tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16942568391752972342024-03-21T08:15:42.968-07:00No Pun Intended nopun.comNo Pun Intended (www.nopun.com) is a full-service design studio that specializes in graphic design for online, offline and all points in between. We excel in creativity, quality, and cost efficiency in the delivery of a first-rate product. No Pun Intended is a small company by choice. We focus on a small number of clients to ensure that you will receive the best customer service possible.No Pun Intendedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06730000968196051344noreply@blogger.comBlogger196125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694256839175297234.post-40826026576593420442009-11-24T06:04:00.000-08:002009-11-24T06:07:28.644-08:00This blog has moved to www.nopun.comI am proud to say I have launched my custom wordpress theme. <div><br /></div><div>My blog now resides on my company site. <a href="http://www.nopun.com/">http://www.nopun.com/</a></div><div><br /></div><div>I have enjoyed using blogspot. But wanted to have a blog that integrates within the look and feel of my company site.</div><div><br /></div><div>This blogspot tool has been great, because when I started the blogging concept I wasn't sure that I would stick to it. And or if it would have been worth while. Not only has it proven to be worth while, I enjoy doing it and look forward to many more years of this form of communication.</div><div><br /></div><div>So please follow the conversation over at nopun.com</div><div><br /></div><div><div>--</div><div><br /></div><div>Thanks and Regards</div><div><br /></div><div>Noel for Nopun.com</div><div><a href="http://www.nopun.com/">a graphic design studio</a></div></div>No Pun Intendedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06730000968196051344noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694256839175297234.post-64727797837747105132009-11-10T05:42:00.000-08:002009-11-10T05:54:01.860-08:00static websites suckWebsites can be many different things, from ecommerce, to brochure site and to entertainment. And so much more, I believe that we really haven't even really figured out the internet as a medium on its own.<div><br /></div><div>Is it a book thats translated online, or is it a tv that we interact with or is it "fill in the blank".</div><div><br /></div><div>this fill in the blank part is the part I don't think we (as people) haven't really harnessed the power of this new medium. </div><div><br /></div><div>But if I could break it down to two types of categories we have a static website and a dynamic one.</div><div><br /></div><div>A static website is a website you spend some time on and launch it then come back from time to time to make updates to.</div><div><br /></div><div>Whereas a dynamic site is one that you can update content on the fly and or is integrated with a blog to help you deliver fresh content. When I read topics that surround the idea of a dynamic site its usually focused on the technology that creates the dynamic site, but the reality is that the technology is the easy part. The challenging part is add all that new fresh content.</div><div><br /></div><div>We all know that content is king with ranking well in search engines, but content is also king with your customers. I want my website to be "real" conversation with my visitors. I want to try and connect with each visitor on a personal level.</div><div><br /></div><div>The new site that I will launch for nopun.com will be death of this blog, because I want this blog to be integrated visually with in the look and feel of my site, which blogger is limited in doing.</div><div><br /></div><div>The new no pun site is dedicated to interacting with the visitors more, with not only samples of past work but I would like to keep the conversation going through the blog, and links to a regularly monitored twitter account. In fact you can even connect with a designer directly from the website via skype, and can share screens of professional designers directly online, where you can design your project together in real time.</div><div><br /></div><div>With the launch of the new site I am wanting to introduce a "youtube" video blog to the creative process where client can review and see first hand what a designer has to go through to get their final look and feel. Demystifying the creative process and letting clients see first hand what their money is being used for.</div><div><br /></div><div>I feel that this interaction and dynamicness of the new site will help in my business relationship with each new client.</div>No Pun Intendedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06730000968196051344noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694256839175297234.post-42468658145291152532009-11-08T07:52:00.000-08:002009-11-09T06:09:52.034-08:00attend trade showsHere's an article to help kick off a marketing strategy with a shoestring budget.<div><br /></div><div>I particularly like the idea of attending trade shows.</div><div><br /></div><div>I once was involved with having a booth for a marketing company I worked for.</div><div><br /></div><div>And me and the owner prepared our pitch and got as many assets together as we could to prepare for the event.</div><div><br /></div><div>Participating in a trade-show is awesome, as you lead up to the event you make sure your 30 second pitch is nailed down, you promotional items are designed and printed, and your website and such is the best it can be.</div><div><br /></div><div>In fact many businesses use the trade-shows as an excuse to motivate them to update all their marketing material.</div><div><br /></div><div>Manning the booth is great too because you really do get to harness your pitch and begin to put your own "personality" to it.