Capture Websites as PDF's

I took an Adobe InDesign class a couple of years ago and the instructor was a hoot! She made the all day class fun, interactive and she calls herself "Her Geekness" – Anne-Marie Concepción, mistress of digital design. Well any way, she has a great ezine that I stumble upon every so often for techie how-to's and today I was awed and amazed! How to capture websites, one page or the entire site as a PDF. How did I not know how to do this? She does indicate that not many web designers she has worked with have heard of it...but still! Sometimes I feel like I live under a rock!

Here is the link to that fabulous article. I hope you can use it!

http://designgeek.com/capture-web-sites-pdfs

Websites Solutions for Small Businesses

There are so many content management systems out there for the small business owner to try to DIY (do it yourself) on the website thing. Joomla, Go Daddy and Word Press just to name a few. As a small business owner, I know that the marketing budget is thin. I appreciate why small business owners want to save money and try to DIY, they learn how to repair their kitchen sink and faux paint their walls, why not build a website? After hours and hours taken away from their business and families (burning the midnight oil) they concede and call a professional.

I would say 1/3 of my clients come to me with a DIY website that they are unhappy with. They had to pick their overall look and feel from a template that doesn't represent the awesomeness of their business. They are frustrated with writing copy that relays their message and yet may actually be picked up by search engines. The software is just not intuitive so that they can self manage.

This is why several years ago I decided to work with Catdoor Websites. Catdoor Websites are designed specifically for small to mid-size organizations needing a website that is maintainable by the organization without the need for webmaster skills. I provide custom designs for each client based on their existing brand and marketing collateral that showcases their business. Hosting and support are also provided to the organization. An affordable website solution for small businesses!

Here's a link to a good article. Although the author titled his article "Build a Website in 60 Minutes", I would have to respectfully disagree. However he does add "assuming you are prepared". I guess his marketing worked...he hooked me with the title!

http://bit.ly/lldTCk

SEO and Design: Two Very Different Things

This is an area that is misunderstood by my clients. Most of my clients come to me for an affordable website that they can manage but that also has a custom design. But they also want me to write their copy and optimize their web site so that search engines find and rank them. Everyone wants to be on page one, right?

Well, I am a designer not a copy writer or an expert in SEO. I know some of both, but really, I am an expert at making your marketing material look pretty so hire me for your design and hire an expert to write your copy and and do your SEO. I try to educate my clients as best I can and I have an arsenal of experts in marketing, SEO and copy writing that I am able to refer them to.

Here is a good article on what to look for when hiring a company to do your SEO.
http://bit.ly/mIfzpf

The Little Things

Every day I power up my Mac and get to the business of checking emails, Facebook, my calendar, and the most important thing, my clients design work. You don't give it much thought until your computer doesn't do what you need it to do...the screen is frozen and the hard drive is chugging away...panic sets in. Panic sets in because your computer never acts up when you are in between projects or have a loose time line. Noooo, it happens when you are in the middle of a big project the last week before it needs to go to print!

Now, I view my computer like I do my car – I know how to drive my car and follow the rules of the road, but I don't know, nor do I have a desire to know, the mechanics of how it operates. Same with computers. I know my design software, the ins and outs of my email program and social media sites, but I have no desire to know the technical logistics behind how they work. That's why I take my car to a mechanic and my computer to the Apple experts. Enter the best Apple repair shop in town, Team Technology. No long lines at the mall and very helpful, knowledgeable staff. They are a hidden gem in the southeast metro located in Woodbury. http://www.teamteks.com/Site/home.html

All is well in my world for now. I can pick up my computer just 24 hours later with a new drive installed and ready to tackle that catalog deadline. It's pretty likely after six years with my Mac, that I will be budgeting for a new computer in the next year!

Does your business card pass the trash can test?

I’ll tell how to make your business card stand out and not in a good way…print them yourself at home on Avery perforated paper or worse yet, use a site that offers the first 500 free with one of their templates. It’s happened to me before, someone who is a massage therapist hands me a business card using the same design as the wedding planner handed me last week. No brand recognition there.

A good business card design is an essential tool in your box. When you’re at a networking function meeting prospective clients or your work comes up in a conversation; your card is the anchor that leaves that lasting impression. It’s important to think about what your business card says about you. Does it pass the trash can test?

