Using Graphics to Maximize Your Business
Contents
Quality Graphics and Your Business
Whether your business offers
products and services offline
or online, high quality graphics
can play an important role.
You’ve heard it time and time again, “a picture’s worth a thousand words,” and that’s true when you
opt for high quality graphics.
Let’s first look at offline businesses. How often do you see products that don’t
offer some time of graphic packaging designed to help sell
the product, and it works? Consumer testing has shown that if you have two identical items – one with plain
packaging and one with catchy quality graphics
– the latter will sell.
Can you imagine going to the
store to buy a bottle of orange juice and all that was on the packaging
were the words “orange juice.”
Would you buy this orange
juice or would you choose
the one right beside that looked professionally packaged with colorful
graphic components that were
attractive and appealing to the appetite?
The automobile industry, communication industry, and food industry all know how important quality graphics attached to their
products are. If the auto industry could sell cars with plain sheets of paper with just the vehicle
facts, do you really think they would go to the cost of printing those
enticing color brochures? They provide them because
they work.
The examples are endless
but you get the idea. The power of
quality graphics is even more evident online. Anyone can sell online as
long as they have a computer and an internet
connection. As a result, there has been an explosion of online
businesses and a highly competitive market has evolved. Making sales online is not as simple
as one might think.
There’s the high level of
competition, the uneasiness that still exists by consumers, and perception, which all affect whether a
visitor decides to complete a purchase. When your website is perceived as a safe place to shop visitors will buy.
The use of graphics can help to achieve
that feeling, and quality graphics will also entice visitors creating a
positive buying experience.
Graphic design is critical to the
success of your online and offline business. As a result, you should leave it to the professionals to
create the perfect images for your business, and the placement of those images. Whatever you do, don’t assume that a
little bit of clip art or just any image
will do the job. Thousands upon thousands of businesses before you have failed
because of this one little mistake.
Don’t let your business become a statistic.
Does Your Company
Marketing Plan Include
the Use of Graphic
Logo?
Whether your business makes use of direct mail,
a website, business
cards, newspaper ads, or a number of other marketing options
available to you, without a good plan you may be disappointed at the inadequate return
on investment you receive.
It all begins with targeting
your audience so you need to understand who that target market is. That
way you can maximize your ROI. You also need to create
brand identity and that’s where
the use of graphics is important.
Does your company have the look of a reputable company that consumers can depend on?
Do you have a logo? If yes, is
that logo doing a good job in identifying your business and creating
brand recognition? If you don’t have a logo or you don’t think it’s creating the branding effect it should then it’s time to get
busy and either design your own logo or have a website design company do it for you.
A few things to keep in mind
when creating a logo.
- Consistency is important
across everything you do. There should be one logo that is used
on all company correspondence. It’s this consistency that lends itself to branding over time.
- Your logo should be simple and easily identifiable.
–
some of the most recognizable logos are a single
letter or symbol.
Learn from the successful.
- Color is also important and how you use that color
is even more important. The color(s) you use on your logo should compliment other company colors.
Finally, don’t make the mistake that so many small businesses do, and undertake the creation of your own logo. It’s a big mistake to
think that a little zig here and a little zag there and you have the logo your company will live with
for the rest of its days. There are many aspects involved in creating a successful logo. The quick fix of
creating your own logo tends to be a disaster over time, and you also waste a lot of time.
When a logo is being designed all aspects of your company will be looked
at and what it is your company wants to communicate about
itself, including whether the company has a slogan that should tie to the logo. Logos are highly misunderstood, and not
given the full attention they should.
Your logo can tie all elements of your
business together nicely
and it can definitely increase your return
on investment when it comes to your marketing plan.
Why You
Should Use a Graphic Design Company
for Your Business
If you’ve had difficulty finding a
graphic design company with a solid reputation, you aren’t alone. With thousands of companies vying
for your business you’ll have no problem finding a graphic design company that fits the
needs of your business.
For some taking care of your own graphic design
is possible, but for many the talent isn’t there and you will
need to look for a graphic design company that can fill your needs. Hiring a professional to do your graphic design
work takes much of the guesswork out of it. They know what works, what factors to incorporate in the graphics
and what doesn’t
work.
Look to your graphic design to
brand your business. Many companies have a logo that becomes their branding image. For example, the McDonalds
arch, or the Nike checkmark. Almost
everyone knows these logos. But do
you know that the logo for Facebook looks like? It’s important to have a logo that people remember and that
customers gravitate towards
because of company
or brand recognition.
You should be aware,
that changing a logo can negatively affect your
business, and how your customers think of your business.
Therefore, it’s advised that you do not change your logo unless it is absolutely necessary.