</div><div><br /></div><div>But the cost was crazy with the printing of the promotional pieces, the trade-show backdrop, and the actual fees for having the booth the expense was well over $10,000.</div><div><br /></div><div>Which wouldn't have been that bad aside from the fact that not one lead came from the show.</div><div><br /></div><div>Most people at the show where actually pitching us on their services. So when this article suggested that you should simply attend the trade-shows. Brought me right back to that experience and yes I agree that much good can come from attending a show, if anything you can save a ton of dough and probably make just as many "connections" as being a spectator instead of a vendor.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://entrepreneur.venturebeat.com/2009/11/02/shoestring-marketing-for-start-ups/">http://entrepreneur.venturebeat.com/2009/11/02/shoestring-marketing-for-start-ups/</a> </div><div><br /></div><div>--</div><div><br /></div><div>I have some more ideas on how to do this trade-show marketing idea.</div><div><br /></div><div>The trade show I was talking about above was ad-tech. which wouldn't you know it just finished up last week.</div><div><br /></div><div>It must have been an omen!</div><div><br /></div><div>anywhoot.</div><div><br /></div><div>What I think would be effective for my concept for trade-show marketing as an attendee, would be to go to trade shows and attend marketing ideas for industries that aren't directly related to my industry. For example my biggest case study is for a moving and storage company, so my time would be best spent in moving and storage trade-shows.</div><div><br /></div><div>But what is exciting about my business is that any industry would be an ideal candidate.</div><div><br /></div><div>So I asked myself the question where does one find which trade-shows to go to?...</div><div>And it hit me why not go to the venues that host the tradeshows.</div><div><br /></div><div>ie: jacob javits center in new york.</div><div><br /></div><div>each venue has a calendar of events with links to the events website, where I can find if they have marketing seminars and such, it will also show the fees needed for attending.</div><div><br /></div><div>I would really like to give this approach a try.</div><div><br /></div><div>So I am going to be tunnel vision on getting my new website done, my promotional material ready and then gear up for getting down...</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>No Pun Intendedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06730000968196051344noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694256839175297234.post-47962119400182733152009-11-08T06:20:00.000-08:002009-11-08T06:28:04.310-08:0080% of your business will come from 20% of your customersSo which 20% will it be.<div><br /></div><div>It's no surprise, that marketing to your existing customers, is easier than attracting new ones.</div><div><br /></div><div>I came across a blog today that will help give some ideas on how you can stay in touch with your client base, and help try and uncover which 20% of your customers your new business will come from.</div><div><br /></div><div>I was proud to when I read the first two suggestions, having a blog (wink, wink, nudge, nudge) and an email campaign which I try and send out bi weekly.</div><div><br /></div><div>Next would love to print out a newsletter mailer. And T-shirts</div><div><br /></div><div>Give it s read and let me know which ones stand out to you...</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.reencoded.com/2009/11/07/freelance-guide-to-building-customer-loyalty/">http://www.reencoded.com/2009/11/07/freelance-guide-to-building-customer-loyalty/</a></div>No Pun Intendedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06730000968196051344noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694256839175297234.post-69881409767103303832009-11-08T05:55:00.000-08:002009-11-08T06:04:51.498-08:00Do your customers like it when you redesign your site.As a graphic designer needing more work whenever a potential customer says that they are thinking of redesigning their website, I am one of the first to jump on board saying of course we can enhance the site. I have to admit that I am pretty honest though if I see a sight that seems to be working I will make it known, and on the same token if its bad I will also let that be known.<div><br /></div><div>I have recently experienced a website that I use on a daily basis that has recently gone through s design change. You may have herd of it its linkedin.</div><div><br /></div><div>Whenever I write a new blog that I want people to know about I like to submit a link to that blog on my "updates" section of my profile. And a couple of days ago I noticed it was gone! The update was still visable but where to change the status was moved somewhere elese. after a few curse words I found it and was back on track.</div><div><br /></div><div>later I came across a linkedin's blog that discussed how proud they where of the new look and feel. And yes I agree that the design has improved. But this functionality change was frustrating. </div><div><br /></div><div>The designer in me will always say a redesign is good, but the "user" in me says that a redesign means change and I don't like change.</div><div><br /></div><div>it was a great insight into what a redesign means, and in most if not all cases regular visitors to your site will get frustrated once the new site goes live. </div>No Pun Intendedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06730000968196051344noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694256839175297234.post-68349647784397851222009-11-07T07:04:00.000-08:002009-11-07T07:07:35.445-08:00offline marketing ideasI want to spend more time recapping these ideas and expanding on how they can work.