. Get his free Niche Market Know-How Course here: http://www.nichemarketknowhow.com/course.htm
By: Andre Anthony
Friday, June 22, 2007
Niche Web Site Design Tips for Targeted Niche Marketing
Niche web site design is first step in a strong niche marketing campaign. Niche marketing isn’t something that everyone that runs an online business automatically knows and understands. When it comes to web site design, keeping your focus on your niche target is critical to effectively marketing your business online. Niche web site design essentially means one sharply focused theme throughout your website. The best place to start planning your web site is your ideal visitor.
Your ideal customer will have built in visual expectations. Take the time to brainstorm about how you want to pull in your visitors with color, graphics, logo and layout of your web site. Choose a niche theme that is not based on what you happen to like personally but actually what your ideal customer expects. The important thing is to choose a strong targeted niche theme for your web site then keep it consistent throughout your site.
Remember…the more focused the theme, the better your visitors will respond to become customers. It’s very easy to get temporarily sidetracked and get caught up in adding another related theme without maximizing the niche theme you started out with originally.
Once you have settled on a targeted niche, you can outline the subcategories that fall under your web site theme. Keep a tight rein on your products, articles, links, services and affiliate programs on your web site to ensure that you don’t move away from the niche theme that you created in the beginning.
Why?
A web site that carries one theme, one voice, one focus and resources all geared to meeting the needs of THAT target market – has a better chance of success. Think about it. The more specialized a business or practice, the more faith you have in what they deliver.
Niche Web Site Example
You offer baby slings. You may offer other baby related things on your web site but the main baby product that you market is your baby slings. You will choose colors, logo, graphics and pictures with a mother and baby theme. The articles and product descriptions will be targeted toward both experienced moms and new mothers. You can write articles on attachment parenting, frequently asked questions about baby slings, safety and how to use baby slings to develop a stronger bond with your newborn. From your articles to product descriptions you will want to use the keywords that draw expectant mothers to your web site.
Keep this in mind ~ even link exchanges on your web site will bring visitors if you choose your link exchanges to be useful resources rather simply a trading of links. When you consider the main theme of your website and the potential visitors, you will know what they are looking for online. Become a useful resource for them and they will come back again and again.
A tightly focused niche web site that presents itself as a major resource for information as well as quality products will bring you the traffic and sales that a broader (almost diluted) website cannot deliver.
Already have a web site? Do you already have a broad range of products or services? Simply look objectively at your web site, target your niche market then match one of your product lines to THAT market. Once you have chosen one product or service to market, dig down deep create a theme that will draw visitors for the market you want. Fully address all these areas above for that one chosen product.
With each aspect of your web site design, keeping your focus on your niche target will guide your decision making AND bring you the results you are looking for with your online business. To hit the bull’s eye, you need to have a clear target. Knowing the visitors and customers that you want to draw will help you create a niche website that becomes a valuable resource on the net to your visitors. Remember - Success is in the Niche.
Tammy Ames is the owner of WAHM Connections and publisher of Work at Home Connections Ezine Read the latest issue online and subscribe for helpful business building resources each week. To learn more about creating your own targeted niche web site, discover Ken Envoy’s Site Build It!
By: Tammy Ames
Your ideal customer will have built in visual expectations. Take the time to brainstorm about how you want to pull in your visitors with color, graphics, logo and layout of your web site. Choose a niche theme that is not based on what you happen to like personally but actually what your ideal customer expects. The important thing is to choose a strong targeted niche theme for your web site then keep it consistent throughout your site.
Remember…the more focused the theme, the better your visitors will respond to become customers. It’s very easy to get temporarily sidetracked and get caught up in adding another related theme without maximizing the niche theme you started out with originally.
Once you have settled on a targeted niche, you can outline the subcategories that fall under your web site theme. Keep a tight rein on your products, articles, links, services and affiliate programs on your web site to ensure that you don’t move away from the niche theme that you created in the beginning.
Why?
A web site that carries one theme, one voice, one focus and resources all geared to meeting the needs of THAT target market – has a better chance of success. Think about it. The more specialized a business or practice, the more faith you have in what they deliver.
Niche Web Site Example
You offer baby slings. You may offer other baby related things on your web site but the main baby product that you market is your baby slings. You will choose colors, logo, graphics and pictures with a mother and baby theme. The articles and product descriptions will be targeted toward both experienced moms and new mothers. You can write articles on attachment parenting, frequently asked questions about baby slings, safety and how to use baby slings to develop a stronger bond with your newborn. From your articles to product descriptions you will want to use the keywords that draw expectant mothers to your web site.
Keep this in mind ~ even link exchanges on your web site will bring visitors if you choose your link exchanges to be useful resources rather simply a trading of links. When you consider the main theme of your website and the potential visitors, you will know what they are looking for online. Become a useful resource for them and they will come back again and again.
A tightly focused niche web site that presents itself as a major resource for information as well as quality products will bring you the traffic and sales that a broader (almost diluted) website cannot deliver.
Already have a web site? Do you already have a broad range of products or services? Simply look objectively at your web site, target your niche market then match one of your product lines to THAT market. Once you have chosen one product or service to market, dig down deep create a theme that will draw visitors for the market you want. Fully address all these areas above for that one chosen product.
With each aspect of your web site design, keeping your focus on your niche target will guide your decision making AND bring you the results you are looking for with your online business. To hit the bull’s eye, you need to have a clear target. Knowing the visitors and customers that you want to draw will help you create a niche website that becomes a valuable resource on the net to your visitors. Remember - Success is in the Niche.
Tammy Ames is the owner of WAHM Connections and publisher of Work at Home Connections Ezine Read the latest issue online and subscribe for helpful business building resources each week. To learn more about creating your own targeted niche web site, discover Ken Envoy’s Site Build It!
By: Tammy Ames
Thursday, May 24, 2007
Color Help: Color Theory and Design Psychology
Color theory is an entire science unto itself, and to get a full picture of how it all works, I'd suggest picking up a few art books. In this article, however, we're going to take a brief look at the essentials of color theory, in light of the concepts of Design Psychology. we'll first list a term, and then offer a short summary of how the term relates to Design Psychology.
Hue
The base name of a color without any white, gray, or black added. The terms hue and color are interchangeable.
Color wheel
A color wheel contains twelve colors, based on primitive pigments. The three primary colors are red, blue, and yellow. Three secondary colors (composed of combinations of the three primary colors) follow: red and blue make purple; red and yellow make orange; yellow and blue make green. Six tertiary colors (comprised of combinations of primary and secondary colors) form the remainder of the color wheel: yellow-orange, red-orange, violet, blue-green, and yellow-green. Black is the total absence of color and white is the reflection of all colors.
Value or Lightness
This denotes the degree of lightness or darkness of a hue, in relation to pure white or black.
Intensity, Saturation, or Croma:
This term describes the degree of purity of a hue as compared to neutral gray of the same value. This is the freedom from added white or gray; how bright or dull a color appears in relation to the basic hue.
Shades
These are deep tones, in which black is added to a color.
Tints
These are pastels, in which white is added to a color.
Tone
Adding gray of the same value to a hue or adding its complement creates a tone.
Saturation
The intensity or depth of color, such as dark or light.
Monochromatic Color Schemes
This term is used to describe rooms with only tints and shades of the same color. Neutral color schemes are usually monochromatic.
Analogous, Side-by-Side, or Related Color Schemes
These rooms use adjacent colors to the principal color on the color wheel. This is considered a friendly scheme, because the colors blend well and create a soft effect.
Complementary or Opposite Color Schemes
Rooms that use colors from opposite sides of the color wheel. This is considered to be a power and action scheme.
Triad
Consists of three colors, spaced an equal distance apart on the color wheel. Triad color schemes can potentially cause glaring and confusing feelings when all the colors are intense.
Tetrad
Consists of four colors, spaced an equal distance apart on the color wheel. Tetrad color schemes create interesting effects because of the potential variety available. They are best when two colors dominate.
Topographical Color Schemes
These schemes contain colors from nature, such as rocks, earth, sky, sea, and plants.
Floral Color Schemes
These schemes use brilliant or pastel colors found in plants and flowers.
Colorways
Fabrics and wallpapers come in different combinations of colors, or colorways. A fabric pattern will have several selections of colorways to choose from. A pattern may be available in colorways of: yellow, blue and green, red, blue and green; or purple, burgundy and blue.
Visual Vibration
This occurs when neighboring colors appear to clash and vibrate in our vision, creating a dizzying effect that adds to nervousness and tiredness.
Cusp Colors
These are colors on the edge of two colors that take on different values under different lighting situations, such as, dark blue/purple (periwinkle), orange/red (terra-cotta reds), and blue/greens (teal). Periwinkle may appear more purple than dark blue at night or under different lighting systems.
Simple Color
This is a true color, without additive colors, such as sky blue, grass green, or apple red. A simple color is a pure color.
Complex Color
This is a combination of colors, such as silvery blue, or lichen (grayish green-brown). A complex color is a color that requires a long description, such as “sort of a grayish-blue with a hint of pink.”
Palette
The entire range of colors used in a design project.
These are the basic terms used to describe color schemes within the concepts of Design Psychology. Learning them is the first step toward creating dynamic spaces for both the interior and exterior of your home.
(c) Copyright 2004, Jeanette J. Fisher. All rights reserved.
Professor Jeanette Fisher, author of Doghouse to Dollhouse for Dollars, Joy to the Home, and other books teaches Real Estate Investing and Design Psychology. For more articles, tips, reports, newsletters, and sales flyer template, see http://www.doghousetodollhousefordollars.com/pages/5/index.htm
By: Jeanette Joy Fisher
Hue
The base name of a color without any white, gray, or black added. The terms hue and color are interchangeable.
Color wheel
A color wheel contains twelve colors, based on primitive pigments. The three primary colors are red, blue, and yellow. Three secondary colors (composed of combinations of the three primary colors) follow: red and blue make purple; red and yellow make orange; yellow and blue make green. Six tertiary colors (comprised of combinations of primary and secondary colors) form the remainder of the color wheel: yellow-orange, red-orange, violet, blue-green, and yellow-green. Black is the total absence of color and white is the reflection of all colors.
Value or Lightness
This denotes the degree of lightness or darkness of a hue, in relation to pure white or black.
Intensity, Saturation, or Croma:
This term describes the degree of purity of a hue as compared to neutral gray of the same value. This is the freedom from added white or gray; how bright or dull a color appears in relation to the basic hue.
Shades
These are deep tones, in which black is added to a color.
Tints
These are pastels, in which white is added to a color.
Tone
Adding gray of the same value to a hue or adding its complement creates a tone.
Saturation
The intensity or depth of color, such as dark or light.
Monochromatic Color Schemes
This term is used to describe rooms with only tints and shades of the same color. Neutral color schemes are usually monochromatic.
Analogous, Side-by-Side, or Related Color Schemes
These rooms use adjacent colors to the principal color on the color wheel. This is considered a friendly scheme, because the colors blend well and create a soft effect.
Complementary or Opposite Color Schemes
Rooms that use colors from opposite sides of the color wheel. This is considered to be a power and action scheme.
Triad
Consists of three colors, spaced an equal distance apart on the color wheel. Triad color schemes can potentially cause glaring and confusing feelings when all the colors are intense.
Tetrad
Consists of four colors, spaced an equal distance apart on the color wheel. Tetrad color schemes create interesting effects because of the potential variety available. They are best when two colors dominate.
Topographical Color Schemes
These schemes contain colors from nature, such as rocks, earth, sky, sea, and plants.
Floral Color Schemes
These schemes use brilliant or pastel colors found in plants and flowers.
Colorways
Fabrics and wallpapers come in different combinations of colors, or colorways. A fabric pattern will have several selections of colorways to choose from. A pattern may be available in colorways of: yellow, blue and green, red, blue and green; or purple, burgundy and blue.
Visual Vibration
This occurs when neighboring colors appear to clash and vibrate in our vision, creating a dizzying effect that adds to nervousness and tiredness.
Cusp Colors
These are colors on the edge of two colors that take on different values under different lighting situations, such as, dark blue/purple (periwinkle), orange/red (terra-cotta reds), and blue/greens (teal). Periwinkle may appear more purple than dark blue at night or under different lighting systems.
Simple Color
This is a true color, without additive colors, such as sky blue, grass green, or apple red. A simple color is a pure color.
Complex Color
This is a combination of colors, such as silvery blue, or lichen (grayish green-brown). A complex color is a color that requires a long description, such as “sort of a grayish-blue with a hint of pink.”
Palette
The entire range of colors used in a design project.
These are the basic terms used to describe color schemes within the concepts of Design Psychology. Learning them is the first step toward creating dynamic spaces for both the interior and exterior of your home.
(c) Copyright 2004, Jeanette J. Fisher. All rights reserved.
Professor Jeanette Fisher, author of Doghouse to Dollhouse for Dollars, Joy to the Home, and other books teaches Real Estate Investing and Design Psychology. For more articles, tips, reports, newsletters, and sales flyer template, see http://www.doghousetodollhousefordollars.com/pages/5/index.htm
By: Jeanette Joy Fisher
Friday, May 18, 2007
Web Design: How To Get Your Visitors To Stay
Remember the famous line from the movie Field of Dreams, "If you build it, they will come"? In the world of Internet marketing, you not only want them to come, you want them to stay.
The Internet is fast-paced. Your visitors decide very quickly whether or not you have what they want. There are five strategies that will help you engage your visitors and encourage them to explore what you have to offer.
Make Your Site About Your Visitors Not You
In order to do this, you must clearly know your target audiences and what you anticipate they will be looking for when they visit your site.
For example, your target audiences could include the client groups you serve, potential donors, policymakers, members of the general public and the media. In order to get and keep their attention, you must quickly let them know that you understand their needs and have a service or product that meets them.
Remember, your visitors want to know what's in it for them.
Make Your Site Easy to Navigate
Limit the navigation choices your visitors can make. One recent study found that many sites offer an average of 25 options from the home page. That's too many. In addition, make sure the wording of your navigation bars gives your visitors a clear idea of what they'll find. You want to make it easy for visitors to get the information they want.
Visitors who get confused or frustrated leave.
Make Your Web Site A Funnel
You want visitors to decide that they want to get to know you. Give them easy ways to learn that you can meet their needs.
Let me give you an example. If you provide health-related services, guide them to content that gives them health tips they can use. Then let them know that they can receive this kind of information regularly through your monthly e-newsletter. Give them an opportunity to subscribe. Then lead them to content that talks more directly about your programs, services or products and the benefits of what you offer.
Draw your visitors into the work of your organization.
Use Testimonials
Word of mouth is one of the best ways for people to learn about you.
You can get the same result with testimonials.
Ask your clients what benefits they got from participating in your services or activities. Ask board members to tell you why they chose to become involved with your organization. Ask your volunteers what benefits they get from working with you. Then ask their permission to use what they said as a testimonial and put those testimonials on your site.
Testimonials help visitors feel more comfortable with you.
Make Your Site Interactive
Use short assessments and other feedback mechanisms to engage your visitors. Offer opportunities to attend events or to volunteer. Make sure that visitors can easily contact you - both online and offline.