If you decide to do your graphic
design on your own programs like Adobe Photoshop can be real helpful. It has all kinds of fantastic tools within it,
allowing you to create any design you wish. If you
aren’t familiar with these programs
you find plenty of help books to aid you.
Graphic designs should follow
visual rules for line, color, shape, textures, volume, value, tone, and form. Your design needs to create a
center of interest along with unity and harmony. Good balance will provide visual weight and establish importance.
The size of your graphic is important
to. While it needs to be large enough to be visible and notable, it should not overpower all your correspondence, print material, and website.
Graphics play such an important
role in all aspects of your business. It’s important to never underestimate their value. The most successful businesses know how to maximize their graphic value. If you
are unsure of how to accomplish this task on your own, turn to graphic design professionals who know and understand their industry and how
it applies to your business.
There are plenty of talented
professionals who can help make your business the success it should
be.
How Exhibition
Graphics Can Promote
Your Company
If you’re participating at a
trade exhibition, it’s important that you stand out against the many participants. Your competition at the trade show will be at a local,
regional, even national
level. You’ll need to
convince the potential consumer that your business is the best choice out of
all competition at the trade show.
Smart businesses will look to professional exhibition graphic providers to create that distinction. They
have several products that can help you achieve this distinction:
1. Work
with a professional graphics company to create panels and posters, containing
your trademarks, business names,
logos, and others exhibition graphics you may want to use. The experience these companies bring to the table are worth the cost.
2. Promote
and display your exhibition message either with a pop up exhibition stand or
rollup banner system. Both methods
are easy to set up and tear down, and they are also easy to transport and store after the event. They
generally come in a self contained container and they take up little room for storage. In just a couple
of minutes, they can
be up and ready to use.
3. A
professional graphics design company who specializes in exhibitions will have
the necessary skills to create posters
that contain a slogan relevant
to the event. For example,
your posters might reference
the date, time, and specific event details for the exhibition. They will be skilled
in producing a product with a message
that is relevant to the exhibition event.
4. Whether
a free standing area or shell scheme, when an exhibition graphics are well
designed and display units create a
professional look, it reflects positively on your company and you should
expect to draw interest from visitors at the
exhibition or trade fair.
Trade shows and exhibitions are
commonly participated in. In fact, they are one of the best methods of exposure available to your
business. You might consider participation in more trade shows or exhibitions if you see good results and you see that
visitors are converting to paid customers.
Don’t overlook the power of advertising and exhibition graphics in the
promotion of your business and what
it is you have to offer.
Since these graphics are highly
specialized, it is recommended that you stay with a professional graphics team and get the finished
product that you can benefit from the most. Exhibition graphics can play an integral role in promoting your company and
you can enjoy the long term benefits.
The Role
of Graphics in the Global
Market
A
quick look at the global
market of today’s business
and it’s easy to see how technology has made it a highly
competitive place, which has resulted in the role of graphics becoming even more important to the modern day business.
Eye catching graphics are a valuable tool for
today’s highly competitive
business.
The role of graphics is evident in
our day to day lives – just take a look around. Around the world, millions of graphics are being
designed in an effort to attract potential consumers and increase business sales. When graphics are properly arranged and
managed, they will be an attractive
asset to your business. Just tossing in a graphic is not adequate. When a
graphic defines the text and adds
cohesiveness and interest the graphic becomes meaningful. This is the real goal in using graphics in a global
market.
Web graphics designs aid in
improving website layout in a manner that will attract visitors and express the company’s message, all the
while effectively stimulating the senses of the visitor. It sounds simple here, but the truth is – it’s a lot of work.
There are some things
you should consider
when you are designing
a graphic. First, you need to determine who your audience is and
what the status of that audience is. Then you have to look at the message and what it’s trying to do. Finally, you need
to know what the medium is going to be (print, online,
posters, etc.).
Once you have an understanding of
the basic requirements he/she needs to begin to format the layout including graphics and text. This
includes the font you use as well as the size and color of that text, and how it will
all come to together. Then you
need to understand your graphics design
including color, emphasis,
text, and ensuring it has been properly proofread. Your graphic design needs to take into consideration
movement, proportion, pattern, proximity, contrast, balance, color, unity, texture,
and white space.
In the global market place that’s
growing at a rate that’s hard to comprehend, graphic designs must also change
in order to ensure they continue
to fit properly and offer
maximum benefit.
The software, printing, and graphic options
are extremely flexible,
as well as practical. Graphic designs are an
integral part of your website and your role in
a global market.
The global market is going to continue to be highly
competitive and understanding the role of graphics
will keep you ahead of your competition.