<div><br /></div><div>But I am adding this link here as a place holder because I think there is some great stuff here.</div><div><br /></div><div>In my business its clear that traditional forms of marketing may be better than online marketing being the online audiences that are looking for professional graphic designers are more tech savy and can find the cheap low balling solutions. Where as the non tech savy customers that will learn of my business through traditional mediums are more likely to spend more dough and will be more impressed by the work.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.know-how.angolaxyami.com/45-creative-offline-business-advertising-ideas-1913">http://www.know-how.angolaxyami.com/45-creative-offline-business-advertising-ideas-1913</a></div>No Pun Intendedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06730000968196051344noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694256839175297234.post-40729795503550430012009-11-06T05:52:00.001-08:002009-11-06T21:01:26.662-08:00Don't build it yourself leave it to the pros!I came across a blog today that was a really cool read. <div><br /></div><div>In a nutshell, the author stated that she didn't know how to program a website nor had any desire to! She was very adamant on saying that she doesn't care about anything computer related especially html and programs to help design her websites.</div><div><br /></div><div>She is a professional writer for main stream novels and writes a series of erotic novels as well, but her statements about wanting to hire professionals to do her website was the sexiest thing she could have written.</div><div><br /></div><div>I believe that this is the perfect type of website design client there could be. She sees the value in hiring professional designers to do her work, while knowing she doesn't have to give up "creative" control, which is the fun part. We professional designers will bring our expertise to your project but by no means are we a standoffish bunch of people that think they know best and you shouldn't even dare question what we designed. We are simply folks, who've gone through the hard knocks training and practice to harness technical skills of creating professional websites, email campaigns, print ads, brochures, and even youtube videos, and commercials.</div><div><br /></div><div>Why spend all your time wondering why you can scale an image properly in powerpoint, when your time would be better spent on practicing your presentation!</div><div><br /></div><div>I hope this inspires more professionals out there to realize that by trying to do this work on your own isn't saving money. Time is money, and if your time is wasted on learning technology then you are wasting your own money....</div><div><br /></div><div>Please weigh in on the subject. I'd love to hear everyone's thoughts.</div><div><br /></div><div>Also please visit the original author's post on the subject.</div><div><a href="http://firstoffenders.typepad.com/offenders/2009/11/what-a-tangled-web-site-we-weave.html">http://firstoffenders.typepad.com/offenders/2009/11/what-a-tangled-web-site-we-weave.html</a></div><div></div>No Pun Intendedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06730000968196051344noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694256839175297234.post-88876910534242386062009-11-03T06:32:00.000-08:002009-11-05T18:46:40.392-08:00Starting a business doesn't have to be riskyI came across an article that tried to demystify the idea of starting your own business, they try and point out that starting your own business doesn't have to be "risky" or so doomed to fail as people would like to think. <div><br /></div><div>The biggest takeaway I have is that the "big idea" has to be simple.</div><div><br /></div><div>Nothing new there, everyone knows less is more, and Keep It Simple Stupid and (insert your favorite saying here).</div><div><br /></div><div>But I believe it's worth considering, I so desperately want to create the next greatest thing that I might be over thinking, over working, or simply trying too hard, whereas, if I relax try a little less and try and see if the simple idea comes out then maybe I will discover the next big thing that can help pick my business up.<br /><div><br /></div><div>I believe the ideas and topics are worth considering so please check it out.</div><div><a href="http://mywifequitherjob.com/starting-your-own-business-does-not-have-to-be-risky/">http://mywifequitherjob.com/starting-your-own-business-does-not-have-to-be-risky/</a></div></div>No Pun Intendedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06730000968196051344noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694256839175297234.post-83218135537027408802009-10-30T05:35:00.000-07:002009-11-05T19:42:53.471-08:00why open source can harm your SEO RankingI came across a video tutorial and blog post outlining the negative effects a "template," specifically a wordpress template, could have on your search engine ranking. <div><br /></div><div>Something I am very interested in because I have achieved a great page ranking for a specific keyphrase and I am about to launch a new version of my site using wordpress as my back end technology.</div><div><br /></div><div>Here are my issues.</div><div>I need to be able to custom design a website from scratch;</div><div>meaning I can design a site to look the way I want it to look,</div><div>ahem, or the way the client wants it to look.</div><div><br /></div><div>Usually, a website from scratch is something very difficult to do with an open source template.</div><div>These templates are usually made for people who don't know how to code or don't want to pay a designer to code. So for designers it's difficult to use the "convenient" back end functionality and then "skin" the templates to look the way we want.