Nothing says I don’t take my business seriously like a poorly executed business card. When I get handed a template card, I don’t give it a second thought. But second thoughts and third thoughts are what you want from your business card. Don’t cut corners on good design and a professional printer. The average cost of a business card printed professionally is 10 cents. One of your least expensive marketing tools – make sure it passes the trash can test!

Check out Printz at www.printz.com.

A Crazy Concept for Sales: Be Authentic!

This authentic sales approach topic hit me twice in 24 hours so I feel compelled to blog about it. I have always shown up for prospective client meetings as "me". I don't use a script or try to incorporate sales techniques, I just let them know that I am passionate about helping other small businesses succeed, I listen first and design second and that as my customer their opinion matters. My designs will make them look good! Nothing magic about it, but I seem to attract the best clients and we work well together. It sounds like I am using authenticity to sell!

So back to the two hits in 24 hours. First hit. Yesterday I was at my eWomen Networking event and the speaker was Carolyn Herfurth with The Biztruth (www.thebiztruth.com/10things) and she covered the 10 Things Not to Say on a Sales Call and stressed being authentic in your sales approach. Second hit. I opened my email this morning and there was my Biznik article ezine. The very first article was titled "Get Real or Go Home: The New Trend in Business" by Dike Drummond, MD (http://bit.ly/dKQAXs) check it out...good stuff!

Nothing is more annoying than a bad sales tactic. Be your authentic self!

Typeface 101

With thousands maybe millions of typefaces available to us, how do you pick? The sheer volume can be overwhelming. Here are some ideas to help streamline the process:

• Choose serif typefaces for classic-feel pieces (law, health care, corporate). In general, the more serif the more elegant or classical the look. In typography, serifs are semi-structural details on the ends of some of the strokes that make up letters and symbols.

• Choose sans-serif typefaces for more modern or edgy pieces (high-tech, financial, young markets). In typography, a sans-serif typeface is one that does not have the small features called "serifs" at the end of strokes. The term comes from the French word sans, meaning "without".

• Use script typefaces sparingly, for elegant pieces (invitations, announcements, etc.)

• Choose typefaces to communicate specific qualities or to evoke emotion. For example, a classic serif typeface such as Garamond communicates a feeling of dependability and quality, while the sans-serif face Bank Gothic is clean and understated, with a contemporary look that communicates confidence.

• Choose typeface combinations carefully, selecting no more than two for each piece–one each for headings and body copy. For accent type use the bold or italics from within the font family of your body copy typeface. Example:

Heading
This is an example of using one typeface for your heading and another for your body copy. To accent type within your body copy, use your bold or italics within that font family.
 
Next week – What’s the Difference Between a Typeface and Font?

Using Color in Business Cards

Of all the forms of non-verbal communication, color is a serious contender in conveying messages and meanings. Color is often called the "silent salesperson," and should grab the holder's eye, convey the message of what the business is about, create a brand identity, and make that sale. Business cards are an essential marketing tool, so selecting the right colors can make all the difference.

The effect of color is subliminal and we are unaware of how persuasive it can be on our decision-making. Below are some emotional associations to color that people tend to experience. These are important to keep in mind along with how to combine them when creating effective business cards that will appeal to your prospective client.

White: Pure. Clean. Youthful. It's a neutral color that can imply purity in fashion and sterilization in the medical profession.

Black: Power. Elegant. Secretive. The color black can target your high-end market or be used in youth marketing to add mystery to your image but when combined with other colors it can be prestigious and formal.

Red: Passion. Excitement. Danger. Red is the color of attention, causing the blood pressure and heart rate to rise. Use red to inject excitement into your brand.

Orange: Vibrant. Energy. Play. Add some fun to your company if you want to create a playful environment for your customers.

Yellow: Happy. Warm. Alert. Yellow can be an attractor for your business with a relaxed feeling.

Green: Natural. Healthy. Plentiful. To create a calming effect or growth image choose green.

Purple: Royalty. Wise. Celebration. Maybe add some purple tones to your look for your premium service business.

Blue: Loyal. Peaceful. Trustworthy. Blue is the most popular and neutral color on a global scale. It is a safe choice for a business building customer loyalty.

Consider how these colors are being used in your current business cards. Are your colors projecting the personality and image you want? If not, it could be time for a color makeover.

