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Archive for August 2010

Web Design/Development & Social Media

August 30th, 2010 by Angela
Would you like to update your own website? Integrate a blog directly into your website and stop sending visitor away from your website? Are you ready to combine your website with other social networks like Facebook and Twitter? A web designer and developer is a perfect resource to help you jump start your online branding and marketing so you are in control of your business.

 

 Both web design and social media have evolved over the years and now, they both go hand in hand with your online branding and marketing. It only makes sense to seek out the expertise of a designer and developer to build your tools together. New web technologies now allow for smooth integration of your website with many social platforms, and more and more those same platforms are allowing for customization that requires code knowledge your designer/developer is already trained in.Web designers know how to create call to action Fan Pages, SEO your Fan Page, SEO your website, integrate code into your website to stream your updates and tweets, brand your sites with appealing and brand effective graphics, educate you on how to use and manage your social networks to build traffic and revenue.

Working directly with a web designer avoids miss communications and will also save you time, money and frustration in the long run since you will work directly with the designer instead of being outsourced through a middle person if you are using a virtual assistant unfamiliar with the latest technology.

So when considering who to turn to when you are ready for a website upgrade and integrating social media into your branding and marketing strategy, contact a web designer and developer that specialized in social media and its technology.
Categories : Social Media, Web Design

Building Your Brand, Building Your Business: Social Media

August 23rd, 2010 by Angela

Part 6 Social Media

According to the World Internet Usage Statistic, over 77% of the U.S. population uses the internet. The Nielsen Company reports that nearly 60% of internet users maintain a profile on some type of social networking site, and 70% read blogs and tweet out. Your business should go where your clients and audience are using these social platforms and start building and growing online relationships.

No matter how small or large your business, Social Media is now an important element to your Branding and nearly every business owner should be analyzing how they can use this technology to grow brand awareness. Not only do these platforms bring attention to your business, they bring you closer to your customers in ways we could not have imagined 15 years ago.

You can step into social media slowly by creating a blog, preferably as part of your website so people do not have to leave your site, and then search out other platforms that fit your networking needs. Use a variety of utilities like YouTube, MySpace, Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn. Get involved by either using your own website as a forum or start frequenting other forums and become an expert in answering questions that bring people to your own website for more information. Start a radio show, conduct a webinar, create a tutorial or video and post all of these technologies on all of your online marketing sites, including the social media utilities mentioned.

And above all…make sure your branding is consistent on all of those sites. Have a web and graphic designer customize your accounts both visually and with rich content to help the search engines index your multi sites and grow your businesses name out on the internet.
Categories : Marketing, Social Media, Web Design
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Building Your Brand, Building Your Business: Personal Branding Online

August 17th, 2010 by Angela

Part 4 Personal Branding Online

Personal Branding is a great marketing avenue for artists, speakers, teachers, trainers, community activists, and independent agents working under a larger industry like real estate, insurance, and independent sales reps. Often times a larger company, like an MLM will allow their reps to build their personal branding in order to grow their units and down line.

Many speakers and artists rely on branding their image and name to bring customer loyalty to their products and services. Personally branding their image with a custom website and built in blog allows business owners to reach their customers, fans and followers where traditional marketing cannot.

Linda Israel, a Multi-Media artist has taken every opportunity available to her to market herself and her business online. Linda uses both her blogging website to inform her customers and followers of her latest projects, workshops, and events while also posting regular tutorials on her YouTube site, Linda Israel YouTube.

Linda has been featured on New9 and HGTV for her innovative creative art and you can contact her to visit her next trade show event or attend one of her creative workshops.

Carey Sue Vega – Etiquette 101, reminds all of us of the importance of manners and business etiquette. As a former Cruise Director, Carey Sue has been teaching our young the importance of manners and is Oklahoma City’s Director for the National Jr. Cotillion and she also educates companies on proper business etiquette.

Carey Sue also brands herself and her business by using a blog website and YouTube to better inform the community. She is a regular Facebook and Twitter user and always available to give helpful advice. Carey Sue has been featured on many radio and television shows and you can contact her to learn when her next business etiquette class will be held.

 

Personal branding, or self branding, online has increased greatly over the past 10 years with the rise of social technologies. This new direction in branding is not restricted to Hollywood celebrities any longer and now local public figures can market themselves successfully and build their brand in more creative ways. In order to brand yourself, you must market and promote yourself, and the combination of a website and/or blog and the use of a variety of social media platforms will help bring you closer to your followers and customers.

 
Categories : Marketing, Social Media, Web Design
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Building Your Brand, Building Your Business: Web Design

August 12th, 2010 by Angela

Part 4 Web Design

When the web was first introduced to the mainstream, websites were simple yet very clunky in their design setup and navigation. Many lacked layout organization and visual appeal based mostly on limited experience with this new platform and also the limitations of the old coding. Most sites were were text link rich with very little visual appeal nor interest.

As the old cliche says, a picture speaks a 1000 words and this is why graphic design and proper layout is crucial to an efficient web design. Website layouts have evolved with clearer navigation, pinned and organized sections, appealing graphics and a balance of content to space and graphics. 

A customized website that has been designed based off of your marketing strategies will reward your business over time. Avoid rushing into designing a website with the idea that you have to be out on the Internet ASAP without studying the different website options available to businesses. 

Some helpful elements and guidelines to an efficient web design: 

1.      Functionality 

  1. Clear navigation
  2. Loads quickly
  3. Clean code

 2.      Design 

  1. Balance between artistic appeal and content layout
  2. Professional appearance
  3. Balance of space and content/design

 3.      Content

  1. Rich quality content
  2. Relevant information
  3. Reason to return to site

4.      Originality

  1. Clear use of technology
  2. Customized to company image
  3. Forward thinking

5.      Professional & Effective

  1. Ease of reading and navigating content
  2. Clear business information
  3. Value for return customers
Categories : Design Basics, Web Design
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Building Your Brand, Building Your Business: Graphic Design

August 1st, 2010 by Angela

 Part 3 Graphic Design

A graphic designer is an invaluable segment of Business Branding. He or she will take information that the client has developed for their business and build a visual product that speaks of their company’s message and image. The designer will analyse concepts and ideas and meld them into a simple and straight forward visual message, combining all the elements of your initial research. The designer is your multi-level problem solver

Once you begin working with a graphic designer, he or she can develop your logo, determine business colors, integrate your concepts, ideas and image to create a branding platform that will help you communicate your message and reach your target audience through marketing.

Creating your logo is only the beginning. Once your logo is designed, you will base a vast majority of your branding and designs on your logo. You will want to include your logo in all your print and online marketing platforms. A business card, like a logo, is another basic part of your Branding. You will want well designed business cards and print material to hand out when networking for referrals and potential clients.

The next important investment to your Branding and marketing will be a well designed website. In this new online informational age, a business must have a website to remain competitive. Your online branding and marketing should begin with a website, however, once you have the webiste live, avoid the syndrome that if you build it they will come. Your website design and planning should be well thought out and not rushed to just get your name out on the net. Avoid quick free or hosted DIY wizard platforms that will limit your design creativity, SEO and control of your online marketing. Always consult with a designer to better understand the differences in the variety of frameworks before signing a lengthy hosting agreement.
Categories : Design Basics, Marketing
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