</div><div><br /></div><div>I am getting a handle on this challenge and will post the process in a series of you tube videos once I am completed with the project.</div><div><br /></div><div>But my next issue is this concern with my SEO ranking.</div><div>A lot of hard work, time, and energy has gone into my page ranking. Although I would love to have my new sight up and running with wordpress driving the technology, I don't want my page ranking to suffer from the upgrade.</div><div><br /></div><div>This article that explains what could go wrong, is coming from a company that claims they have the "solution" if you pay the $90 bucks for their template. Which technically I think is a great value, but...</div><div><br /></div><div>It seems to have the same issues as normal templates, the inability to customize the site the way I need to.</div><div><br /></div><div>What I learned from the "explanation" is that google loves clean code, so as long as my sight "validates" I should be good.</div><div><br /></div><div>In addition, I have not yet put the new site's design through my SEO optimizer tool to see if all the SEO techniques are fully functional.</div><div><br /></div><div>I hope that my original approach works; but, if not, I will probably have to look into this for a solution.</div><div><br /></div><div>I think now is a perfect time to point out one of the "drawbacks" to using a templated open source solution. Some nopun potential clients lose because they think they can save some dough by using these free readily available solutions. Actually these free templates could be doing more harm and cost more to correct than hiring a professional graphic designer from the start.</div><div><br /></div><div>check out the demo and great explanation here;</div><div><a href="http://www.copyblogger.com/thesis-theme-for-wordpress/">http://www.copyblogger.com/thesis-theme-for-wordpress/</a></div>No Pun Intendedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06730000968196051344noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694256839175297234.post-88574081877838857342009-10-29T05:58:00.000-07:002009-11-05T21:20:57.532-08:00Doing your own SEO work to save moneyThere is no doubt that having your website show up in the first position on the first page of the website directory is a great way to drive new customers to your business. <div><br /></div><div>Even if your business doesn't do business online you can benefit from an online presence.</div><div><br /></div><div>I mean, as early as last weekend, I needed to find the address to a pumpkin patch located in River Head Long Island. A pumpkin Patch! And wouldn't you know it, I found it by googling. </div><div><br /></div><div>Any and all businesses need to be online!</div><div><br /></div><div>And having a professionally designed website is not enough, you need to have a search engine optimization (SEO) strategy in place that will help you achieve the first page ranking for your company.</div><div><br /></div><div>Researching SEO techniques isn't that hard to do and there are plenty of reputable software solutions that can help you achieve a great presence in search engines.</div><div><br /></div><div>To save money, many businesses would prefer to research how to do this work internally without having to hire a professional company. But I'd like to point out that unless your business is website design or website marketing, you should not waste your time trying to learn how to do it on your own. Instead, focus on what you do best, the money you would spend with a professional will be less than the money you save by trying it on your own. You will save on the cost of the software, save on the time spent researching topics, and save on the time it would take to even see if your techniques actually work or not.</div>No Pun Intendedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06730000968196051344noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694256839175297234.post-82861381064664257152009-10-27T06:12:00.000-07:002009-11-05T21:42:25.514-08:00What content management system to useWhen choosing a content management system a web developer is faced with a ton of choices. <div><br /></div><div>Lately I have been diving into "wordpress." I think it's a pretty cool platform and seems to be widely used. Also it seems like there is a lot of opportunities for a wordpress developer on twitter. I recently jumped into wordpress with both feet, and I am about to launch a new version of nopun.com using my new-found knowledge.</div><div><br /></div><div>The challenge I face as a developer and or designer is that it takes quite a bit of energy to learn a new content management system's ins and outs. And I don't want to waste a lot of time learning something that will either; not do what I aim to do, or will be outdated by the time I catch up with the learning curve.</div><div><br /></div><div>Because of this doubt on which platform to use, I forced myself to learn php which is the programming language a lot of these open source content management systems use. But I cringe at the thought of having to develop every new project from scratch. So using a system like word-press is attractive to me.</div><div><br /></div><div>However, today, while browsing my articles on website design, I came across probably one of the biggest "recommendations" or "testimonials" I've ever seen for any website technology company. </div><div><br /></div><div>The White House is now using drupal for its website, The White House!