Interaction starts building a relationship.
Take a fresh look at your web site. Look at your site's organization and content in terms of these strategies. What action can you take right now to encourage your web site visitors to stay?
Judith Rothbaum's passion is helping nonprofit organizations thrive. She gives seminars, workshops, presentations and coaching programs nationwide with one key message - think boldly about who you are and the impact you have in your community. Visit http://www.datafordecisionmaking.com to learn more.
By: Judith_Rothbaum
The Internet is fast-paced. Your visitors decide very quickly whether or not you have what they want. There are five strategies that will help you engage your visitors and encourage them to explore what you have to offer.
Make Your Site About Your Visitors Not You
In order to do this, you must clearly know your target audiences and what you anticipate they will be looking for when they visit your site.
For example, your target audiences could include the client groups you serve, potential donors, policymakers, members of the general public and the media. In order to get and keep their attention, you must quickly let them know that you understand their needs and have a service or product that meets them.
Remember, your visitors want to know what's in it for them.
Make Your Site Easy to Navigate
Limit the navigation choices your visitors can make. One recent study found that many sites offer an average of 25 options from the home page. That's too many. In addition, make sure the wording of your navigation bars gives your visitors a clear idea of what they'll find. You want to make it easy for visitors to get the information they want.
Visitors who get confused or frustrated leave.
Make Your Web Site A Funnel
You want visitors to decide that they want to get to know you. Give them easy ways to learn that you can meet their needs.
Let me give you an example. If you provide health-related services, guide them to content that gives them health tips they can use. Then let them know that they can receive this kind of information regularly through your monthly e-newsletter. Give them an opportunity to subscribe. Then lead them to content that talks more directly about your programs, services or products and the benefits of what you offer.
Draw your visitors into the work of your organization.
Use Testimonials
Word of mouth is one of the best ways for people to learn about you.
You can get the same result with testimonials.
Ask your clients what benefits they got from participating in your services or activities. Ask board members to tell you why they chose to become involved with your organization. Ask your volunteers what benefits they get from working with you. Then ask their permission to use what they said as a testimonial and put those testimonials on your site.
Testimonials help visitors feel more comfortable with you.
Make Your Site Interactive
Use short assessments and other feedback mechanisms to engage your visitors. Offer opportunities to attend events or to volunteer. Make sure that visitors can easily contact you - both online and offline.
Interaction starts building a relationship.
Take a fresh look at your web site. Look at your site's organization and content in terms of these strategies. What action can you take right now to encourage your web site visitors to stay?
Judith Rothbaum's passion is helping nonprofit organizations thrive. She gives seminars, workshops, presentations and coaching programs nationwide with one key message - think boldly about who you are and the impact you have in your community. Visit http://www.datafordecisionmaking.com to learn more.
By: Judith_Rothbaum
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
The Role of Typography
Graphic Design is a very challenging creative and artistic job. Graphic designer has to be able to solve the task given and comes up with the idea of visual communication which not only attractive but yet persuading the viewers/readers to grab the message behind it and arouse the emotion, logic and certain needs. Generally, graphic designer use a lot of pictures, symbols, letters and any other graphic elements.
Sometimes, Graphic Designer is assigned to do the lay out or composition of many words or long sentences on many pages. In this case, letters or typography is no longer as an additional element but they are the main element of the graphic communication known as books, brochures or catalogue.
Either as an additional or main element, typography has a very important role to determine the result of visual communication. Many designers think that the most important in design is the thought or the idea and how it would be executed. They consider typography as an additional element.
The truth is that typography could be the main idea of the graphic communication and could be the only effective visual communication. In some cases, we found that the mistakes of the typography usage could ruins the whole design no matter how good the design is. The result is that the viewers/readers couldn’t get the message that we try to deliver. Some designers, especially the beginners don’t have the sense of harmony (yet) which is one of the graphic design principles. They were inclined to use fonts based on what they like, even more, they use them almost in same size, without considering the harmony, balance and yet headlines, sub headlines and content.
Choosing the type of fonts has some consideration, which are:
- the style of design (classic, modern or futuristic style)
- what design is about (the product)
- the size of the media
- how much information to put on
Try not to use too much kind of font on 1 page, 2 different types of fonts is the best. You can play around by make it bold, italic, use different size or different colors to make them looks vary.
Anton Ardjanggi :: Jakarta-Indonesia based freelance graphic designer, graphic design articles directory
Sometimes, Graphic Designer is assigned to do the lay out or composition of many words or long sentences on many pages. In this case, letters or typography is no longer as an additional element but they are the main element of the graphic communication known as books, brochures or catalogue.
Either as an additional or main element, typography has a very important role to determine the result of visual communication. Many designers think that the most important in design is the thought or the idea and how it would be executed. They consider typography as an additional element.
The truth is that typography could be the main idea of the graphic communication and could be the only effective visual communication. In some cases, we found that the mistakes of the typography usage could ruins the whole design no matter how good the design is. The result is that the viewers/readers couldn’t get the message that we try to deliver. Some designers, especially the beginners don’t have the sense of harmony (yet) which is one of the graphic design principles. They were inclined to use fonts based on what they like, even more, they use them almost in same size, without considering the harmony, balance and yet headlines, sub headlines and content.
Choosing the type of fonts has some consideration, which are:
- the style of design (classic, modern or futuristic style)
- what design is about (the product)
- the size of the media
- how much information to put on
Try not to use too much kind of font on 1 page, 2 different types of fonts is the best. You can play around by make it bold, italic, use different size or different colors to make them looks vary.
Anton Ardjanggi :: Jakarta-Indonesia based freelance graphic designer, graphic design articles directory
Monday, May 14, 2007
Ten Design Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid these mistakes and your site will be steps ahead of your competition.
1. Not planning your site
Before you even have a website, you must have an idea, a focus. Why do you want a website? What are your plans and goals for the site? Sit down and draw out a map of possible pages and ideas for your site. Include your site's purpose --whether it is to sell more product or make the public more aware of your issue -- whatever it may be. Build your site from it's strong foundation (your goals) and you'll have a better, more solid site.
2. Failing to put contact information in a plainly seen location.
This could be disastrous. If a customer doesn't see this information, they can't contact you. You should consider a 'Contact Us' button or link from your Home page. Even better, make a link to your email address in your header or footer, somewhere that will show up on every page. Even if no one ever contacts you this way, just the presence of this information comforts edgy customers.
3. Broken Links
Do you enjoy clicking on a search result only to get a Page Not Found Error? No one likes them. Check your site statistics at least once a month (if not more) to make sure you don't have bad or broken links.
4. Outdated Information
A sure turn-off to a potential customer is the presence of old information. If it's July and your website is announcing the 'new' products available in February, your site just lost major credibility. Make sure your information is up-to-date. Consider adding a 'Whats New' button or a Business Blog.
5. Too Many Font Styles and Colors
This is a huge pet-peeve of my company. I've had people ask me to review their website and the first thing I notice is 4 different fonts. It looks bad, unorganized and unappealing. Different colors may attract the eye for a short time, but constant flashing or otherwise bright fonts (and graphics!) become annoying. Beware, this is a sure-fire way to scare people away from your site!
6. Orphan Pages
Every website has a heirarchy, a sort of tree that branches out from the Home Page. While most of your visitors visit you through your home page, there are times when a page further down interests someone, and they may copy that link and send it to a friend. This is where you need to pay attention. That friend may like what you have to offer, but they can't find out how to contact you, or how to get back to your Home Page. That's an orphan page. Every page on your site should, at a minimum, have a link back to your Home page. I would suggest adding a contact link at minimum.
7. Frames
Frames at one time were the talk of the industry. They were the original Content Management System (CMS) for your site. Nowadays they are few and far between. If you are designing a site, don't use frames. Newer technologies such as server-side includes are much more common and accepted. Your pages look fresher and those silly bars don't get in the way.
8. Disabling the BACK button and excessive Pop-Ups
Have you been to a website and decided that it wasn't the information you were looking for? When you clicked the BACK button, did you suddenly get a barrage of windows (or, pop-ups) to your dismay? These things rarely actually work, and worse off, the reason you hit the BACK button is because you DIDN'T want any more information from that site. Don't break the BACK button. There are other ways to get your user's attention.
9. Slow loading pages
While personal and hobby sites may normally be slow, there should be no reason for your business or other professional website to be slow loading. Today's Internet surfer won't wait long for information from your site - there are too many others with the same thing! Make sure your pages load quickly. If the server is slow, consider a different host. If your webpages are full of applets or large graphics, consider a page/site redesign.
10. Using Leading-Edge Technology
While the Internet is all about new and fancy stuff, don't be the first to do it. While it may 'look cool' to you, you ultimately need to decide if it actually enhances your user's experience. Do the flashy cartoons make your customer more apt to buy from you? Probably not. How many of your customers have to install a Plug-In just to see your page right? Do they have to upgrade their browser to contact you? Not good. Wait until the technology is either more of a standard or gone - you'll save face with potential and future customers.
About the Author
Will Hanke is a self-proclaimed geek who owns and operates Lighthouse Technologies (http://www.techlh.com), a web development and hosting company based in ArnoldMissouri. For questions or comments, email him at will@techlh.com. And buy yourself a good virus program so he doesn’t have to fight your emails with anti-virus spray.
By: William Hanke
1. Not planning your site
Before you even have a website, you must have an idea, a focus. Why do you want a website? What are your plans and goals for the site? Sit down and draw out a map of possible pages and ideas for your site. Include your site's purpose --whether it is to sell more product or make the public more aware of your issue -- whatever it may be. Build your site from it's strong foundation (your goals) and you'll have a better, more solid site.
2. Failing to put contact information in a plainly seen location.
This could be disastrous. If a customer doesn't see this information, they can't contact you. You should consider a 'Contact Us' button or link from your Home page. Even better, make a link to your email address in your header or footer, somewhere that will show up on every page. Even if no one ever contacts you this way, just the presence of this information comforts edgy customers.
3. Broken Links
Do you enjoy clicking on a search result only to get a Page Not Found Error? No one likes them. Check your site statistics at least once a month (if not more) to make sure you don't have bad or broken links.
4. Outdated Information
A sure turn-off to a potential customer is the presence of old information. If it's July and your website is announcing the 'new' products available in February, your site just lost major credibility. Make sure your information is up-to-date. Consider adding a 'Whats New' button or a Business Blog.
5. Too Many Font Styles and Colors
This is a huge pet-peeve of my company. I've had people ask me to review their website and the first thing I notice is 4 different fonts. It looks bad, unorganized and unappealing. Different colors may attract the eye for a short time, but constant flashing or otherwise bright fonts (and graphics!) become annoying. Beware, this is a sure-fire way to scare people away from your site!
6. Orphan Pages
Every website has a heirarchy, a sort of tree that branches out from the Home Page. While most of your visitors visit you through your home page, there are times when a page further down interests someone, and they may copy that link and send it to a friend. This is where you need to pay attention. That friend may like what you have to offer, but they can't find out how to contact you, or how to get back to your Home Page. That's an orphan page. Every page on your site should, at a minimum, have a link back to your Home page. I would suggest adding a contact link at minimum.
7. Frames
Frames at one time were the talk of the industry. They were the original Content Management System (CMS) for your site. Nowadays they are few and far between. If you are designing a site, don't use frames. Newer technologies such as server-side includes are much more common and accepted. Your pages look fresher and those silly bars don't get in the way.
8. Disabling the BACK button and excessive Pop-Ups
Have you been to a website and decided that it wasn't the information you were looking for? When you clicked the BACK button, did you suddenly get a barrage of windows (or, pop-ups) to your dismay? These things rarely actually work, and worse off, the reason you hit the BACK button is because you DIDN'T want any more information from that site. Don't break the BACK button. There are other ways to get your user's attention.
9. Slow loading pages
While personal and hobby sites may normally be slow, there should be no reason for your business or other professional website to be slow loading. Today's Internet surfer won't wait long for information from your site - there are too many others with the same thing! Make sure your pages load quickly. If the server is slow, consider a different host. If your webpages are full of applets or large graphics, consider a page/site redesign.
10. Using Leading-Edge Technology
While the Internet is all about new and fancy stuff, don't be the first to do it. While it may 'look cool' to you, you ultimately need to decide if it actually enhances your user's experience. Do the flashy cartoons make your customer more apt to buy from you? Probably not. How many of your customers have to install a Plug-In just to see your page right? Do they have to upgrade their browser to contact you? Not good. Wait until the technology is either more of a standard or gone - you'll save face with potential and future customers.
About the Author
Will Hanke is a self-proclaimed geek who owns and operates Lighthouse Technologies (http://www.techlh.com), a web development and hosting company based in ArnoldMissouri. For questions or comments, email him at will@techlh.com. And buy yourself a good virus program so he doesn’t have to fight your emails with anti-virus spray.
By: William Hanke
Friday, May 11, 2007
Graphic Design Can Make or Break Your Web Site
We all want high impact graphics for our Web sites - Right.
Sometimes it is easy just to pick a template that comes included with a site builder and or hosting package.
There are also thousands of Free templates that you can download from the Internet.
But for those of us who want full control of our design and graphics, it is first a matter of sitting down and choosing your site design and color scheme.
Your site theme, design or layout will play a major part in the size and number of graphics you will use on your site. Somewhere along the process you will have to decide on how many and the quality of your graphic images.
Images used on websites are usually Gif and jpg or sometimes png and the odd bitmap image. Gif and Jpg images can be adjusted in quality and size to be a smaller file size to strike a balance between quick loading and image quality.
You may have an awesome graphic but if it takes 2 minutes to load on your page, you will notice by checking your Web site stats you will notice a difference between the number of page requests and pages viewed.
As the purpose of your Web site is to attract visitors and for them to make a positive decision either to request more info, join your Newsletter or to make a purchase, every lost visitor is a lost potential customer.
The header at the top image on a page often includes a logo or the name of the company or website. This is usually the largest image on a page. So if it is the full width of the page of 760 pixels wide, and depending on the height it may be worth considering cutting it into two pieces.
There are two reasons for dividing an image into smaller pieces, firstly having your image load faster as two separate pieces and secondly as many browsers load 5 images at one time, your header should load faster.
There are also webmasters who prefer all images to preload before displaying the complete page and some sites have two images for the one button, the image you see on first viewing the page and the image you see when you hover the mouse, cursor over or click on the button. Often with buttons that use two images these will be set to preload with the page so that they are loaded or stored ready for when you click the button.
Note that different browsers may load pages in a different order. as a webmaster it is good practice to check your page in Netscape, Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox and the Browser that Google is possibly going to introduce soon.
Your site layout may differ in appearance in the different browsers and some of the latest http versions and scripts will possibly not work in older versions on certain Browsers.
There is a balance to make your page quick to load and to be pleasant to the eye.
Many sites are using a very small image as a background image, for example if you are placing your buttons across the page you can create an image that looks like a raised bar but only one pixel wide. As an image of say 25 by 1 pixel it will load very fast as a background, once the browser loads this image one time, it then multiplies the image across the page.