The Role
of Graphics in Your Online Business
If you are going to run an
online business graphics are essential. Whatever type of business activities you are doing
online, advertising, or running
an online storefront, your business will be presented to countless international
customers. Your online businesses success or failure is significantly influenced
based on the graphics you choose
to use on your website.
When you use professional graphics
on your website your site look more professional, just as when you use low quality graphics it can
have a negative effect. Rather than using blurry or other graphics that are simply not good, don’t use any at all. Visitors
will judge your website by the quality
of the graphics whether you like it or not – it’s just the way it is.
Save money elsewhere and keep your
budget for quality graphics – it’s worth every penny! If you look like an amateur you’ll be treated like one – people are
leery about dealing with amateur companies.
For a graphic to be most effective, it will clearly express your brand and the public
will quickly come to associate that graphic with your company. Consider the
famous McDonald’s M, the Blackberry
dots, or the Nike swoosh. Branding is as important to your business as working capital.
When branding is done right, there
is no question about who the graphic belongs to. The value of that initial investment will carry
you years into the future when done correctly. Your company will not reap the benefits immediately,
but they will over time as that graphic becomes recognizable you will begin
to enjoy the full value.
This applies in traditional
business and it applies on your website business. Online there’s tons of similar sites and so the sooner you
are able to create brand recognition through graphic recognition (branding), so give
this task the full attention it deserves.
The role of graphics expands even
further. Graphics are a powerful tool in increasing sales. There are many studies that have been done
showing how top quality graphics that are placed properly on the website and with the text appropriately placed
will enjoy a significant increase in the length
of time visitors remain
on your site.
Graphics are very important
to your online business. A graphic designer can be a very valuable
person to have working on your website and most times worth the cost. If
you aren’t aware of the full benefits
of high quality graphics on your website, it’s a good idea to spend a little
time reading more on just how your graphic choices
can affect the success
of your online business.
Top Tips for
Using Graphics for Your Business Publicity
If you are pitching your business,
don’t miss out on the opportunity the use of graphics offers you. It’s an excellent tool in your
business publicity. Often a high quality graphic or photo is the first thing that the reader sees. A
picture serves as an anchor, which is why you will see photos or graphics associated with many top
stories. In the world of journalism, a good photo can take your story from the back of a magazine
to the front. Here are some top tips you should know about for using graphic for your business publicity.
- Graphs
such as bar charts or pie charts help your reader better understand complex
issues. Use them freely when they can add value to what you are saying or promoting.
- If
you are including a photo of yourself should be above the shoulders and a good
resolution. Don’t be afraid to
include your photo with reports, stories, as well as other advertising or marketing.
- Use exterior
and interior photos
of your business in media events
and marketing campaigns. Consider using photos
of people at work inside
your business where applicable.
- Press releases
for promotions, awards, new products, etc. should include a photo.
- Use graphics
to create company
and brand recognition
- Have
graphics professionally designed for maximum value and begin to create
association early on.
- Use photos
that are relevant.
For example, if you are a fitness
trainer you might consider a photo that shows you in some type of fitness
event.
- Stay
away from graphics that are too big. While graphics are extremely valuable,
that valuable can be undermined by using graphics that are too large.
- All images
should be in a
digital format so that all media and websites can have access.
- If
you are involved in sponsoring events, make sure to take advantage of the photo
opportunity that can benefit your business.
Graphics are a powerful tool for
all businesses, yet surprisingly their value is often misunderstood, and still more often graphics are completely
ignored. When graphics and photos are
used in the right manner, they present an incredible amount of value to
all businesses.
If you aren’t sure how to get the
most value from graphics and photos it’s a good idea to speak with a professional who can guide you in
the right direction and ensure you understand the does and don’ts of graphics
and photos in your
business publicity.
How to Use Images to Tell Your Story
For the most part, business
marketing involves graphic images. Today’s world involves digital images.
Images and graphics
are key to telling
your story. Business graphics
are powerful tools that are sometimes overlooked.
You will need to decide where you
will undertake graphic design projects on your own or hire a professional that has experience in
working with graphics. Your images will enhance your story, whether that story, your advertisement,
your press release, and any other written correspondence your company partakes in.
There are
things that work and things that don’t when it comes to images. Quality is
important. Choose an image that is of good quality.
Never use images
that are unclear or that do not look
professional. After all this is your company that’s being reflected.
You should also not place an image
just to place one. Too often, a business will grab an image just to place an image in their story.
That’s not a good idea. You want your graphic or photo images to be relevant. When you do this, you’ll discover a much
higher readability from the beginning to end of your story.
If you have a logo be sure to
incorporate it into all your print material. Product and company branding are both important and can be
easily achieved using graphics in your articles. Brand and company recognition can lead to an
increase in revenue so learn
how to get the most out of it.
