Marketing 101

This post is a bit longer than usual as I know most of you are reviewing and finalizing your marketing plans for 2011. Some of you may be going through a re-branding phase. Gail’s Graphic Designs is right there with you.  My company name has changed to Gail & Co. You will begin to see changes in the new year. Read through the post and share with us your plans for 2011. It is my goal to... [Read more of this post]

Website Design: Template or Custom (Part II)?

Last week’s post discussed the pros and cons of using a template for your website design.  Let’s now review the pros and cons of a custom website design. Custom Web Design Pros Custom layout Search engine friendly Built for your needs Scalability Custom Web Design Cons Takes longer to design Higher Costs With a custom website coding and page design is done from scratch. Therefore it takes... [Read more of this post]

Website Design: Template or Custom (Part I)?

I recently sent out a proposal for branding the company of a small business owner. For illustrative purposes we will call the client Joan. Joan was on a very tight budget as all start-ups are.  I mentioned to Joan that instead of a custom website we could cut cost and time considerably if we customize a template for her. I told Joan a website is like building a house from the ground up or purchasing... [Read more of this post]

Client Perception is Everything: Avoid Bad Sales Collateral

Making a good impression is the top secret weapon of choice for salespeople. Sales collateral is a major part of a salesperson’s “good impression” toolkit.  Sales collateral include business card, brochure, promotion gift, sell sheet, and anything designed for a salesperson to increase his/her client base. Have you ever looked at a business card, flyer, website or postcard and immediately... [Read more of this post]

Choosing The Right Color For Your Brand

This article was inspired by President Obama’s first State of the Union address.  I noticed he wore a red tie with white stripes and Vice President Biden wore a blue tie with red and white stripes. I laughed at myself as I knew the colors were chosen by someone who knew the meaning / symbolism of color. What did our leaders’ tie scream at me? Red, White and Blue—“America”! Colors are... [Read more of this post]

6 Tips To Using Stock Photography

Are you a new business that is looking to create a website, brochure, or produce other forms of marketing materials? If you’re not, you should be and one important thing you will need is photos. Here are some tips. Endless Choices and Professional Quality Amateur photos never look as nice as the professional ones. Consider red eyes on your models or problems with inconsistent focus. These are small... [Read more of this post]

When Should You Use Door Hangers?

When beginning any marketing campaign, it is wise to stop and assess which marketing tools are right for your purpose, message, and target market. If door hangers are on your list of possible advertisements, the following list should help you decide if they should be a part of your campaign or not. You should use door hangers when… Reaching a Specific Target Door hangers are great when you to... [Read more of this post]

Constructive Criticism and your Graphic Designer

Criticism and critiquing are fine art forms, when properly executed. They can be some of the most beneficial elements used when your graphic designer is creating your logo. Criticism and critique used in the wrong way can also be your project’s greatest detriment. The most important thing to remember is that criticism in itself is a relative term; something you find unappealing may be another person’s... [Read more of this post]

Why Brochures Still Matter in a Paperless World

In this increasingly paperless world, the majority of marketing collateral and business presentations consist of digital documents. From your latest PowerPoint masterpiece to a flashy interactive website, electronic media can be quick, easy, and visually stunning. There is no denying the advantages of electronic media. However, due to these strengths it is likely your message will be forgotten. Your... [Read more of this post]