Many sites use this background approach for their header, side bars and or their buttons and insert the logo as a normal image and the buttons are added as text links over the top of the background image.
Backgrounds are generally a small image that when loaded by your browser sits at the top left of the web page and multiplies itself across and down the page. A background image can be as small as 2 or 3 pixels square and up to full screen size.
The simplest are the thin lines usually of two colors. The more complex may include a water mark of the company logo.
TIP, The fewer colors or shades used in any image either as a background, header of banner the faster it will load.
Here is a list of images that form the first impression of anyone who visits your Web site. Make that first impression count.
* Header
* Logo
* Buttons - bar
* Side panels
* Bottom bar
* Background image
* Product images
* Banners
These images can be for decoration or they can tell a story. The old saying is still true in that a picture can tell a story that would normally take a thousand words to express.
Create an overall color scheme for your site, one that uses contrasting colors where text is used and a theme where images are used.
With Web site templates you can easily change image color and add text in many basic graphic editing programs, but to create your own images you may require a more professional program.
Adobe GoLive Web site editor and Adobe Photo Shop allow you to build your site and edit images. There is an Adobe package that includes other Adobe products, a very good package.
Macromedia also have a Web site and image editing package in Dreamweaver and Fireworks.
But there are many free Web site and image editing software available. I find that when editing images I use Adobe Photoshop and Fireworks for adding and embossing text.
Different software give different results. I use a Sony camera, when I compared the software supplied by Sony and Adobe I found that a photo downloaded to the Sony image editing software where an area of a photo 3 pixels wide was displayed in Adobe Photoshop it appeared at 7 pixels wide. I don't have any idea why this is but I now edit all my photos in Photoshop.
Here is a Template Directory listing free site templates, buttons, backgrounds, 3D text creator, clip art and scripts.
http://www.itsyournet.co.nz/free-web-templates.html
If you are using a template or image downloaded from the Internet check to see if there is a copy right or if the template or image is supplied for personal use only, i.e. not for commercial use as a business Web site.
When considering creating a Web site you also need to give some thought to the hosting. If your site is a graphics intense site and people are going to download lots of images you need to consider the hosting package as there are so many different sizes and band width packages supplied.
Your finished Web site must be appealing to your target market. If you are marketing products or services to Businesses your site should reflect a business atmosphere, as opposed to a gardening site where you can display images of garden gnomes, bags of fertilizer and flowers.
Remember every Pixel counts when editing quality images. But the opposite is true for quick loading Web sites.
May your week be a highly graphical one.
PETER GREEN.
Editor of ~ The INDEX ~ ezine.
Editor@Internet-income-index.com
http://www.Internet-Income-Index.com
Your Free Weekly Internet Marketing News, Ideas, Resources and Sources Ezine.
By: Peter Green
Sometimes it is easy just to pick a template that comes included with a site builder and or hosting package.
There are also thousands of Free templates that you can download from the Internet.
But for those of us who want full control of our design and graphics, it is first a matter of sitting down and choosing your site design and color scheme.
Your site theme, design or layout will play a major part in the size and number of graphics you will use on your site. Somewhere along the process you will have to decide on how many and the quality of your graphic images.
Images used on websites are usually Gif and jpg or sometimes png and the odd bitmap image. Gif and Jpg images can be adjusted in quality and size to be a smaller file size to strike a balance between quick loading and image quality.
You may have an awesome graphic but if it takes 2 minutes to load on your page, you will notice by checking your Web site stats you will notice a difference between the number of page requests and pages viewed.
As the purpose of your Web site is to attract visitors and for them to make a positive decision either to request more info, join your Newsletter or to make a purchase, every lost visitor is a lost potential customer.
The header at the top image on a page often includes a logo or the name of the company or website. This is usually the largest image on a page. So if it is the full width of the page of 760 pixels wide, and depending on the height it may be worth considering cutting it into two pieces.
There are two reasons for dividing an image into smaller pieces, firstly having your image load faster as two separate pieces and secondly as many browsers load 5 images at one time, your header should load faster.
There are also webmasters who prefer all images to preload before displaying the complete page and some sites have two images for the one button, the image you see on first viewing the page and the image you see when you hover the mouse, cursor over or click on the button. Often with buttons that use two images these will be set to preload with the page so that they are loaded or stored ready for when you click the button.
Note that different browsers may load pages in a different order. as a webmaster it is good practice to check your page in Netscape, Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox and the Browser that Google is possibly going to introduce soon.
Your site layout may differ in appearance in the different browsers and some of the latest http versions and scripts will possibly not work in older versions on certain Browsers.
There is a balance to make your page quick to load and to be pleasant to the eye.
Many sites are using a very small image as a background image, for example if you are placing your buttons across the page you can create an image that looks like a raised bar but only one pixel wide. As an image of say 25 by 1 pixel it will load very fast as a background, once the browser loads this image one time, it then multiplies the image across the page.
Many sites use this background approach for their header, side bars and or their buttons and insert the logo as a normal image and the buttons are added as text links over the top of the background image.
Backgrounds are generally a small image that when loaded by your browser sits at the top left of the web page and multiplies itself across and down the page. A background image can be as small as 2 or 3 pixels square and up to full screen size.
The simplest are the thin lines usually of two colors. The more complex may include a water mark of the company logo.
TIP, The fewer colors or shades used in any image either as a background, header of banner the faster it will load.
Here is a list of images that form the first impression of anyone who visits your Web site. Make that first impression count.
* Header
* Logo
* Buttons - bar
* Side panels
* Bottom bar
* Background image
* Product images
* Banners
These images can be for decoration or they can tell a story. The old saying is still true in that a picture can tell a story that would normally take a thousand words to express.
Create an overall color scheme for your site, one that uses contrasting colors where text is used and a theme where images are used.
With Web site templates you can easily change image color and add text in many basic graphic editing programs, but to create your own images you may require a more professional program.
Adobe GoLive Web site editor and Adobe Photo Shop allow you to build your site and edit images. There is an Adobe package that includes other Adobe products, a very good package.
Macromedia also have a Web site and image editing package in Dreamweaver and Fireworks.
But there are many free Web site and image editing software available. I find that when editing images I use Adobe Photoshop and Fireworks for adding and embossing text.
Different software give different results. I use a Sony camera, when I compared the software supplied by Sony and Adobe I found that a photo downloaded to the Sony image editing software where an area of a photo 3 pixels wide was displayed in Adobe Photoshop it appeared at 7 pixels wide. I don't have any idea why this is but I now edit all my photos in Photoshop.
Here is a Template Directory listing free site templates, buttons, backgrounds, 3D text creator, clip art and scripts.
http://www.itsyournet.co.nz/free-web-templates.html
If you are using a template or image downloaded from the Internet check to see if there is a copy right or if the template or image is supplied for personal use only, i.e. not for commercial use as a business Web site.
When considering creating a Web site you also need to give some thought to the hosting. If your site is a graphics intense site and people are going to download lots of images you need to consider the hosting package as there are so many different sizes and band width packages supplied.
Your finished Web site must be appealing to your target market. If you are marketing products or services to Businesses your site should reflect a business atmosphere, as opposed to a gardening site where you can display images of garden gnomes, bags of fertilizer and flowers.
Remember every Pixel counts when editing quality images. But the opposite is true for quick loading Web sites.
May your week be a highly graphical one.
PETER GREEN.
Editor of ~ The INDEX ~ ezine.
Editor@Internet-income-index.com
http://www.Internet-Income-Index.com
Your Free Weekly Internet Marketing News, Ideas, Resources and Sources Ezine.
By: Peter Green
Wednesday, May 9, 2007
5 Ultimate Graphic Design Mistakes - Things That Graphic Designers Should Avoid At All Costs
1. Using web graphics on printed material.
With many young designers coming from a pre-dominantly web design background the transfer over from web design to traditional design for print can bring with it a multitude of design sins. Images supplied at 72dpi and crunched down to load fast on a website are going to reproduce very badly in print you can get away with small thumbnails but blowing things up to any appreciable size is going to be pushing your luck. There are a number of online sites offering free or very cheap quality hi resolution images which are a good source for suitable imagery.
2. Forgetting about or not allowing enough bleed.
A very common error is to send to print a document or flattened image that has no bleed at all. Generally speaking you should allow at least 3mm around every cut off edge. Failing to do so will give the printers no leeway and will either crop off the side of the page or give you a white border. It is always a good idea when supplying image files to save layered psd files then if things need extending or cropping you can do this on the background layer and hopefully cut down your work
3. Using obscure fonts and not embedding or outlining them for output.
We've all been guilty of this at some point and things are generally fine if you are going to be the only person accessing your artwork or documents. However if someone else needs to amend the files or use your vector logo on one of there publications. Unless you package up the used fonts, they are not going to be able to open the files correctly and some software programs may replace any unknown fonts with a default. This is a particular problem when you need to dig out stuff that was created several years previously and you no longer have your old fonts installed.
4. Supplying print ready artwork using spot colours or rgb
There are valid reasons for using spot colours in artwork, logos that need to reference particular pantone colours for example. In general design work however most print is sent through on 4 colour presses CMYK with occasional 5th colour for luminoius or metallic colour or for spot UV varnish. It is very common for lazy designers to just place rgb images into files and expect the vibrant colours seen on screen to reproduce in print.
5. Allowing design illiterate clients to lead you round the houses
The customer is always right, goes the old adage. However it is often said with gritted teeth and a sense of patience that recognizes that these morons will at some stage be handing over a fat cheque for your troubles. It is often a good idea when first submitting visuals to throw in a couple of stinkers to hopefully get them to appreciate the design you would like them to accept. There is the very real danger of course of them loving the piece of absolute arsewipe that you knocked up in five minutes to make them think you've been earning your money. Still it's a living.
Mindtap http://www.mindtap.co.uk is your single point entry into the UK creative industries. We are looking to create a unique site where you can access information on UK graphic design http://www.lunatrix.co.uk
By: Horatio Farquaar
With many young designers coming from a pre-dominantly web design background the transfer over from web design to traditional design for print can bring with it a multitude of design sins. Images supplied at 72dpi and crunched down to load fast on a website are going to reproduce very badly in print you can get away with small thumbnails but blowing things up to any appreciable size is going to be pushing your luck. There are a number of online sites offering free or very cheap quality hi resolution images which are a good source for suitable imagery.
2. Forgetting about or not allowing enough bleed.
A very common error is to send to print a document or flattened image that has no bleed at all. Generally speaking you should allow at least 3mm around every cut off edge. Failing to do so will give the printers no leeway and will either crop off the side of the page or give you a white border. It is always a good idea when supplying image files to save layered psd files then if things need extending or cropping you can do this on the background layer and hopefully cut down your work
3. Using obscure fonts and not embedding or outlining them for output.
We've all been guilty of this at some point and things are generally fine if you are going to be the only person accessing your artwork or documents. However if someone else needs to amend the files or use your vector logo on one of there publications. Unless you package up the used fonts, they are not going to be able to open the files correctly and some software programs may replace any unknown fonts with a default. This is a particular problem when you need to dig out stuff that was created several years previously and you no longer have your old fonts installed.
4. Supplying print ready artwork using spot colours or rgb
There are valid reasons for using spot colours in artwork, logos that need to reference particular pantone colours for example. In general design work however most print is sent through on 4 colour presses CMYK with occasional 5th colour for luminoius or metallic colour or for spot UV varnish. It is very common for lazy designers to just place rgb images into files and expect the vibrant colours seen on screen to reproduce in print.
5. Allowing design illiterate clients to lead you round the houses
The customer is always right, goes the old adage. However it is often said with gritted teeth and a sense of patience that recognizes that these morons will at some stage be handing over a fat cheque for your troubles. It is often a good idea when first submitting visuals to throw in a couple of stinkers to hopefully get them to appreciate the design you would like them to accept. There is the very real danger of course of them loving the piece of absolute arsewipe that you knocked up in five minutes to make them think you've been earning your money. Still it's a living.
Mindtap http://www.mindtap.co.uk is your single point entry into the UK creative industries. We are looking to create a unique site where you can access information on UK graphic design http://www.lunatrix.co.uk
By: Horatio Farquaar
Tuesday, May 8, 2007
Optimal Website Design
Optimal website design is the art of logical navigation.
It will offer consistency while providing useful, quality information that is attractive to the eye and easy to understand. A well designed site will lead your viewers to the starting point and direct them through your site without confusing them.
While there are many ways to design a website there are a few basic design principles that will help you create a site that is user friendly and attractive.
1. Use lots of white space.
Don't feel that because you have a whole screen you need to fill it up with 'stuff'. Your page should follow a clean outline. Include your site name at the very top. Below that, list the subject of your page followed by information on your topic. Leave adequate space between each section.
Don't cram a lot of pictures and ads on your site. If you have an ad, keep it off to the side or subtly intersperse it between your text. The idea is not to overwhelm your reader with a lot of advertisements.
It's best to keep your text on a white background. If you do choose a colored background be careful that your text doesn't blend into the background making it difficult to read.
2. Don't use animation and flashing objects.
As advertisers we feel the need to get our viewers attention. This is important but we need to do it gracefully. Flashing objects and scrolling images distract your visitors and take away from the content. If your product is better demonstrated with animation, music or some other multi-media, allow your viewer to select the option. Don't force it on them.
3. Include an 'about' link.
Allow your viewers to find out about who you are and what you are about. Include a biography and some background on why you are in the business you're in or why you created your website. By helping them to get to know you, they will find it easier to develop a trust. If they can like you and trust you, they will feel a lot better about doing business with you.
Always include your business address, phone number and email address. This also lets viewers know that you welcome contact and are serious about your business.
4. Include a 'Privacy' Link
Reassure your visitors that you follow privacy guidelines by including a 'Privacy' page. This is particularly important if you are collecting names and email addresses. Visitors want to know that you will not sell or give away their information.
In these days of rampant spam, your privacy policy needs to be prominently displayed. Many viewers and business partners won't do business with you unless you have it.
5. Always keep your links in blue.
Internet surfers have long been accustomed to seeing links in blue. It's simply an expectation that viewers have. There's certainly no law that says your links must be blue, but people prefer consistency, therefore it's good practice to keep your links consistent and recognizable. If they're not, you may lose out on clicks.
6. Keep navigation consistent
The navigation scheme you create on your index page should be done the same way throughout your site. Don't force your viewers to relearn each page of your site. Keep your navigation bars, colors and fonts consistent for each page.
7. Use Understandable buttons and links.
Title your links appropriately. Don't use cute or misleading names. For example, if you have a link to 'cameras' don't label the link 'hotshots', label it 'Cameras'. Your viewers don't want to waste time figuring out what things are. Be clear with your text or you could risk losing your visitor.
8. Focus on the 'YOU', not the 'ME'.
Make it obviously clear to your readers that you are in business for them. Encourage feedback, provide useful information and keep advertisements to a minimum. Your objective should be focused on what you can do for your reader? Convince them that your main interest is how you can deliver what it is they're looking for?