Don’t be afraid to incorporate relevant graphs and charts into your story.
They can bring added value and interest. Just don’t make them too complicated, as
that will have the exact opposite effect.
Every business has all kinds of different
print material including:
- Press releases
- Advertisements
- Business proposals
- Website content
- Newsletters
- Direct mail outs
- Brochures
- Business cards
- Forms
- Interview coverage
Each form of
print will tell your story in a different way because each type of print has a
different function and purpose.
It’s important to match your graphic usage appropriately and to learn how to make the most out of your images when you do incorporate them into your print material.
This isn’t always as easy as one
might think it is. Many times it’s worth the money to have an expert in
graphics design working with you to ensure
you always enjoy maximum value for your efforts.
Stay competitive with the proper use of graphics and images
in your print material.
Designing a Business Card With Graphics
Whether you have a company or
you are a freelancer, your business card is critical and how professional your business card looks can make or break your business. After all, it is the first contact
you may have with a potential
customer.
There are all kinds of business cards you can choose
from, or you can design your own. Many are
not aware of the importance of putting good graphics on your business card. Too
often a graphic design is grabbed
just to fill space, which means you miss an opportunity to leave a lasting
image with the person(s) who receives
the card.
The graphic on your business card
should be associated with your business, with you, or with what you do. Graphics are a great way to
brand a company, product, or person. Your business card is a bit like your portfolio but the mini version. It
tells the recipient what you do and how they
can contact you. Many times business cards are kept by the recipient for a very
long time. When you use the graphic
right it’s likely that the recipient will make the connection and instantly
or almost instantly.
Once you’ve chosen your logo or
graphic you will need to decide on the paper you will use, colors.
Your options will depend on whether you are going to print your own business cards
or have them printed
professionally. Try not to choose a paper that’s too busy because it can be irritating and your business card just might land
in the trash.
Your business card should include
your logo or graphic, company name, your name, your title, phone number, email address, website,
mailing address, and slogan or catch phrase if you have one. The information on your business card should be clear and
concise, and remember your graphic
should be memorable to your business
and create branding.
Many don’t recognize the real potential of a business card and tend to cut
back on distribution to keep the cost down. That’s a huge
mistake! Business cards are an easy and affordable way to get your name and your business out into
the community, allowing you to connect with like minded people, and potential clients or customers. Next to the
web, it has the easiest and most affordable
method available to a business or freelancer to gain the exposure necessary to
grow your business.
When it comes to
your graphic – take your time, consider your message, and choose wisely the first
time so you do not have
to change your graphic later. It’s that important!
How Web Graphics Design Can Help Your Business
Grow
Its official – web graphic design
is now recognized as the most modern method for online communication and it’s certainly easy to use. It’s a good idea to explore
the different options
you have available to you in
the form of visual stimuli. Web graphics engage the imagination, create appeal, and even affect cognitive skills.
Graphic designs play an important role in the public image of any brand, and therefore when product endorsement is an
issue you need to give your graphic
design the proper consideration.
There are a number of excellent
graphic design service companies that can provide you with excellent
graphic designs that are
aesthetically pleasing and visually appealing to your visitors.
There are simply
some elements that don’t convert
to words and the proper
graphics can.
When it comes to marketing, the
significance of graphic design services is well known. When graphics are successful, it can increase
the profits of a business. The graphic designer you hire needs to study the requirements of your business and look at
your internet marketing plan. As the
graphics design company designs your graphic designs, they can grow your
profits. To get optimum graphics for
your website, spend the money and hire a professional graphic design company
to do your web graphic designs
for you.
The needs of a business pertaining
to graphic design needs vary depending on budget and type of business. When imaginative skills are
put to work on graphics creations, the choices are endless. Spectacular designs can be fashioned by smart use of
images, colors, and sounds. An experienced graphic designer will provide a professional looking website.
Your graphic designs choices need
to match the web design, site content, and types of clients. Online competition is fierce and it’s getting
fiercer every day that goes by.
Your focus should
be in pioneering graphic design elements that will be
effective.
Graphic design is also used in logo design. A logo gives
your company a symbolic identity that helps them stand
out from the crowd, and it’s often referred to as branding. Your professional graphic design can be used on your websites, letterheads, flyers, and business cards.
When you are selecting a graphic
design company look for experience, value, and reliability. Choose a company where you feel
comfortable with the staff and where there are value added services. It’s all about matching your
company with the right graphic design company to get the most value.
Business Proposals do Better with Graphics and Color
Many companies have their own
unique branding, which often includes unique packaging, a logo, and other graphics that make them identifiable and recognizable. Many are not
aware how important it is
that this same recognition transcend across to business proposals. It’s a well known fact that business proposals
do better when graphics and color are used
correctly.
