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".