9. Make sure your page loads fast.
If viewers have to wait for a page to load they will click elsewhere. If a page doesn't load in 8 seconds you could lose 1/3 of your visitors. Here's a great free tool to help you check your website's load time:
http://www.1-hit.com/all-in-one/tool.loading-time-checker.htm
10. Use a site map.
A site map will give visitors a "guide" on viewing your site, especially with larger sites. it's a road map for your visitors to follow. Sitemaps are also popular with search engines and are often recommended to help ensure indexing.
About the Author
Elizabeth McGee has spent 20 years in the service and support industry. She has moved her expertise to the world wide web helping businesses find trusted tools, enhance customer service, build confidence and increase sales. You can contact Elizabeth at mail@pro-marketing-online.com or visit her website at http://www.pro-marketing-online.com
Copyright © 2004 Adlite Enterprises http://www.pro-marketing-online.com
By: Elizabeth McGee
It will offer consistency while providing useful, quality information that is attractive to the eye and easy to understand. A well designed site will lead your viewers to the starting point and direct them through your site without confusing them.
While there are many ways to design a website there are a few basic design principles that will help you create a site that is user friendly and attractive.
1. Use lots of white space.
Don't feel that because you have a whole screen you need to fill it up with 'stuff'. Your page should follow a clean outline. Include your site name at the very top. Below that, list the subject of your page followed by information on your topic. Leave adequate space between each section.
Don't cram a lot of pictures and ads on your site. If you have an ad, keep it off to the side or subtly intersperse it between your text. The idea is not to overwhelm your reader with a lot of advertisements.
It's best to keep your text on a white background. If you do choose a colored background be careful that your text doesn't blend into the background making it difficult to read.
2. Don't use animation and flashing objects.
As advertisers we feel the need to get our viewers attention. This is important but we need to do it gracefully. Flashing objects and scrolling images distract your visitors and take away from the content. If your product is better demonstrated with animation, music or some other multi-media, allow your viewer to select the option. Don't force it on them.
3. Include an 'about' link.
Allow your viewers to find out about who you are and what you are about. Include a biography and some background on why you are in the business you're in or why you created your website. By helping them to get to know you, they will find it easier to develop a trust. If they can like you and trust you, they will feel a lot better about doing business with you.
Always include your business address, phone number and email address. This also lets viewers know that you welcome contact and are serious about your business.
4. Include a 'Privacy' Link
Reassure your visitors that you follow privacy guidelines by including a 'Privacy' page. This is particularly important if you are collecting names and email addresses. Visitors want to know that you will not sell or give away their information.
In these days of rampant spam, your privacy policy needs to be prominently displayed. Many viewers and business partners won't do business with you unless you have it.
5. Always keep your links in blue.
Internet surfers have long been accustomed to seeing links in blue. It's simply an expectation that viewers have. There's certainly no law that says your links must be blue, but people prefer consistency, therefore it's good practice to keep your links consistent and recognizable. If they're not, you may lose out on clicks.
6. Keep navigation consistent
The navigation scheme you create on your index page should be done the same way throughout your site. Don't force your viewers to relearn each page of your site. Keep your navigation bars, colors and fonts consistent for each page.
7. Use Understandable buttons and links.
Title your links appropriately. Don't use cute or misleading names. For example, if you have a link to 'cameras' don't label the link 'hotshots', label it 'Cameras'. Your viewers don't want to waste time figuring out what things are. Be clear with your text or you could risk losing your visitor.
8. Focus on the 'YOU', not the 'ME'.
Make it obviously clear to your readers that you are in business for them. Encourage feedback, provide useful information and keep advertisements to a minimum. Your objective should be focused on what you can do for your reader? Convince them that your main interest is how you can deliver what it is they're looking for?
9. Make sure your page loads fast.
If viewers have to wait for a page to load they will click elsewhere. If a page doesn't load in 8 seconds you could lose 1/3 of your visitors. Here's a great free tool to help you check your website's load time:
http://www.1-hit.com/all-in-one/tool.loading-time-checker.htm
10. Use a site map.
A site map will give visitors a "guide" on viewing your site, especially with larger sites. it's a road map for your visitors to follow. Sitemaps are also popular with search engines and are often recommended to help ensure indexing.
About the Author
Elizabeth McGee has spent 20 years in the service and support industry. She has moved her expertise to the world wide web helping businesses find trusted tools, enhance customer service, build confidence and increase sales. You can contact Elizabeth at mail@pro-marketing-online.com or visit her website at http://www.pro-marketing-online.com
Copyright © 2004 Adlite Enterprises http://www.pro-marketing-online.com
By: Elizabeth McGee
Monday, April 30, 2007
Make Artistic Graphic Designs
Are you a student of graphic design? If you have taken time in extra reviews and put “graphic design” and “drawing” into any search engines, you’ll get almost the same result = descriptions of graphic design programs at many design schools. Baffled? Well, it’s like this: As a student interested in graphic design, you have to take drawing and not actually a degree in fine art.
The truth is, you don’t need to be able to draw sensationally, but your skills as a graphic designer would edge out if you have drawing abilities. Still it is possible for you to be a designer without having any drawing ability.
Putting art into your graphic designs can be done with your actual ability to draw. Here are several reasons why getting into a good drawing class can become a significant part of your graphic designing career:
• Opens up your eyes to all details - Drawing does not only entail the creation of beautiful art, it also triggers in us the ability to really look at a subject in a realistic view. Through drawing, we could look at the negative space and the positive space of our creations. It enables us to look perceptively at the white space in a design, its texts and graphics.
• Makes you become sensitive and attentive to details – by getting us to really look at our drawing or design, drawing also awakes in us a certain sensitivity and attentiveness to particular objects that will truly turn out to be interesting subjects.
• Teaches you about composition – getting into a good drawing class draws out knowledge about making good composition. Principles in good drawing compositions apply also to graphic design.
• Gives you knowledge on color – drawing will teach you about tones and shades, even if you draw only in black and white. You’ll also learn some color theory that you could put to good use in creating graphic designs.
• Gets you to distinguish good art – a single or couple of drawing class can never make a great artist out of you. But, abilities such as being able to distinguish good art can be honed in you after taking up a drawing class. As a graphic designer, you may eventually have to hire an illustrator and this ability of yours can be put to good use.
Don’t give me a line about some people that can never learn to draw even as they have the graphic design skills… Early on as kids, all of us have expressed ourselves by drawing anything. So now that we have the complete and matured mental faculties, all of us can learn how to draw. Time and practice are all it would take. Great talents and skills are always the result of never – ending practice. By learning to draw, we could also get the most essential elements of creating artistic graphic designs.-30-
For comments and inquiries about the article visit http://www.digitalprintingcompany.com
About Digital Printing Company
Digital Printing Company offers high impact digital printing solutions from prepress scanning and graphics design to customizing documents using Variable Data Imaging technology. They specialize in short run printing of books, manuals, and flyers, as well as large format printing of posters and trade show graphics. For more information, visit their website at http://www.digitalprintingcompany.com
By: Kristina Chu
The truth is, you don’t need to be able to draw sensationally, but your skills as a graphic designer would edge out if you have drawing abilities. Still it is possible for you to be a designer without having any drawing ability.
Putting art into your graphic designs can be done with your actual ability to draw. Here are several reasons why getting into a good drawing class can become a significant part of your graphic designing career:
• Opens up your eyes to all details - Drawing does not only entail the creation of beautiful art, it also triggers in us the ability to really look at a subject in a realistic view. Through drawing, we could look at the negative space and the positive space of our creations. It enables us to look perceptively at the white space in a design, its texts and graphics.
• Makes you become sensitive and attentive to details – by getting us to really look at our drawing or design, drawing also awakes in us a certain sensitivity and attentiveness to particular objects that will truly turn out to be interesting subjects.
• Teaches you about composition – getting into a good drawing class draws out knowledge about making good composition. Principles in good drawing compositions apply also to graphic design.
• Gives you knowledge on color – drawing will teach you about tones and shades, even if you draw only in black and white. You’ll also learn some color theory that you could put to good use in creating graphic designs.
• Gets you to distinguish good art – a single or couple of drawing class can never make a great artist out of you. But, abilities such as being able to distinguish good art can be honed in you after taking up a drawing class. As a graphic designer, you may eventually have to hire an illustrator and this ability of yours can be put to good use.
Don’t give me a line about some people that can never learn to draw even as they have the graphic design skills… Early on as kids, all of us have expressed ourselves by drawing anything. So now that we have the complete and matured mental faculties, all of us can learn how to draw. Time and practice are all it would take. Great talents and skills are always the result of never – ending practice. By learning to draw, we could also get the most essential elements of creating artistic graphic designs.-30-
For comments and inquiries about the article visit http://www.digitalprintingcompany.com
About Digital Printing Company
Digital Printing Company offers high impact digital printing solutions from prepress scanning and graphics design to customizing documents using Variable Data Imaging technology. They specialize in short run printing of books, manuals, and flyers, as well as large format printing of posters and trade show graphics. For more information, visit their website at http://www.digitalprintingcompany.com
By: Kristina Chu
Sunday, April 22, 2007
When Your Graphic Designer Costs You Money
So how do you know when your graphic designer costs you financially and emotionally?
When a file is not prepared correctly… When you go to press and have your media material produced in prints, and find out that the file was built incorrectly, then that's the time when your graphic designer will cost you money.
Many pre-press operators have complained about having to correct graphic designers work. To have a file prepared incorrectly can have drastic financial and emotional consequences to the owner. The time needed to rectify the problem can cause major delays and additional expense. This is due to the graphic designer's understanding that his job is done when he produces the design that you require.
It is therefore necessary for a graphic designer to understand the basic principle of what you see on screen may not be the same when it comes off the press. A designer should know how to correctly build a bleed; check that the panels fold correctly; and that color separation is well understood. The list goes on an on. If these issues are not properly addressed, the customer will most likely pay for additional costs because a print house or service provider will definitely charge extra for fixing the problem.
When no press check is done… Not only that the customer would be paying dearly, he or she will also suffer emotionally when no press check is done. The job would definitely come out less or even worse than what the owner is expecting. The customer will be left with the frustration of having no alternative but to accept additional job for the revision of the graphic designer's output. This is particularly stressful and definitely teeth-grinding when it is a last-minute job for a presentation or a trade show. The customer is left with nothing.
When your graphic designer make more than a few major mistakes… Especially with regards to a website, a designer must be able to understand that it is not just optimizing images or putting text on a page and uploading it to a remote site. The graphic designer must understand how search engine optimization and basic HTML work. If not, well, the website may just be something for the drawing boards. And that would be another expense for the customer because he or she has to go back and re-design another website.
So when times like these do occur, and your graphic designer cost you much money and emotional stress, it's time for you to hit the high road and look for another. There are a lot of people working as graphic designers for the web and print. Many of them are well trained and understand what it takes to create a great and working media material. You just have to discern and look a little further for the designer that will give you your money's worth.
Granny's Mettle is a 30-something, professional web content writer. She has created various web content on a diverse range of topics, which includes digital printing topics, medical news, as well as legal issues. Her articles are composed of reviews, suggestions, tips and more for the printing and designing industry.
Her thoughts on writing: "Writing gives me pleasure… pleasure and excitement that you have created something to share with others. And with the wide world of the Internet, it gives me great satisfaction that my articles reach more people in the quickest time you could imagine."
On her spare time, she loves to stay at home, reading books on just about any topic she fancies, cooking a great meal, and taking care of her husband and kids.
For comments and inquiries about the article visit http://www.graphicdesignsunlimited.com
By: Carla Ballatan
When a file is not prepared correctly… When you go to press and have your media material produced in prints, and find out that the file was built incorrectly, then that's the time when your graphic designer will cost you money.
Many pre-press operators have complained about having to correct graphic designers work. To have a file prepared incorrectly can have drastic financial and emotional consequences to the owner. The time needed to rectify the problem can cause major delays and additional expense. This is due to the graphic designer's understanding that his job is done when he produces the design that you require.
It is therefore necessary for a graphic designer to understand the basic principle of what you see on screen may not be the same when it comes off the press. A designer should know how to correctly build a bleed; check that the panels fold correctly; and that color separation is well understood. The list goes on an on. If these issues are not properly addressed, the customer will most likely pay for additional costs because a print house or service provider will definitely charge extra for fixing the problem.
When no press check is done… Not only that the customer would be paying dearly, he or she will also suffer emotionally when no press check is done. The job would definitely come out less or even worse than what the owner is expecting. The customer will be left with the frustration of having no alternative but to accept additional job for the revision of the graphic designer's output. This is particularly stressful and definitely teeth-grinding when it is a last-minute job for a presentation or a trade show. The customer is left with nothing.
When your graphic designer make more than a few major mistakes… Especially with regards to a website, a designer must be able to understand that it is not just optimizing images or putting text on a page and uploading it to a remote site. The graphic designer must understand how search engine optimization and basic HTML work. If not, well, the website may just be something for the drawing boards. And that would be another expense for the customer because he or she has to go back and re-design another website.
So when times like these do occur, and your graphic designer cost you much money and emotional stress, it's time for you to hit the high road and look for another. There are a lot of people working as graphic designers for the web and print. Many of them are well trained and understand what it takes to create a great and working media material. You just have to discern and look a little further for the designer that will give you your money's worth.
Granny's Mettle is a 30-something, professional web content writer. She has created various web content on a diverse range of topics, which includes digital printing topics, medical news, as well as legal issues. Her articles are composed of reviews, suggestions, tips and more for the printing and designing industry.
Her thoughts on writing: "Writing gives me pleasure… pleasure and excitement that you have created something to share with others. And with the wide world of the Internet, it gives me great satisfaction that my articles reach more people in the quickest time you could imagine."
On her spare time, she loves to stay at home, reading books on just about any topic she fancies, cooking a great meal, and taking care of her husband and kids.
For comments and inquiries about the article visit http://www.graphicdesignsunlimited.com
By: Carla Ballatan
Thursday, April 19, 2007
Business Opportunity for Graphic Designers
As a graphic designer, you are sitting on a gold mine. You have a skill other people do not have, and you can use that skill to earn a good living.
But, it's very sad to see most experts in graphic design work for others.
It's time for a change!
Let me tell you a secret.
With the power of Internet, you can start an online business, and make as much money as you can, without having to quit your day job.
It doesn't matter whether you're a professional designers, or just a normal graphic application user, you can tap into a very lucrative graphic design business you can run from your home.
No, I'm not talking about creating a complicated design for big companies. I'm talking about a very simple design you can do in just 30 minutes and charge business owner between $40 - $90 (or more) per job. You'll be amazed to discover that you're going to do a very simple project, which is very high in demand.
What business am I talking about?
Introducing...
How to start an online business in virtual product cover design.
Here are some facts you should know:
1. Internet has enabled many people to start their own online businessess. And among the hottest products & the easiest to sell is information product. Everybody needs information, and people are willing to purchase if it can solve their problem.
2. Besides information product, software is among the hottest products to sell. No wonder the richest man on the earth is selling software!
3. In order for these kinds of products to sell well on the Internet, 3D virtual representations are needed for the customers to see before buying them.