Color and graphics are recommended
except when a customer forbids its use, which is rare. However, when graphics and color are used it is imperative that
that sound judgment be used. Throwing
some clipart or a colorful logo just because you don’t know what else to do
will harm your business proposal
not help it.
There are a number
of factors that contribute to an excellent business proposal:
- Page layout
- Legibility through
font choice
- Proper white space
- Good use of graphics
- Color
The latter two – graphics and
color – are the most important of all the components involved in a good business proposal. There is some
excellent research backing the use of color. An independent study found there is a 73% increase in comprehension
and a 78% increase in retention when color
and graphics are used. A University of Minnesota study
found when simple
graphics were used the message persuasiveness increased by 47%.
Why do graphics have such an
impact when combined with words? Some people learn better with graphics, others are skimmers so
they are more likely to absorb content that includes graphics. When graphics
are statistical in nature, they tend to carry authority.
Here are some ways to enhance
your business proposal with graphics and color:
- When doing a business
proposal always include
your company’s logo.
- If
you have a company color make sure it is incorporated throughout your document.
For example, you can subtly
including a line between text and header
in your company
color.
- Avoid the use of poor
quality generic clip art. It will do nothing for your
business proposal. Don’t add just to add.
It needs to have value.
- Don’t use graphics that are too complex or high tech because you will frustrate
your reader and lose
them.
- Try to illustrate an idea in text graphically.
- Never put your
graphics at the end of your
document.
- Always consider
your audience when adding graphics.
Business proposals are important
document and they can be much more successful when you incorporate quality graphics
and color into your business
proposal.
Using Graphics
in Your Direct Mail Will Increase the Responses
Did you know from the minute
the recipient gets your
direct mail out and opens it, there are only 10 seconds
where he or she will decide whether to continue reading it or throw it in the trash.
During those 10 seconds your
recipient’s eyes become fixed on the images and headlines. They never look at the body for even a split second.
Before your
reader ever notices the text you’ve written, the reader sees the photos, the
clipart, and the drawings. Once you
understand the effects graphics have on flow of the eye, you can increase
your response to direct mail outs by getting the reader’s
attention.
- The reader’s
eyes will follow
the direction in which the illustration is focused.
- If
something in the illustration points the eye usually will follow in that
direction. For example, if a woman is wearing a vertical striped blouse, the eye will follow those stripes.
- Place the captions
as near to the pictures as you can.
- Captions need to
be below the picture or to the right. They should
never be to the left or above the picture.
- You
can capture and expand your readers view so he/she scans the whole page rather
than just a small section.
- At the far left of
the page put a commanding picture to draw the reader’s
eye and therefore expanding the readers view to
take the entire page in.
- If you have pictures
with people in them put them to the left and the eye will be drawn
to them.
- Put color pictures to the left and
black & white pictures to the right.
- Never put an
eye grabbing picture on the bottom
of your page because it will draw your reader
to the exit point.
- Studies indicate
that 80% of eyes will go to a vertical shape then a horizontal shape.
- Readers will see circled
areas before they will see square areas.
- A burst will immediately get the attention but it can backfire by causing
a distraction.
- People will read within
a border before they read the open tex.
If you want to increase the
response to your direct mail, using these tips will certainly help. Direct mail
outs can be a powerful
tool when used properly.
They can also be an expensive form of advertising
so you won’t want to waste your ad
budget.
How Graphic Posters
Can Help Maximize
Your Small Business
The global economic uncertainty
has had its toll on many businesses, but smaller companies have especially suffered. The crunch in
profits has led to a reduction in the financial resources available
for marketing, advertising, and promotions,
almost always the first place costs are cut. Think graphic posters – you’ll be amazed
at how they can help maximize your small business.
In fact, the graphic poster is one
of the best tools in an environment that is volatile. Posters have been around for decades and have long
been recognized as one of the most effective
promotional tools out there for small business. Let’s look at some of the advantages of a poster:
-
Small businesses put posters up where they will be
visible to people repeatedly. When seen over
and over again the posters tend to stimulate interest in the minds of those who
have seen them and that initiates action.
- Posters
are a cheap promotional tool. In fact, they are one of the cheapest at your
disposal, making them ideal for small
businesses. Cut your costs further by finding a discounted printing
service provider.
- You
can easily customize posters for all budget sizes as well as initiatives. You
can also use your poster campaign
as a bit of a teaser about what’s to come.
- With
a few simple software programs such as MS Publisher, or Adobe Photoshop, you
can customize the design of your poster.