Don’t re-create the wheel – the color wheel that is. Using complementary colors are those on the exact opposite side of the color wheel. If you choose a bright blue, the color on the opposite side is yellow. Use complementary colors on your business card to create a strong contrast between text and background or to separate elements from one another in a dramatic fashion.

Of course you may be working with a company logo that already has its color determined. No worries, there are creative ways to play with color and design to give your business a fresh new appeal.

21 fun examples: http://blog.uprinting.com/21-colorful-business-cards

What Design Topics Should I Blog About?

A couple of weeks ago I attended a networking event where we did Brain-Walking – an exercise where you break into small groups, bring a problem to the table and collectively your group helps you solve it. I asked my group "What topics related to graphic/web design would you be interested in learning more about?" Here was the list they brainstormed:

1. Best colors to use for business cards.
2. How to make business cards stand out.
3. Website visual tips – best place for menu bar, contact numbers, etc. for users ease in navigating and finding what they need.
4. How to make photographs pop on your website.
5. Recommendations for shopping carts, merchant accounts and domain names.
6. Tips for postcards and invitations.
7. Professionalism = Credibility in Marketing
8. Address why low cost/no cost isn't always best for designing your marketing material.
9. Show examples of a brochure done professionally and one DIY and address what the benefits are for having one designed professionally.
10. Address why websites should be updated on a regular basis.
11. What marketing pieces are key for a small business.
12. What information should/should not be on a business card.
13. What are the benefits of having your photo on your marketing pieces.
14. Talk about the importance of consistency with your brand.

You will see these topics covered in the coming months. If you have a burning question about graphic design, send it my way and I'll do my best to answer it!

6 Things Every Small Business Can Learn From Lady Gaga

If you know me, you know that I am a huge Lady Gaga fan. It is my biggest regret of 2010 that I didn't splurge and buy a ticket when she was at the Xcel Energy Center last summer! Her music motivates me when I work-out and I am known to bust a few moves to Bad Romance (my kids are rolling their eyes now). I never took the time to view her as a brilliant marketer and how she might be able to help my small business move to the next level, but I gained some new insight after reading the article "6 Things Every Small Business Can Learn From Lady Gaga". Marketing doesn't have to be a boring necessity, we can be creative and express the personality and character of our business in our own unique way.

http://bit.ly/dMkjyf

I'm an Entrepreneur

People often ask me why I started my own business and what I did before. When I share that I worked for the Department of Public Safety for 16 years and quit to go back to school to become a graphic designer, I see the surprise on their face. Why would you leave a secure job with good benefits? Because I had a dream.

Did this dream come with sacrifices? Yes. Do I still question if I made the right decision? Sometimes. Would I change things? No. I am more me now. I set my own hours, market myself, have a plan and set goals, build relationships, help other small business owners with my talents and with my love. It fills my heart to help others achieve their greatness and in doing so, I have been blessed with a growing business myself.

I just finished watching a 26 minute film, SHINE: The Entrepreneur’s Journey, a collaborative film project by Biznik Cofounder Dan McComb and Ben Medina. It explores what it takes to change the world one small business at a time. If you are an entrepreneur, watch it, it will resonate. If you are not an entrepreneur, watch it any way, you may have a greater appreciation for those in your life who are or maybe you will be inspired to take that first step into your dream.

http://biznik.com/shine

Shine on!

Bored with Your Treadmill Workout?

What does this have to do with graphic design you ask? Well, I think a good workout is necessary to be productive period. This is where I get some of my most creative ideas and do some pretty major problem solving! For me, and for many, winter is the toughest time in Minnesota to stay on track with workouts. I have opted for the treadmill as my machine of choice and am starting to get bored with my routine. Here are some great options to mix-up your treadmill workout and get you through the rest of winter so you are ready to hit the trails this spring!

My New Marketing Tool – Ace of Sales

"Insanity: Doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results." - Albert Einstein

Wondering how you're going to increase your bottom line this year?  I have been introduced to a new sales and marketing tool that can help you make sales, close deals, and build loyal relationships. Ace of Sales gives you the tools and training to attract, engage, differentiate, thank, stay in touch and WOW your customers!

Since I began using Ace of Sales I have seriously simplified my marketing! Try it out FREE for 30 days – see if it doesn't do the same for you. Go to:
www.aceofsales.com
Select "Sign-up Now" use my promo code: smdesign30

For 30 days you can send as many personalized emails as you would like and you can also send 1 free card and 1 free postcard. Have fun!