As a graphic designer, you can provide your service to these business owners by creating virtual covers for their products. Examples for these covers are e-book cover, software box cover, CD covers, e-zine cover & newsletter cover.
You can charge between $40 - $90 for 1 design. Imagine how much money can you make simply by designing these covers?
Here's an idea how you can add value to your service and charge more:
Besides designing product cover, you can also design matching website header, footer, background image, and order button.
A typical website selling ebook has the following graphics:
- matching header graphic
- product cover
- order button
- matching footer graphic
This is considered a complete project. You can charge between $90 to $150 for a project.
Who is going to be your customer?
It's obvious. Every marketer who sell information product owners may become your clients. It doesn't matter whether the products they offer are for sale, or just to give away, they'll need virtual covers for the products.
How & where to find the customers?
Here are some ways you can follow to find customers:
- Promote your service at classified site.
- Promote your product through your signature in email and forums.
- Go to Google, and search for 'Internet marketing forum'. You'll find many product owners there.
- Promote your service at Google via Google's pay-per-click advertising program, called Google AdWords. You can get a customer from as low as $0.05. However, for you to promote your business effectively on AdWords, you need to have a good guide. Here's an excellent resource how you can advertise properly on Google: http://www.virtualcovercreator.com/adwords/
How to get started?
Of course, as a new player, you'll have to compete with other product cover designers. Here are some powerful tips you can get started fast:
1. Introduce your service by giving away, let's say, 5 FREE cover designs. In return, ask them to provide testimonials on your service. This will boost your credibility. Hence, more sales.
2. Create a website for your service. List down your offer, put customers testimonial, and don't forget to have a page for your design showcase.
3. Offer a discount for members of an Internet Marketing forum that you visit.
4. You'll need to open a PayPal account to accept payment. An alternative way is using ClickBank or 2checkout.
You are now ready to take order.
How to save time and earn more.
The easiest and fastest way to create product covers is by using Photoshop Actions. Some called them Action Scripts. Actions are some sort of plug-ins that automate the cover design process.
Basically, here's how they work:
- Run Adobe Photoshop
- Load the Actions into Photoshop
- Click on a button to run the Action
- Edit the template with relevant images & text to suit your need
- Click on another button, and your flat cover will be transformed into 3D cover, automatically.
Here's a site where you can find Photoshop Actions for ebook cover & software box cover: http://www.virtualcovergenerator.com
Imagine how many covers you can create in a day? And the best part, how much money can you earn in a day?
Mohd Fairuz maintains a website on ecover design resources. On his site, you will find software, templates & articles related to ecover design. To learn more how your can create amazing ebook cover or software box cover, go to his website at: http://www.virtualcovercreator.com
By: Mohd Fairuz
But, it's very sad to see most experts in graphic design work for others.
It's time for a change!
Let me tell you a secret.
With the power of Internet, you can start an online business, and make as much money as you can, without having to quit your day job.
It doesn't matter whether you're a professional designers, or just a normal graphic application user, you can tap into a very lucrative graphic design business you can run from your home.
No, I'm not talking about creating a complicated design for big companies. I'm talking about a very simple design you can do in just 30 minutes and charge business owner between $40 - $90 (or more) per job. You'll be amazed to discover that you're going to do a very simple project, which is very high in demand.
What business am I talking about?
Introducing...
How to start an online business in virtual product cover design.
Here are some facts you should know:
1. Internet has enabled many people to start their own online businessess. And among the hottest products & the easiest to sell is information product. Everybody needs information, and people are willing to purchase if it can solve their problem.
2. Besides information product, software is among the hottest products to sell. No wonder the richest man on the earth is selling software!
3. In order for these kinds of products to sell well on the Internet, 3D virtual representations are needed for the customers to see before buying them.
As a graphic designer, you can provide your service to these business owners by creating virtual covers for their products. Examples for these covers are e-book cover, software box cover, CD covers, e-zine cover & newsletter cover.
You can charge between $40 - $90 for 1 design. Imagine how much money can you make simply by designing these covers?
Here's an idea how you can add value to your service and charge more:
Besides designing product cover, you can also design matching website header, footer, background image, and order button.
A typical website selling ebook has the following graphics:
- matching header graphic
- product cover
- order button
- matching footer graphic
This is considered a complete project. You can charge between $90 to $150 for a project.
Who is going to be your customer?
It's obvious. Every marketer who sell information product owners may become your clients. It doesn't matter whether the products they offer are for sale, or just to give away, they'll need virtual covers for the products.
How & where to find the customers?
Here are some ways you can follow to find customers:
- Promote your service at classified site.
- Promote your product through your signature in email and forums.
- Go to Google, and search for 'Internet marketing forum'. You'll find many product owners there.
- Promote your service at Google via Google's pay-per-click advertising program, called Google AdWords. You can get a customer from as low as $0.05. However, for you to promote your business effectively on AdWords, you need to have a good guide. Here's an excellent resource how you can advertise properly on Google: http://www.virtualcovercreator.com/adwords/
How to get started?
Of course, as a new player, you'll have to compete with other product cover designers. Here are some powerful tips you can get started fast:
1. Introduce your service by giving away, let's say, 5 FREE cover designs. In return, ask them to provide testimonials on your service. This will boost your credibility. Hence, more sales.
2. Create a website for your service. List down your offer, put customers testimonial, and don't forget to have a page for your design showcase.
3. Offer a discount for members of an Internet Marketing forum that you visit.
4. You'll need to open a PayPal account to accept payment. An alternative way is using ClickBank or 2checkout.
You are now ready to take order.
How to save time and earn more.
The easiest and fastest way to create product covers is by using Photoshop Actions. Some called them Action Scripts. Actions are some sort of plug-ins that automate the cover design process.
Basically, here's how they work:
- Run Adobe Photoshop
- Load the Actions into Photoshop
- Click on a button to run the Action
- Edit the template with relevant images & text to suit your need
- Click on another button, and your flat cover will be transformed into 3D cover, automatically.
Here's a site where you can find Photoshop Actions for ebook cover & software box cover: http://www.virtualcovergenerator.com
Imagine how many covers you can create in a day? And the best part, how much money can you earn in a day?
Mohd Fairuz maintains a website on ecover design resources. On his site, you will find software, templates & articles related to ecover design. To learn more how your can create amazing ebook cover or software box cover, go to his website at: http://www.virtualcovercreator.com
By: Mohd Fairuz
Wednesday, April 18, 2007
Marketing Hat for Graphic Designers or Wannabe's
Many people think that the quality of any graphic design is determined by how aesthetically pleasing it is: Although making the card look good is important, this couldn't be further from the truth. The only true measure of any design, at least commercially, is "How well does it pull?". By pull we mean what type of response does it elicit? Does it pull in calls, or pull people into the store? In essence, does the design accomplish what it set out to do?
From this fact it is not a reach to come to the conclusion that the merit of a graphic designer is based on the performance of his or her designs. You may be able to put together the most beautiful ad that the world has ever seen, but if it doesn't make the phone ring it isn't worth the paper that it is printed on.
By giving clients designs that are not only attractive but, more importantly, that get them the response they need to turn a profit, you are making it much more likely that they will be willing and able to come back to you for future services. In short, if the ad doesn't make your client any money, you don't make any money in the future.
The following text is a breakdown of the different actions to take and ways to make sure that your beautiful design is also a big time moneymaker for both you and your client.
Chapter 1: “BE” the Target Market
There is a monkey loose in your office and you can't seem to get any work done. The only solution is to catch the little distraction and FedEx him back to the jungle that he came from. Question: How do you catch a monkey? You have to get into his head, think like him. You have to “BE” the monkey to find out what is going to bring him close enough for you to catch him.
What does an annoying monkey have to do with Marketing Design? Keep reading.
Every potential customer is like the monkey. They are going to do whatever they want unless you can persuade them to listen to you. You have to get into their head, think like them, “BE” them. A monkey is a simple animal so you can probably get his attention with the stereotypical banana.
Human beings on the other hand are extremely complex. Then you add in the fact that the mailing list is targeted and it can get quite challenging. Following are a few examples:
1) Product = Wrinkle Reducing Eye Cream.
Who do you need to “BE”? Probably a woman over the age of 40. Try it. Pretend you are a woman over 40 with crows feet (wrinkles around the eyes, for all you guys) and they are getting worse and worse each day. Did you do it? Are you her? Good.
Now, how bombarded with advertising is this woman over 40 that you’re being? Just think about it. PLENTY! So how are you going to communicate to her in an ad to get her to respond?
You may have a headline that pushes the button of how upset she is about those crows feet like, “Crow’s Feet Getting Worse as You Age?” You may want to show a before and after shot.
2) Product = New Golf Ball that goes farther and straighter than the competition.
Your target market is Senior Citizen golf enthusiasts in the state of Florida. So what is the number one benefit of this particular product for that target market? To answer that question you should use three things:
• Reasoning
• Experience
• Research
In this golf case, in particular, I can tell you from others’ stories that the older the guy, the straighter the ball goes. Practice makes perfect and older people have generally had much more practice. Also, as people get older they start to lose strength over all. This means that they will start to lose distance on their shot. It is relatively easy to tell that the distance factor is going to be the biggest benefit and therefore should be the focus of the ad.
Sometimes it's really easy, most times it's not.
3) Product (Service) = Refinancing.
This example has you trying to determine the biggest benefit of refinancing a mortgage for families with a household income of $75k, revolving debt of $15k and 2+ children. Sound complicated? It can be. Maybe the benefit is getting cash to pay off their debt, maybe it's paying for college, or even lowering their monthly payments. There is no real way to tell just by looking at the situation. Now you are going to have to do some research.
Chapter 2: Research the Target Market
Research can be as in depth as actually phoning some of the people in the target market and conducting surveys, or it is often as simple as talking to your client about his experiences with past customers. Start with the easiest action and survey your client. Here are some good questions to ask:
1. What do your top five customers have in common?
By this I mean, what do your top five customers' orders have in common. Do they all purchase a certain add on? Is there a service that none of them take advantage of? This will help tell you what a "good customer" actually is to that client.
2. What is the most-often-stated benefit of your service?
Is it product? Is it service? Is it price? Ask them, they know and you need to know for obvious reasons.
3. What do they think is the most beneficial part of their service to their customer?
Many companies have already done the research, or have been doing it long enough to just give you the information out right.
It is not always obvious what is going to be the benefit that is going to pull the most response. Use your three assets (Reasoning, Experience and Research) to get as close as possible. As time goes on you will build up your experience, but in the beginning you will need to rely more heavily on your Reasoning and Research. And the easiest and fastest thing you can do is to “BE” the target market.
Now back to the targeted family that we want to refinance their home. Pretend you are a family man or woman with a household income of the $75k with revolving debt of $15K and you’ve got two kids! Kids can be pretty expensive. So, why would you like to refinance?
Chapter 3: You Want the Customer to do WHAT?
Since you've now figured out what the customer needs to hear to be interested, next you need to figure out what it is you want from them. What are you trying to accomplish? Sometimes it is as simple as getting them to go to your website for more information. Other times you are looking for them to pick up the phone and actually place an order. Whatever it is that you want them to do you need to state it clearly on the promo piece.
For example, if you want them to call and talk to a representative, the card should very clearly say "Call today and speak to one of our representatives for more details." This simple statement tells the customer exactly what you want them to do. It even tells them when to call - "today". Believe it or not, people like to be told exactly what to do in advertising. You should make it easy as possible to make the requested action. The more your prospects have to think, the less likely they are to actually act.
Another key part of the call to action is supplying the proper accompanying information along with the request. In this case, the phone number should be prominent and be the closest element to your call to action. Common sense would seem to tell you that as long as the phone number is somewhere on the promo they will find it and give you a call. The reality is that if the number isn't right there for them to see, your response rate will drop considerably.
Make sure that the call to action is bold and easy to understand. And keep any important contact information in close proximity to the call to action.
These are the three most important steps that a graphic designer needs to take to make a piece that will be aesthetic and pull at the same time. Pull = a call, a walk-in, a buy, a response – all for more money in their door. Which, by the way, gets you remunerated for your services and is actually your exchange for a job well done. Their customers buying means your customers are pleased and wanting more of your services. And it’s a happier, prospering world.
Joy Gendusa founded PostcardMania in 1998; her only assets a computer and a phone. In 2004 the company did close to $9 million in sales and employs over 60 persons. She attributes her explosive growth to her ability to choose incredible staff and her innate marketing savvy. Now she’s sharing her marketing secrets with others. For more free marketing advice, visit her website at http://www.postcardmania.com
By: Joy Gendusa
From this fact it is not a reach to come to the conclusion that the merit of a graphic designer is based on the performance of his or her designs. You may be able to put together the most beautiful ad that the world has ever seen, but if it doesn't make the phone ring it isn't worth the paper that it is printed on.
By giving clients designs that are not only attractive but, more importantly, that get them the response they need to turn a profit, you are making it much more likely that they will be willing and able to come back to you for future services. In short, if the ad doesn't make your client any money, you don't make any money in the future.
The following text is a breakdown of the different actions to take and ways to make sure that your beautiful design is also a big time moneymaker for both you and your client.
Chapter 1: “BE” the Target Market
There is a monkey loose in your office and you can't seem to get any work done. The only solution is to catch the little distraction and FedEx him back to the jungle that he came from. Question: How do you catch a monkey? You have to get into his head, think like him. You have to “BE” the monkey to find out what is going to bring him close enough for you to catch him.
What does an annoying monkey have to do with Marketing Design? Keep reading.
Every potential customer is like the monkey. They are going to do whatever they want unless you can persuade them to listen to you. You have to get into their head, think like them, “BE” them. A monkey is a simple animal so you can probably get his attention with the stereotypical banana.
Human beings on the other hand are extremely complex. Then you add in the fact that the mailing list is targeted and it can get quite challenging. Following are a few examples:
1) Product = Wrinkle Reducing Eye Cream.
Who do you need to “BE”? Probably a woman over the age of 40. Try it. Pretend you are a woman over 40 with crows feet (wrinkles around the eyes, for all you guys) and they are getting worse and worse each day. Did you do it? Are you her? Good.
Now, how bombarded with advertising is this woman over 40 that you’re being? Just think about it. PLENTY! So how are you going to communicate to her in an ad to get her to respond?
You may have a headline that pushes the button of how upset she is about those crows feet like, “Crow’s Feet Getting Worse as You Age?” You may want to show a before and after shot.
2) Product = New Golf Ball that goes farther and straighter than the competition.
Your target market is Senior Citizen golf enthusiasts in the state of Florida. So what is the number one benefit of this particular product for that target market? To answer that question you should use three things:
• Reasoning
• Experience
• Research
In this golf case, in particular, I can tell you from others’ stories that the older the guy, the straighter the ball goes. Practice makes perfect and older people have generally had much more practice. Also, as people get older they start to lose strength over all. This means that they will start to lose distance on their shot. It is relatively easy to tell that the distance factor is going to be the biggest benefit and therefore should be the focus of the ad.
Sometimes it's really easy, most times it's not.