- The beauty
about poster marketing
is that it can be highly targeted
so your posters will only flood
where your potential customers can be found.
Just as real estate is all about
location, poster success is all about the placement of those posters.
Posters should always be
placed at eye level and they should
be placed in areas where
traffic flow naturally comes to a stop. Place your graphic posters in
areas where a number of people hang around.
Graphic posters are a good form of
advertising for small businesses. It’s cost makes it a choice for even those small businesses that have tight
budgets. You can rely on graphic posters
to get you the type of response you need to help your business grow
and prosper. During slow economic
times, the graphic poster is an affordable form of advertisement that offers a
lot of bang for the buck, so don’t
overlook this tried and true marketing form for something more costly,
newer, and less effective.
Help Your Business Grow Using
Graphics
For the best result off your web,
design you to incorporate graphics. In fact, web graphic design has become known as the simplest are and
most creative way to communicate online. By using graphics, you can incorporate cognitive and visual components
to create a website that draws visitors in and keeps them there. You have only a few seconds
to capture your visitor’s interests
before they hit the back button and using graphics is certainly one method of doing so.
Graphics are also important in the
branding process. Brand recognition and product recall are often associated with an effective
graphic. Just look at McDonalds and their big M. Everyone instantly knows what that means. Your
graphic choices can play an important role in the public perception of your company and the products or services you offer.
Many companies around the world
offer graphic design services. The market is highly competitive and with a
little bit of research you can find a company that meets
your vision and your budget. A web graphic design company
can give your website the aesthetic appeal it
needs and they will turn
words into pictures.
It’s no secret – it has long
been known that there is significant value in graphic design when it comes to marketing
your products and business
image. A graphics design person will take the
time to study the requirements of
your business and review your marketing plan. Then they will move forward with creating graphic images
that fit your business goals. While you can undertake this project on your own, it’s one of
those things that is worth the price you will pay to hire someone to do it and get it right the first time.
The cost of graphic designing will
correlate with what it is you need. When it comes to graphic designs, the sky is the limit. Your
graphic designs should complement the look and feel of your website
and it should distinguish you from the competition online.
You can also use graphic design to
create a logo or some type of symbolism that over time becomes associated with your company. This type of branding has
long lasting effects. The graphic
images can be transferred from online to your business cards, invoices,
letterhead, and other paper products.
If you still aren’t convinced of
the value of graphic designs when it comes to growing your business, take a look around you. In any
given street where businesses are located, you’ll find all kinds of graphics and logos that your brain instantly knows
where they belong. You too have the power to use graphics as a visual
aid in company and brand recognition.
Choosing the Right Graphic Vehicle
Wrap to Promote Your Business
Today’s economy is a tough sell.
Competition has been opened up tremendously thanks to the internet. As a result, companies have had
to think harder and smarter about how they can grab the attention of potential customers. Marketing has become a
very sophisticated game and the messages
are bold and attention grabbing. Vehicle wraps have become more common than ever because they are effective forms of
advertising, but only when you choose the right graphic vehicle wrap to
promote your business.
By personalizing your company
vehicle with related graphics, you effectively turn your vehicle into a mobile billboard. Wherever you go
you take your company’s message and spread it with those who come in contact with your vehicle whether that’s on a
freeway, on a city street, parked, or sitting in a parking
lot. The day of being stuck
with the same old ad signs forever are gone.
To begin you need to choose a
specialist. If you had heart disease you wouldn’t go to an oncologist. The same applies
for your graphic
vehicle wrap. Fine a company
that specializes in vehicle
wraps. Look for a level of professionalism you can
trust.
You want to use a company that not
only knows how to put a graphic wrap on your vehicle but also who understands your business and who your targeted
market is, thereby creating a graphic that does what you want it to do. Graphic
wraps are marketing
tools. If they do nothing
but make your vehicle look different they are
a waste of your money.
The most important component of
your vehicle graphic is in the design itself. This isn’t something you are going to change in a few months. Your graphic
needs to represent your company for the
next five or so years. Like with
so many things at the end of the day you get what you
pay for. So if you go
cheap you can expect cheap.
Choose the company who will do
your graphic vehicle wrap who offers a solid warranty. Some material
manufactures such as Avery,
3M, or MacTAC offer warranties that range from three to five
years against peeling, fading, and other manufacture defects. Then the company
should offer a warranty against defective workmanship.
Putting a graphic vehicle wrap on
your auto to promote your business is an exciting time. Never before have you had such a powerful
marketing tool. It can cover a large area and target many people. So what are you waiting for?
Using Web Graphics On Your
Website to Maximize
Your Business
More and more webmasters are
recognizing the value of using graphics on their websites to maximize business. That’s because using
the right graphics can improve the appearance of the site and motivate a visitor to act. Using web graphics
on your site is a smart business move.