What does your Google PageRank mean? And how does it matter? - Search Engine Optimization (SEO)

This is my sixth year in business and boy has my role as a graphic designer evolved! I signed on to be a graphic designer – to make things look visually attractive and compelling first in print and then kicking and screaming to web. It was not even implied while I was in school, that I would have to know marketing and SEO (search engine optimization). But that is what is expected of a graphic designer these days. I won't pretend that I am an expert in SEO, because believe me I am not – but I have dived head first into trying to figure it out so that I can make it a little easier for my clients to understand.

I want to share this article I read in my Biznik Weekly Article Hot Sheet. (If you are not signed up with Biznik, you need to be! Think inbound link.) I learned some things I didn't know and solidified some things I did. The author writes simply so the rest of us can understand!

My PR is 2, and I am pretty happy with that. It shows I've done some work on creating those inbound links and it is working, but there is always room for improvement. I will continue to work on increasing my PR in 2011!

What does your Google PageRank mean? And how does it matter? - Search Engine Optimization (SEO)

You need a logo? Where do you start?

Designing a logo is an exciting challenge for a graphic designer. A logo is a visual representation of your business – who you are and what you have to offer. So where do you start?

When a client wants to hire me for their new logo, I am filled with excitement, anticipation and a little apprehension. How will I be able to design that perfect logo, something fresh and original? But once I begin the design process one idea flows into the next and we’re on our way!

To help this process get started, I give an assignment to my clients. If you do your homework before you meet with your logo designer, I guarantee you'll end up with a better logo.

Research your competition. The Internet is a great research tool, whether you're looking for information or images. Start your research by searching for similar businesses to your own (your competition), looking at their websites, and noting their logos, and colors. Also pay attention to your reaction to these things. Does it appeal to you? Is it appropriate? Do you like the font used? Do you like the color schematic? Make a list of these website to pass along to me noting the ones that resonate with you and those that don’t. Magazines can also help in the process. Tear out pages with logos or brands that make you do a double take.

Brainstorm. What colors fit your business? What kinds of symbols or graphic elements suit what you do? Is there an idea you've always had for what your logo should look like? In your marketplace, are there symbols that are continually overused? If so, steer clear.

Less is more in a logo. A logo needs to be visible in both large and small print. Your complicated logo illustration might look great when it's used large, but what happens when it has to be reduced to a 1” x 1” square, in black and white, or printed on a lousy inkjet printer?

First impressions count. Your professionally designed logo will go a long way toward positively branding your business.

 

Excited About Fonts

As a graphic designer, I am always noticing fonts. In business cards, brochures, newspapers, and signs – you name it. My friends tease me about it all of the time, they say “no one else would notice things like that”. Well start I tell them! Fonts are like works of art – and they are literally. Font designers, artists for sure, create each letter, each symbol, each number to make up the completed masterpiece. When I spend time browsing for fonts or happen upon a design that used just the right font, I get flat out excited! Check out this link to see MyFonts “Top Fonts of 2010” http://new.myfonts.com/newsletters/sp/201101.html

Get fontcited!

Breathe

I am reminded again today to breathe. I returned software to Amazon within the 30 day time frame to get my full refund and low and behold, they refunded me only $80.01 of the $169.99! She said I was charged a re-stocking fee...needless to say I caught myself in a pattern of shallow breathing. Before I chose my words for the customer service gal, I took a few deep breaths. Apparently the item was damaged en route, which I find hard to believe as I packaged it with much care and sent it UPS. It all turned out OK though, she gave me a one-time exception...how nice of her...and I was refunded the balance owed to me.

Ok, so last night I was writing my first blog in my head and my thoughts were on 2011 and how putting focus on healthful living would positively affect all aspects of my life. Including my business and graphic design. How modifying my diet, (and I mean modify) no refined sugar or flour, eating more Mediterranean, exercising and yes, breathing. I know you are thinking, dah breathing...the thing we do every day breathe in, breathe out. No, I mean breathing for real. Taking time from your busy, hectic day to pay attention to your breathing. Feel it go in and fill your diaphragm and feel it slowly leave your body from every fiber of your being. Cleansing, purposeful breathing.

Five minutes a day – it works, give it a try. My 2011 mantra, "Just Breathe".