3) Product (Service) = Refinancing.
This example has you trying to determine the biggest benefit of refinancing a mortgage for families with a household income of $75k, revolving debt of $15k and 2+ children. Sound complicated? It can be. Maybe the benefit is getting cash to pay off their debt, maybe it's paying for college, or even lowering their monthly payments. There is no real way to tell just by looking at the situation. Now you are going to have to do some research.
Chapter 2: Research the Target Market
Research can be as in depth as actually phoning some of the people in the target market and conducting surveys, or it is often as simple as talking to your client about his experiences with past customers. Start with the easiest action and survey your client. Here are some good questions to ask:
1. What do your top five customers have in common?
By this I mean, what do your top five customers' orders have in common. Do they all purchase a certain add on? Is there a service that none of them take advantage of? This will help tell you what a "good customer" actually is to that client.
2. What is the most-often-stated benefit of your service?
Is it product? Is it service? Is it price? Ask them, they know and you need to know for obvious reasons.
3. What do they think is the most beneficial part of their service to their customer?
Many companies have already done the research, or have been doing it long enough to just give you the information out right.
It is not always obvious what is going to be the benefit that is going to pull the most response. Use your three assets (Reasoning, Experience and Research) to get as close as possible. As time goes on you will build up your experience, but in the beginning you will need to rely more heavily on your Reasoning and Research. And the easiest and fastest thing you can do is to “BE” the target market.
Now back to the targeted family that we want to refinance their home. Pretend you are a family man or woman with a household income of the $75k with revolving debt of $15K and you’ve got two kids! Kids can be pretty expensive. So, why would you like to refinance?
Chapter 3: You Want the Customer to do WHAT?
Since you've now figured out what the customer needs to hear to be interested, next you need to figure out what it is you want from them. What are you trying to accomplish? Sometimes it is as simple as getting them to go to your website for more information. Other times you are looking for them to pick up the phone and actually place an order. Whatever it is that you want them to do you need to state it clearly on the promo piece.
For example, if you want them to call and talk to a representative, the card should very clearly say "Call today and speak to one of our representatives for more details." This simple statement tells the customer exactly what you want them to do. It even tells them when to call - "today". Believe it or not, people like to be told exactly what to do in advertising. You should make it easy as possible to make the requested action. The more your prospects have to think, the less likely they are to actually act.
Another key part of the call to action is supplying the proper accompanying information along with the request. In this case, the phone number should be prominent and be the closest element to your call to action. Common sense would seem to tell you that as long as the phone number is somewhere on the promo they will find it and give you a call. The reality is that if the number isn't right there for them to see, your response rate will drop considerably.
Make sure that the call to action is bold and easy to understand. And keep any important contact information in close proximity to the call to action.
These are the three most important steps that a graphic designer needs to take to make a piece that will be aesthetic and pull at the same time. Pull = a call, a walk-in, a buy, a response – all for more money in their door. Which, by the way, gets you remunerated for your services and is actually your exchange for a job well done. Their customers buying means your customers are pleased and wanting more of your services. And it’s a happier, prospering world.
Joy Gendusa founded PostcardMania in 1998; her only assets a computer and a phone. In 2004 the company did close to $9 million in sales and employs over 60 persons. She attributes her explosive growth to her ability to choose incredible staff and her innate marketing savvy. Now she’s sharing her marketing secrets with others. For more free marketing advice, visit her website at http://www.postcardmania.com
By: Joy Gendusa
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
Hiring a Graphic Designer
You’ve come up with a great product. You’ve got the sales letter written for your website. Now you need the graphic design to complement your product and the text that describes it. Not being artistically inclined or adept at the technicalities of computer graphics, you decide you need some help.
You may be thinking, "I’m not sure I can afford to hire a professional graphic designer." The truth of the matter is that you most likely can’t afford not too.
Why?
A poorly designed web site, or a site that is glaring “homemade, homemade, homemade” gives the impression that the product or service it is promoting is of the same quality. As you’ve heard before- People do judge a book by its cover. Your book’s cover is your web site.
Fact of Life on the Internet- If your entire site doesn’t look professionally designed you’ve got major problems. At best making a profit with a poorly designed website is going to be a struggle.
So… you decide maybe your site does need the touch of a pro. Who do you choose?
As you begin your search you’re obviously going to try and make sure you get the best “bang for your buck”. Before you make a decision make sure all your questions are answered, preferably in writing. Some questions that you will definitely want answers for are listed below.
1) Is this person a professional? (Ask to see samples of their work)
2) Is this person trustworthy? (Ask how long they’ve been in business, and if they can provide references)
3) Are the prices fair and reasonable? (Make it clear you will be getting more than one proposal on the work you need)
4) Will I get the quality I need? (Make sure upfront that the professional you’re hiring will do revisions if necessary.)
Many of these questions can often be answered while viewing the designer’s own site. It will give you an instant review of their work. Often there will also a page containing samples of their work. If not, don’t hesitate to ask.
Andy Eaton has created a 10 day ecourse, which includes informative articles, training videos, special offer discounts, plus lots more - finally learn to create your own amazing ecover graphics. simply send a blank email to arpgraphicslist@graphicsecretsexposed.com or visit http://www.graphicsecretsexposed.com
By: Andy Eaton
You may be thinking, "I’m not sure I can afford to hire a professional graphic designer." The truth of the matter is that you most likely can’t afford not too.
Why?
A poorly designed web site, or a site that is glaring “homemade, homemade, homemade” gives the impression that the product or service it is promoting is of the same quality. As you’ve heard before- People do judge a book by its cover. Your book’s cover is your web site.
Fact of Life on the Internet- If your entire site doesn’t look professionally designed you’ve got major problems. At best making a profit with a poorly designed website is going to be a struggle.
So… you decide maybe your site does need the touch of a pro. Who do you choose?
As you begin your search you’re obviously going to try and make sure you get the best “bang for your buck”. Before you make a decision make sure all your questions are answered, preferably in writing. Some questions that you will definitely want answers for are listed below.
1) Is this person a professional? (Ask to see samples of their work)
2) Is this person trustworthy? (Ask how long they’ve been in business, and if they can provide references)
3) Are the prices fair and reasonable? (Make it clear you will be getting more than one proposal on the work you need)
4) Will I get the quality I need? (Make sure upfront that the professional you’re hiring will do revisions if necessary.)
Many of these questions can often be answered while viewing the designer’s own site. It will give you an instant review of their work. Often there will also a page containing samples of their work. If not, don’t hesitate to ask.
Andy Eaton has created a 10 day ecourse, which includes informative articles, training videos, special offer discounts, plus lots more - finally learn to create your own amazing ecover graphics. simply send a blank email to arpgraphicslist@graphicsecretsexposed.com or visit http://www.graphicsecretsexposed.com
By: Andy Eaton
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
Jobs - Rise of Graphic Designers
If you are the type of person that can combine your artistic skills with your writing abilities, then the job of a graphic designer may be the position that is most suitable for you. To be effective, a graphic designer must be able to reach out and convey the proper message to the intended recipient, be it the reader or the end-consumer. He is able to achieve this by the use of text blending with visual art. The final image projected must contain the precise message, otherwise all the efforts of the graphic designer will be for naught. The jobs of a graphic designer can also refer to that of web designers, photo editors, layout artists, illustrators and image manipulators, among many other titles.
Graphic design is quite an essential tool for people who are involved into marketing and advertising. To further emphasize this point, you only have to look around you to see that the presence of graphic design is everywhere - from the logo in the pen you are using to the images being displayed on your computer screen. For as long as there exists goods and services that are being offered to the consuming public, there will be a need for graphic designers. Graphic designers are responsible for creating the image that appeals to the consumers.
The job of a graphic designer requires that your creative juices are continually churning out new ideas and concepts. However, though the creative aspect of the work will depend largely on you, discussing the product or service with your client is equally important. You necessarily will need the requirements of your customer before coming up with your graphic design be it a logo, a brochure, a pamphlet, among others. The approval of said client is likewise needed before finalizing the design. The graphic designer has the luxury of choosing whether he wants to keep a full time job or go part time or do freelance work. The latter option presents more flexibility although the advantage of having a regular job provides you with a steady stream of income.
As a graphic designer, keep in mind that there are media forms, which you can tap to work on or even specialize. These are print, film and electronic. The final decision on what path to take is in your hands since the opportunities in any of these fields are unlimited. If you prefer making newspaper or magazine layouts then you may choose to concentrate on print materials. If you are a film enthusiast, you might want to show your creative side in preparing the credits that appear before and after a movie or a show. With the advent of the computer age as well as globalization, the computer has become an integral part of society today. Marketing techniques are no longer limited in the real world but has penetrated the virtual world as well. Nowadays, companies, whether small, medium or big-sized companies, want to establish and maintain their respective web sites in order to widen their advertising spectrum. Hence, the demand for graphic designers is expected to continue to be on the rise.
By: Michael Russell
Graphic design is quite an essential tool for people who are involved into marketing and advertising. To further emphasize this point, you only have to look around you to see that the presence of graphic design is everywhere - from the logo in the pen you are using to the images being displayed on your computer screen. For as long as there exists goods and services that are being offered to the consuming public, there will be a need for graphic designers. Graphic designers are responsible for creating the image that appeals to the consumers.
The job of a graphic designer requires that your creative juices are continually churning out new ideas and concepts. However, though the creative aspect of the work will depend largely on you, discussing the product or service with your client is equally important. You necessarily will need the requirements of your customer before coming up with your graphic design be it a logo, a brochure, a pamphlet, among others. The approval of said client is likewise needed before finalizing the design. The graphic designer has the luxury of choosing whether he wants to keep a full time job or go part time or do freelance work. The latter option presents more flexibility although the advantage of having a regular job provides you with a steady stream of income.
As a graphic designer, keep in mind that there are media forms, which you can tap to work on or even specialize. These are print, film and electronic. The final decision on what path to take is in your hands since the opportunities in any of these fields are unlimited. If you prefer making newspaper or magazine layouts then you may choose to concentrate on print materials. If you are a film enthusiast, you might want to show your creative side in preparing the credits that appear before and after a movie or a show. With the advent of the computer age as well as globalization, the computer has become an integral part of society today. Marketing techniques are no longer limited in the real world but has penetrated the virtual world as well. Nowadays, companies, whether small, medium or big-sized companies, want to establish and maintain their respective web sites in order to widen their advertising spectrum. Hence, the demand for graphic designers is expected to continue to be on the rise.
By: Michael Russell
Monday, April 9, 2007
Cover Letters for Graphic Designers
Why are cover letters so important? They provide the prospective employer with a brief review of your skills and abilities in the form of a letter. Letters are written much differently than resumes and can have a lasting impact on the reader. The best news is that writing one it isn't that hard, especially if you have already written your resume.
If you are wondering whether you need a cover letter or not, the answer is "yes". Employers are expecting a cover letter, but more important than that, you have an extra page to sell yourself if you write one. Even if you are an excellent Graphic Designer, you still need to convince the employer that you are worthy of a job.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, "Among the five design occupations, graphic designers are expected to have the most new jobs through 2014; however, job seekers are expected to face keen competition for available positions."
What does that mean? It means there are design positions available, but you are going to have to work hard to get the really great jobs.
One other note of interest: "Many talented individuals are attracted to careers as graphic designers. Individuals with a bachelor's degree and knowledge of computer design software, particularly those with Web site design and animation experience, will have the best opportunities." That is also according to the BLS.
Graphic Designers, generally speaking, are in a good labor market right now. That's wonderful news, certainly. You should not encounter difficulties in obtaining work.
What about that awesome position with the top salary that you have your eye on, though? Do you think the competition for that position will be greater? You bet it will. That means your credentials will have to be presented in the best light possible if you are to get the job offer. So, how do you write a great cover letter?
The cover letter builds on the resume and leads the employer toward it. Its goal is to get the employer excited about the resume. It is a sales tool, just like the resume is. Sell yourself in a compelling and exciting way. Inject energy and let your best qualities reach the employer through carefully written examples and anecdotes. Don't just state what you are capable of, show the employer what you have done in the past with vibrant language that attracts and invites the employer to want to know more.
You are a part of a significant sector of the labor market. You have to be your very best to get the great jobs. What skills and abilities do you have that you can offer the employer – and – how can you do so in a way that makes the employer pick up the phone and call you for an interview? Be personable, but professional at the same time.
Let your cover letter generate interest in your resume, then let your resume grab the employer's attention so that you are invited in for a face to face meeting.
A cover letter isn't likely to persuade an employer to grant you an interview on its own, but it is part of the whole package that WILL encourage an employer to want to get to know you better. Make it an exciting and enjoyable read and you will find yourself being offered the Graphic Designer position you apply for.
Carla Vaughan, Owner/Webmaster Professional-Resume-Example.com
Carla is the owner of Professional-Resume-Example.com, a web site devoted to assisting candidates in the job-search process. She holds a B.S. in Business from Southern Illinois University and has authored several books.
For more information about cover letters, follow this link: Amazing Cover Letters
By: Carla Vaughan
If you are wondering whether you need a cover letter or not, the answer is "yes". Employers are expecting a cover letter, but more important than that, you have an extra page to sell yourself if you write one. Even if you are an excellent Graphic Designer, you still need to convince the employer that you are worthy of a job.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, "Among the five design occupations, graphic designers are expected to have the most new jobs through 2014; however, job seekers are expected to face keen competition for available positions."
What does that mean? It means there are design positions available, but you are going to have to work hard to get the really great jobs.
One other note of interest: "Many talented individuals are attracted to careers as graphic designers. Individuals with a bachelor's degree and knowledge of computer design software, particularly those with Web site design and animation experience, will have the best opportunities." That is also according to the BLS.
Graphic Designers, generally speaking, are in a good labor market right now. That's wonderful news, certainly. You should not encounter difficulties in obtaining work.
What about that awesome position with the top salary that you have your eye on, though? Do you think the competition for that position will be greater? You bet it will. That means your credentials will have to be presented in the best light possible if you are to get the job offer. So, how do you write a great cover letter?
The cover letter builds on the resume and leads the employer toward it. Its goal is to get the employer excited about the resume. It is a sales tool, just like the resume is. Sell yourself in a compelling and exciting way. Inject energy and let your best qualities reach the employer through carefully written examples and anecdotes. Don't just state what you are capable of, show the employer what you have done in the past with vibrant language that attracts and invites the employer to want to know more.
You are a part of a significant sector of the labor market. You have to be your very best to get the great jobs. What skills and abilities do you have that you can offer the employer – and – how can you do so in a way that makes the employer pick up the phone and call you for an interview? Be personable, but professional at the same time.
Let your cover letter generate interest in your resume, then let your resume grab the employer's attention so that you are invited in for a face to face meeting.
A cover letter isn't likely to persuade an employer to grant you an interview on its own, but it is part of the whole package that WILL encourage an employer to want to get to know you better. Make it an exciting and enjoyable read and you will find yourself being offered the Graphic Designer position you apply for.