The graphics you opt in combination with the text you utilize will present
the flavor for your
site. It will give your
website its own personality, its own look and feel. It can be , serious, fun,
or warm and inviting. When graphics are
used right you can stand out from the competition. But before going graphic
crazy there are some things you need to know.
The graphics you place on your web page should serve a function.
If they are just there because
they look cool take them off. There
is no question that there are thousands of cool and impressive graphics but unless they serve a purpose there’s no
value to putting them on your site.
There are a number of different
types of graphics you can use on your website. Navigation buttons are used to help your visitor
comfortably move around your site. They should be easy to read and you can include a small image.
Your logo identifies you, and people begin to
remember it over time. It gives
you brand name recognition.
Background images can add visual
appeal to a website but they can be bothersome if you aren’t careful used. There is nothing worse than trying to read text on a graphic
that almost makes it invisible.
Visitors are very quick to hit the back button if it makes their eyes hurt.
Title graphics called mastheads,
are a good way to get recognition for your site. Use something unique
that will stick in the minds of visitors.
Photos are popular on websites
because they can make a page friendly and inviting. If you plan to use photos on your website you should
optimize them for the web otherwise your pages will load slow and people
will become impatient and leave
before it ever loads.
For a professional looking page
match your fonts on all navigation buttons. Your graphic images should
match your website colors and typefaces. Your web page should be no more than 60k so if it’s
larger than that either optimize your graphics
or remove some of them.
Graphics are used to improve
website functionality. Don’t place
graphics on your site unless they
have a purpose. When adding graphics you always must balance their usefulness
against the loss in speed for your page to load.
Using web graphics on your
website makes good business sense so why not give it a try?
Business Branding With Graphics
Business branding is a phrase we
hear often but what exactly does it mean. Business branding with graphics establishes a visible
queue to identify products, services, or a company as a whole by customers and potential customers alike. A graphics
design is an effective way to create an association between a design and a product
in the mind of the viewer.
While words are certainly a
powerful tool, when it comes to brand recognition graphics are far more effective.
You want your company, your
products, and/or your services to stand out in the minds of consumers and a good graphics design combined with a good marketing campaign
can do just that. Look at
companies like Apple, Nike, or McDonalds – three examples of branding through graphics. The ultimate goal for you and
your business is to leave a lasting impression on consumers that over time
require no words to know how you
are.
Graphics branding should also
extend to your packaging attracting attention and that graphic should be seen as attractive by the
consumer. Look at Gillette or Venus products. You want to buy them just because of their packaging
and you can pick them off the shelf by recognizing that packaging without ever seeing the name.
Your logo graphic needs to
differentiate you from the competition, and if you are like most industries, there is plenty of
competition. A recognizable logo is key to branding and to your business.
There is lasting
effect here and long term value as we’ve seen in the examples we already presented.
There are numerous mediums used
to advertise businesses and it is well known that the use of graphics in advertising has lasting benefits to the company.
Internet, print, and television ads all have the potential to have a strong
impact. Proctor & Gamble is a coming that is proof of the power of a good advertising campaign that creates
recognition and loyalty
to a graphic design.
But it needs to go further than
that – there has to be overall branding online. Professional graphics design companies have experience
in creating superior graphics to create brand
identity. Look at what the Walt Disney website
has done or what Microsoft
has done. Great example of how a solid graphic design can be powerful in your online branding.
When graphics are incorporated
into online promotions, emails, newsletters, or other forms of online interaction they create a visual
effect that the consumer is quick to begin to recognize when it crosses
their path. Those same graphics
can be incorporated into brochures, stationary, business
cards, banners, and the
list goes on.
If you want to reach a targeted audience, you need to reach them through a visual
image. When that image is used throughout the business over time your
business branding with graphics comes full circle.
Creating Effective Business Cards Flyers and Brochures
Using Visual Design
There was a time not that long ago
where print specialists or professional artists designed and produced all of your print material.
Today, there are a number of excellent do it yourself options and while they aren’t
likely going to be as good as having
a professional design
it for you, it can save
you a bundle and it can certainly be acceptable for use.
Thanks to a number of different
software programs and print material creating your own business cards, flyers, brochures, and other print materials has
never been easy. You have a number of choices when it comes to typeset,
font size, and the graphics
you use. In no time, at all you’ll have created a professional
look and you have the freedom to let your vision come through.
However, everything is not always
better. Sometimes taking on these projects yourself can result in less than desirable results. Let’s face it – not all
of us have the skills to create quality materials. These set of simple tips can help you create
effective print material.