Carla Vaughan, Owner/Webmaster Professional-Resume-Example.com
Carla is the owner of Professional-Resume-Example.com, a web site devoted to assisting candidates in the job-search process. She holds a B.S. in Business from Southern Illinois University and has authored several books.
For more information about cover letters, follow this link: Amazing Cover Letters
By: Carla Vaughan
Friday, March 30, 2007
Online Graphic Design Degree - Is It Right For You?
The answer to whether an online degree is right for you depends on several questions only you can answer but research has demonstrated online distance education is as effective as traditional education.
Both forms of education require the use of technology and provide ample learning opportunities for students to participate in. Each form requires the student to learn the essential body of knowledge required to graduate with a degree and be prepared to go out into the job market.
Furthermore, studies have shown there are no significant differences in final course grades between distance education and traditional education. It was found many online education methods fit perfectly with students’s preferred learning style including the ability to work on course material in their own time frame.
Advantages of an Online Graphic Design Education
The main advantage of pursuing an online education is accessibility. As an adult, you often don’t have the time or ability to go a traditional school to earn a higher degree. It may be family; it may be a full time job. Either way, an online distant education program provides the flexibility needed to further your education.
You may have a job that requires travel preventing you from attending all your classes. With online education as long as you have access to the Internet, you can “make it to class”. And your classes are available 24/7.
Study Pace – for those of us who don’t learn at the same pace as others, an online degree program allows you to learn at a pace that fits your style. It may take you a little longer to complete a course but achieve a better outcome not feeling rushed.
On the other hand, you may be a fast learner and want to push through the programs more quickly than someone else. In a traditional setting you may be held back by the rest of the class or the teachers pace.
Self Motivation – many employers will look at your online degree and appreciate your initiative and self motivation. Completing a program working at your own pace can be daunting so an employer might consider your ambition an asset to the company.
Flexibility – Web based degree programs allow you to learn when you have the time to learn not when you are told to learn. Whether you’re a stay-at-home parent or have a full time job, online campuses give you the flexibility to go back to school for that degree that can help you raise the bar to your success. Self Discipline – to be successful in life and career, you have to have self-discipline. To be successful in distant education programs, you have to have self-discipline. By learning how not to procrastinate and being accountable for getting your work done properly and on time, you gain a skill that is very valuable in the marketplace.
It’s not always easy to get work done if someone isn’t there reminding you all the time. Once you learn the importance of getting tasks done on time and how to achieve your goals, you’ll have learned one of the most important concepts in your educational process.
What Should You Expect From An Online Education
Participation – you will be expected to participate via email, teleclasses, or discussion boards with your professors and classmates. This tends to work in favor of students who are extremely shy and stay out of conversations in traditional settings.
Work – just because you are not attending a physical classroom setting doesn’t mean you don’t have to work. As an online student you will be expected to do the same amount of work, if not more, than a traditional classroom situation.
You will be involved in group projects, writing papers, posting responses to the class message board while taking practice quizzes and discussing topics with fellow students.
Questions – expect to ask and to be asked questions by your professors and fellow students. If you need help, don’t be afraid to ask. There are other online students with more experience available to answer your questions or help with a difficult assignment.
Requirements for Online Graphic Design Degree Programs
Because you will be taking your graphic design classes online via your computer, there naturally will be some hardware and software requirements. First of all, you need a computer with hardware and software that is compatible with the schools programs. It may be required you only work on an Apple computer and use Adobe software. Another school may have different requirements. It is important you find out these requirements before you sign up.
You will also be required to have an Internet connection and the faster the better. Since you will be spending a lot of time on line, a high-speed connection will make your life a lot easier than a slow dial up account.
Peripheral Equipment - most schools are going to require you have access to a CD burner or DVD burner, printer, scanner, digital camera and digital drawing tablet. Be sure you budget these items into your costs before making a commitment to a school.
Conclusion
If you are interested in going back to school for a degree in graphic design but don’t have the flexibility to go to a traditional school setting, an online education is a great alternative.
As studies have shown, you will get a comparable education at your pace, in your environment. The next step is to find distant learning programs in graphic design that fit your needs.
Good luck and much success in your endeavor.
Rich Points is the administrator of Graphic Arts Schools at http://www.graphic-arts-schools.com, a website offering resources for prospective graphic design artists.
By: Rich Points
Both forms of education require the use of technology and provide ample learning opportunities for students to participate in. Each form requires the student to learn the essential body of knowledge required to graduate with a degree and be prepared to go out into the job market.
Furthermore, studies have shown there are no significant differences in final course grades between distance education and traditional education. It was found many online education methods fit perfectly with students’s preferred learning style including the ability to work on course material in their own time frame.
Advantages of an Online Graphic Design Education
The main advantage of pursuing an online education is accessibility. As an adult, you often don’t have the time or ability to go a traditional school to earn a higher degree. It may be family; it may be a full time job. Either way, an online distant education program provides the flexibility needed to further your education.
You may have a job that requires travel preventing you from attending all your classes. With online education as long as you have access to the Internet, you can “make it to class”. And your classes are available 24/7.
Study Pace – for those of us who don’t learn at the same pace as others, an online degree program allows you to learn at a pace that fits your style. It may take you a little longer to complete a course but achieve a better outcome not feeling rushed.
On the other hand, you may be a fast learner and want to push through the programs more quickly than someone else. In a traditional setting you may be held back by the rest of the class or the teachers pace.
Self Motivation – many employers will look at your online degree and appreciate your initiative and self motivation. Completing a program working at your own pace can be daunting so an employer might consider your ambition an asset to the company.
Flexibility – Web based degree programs allow you to learn when you have the time to learn not when you are told to learn. Whether you’re a stay-at-home parent or have a full time job, online campuses give you the flexibility to go back to school for that degree that can help you raise the bar to your success. Self Discipline – to be successful in life and career, you have to have self-discipline. To be successful in distant education programs, you have to have self-discipline. By learning how not to procrastinate and being accountable for getting your work done properly and on time, you gain a skill that is very valuable in the marketplace.
It’s not always easy to get work done if someone isn’t there reminding you all the time. Once you learn the importance of getting tasks done on time and how to achieve your goals, you’ll have learned one of the most important concepts in your educational process.
What Should You Expect From An Online Education
Participation – you will be expected to participate via email, teleclasses, or discussion boards with your professors and classmates. This tends to work in favor of students who are extremely shy and stay out of conversations in traditional settings.
Work – just because you are not attending a physical classroom setting doesn’t mean you don’t have to work. As an online student you will be expected to do the same amount of work, if not more, than a traditional classroom situation.
You will be involved in group projects, writing papers, posting responses to the class message board while taking practice quizzes and discussing topics with fellow students.
Questions – expect to ask and to be asked questions by your professors and fellow students. If you need help, don’t be afraid to ask. There are other online students with more experience available to answer your questions or help with a difficult assignment.
Requirements for Online Graphic Design Degree Programs
Because you will be taking your graphic design classes online via your computer, there naturally will be some hardware and software requirements. First of all, you need a computer with hardware and software that is compatible with the schools programs. It may be required you only work on an Apple computer and use Adobe software. Another school may have different requirements. It is important you find out these requirements before you sign up.
You will also be required to have an Internet connection and the faster the better. Since you will be spending a lot of time on line, a high-speed connection will make your life a lot easier than a slow dial up account.
Peripheral Equipment - most schools are going to require you have access to a CD burner or DVD burner, printer, scanner, digital camera and digital drawing tablet. Be sure you budget these items into your costs before making a commitment to a school.
Conclusion
If you are interested in going back to school for a degree in graphic design but don’t have the flexibility to go to a traditional school setting, an online education is a great alternative.
As studies have shown, you will get a comparable education at your pace, in your environment. The next step is to find distant learning programs in graphic design that fit your needs.
Good luck and much success in your endeavor.
Rich Points is the administrator of Graphic Arts Schools at http://www.graphic-arts-schools.com, a website offering resources for prospective graphic design artists.
By: Rich Points
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
Are You Designing Your Own Business Brand? These Graphic Design Gaffes You Have to Avoid
When looking at a web site, business card, brochure or logo, have you ever thought; “I really like the way that looks”, but you didn’t know why you liked it? You probably said, “There’s just something about it”. Well, that, “something about it” is what separates mediocre designers from experienced talented ones – the talented ones know what that something is.
Designers…good designers know there’s a reason, a science behind why some business cards, web sites or logos look better and are more effective than others. It’s not luck; it’s research and it’s knowledge. Sure, you might like a different style than the guy down the street, by as a whole, business people respond to good design when they see it.
Most business professionals have a rough idea of what good design looks like; they just don’t know why it looks good, this might describe you as well. Going though this quick article will give you a better understanding why some marketing materials just look better than others, it will help avoid some common design gaffes that inexperienced artists or “owners turned designers” typically make. Armed with this new knowledge, you’ll have a greater understanding on how good or not so good your marketing materials are, and you can make some appropriate improvements.
Typography:
No, this isn’t the one that has to do with maps. Typography is concerned with the style, arrangement, or appearance of typeset matter. Our normal language it’s referring to the way letters, words, sentences and paragraphs interrelate to each other and with the overall layout of a design. Have you ever thought, “This brochure is hard to read”, “Why are there so many odd gaps between letters?”, or “Why is there so much space between the lines?” – that’s typography. Interestingly enough, typography is rarely if ever noticed unless it’s handled badly. If you’ve hired an expert designer, you’ll never really notice the typography at all, you’ll just say, “Wow, that looks good!”
Fonts, Fonts Everywhere:
Staying along the typography theme, there are hundreds of font styles to choose from today, just as there are hundreds of types of candy, but that doesn’t mean you should jam them all into your design, or your mouth! I guess the thought is, if one font is good, than 2 should be better – you know the rest: this is dangerous logic. Including a kaleidoscope of different fonts, colors and sizes is something you want to avoid. Designers affectionately refer to layouts like this as “clown barf”. Avoid fonts being the focus of your design; fonts are typically work best in a support role rather than the main focus. A good rule of thumb is to keep the number of fonts you use to under 3 (preferably under 2).
Keep in mind that the fonts you choose should support your content and your message rather than take away from it. Lastly, make sure you test your fonts on your target audience ahead of time to make sure the font(s) you chose are easy to read.
Clip Art:
Ahhh, nothing in modern design and desktop publishing has been so helpful but so hurtful as clip art. Clip art is a lot like dynamite; it’s a good thing in the hands of an expert, if you’re not, you might consider leaving it alone. When used in usually a subordinate role in the overall design, clip art can work well. A couple of quick final thoughts on clip art: if your intended message and image are professionalism and credibility, I implore you, no, I beg you, please steer clear of hokey, cartoon clip art. Between cheesy clip art and no clip art – take no clip art. You can have an effective, interesting layout with no graphics at all. With clip art - use where appropriate, use sparingly and use with caution.
Hey, Look What This Button Does!
If you’ve got a newer computer of any kind it probably came with some desktop publishing or graphics software. Invariably, you’re going to start playing with all of the different effects (in Photoshop many are called filters) you can do to text, pictures and graphics. You know: beveling, embossing, making objects glow, adding a drop shadow, all sort of goofy things. All of these effects are great, but much like clip art, you want to use them sparingly and when appropriate. To get the most out of these effects here’s something you always want to keep in mind, effects are great for adding a little spice to your layout, just a pinch. You can give your audience a slightly different look to a picture or section by applying an effect – just something a little different. When catch yourself adding effects just because you think they look cool, stop, count to ten and slowly pull your hand away from the mouse button.
Hopefully, this article will help you avoid some easy to spot, design gaffes. You might even be able to spot them in your competition’s advertisements and promotional materials.
When it comes to your business, choosing who does your design is a big decision; whether it’s you, the guy at Kinko’s, or a professional. Remember, your reputation and your company’s image, so be careful and choose wisely. If you don’t have artwork that you’re proud to put your company’s name and reputation on, don’t put your name on it and don’t send it out. We all make a direct connection between the quality of the design/layout and the company that it’s featuring. One shouldn’t have any affect on the other, but they do, that’s just the way humans are. I do it, you do it and I promise you that your customers do it as well. So it’s critical to understand that your business card, your web site and all of your other marketing materials all make an immediately statement about how committed you are to quality to the world. What does your marketing and design say about your level of quality?
A business savvy graphic designer is often a contradiction in terms; however, Jeremy is a unique combination of sharp business marketer and creative designer. This one-two punch provides clients with targeted marketing, advertising and design projects that yield outstanding results and a terrific return on their investment; they actually work. Companies looking to feel more confident and credible with their business brand, tired of getting lost in a crowd of competitors and always feeling like they have to compete on price, need to call Jeremy at 480.391.0704.
If you are looking for more free insight and inspiration, you’ll want to get in on the “Can-Do Confidence Builder”. Emailed weekly, the Confidence Builder provides you with essential marketing and design insights that help you get the most out of your investment and help you to stay one step ahead of the competition. Email Jeremy at comments@candographics.com and asked to be added to our list or visit http://www.candographics.comBy: Jeremy Tuber
Friday, March 23, 2007
UK Graphic Design and Web Design - What Does The Future Of Crowdsourcing Hold
It would be naive to think that the UK is the only country capable of fielding graphic design talent in this global economy. So what does the next few years herald for the UK in terms of graphic design jobs and the widespread outsourcing of design to foreign territories?
Design Specialism Increasingly we will will see more and more specialists focusing specifically on core businesses. Rather than design companies offering a smorgasbord of design talent it will be more profitable to concentrate on single issue design strategies such as business card designers, outsized folder designers or club flyer designers. It maybe a case in point that a larger company will fragment and offer a gamut of services seemingly by different companies. Then again this might not happen, its difficult to say really so we'll keep things generalized.
Wholesale prices will tumble Far be it from us to speculate but by all accounts we're all doomed as far as pricing is concerned in the UK. The internet has heralded a sea change as far as costs are concerned for graphic design services and website design. The market is saturated and is quite literally oozing out of the keyboard and computer screen leaving a sticky mess over your desk. Can the UK justify exhorbitant design prices when you can get a far superior design service from a Romanian or Polak working for the price of a can of baked beans?
Mergers and Accusitions among the design heavyweights Wth such a congested global design market, something has got to give. Some of design big boys such as Lunatrix design and Mindtap design may very well find themselves merging to compete with the foreign invasion, only to find themselves demerging and fragmenting again within a space of a few months. These are difficult times for design agencies. Whatever happens we will probably see much the same sort of thing happening in the next few years as we have done over the last couple of years. Unless something highly unexpectant happens... watch this space
Unprecedented quality in design and heightened design output in the domestic arena Already we are seeing a marked departure in terms of the minimalist type of design and typography so favoured by the lazy designers of the last couple of years. In the next couple of years the enphasis is going to be on the group dynamic and crowdsourcing of design ideas that are populated on personal blogs and network sites. The idea of course being that a clued up herd mentality can achieve more enlightened results than any individual. Theres nothing new in this of course. Design consultants and advertising designers have always brain stormed ideas. Now of course those designs, web styles and new media forms are going to be adapted in real time by many thousands more people. Wow it all sounds wonderful doesn't it.