Legibility
One of the most common mistakes is
choosing fonts that are hard to read. While there’s no need to choose
a boring font like Times Roman, you should choose
a font that’s easy to read.
Readability
Just as your copy should be
legible, it should also be readable. Contrast, white space, repetition, proximity, and alignment are all important to making your copy easier
to read.
Use of Graphics
Don’t be afraid to use graphics.
They’re a valuable tool. However, make sure that you don’t just choose graphics to fill space, ensure
they are relevant, and memorable. Placement of your graphics is also important. If you have not designed a logo you
should and it should be used on all printed
material as well as on your website.
You should use high quality
graphics and photos. Poor quality can be fuzzy and unclear. That will reflect badly on your company since
it will look very unprofessional when finished. Graphics that are too big
or too small also reflect poorly on the finished
product and your company.
One of the most underused, yet
most powerful tools you have at your disposal are visual graphics. Take the time to understand how these graphics can
benefit your company and your print material.
If you are unsure how to get the most
value from them look to the professionals.
Whether you create your own business cards, flyers, and brochures, or you hire a professional, isn’t as important as making sure you
just get it done.
Using Graphics
and Copy to Design a Website
That Sells
How to create a website that
sells – it’s the million dollar question. Just because you build a website, does not mean they will come and
it does not mean they will buy even if they do come.
It’s a common misunderstanding that leaves people frustrated and
disappointed because their website did not
do as well as they expected.
Your copy is important and it’s not well understood. When it comes to
your visitors, who are your potential customers, they care only
about themselves. If this doesn’t sit well think about it – I want
to feel younger, I want to
feel skinnier, I want to … and the list goes
on. When consumers buy
things, there is always an emotion attached to that purchase. When writing your
copy make sure you keep this in mind.
Quality graphics are also
essential to a website; however their importance is also tied to what you are selling. For example, if you have
an ebook for sale that’s for sale graphics may not play as important a role as it would be if you were selling a video
game for the Wii or the Play Station,
where graphics not only allow them to see what it is they are buying it can
close the sale by enticing them.
Graphics are highly misunderstood.
They are far more than pictures. They engage, entice, create emotional reactions, and they can mean the difference
between products selling and products
sitting on the shelf. Not all graphics are created equal. It’s important that
you use graphics that are only of the highest quality, and those graphics need to
be relevant.
In other words, don’t just choose
a graphic to fill the space. Give your graphic choices the attention
they deserve. Graphics
are associated with products
and they are also associated with branding
of your. Take for example, the Golden Arches of McDonalds, which everyone recognizes. You can create the same type
of branding for your business with the right graphic design. Hire a graphics design professional who has the skills
to create something memorable for
your online business. Simple, catchy, and designed especially for your business
and/or website.
If you haven’t introduced your
website to quality graphics don’t wait another day. Graphics are a powerful tool that will be provide you
with return on that investment for years to come. Your online business will benefit with an increase in revenues.
5 Ways Graphics
Can Hurt Your Online
Business
A web with no graphics would be a
bit like chili without the seasoning! Graphics, photos and clipart are to your website as spices
are to your cooking – enhancing the experiencing and leaving you with a more memorable experience.
However, just as food can be too
spicy, there can be too many images on the page ruining the experience, so you’ll need to find a happy,
medium. Too many images can actually turn visitors away. So what type of graphics will harm
more than help your website? Glad you asked. Let’s have a look at 5 ways graphics
can hurt your online business.
Too Large
When images are too large they can
be too slow to load and they can also take away from the text. The purpose of the image is usually to help convey an idea
relating to the content. When the image
takes up too much of the screen,
the visitor can be distracted missing
the purpose of the site.
Inappropriate
When your website is a business
design, you need to focus on the content of your pages and the overall message
they project. You need to ensure the images you use are appropriate and reflect
your business values correctly. If you do not present your image appropriately
to the audience you are
targeting it could be more detrimental than helpful.
Poor Quality Images
Using images that are unclear, fuzzy, poorly centered or amateur
in other ways will be reflected in the assumption your business is also
amateurish. No images are better than poor quality images.
Illegal Images
There’s a lot of creative
images on the internet and you might
do a right click and save without
thinking much about it. The problem is that if you use these images on
your website and you may find
yourself facing copyright infringement. Use only those images that are royalty
free unless you have permission to use others.
Ignoring the Use of the ALT Tag
Many people ignore the ALT tags, not realizing just how important it is. The alt tag is
like a free sign to your
website. Without the use of the ALT tag, your website is at a disadvantage for visitors and you will also be non-compliant when it comes
to web standards.
Knowing how graphics can hurt your website as well as help your website
will help you to build your website in a manner that keeps
your visitors interested in what
your website has to offer.
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