Well then, can Uk graphic design and Web design in particular survive the onslaught we are heading into at a frightening rate. Its too close to call at the moment so we'll just sit on the fence smiling smugly for a bit and reserve our opinions until later if thats alright with you.
Mindtap Graphic Design Resources is your single point entry into brochure design. A unique site where you can access information on UK graphic design, cheap design, leaflet design, catalog design and web design
By: Horatio Farquaar
Design Specialism Increasingly we will will see more and more specialists focusing specifically on core businesses. Rather than design companies offering a smorgasbord of design talent it will be more profitable to concentrate on single issue design strategies such as business card designers, outsized folder designers or club flyer designers. It maybe a case in point that a larger company will fragment and offer a gamut of services seemingly by different companies. Then again this might not happen, its difficult to say really so we'll keep things generalized.
Wholesale prices will tumble Far be it from us to speculate but by all accounts we're all doomed as far as pricing is concerned in the UK. The internet has heralded a sea change as far as costs are concerned for graphic design services and website design. The market is saturated and is quite literally oozing out of the keyboard and computer screen leaving a sticky mess over your desk. Can the UK justify exhorbitant design prices when you can get a far superior design service from a Romanian or Polak working for the price of a can of baked beans?
Mergers and Accusitions among the design heavyweights Wth such a congested global design market, something has got to give. Some of design big boys such as Lunatrix design and Mindtap design may very well find themselves merging to compete with the foreign invasion, only to find themselves demerging and fragmenting again within a space of a few months. These are difficult times for design agencies. Whatever happens we will probably see much the same sort of thing happening in the next few years as we have done over the last couple of years. Unless something highly unexpectant happens... watch this space
Unprecedented quality in design and heightened design output in the domestic arena Already we are seeing a marked departure in terms of the minimalist type of design and typography so favoured by the lazy designers of the last couple of years. In the next couple of years the enphasis is going to be on the group dynamic and crowdsourcing of design ideas that are populated on personal blogs and network sites. The idea of course being that a clued up herd mentality can achieve more enlightened results than any individual. Theres nothing new in this of course. Design consultants and advertising designers have always brain stormed ideas. Now of course those designs, web styles and new media forms are going to be adapted in real time by many thousands more people. Wow it all sounds wonderful doesn't it.
Well then, can Uk graphic design and Web design in particular survive the onslaught we are heading into at a frightening rate. Its too close to call at the moment so we'll just sit on the fence smiling smugly for a bit and reserve our opinions until later if thats alright with you.
Mindtap Graphic Design Resources is your single point entry into brochure design. A unique site where you can access information on UK graphic design, cheap design, leaflet design, catalog design and web design
By: Horatio Farquaar
Thursday, March 22, 2007
Let's NOT Make a Deal – Graphic Designers Beware When An Owner Says, "I Need a Partner"
If you’re a business owner, just for fun, try making a deal with one of the check out clerks over at Office Max, “How about you let me have this equipment, and if my business does well, I’ll come back and pay you?” Or you could try approaching your CPA with this, “How about you do my company’s taxes, and if I have money left over I will pay you with it?”
They sound pretty ridiculous, don’t they?
You’re probably saying, “That would never happen”, and you’re probably right, but you’d be amazed at how many business owners pitch graphic designers such a deal. In fact, there seems to be a never-ending parade of Monte Hall “wanna-be’s” wanting to play, “Let’s Make a Deal”. From the humorous to the absurd, from the mildly insulting to just plain fraudulent - if you’ve been a freelance designer for a few years, you going to see it all.
Over the years business owners have pitched me on some outrageous deals over the most wacky products imaginable: a hangover pill, wearable buttons with Bible verses on it, a baby coupon book, dune buggy races and inspirational decals you can stick on windows. An interesting side note is that ALL, and I mean all of these business owners were thoroughly convinced they had the next great idea – and that I would be foolish not to get in on their rocket ride to fame and fortune.
There’s the Windup, and Here’s the Pitch
The business owner’s pitch is that the graphic designer provides some upfront work on a project(s), and if the owner’s idea takes off and makes money, she/he will pay the designer. If the project doesn’t take off the designer doesn’t get paid and has wasted her/his time - the owner isn’t out any time or money for the design. Sounds like a good deal, doesn’t it? Not if you’re the designer.
The deal usually works something a little like this; the business owner has no money to fund the project and has no VC (venture capital) backing, yet she/he is convinced they have the next best idea since sliced bread. Her/his pitch is that the graphic artist does the entire up front design and creativity, then, if the idea takes off she/he will get a percentage of the profits or a flat rate. What designers typically hear is, “I am looking to partner with someone - I am looking for a partner”. This statement should be one of many HUGE red flags: remember that a partner is someone what not only has risk in the company, they have a stake and a say in its creation and direction. As a designer you have nothing. What the owner really means is, “I need someone to bear all of the upfront risk for me and if it takes off I may pay her/him.” Ouch.
At this point, a couple of questions have probably leap into your mind:
* Why doesn’t this business owner have any money? Isn’t having working capital in a business essential for success?
* How will I know that if the business takes off, the owner will pay? When will they pay, and how much will they pay?
* If this idea is so good, why would any sensible owner want to share in the future profits?
* Why can’t she/he find business people looking to invest in such a “great idea”? Shouldn’t venture capitalists (VC) be jumping over each other to invest in this?
Are All of These Deals Bad Ideas?
Not necessarily. I don’t want to paint a portrait of unscrupulous business owners preying on unsuspecting graphic designers like a Hollywood movie about Dracula. These aren’t bad people; at least most of them, and there are some legitimate projects and business owners out there that might be worth a look. But over my seven plus years as a designer, I’ve never been approached with one. If you’re an owner legitimately looking for someone to help you with your business, or if you’re a designer has been approached with a deal, I leave you with the following advice.
My Advice to Business Owners Looking for Help:
* You might want to look into working with a designer who is young, inexperienced or doesn’t have a lot of work coming in. They might be willing to take a chance on your project. Be willing to take a lesser degree of talent and experience when not paying.
* Make sure you’re committed to your project: a business plan, marketing strategy and competitive analysis are a must. Make sure you’ve seriously researched your market before you contact any designer.
* Be honest with yourself and the designer. If you have no intention to pay the designer upfront and you need a partner, let this be known at the beginning of your conversation. I’ve experienced owners who hold off of disclosing this until after a proposal and a face-to-face meeting. It turns out they wasted their time and mine.
* Talented designers really aren’t interested in these types of projects. She/he has clients more than willing to pay them in cash. You want to avoid wasting your time and theirs and concentrate on other options. Now you might get lucky and convince one to help you, but 99 times out of 100 you’re going to be throwing away time.
My Advice to Younger Graphic Designers:
* Use your common sense: If the idea was that good, why would the owner be foolish to share the profits with you?
* Use your common sense part 2: If the idea was that good the business owner would have no trouble finding venture capitalists jumping over each other to invest in the project. Perhaps the owner doesn’t even know how to do this – red flag here. Remember, there is ALWAYS funding for good ideas.
* Ask to see a business plan or model. See the projected financial statements and marketing strategy. Make certain that the business owner’s put a lot of work into this idea and that it makes sense to you. No business plan, no designer.
* If this will allow you to practice a new skill, broaden your portfolio or keep you busy when you don’t have a lot of work coming in you may want to VERY CAREFULLY consider the project.
* Be wary about being promised “loads and loads” of referrals after you complete the project, “I am going to tell all of my friends about you”. I hear this all the time, and if you’re a freelancer, your going to hear it to, if you believe it let me know – I’ve got beachfront property in Kansas I’d like you to look at.
* The best advice I can give you is to try to quickly identify the bad ideas and the scams. Very politely tell the owners that you’re not interested in the project and leave it at that. Watch your time with these people; you can invest valuable hours without making a dime. Ouch, that can hurt.
* Get EVERYTHING and I mean EVERYTHING in writing up front in the form of a contract.
* Accept the risk: if you do decide to take on a project and it doesn’t take off. You’ll have no recourse against the business owner.
Designers, use your common sense, if you really need the work and or experience you may on a rare occasion consider one of these, but protect yourself at all times. Ask yourself, “If this idea is so good, why can’t the owner raise any money to pay for a designer?” Remember, your time is just as valuable as the next person’s; you deserve to be paid for your time and your expertise. Make sure you protect yourself at all times.
A business savvy graphic designer is often a contradiction in terms; however, Jeremy is a unique combination of sharp business marketer and creative designer. This one-two punch provides clients with targeted marketing, advertising and design projects that yield outstanding results and a terrific return on their investment; they actually work. Companies looking to feel more confident and credible with their business brand, tired of getting lost in a crowd of competitors and always feeling like they have to compete on price, need to call Jeremy at 480.391.0704.
If you are looking for more free insight and inspiration, you’ll want to get in on the “Can-Do Confidence Builder”. Emailed weekly, the Confidence Builder provides you with essential marketing and design insights that help you get the most out of your investment and help you to stay one step ahead of the competition. Email Jeremy at comments@candographics.com and asked to be added to our list or visit http://www.candographics.com
By: Jeremy Tuber
They sound pretty ridiculous, don’t they?
You’re probably saying, “That would never happen”, and you’re probably right, but you’d be amazed at how many business owners pitch graphic designers such a deal. In fact, there seems to be a never-ending parade of Monte Hall “wanna-be’s” wanting to play, “Let’s Make a Deal”. From the humorous to the absurd, from the mildly insulting to just plain fraudulent - if you’ve been a freelance designer for a few years, you going to see it all.
Over the years business owners have pitched me on some outrageous deals over the most wacky products imaginable: a hangover pill, wearable buttons with Bible verses on it, a baby coupon book, dune buggy races and inspirational decals you can stick on windows. An interesting side note is that ALL, and I mean all of these business owners were thoroughly convinced they had the next great idea – and that I would be foolish not to get in on their rocket ride to fame and fortune.
There’s the Windup, and Here’s the Pitch
The business owner’s pitch is that the graphic designer provides some upfront work on a project(s), and if the owner’s idea takes off and makes money, she/he will pay the designer. If the project doesn’t take off the designer doesn’t get paid and has wasted her/his time - the owner isn’t out any time or money for the design. Sounds like a good deal, doesn’t it? Not if you’re the designer.
The deal usually works something a little like this; the business owner has no money to fund the project and has no VC (venture capital) backing, yet she/he is convinced they have the next best idea since sliced bread. Her/his pitch is that the graphic artist does the entire up front design and creativity, then, if the idea takes off she/he will get a percentage of the profits or a flat rate. What designers typically hear is, “I am looking to partner with someone - I am looking for a partner”. This statement should be one of many HUGE red flags: remember that a partner is someone what not only has risk in the company, they have a stake and a say in its creation and direction. As a designer you have nothing. What the owner really means is, “I need someone to bear all of the upfront risk for me and if it takes off I may pay her/him.” Ouch.
At this point, a couple of questions have probably leap into your mind:
* Why doesn’t this business owner have any money? Isn’t having working capital in a business essential for success?
* How will I know that if the business takes off, the owner will pay? When will they pay, and how much will they pay?
* If this idea is so good, why would any sensible owner want to share in the future profits?
* Why can’t she/he find business people looking to invest in such a “great idea”? Shouldn’t venture capitalists (VC) be jumping over each other to invest in this?
Are All of These Deals Bad Ideas?
Not necessarily. I don’t want to paint a portrait of unscrupulous business owners preying on unsuspecting graphic designers like a Hollywood movie about Dracula. These aren’t bad people; at least most of them, and there are some legitimate projects and business owners out there that might be worth a look. But over my seven plus years as a designer, I’ve never been approached with one. If you’re an owner legitimately looking for someone to help you with your business, or if you’re a designer has been approached with a deal, I leave you with the following advice.
My Advice to Business Owners Looking for Help:
* You might want to look into working with a designer who is young, inexperienced or doesn’t have a lot of work coming in. They might be willing to take a chance on your project. Be willing to take a lesser degree of talent and experience when not paying.
* Make sure you’re committed to your project: a business plan, marketing strategy and competitive analysis are a must. Make sure you’ve seriously researched your market before you contact any designer.
* Be honest with yourself and the designer. If you have no intention to pay the designer upfront and you need a partner, let this be known at the beginning of your conversation. I’ve experienced owners who hold off of disclosing this until after a proposal and a face-to-face meeting. It turns out they wasted their time and mine.
* Talented designers really aren’t interested in these types of projects. She/he has clients more than willing to pay them in cash. You want to avoid wasting your time and theirs and concentrate on other options. Now you might get lucky and convince one to help you, but 99 times out of 100 you’re going to be throwing away time.
My Advice to Younger Graphic Designers:
* Use your common sense: If the idea was that good, why would the owner be foolish to share the profits with you?
* Use your common sense part 2: If the idea was that good the business owner would have no trouble finding venture capitalists jumping over each other to invest in the project. Perhaps the owner doesn’t even know how to do this – red flag here. Remember, there is ALWAYS funding for good ideas.
* Ask to see a business plan or model. See the projected financial statements and marketing strategy. Make certain that the business owner’s put a lot of work into this idea and that it makes sense to you. No business plan, no designer.
* If this will allow you to practice a new skill, broaden your portfolio or keep you busy when you don’t have a lot of work coming in you may want to VERY CAREFULLY consider the project.
* Be wary about being promised “loads and loads” of referrals after you complete the project, “I am going to tell all of my friends about you”. I hear this all the time, and if you’re a freelancer, your going to hear it to, if you believe it let me know – I’ve got beachfront property in Kansas I’d like you to look at.
* The best advice I can give you is to try to quickly identify the bad ideas and the scams. Very politely tell the owners that you’re not interested in the project and leave it at that. Watch your time with these people; you can invest valuable hours without making a dime. Ouch, that can hurt.
* Get EVERYTHING and I mean EVERYTHING in writing up front in the form of a contract.
* Accept the risk: if you do decide to take on a project and it doesn’t take off. You’ll have no recourse against the business owner.
Designers, use your common sense, if you really need the work and or experience you may on a rare occasion consider one of these, but protect yourself at all times. Ask yourself, “If this idea is so good, why can’t the owner raise any money to pay for a designer?” Remember, your time is just as valuable as the next person’s; you deserve to be paid for your time and your expertise. Make sure you protect yourself at all times.
A business savvy graphic designer is often a contradiction in terms; however, Jeremy is a unique combination of sharp business marketer and creative designer. This one-two punch provides clients with targeted marketing, advertising and design projects that yield outstanding results and a terrific return on their investment; they actually work. Companies looking to feel more confident and credible with their business brand, tired of getting lost in a crowd of competitors and always feeling like they have to compete on price, need to call Jeremy at 480.391.0704.
If you are looking for more free insight and inspiration, you’ll want to get in on the “Can-Do Confidence Builder”. Emailed weekly, the Confidence Builder provides you with essential marketing and design insights that help you get the most out of your investment and help you to stay one step ahead of the competition. Email Jeremy at comments@candographics.com and asked to be added to our list or visit http://www.candographics.com
By: Jeremy Tuber
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