</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.leveltendesign.com/blog/colin/whitehousegov-goes-drupal-drupal-news">http://www.leveltendesign.com/blog/colin/whitehousegov-goes-drupal-drupal-news</a></div><div><br /></div><div>I'm not sure you'll get a better recommendation than this. And, my attention is now looking more into my drupal knowledge. I've played around with it in the past, but can't say I completely understand the ins and outs of it. But, I think it is worth putting on deck as the next piece of technology to look into.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div></div>No Pun Intendedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06730000968196051344noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694256839175297234.post-77682684771568919542009-10-27T05:59:00.000-07:002009-11-05T22:00:58.004-08:00why search engines want your page to be relevantI have never thought of why a website needs to be relevant from the perspective of a search engine. <div><br /></div><div>But I believe the latest "bing" campaign that showcases the goals of search engines from their perspective. The commercials showcase conversations and possible un-relevant results that could come up.</div><div><br /></div><div>ie: <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F5ZiNkGfUJ0">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F5ZiNkGfUJ0</a></div><div><br /></div><div>If a search engine constantly sends people to pages that do not make sense, then these people will stop using that search engine.</div><div><br /></div><div>Therefore, when you design a site you should be sure to have all of the necessary code added to the sight. This code will make sure search engines can help identify what your website is about, and can help show your site in conversations that make sense to your company.</div><div></div>No Pun Intendedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06730000968196051344noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694256839175297234.post-20218185184752905672009-10-25T04:55:00.000-07:002009-11-05T22:13:17.554-08:00Can the entrepreneurial spirit live in a temperamental graphic designer.<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'Lucida Grande', Verdana, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:11;"><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">When I come across fellow business owners, I hear the conflict that many of them feel, I often hear them "complain" that having their own business is a lot of "sales" work. And that's not what they signed up for, they signed up for sharing their passion about their product or service. And in my case I feel I have a similar challenge. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">I am a graphic designer "a commercial artist," in my industry even though we deal with ads and marketing through our work, we rarely see ourselves as "sales" people. In fact, many designers take a pompous attitude with their careers and feel that they are the 'say all' and 'end all' to anything to do with design. This temperament leads to bad customer service</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">But something snapped in me since the recession that makes me believe I am an "entrepreneur" more than a designer, being a designer is the "service" I hope to be sought out for. But my effort and energy is to try and train and nurture my entrepreneurial spirit. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Hopefully through a different way of thinking, I will curve my design approach to be more "helpful" to my clients instead of taking offense that they want to change a design I presented to them.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Hopefully this change will head me in the right direction for success. Or at least try and help me get through these troubled waters, and be better prepared for the "next economy."</span></div></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'Lucida Grande', Verdana, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:11;"><br /></span></span></div>No Pun Intendedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06730000968196051344noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694256839175297234.post-19099504947829521692009-10-24T05:25:00.001-07:002009-11-06T21:05:40.741-08:00Free Keyword Research tool from GoogleI came across this solution provided for free from Google. <div><br /></div><div>I have used solutions like word tracker, and currently Internet Business Promoter, but I think this is a valuable tool that should either be a part of or replace some of these forms of keyword search term research.</div><div><br /></div><div>Check it out here and test drive it for your self...</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.google.com/insights">http://www.google.com/insights</a></div>No Pun Intendedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06730000968196051344noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694256839175297234.post-30831344288721252652009-10-17T05:41:00.000-07:002009-10-19T22:34:09.618-07:005 year business planI have read many articles from business experts saying you need to have a long-term and short- term business plan. <div><br /></div><div>With me wanting to make sure I try anything and everything I can to ensure my business will be successful, I set out to try and put a plan in place.</div><div><br /></div><div>And boy, do I feel like I am missing something? The ultimate goal is to be comfortable, I'd love to get my safety net back, and a nice flow of projects coming through the studio that is fueled by "new" blood. But how does one put that into a plan? Then be able to break that plan down to yearly, monthly, weekly, and daily?</div><div><br /></div><div>So, I put the plan to the side and focussed on how to get new blood. I realized today that I may have a plan in place that makes me feel confident to say I have a plan! Wo hoo, a plan is better than standing in the dark saying where do I go next?</div><div><br /></div><div>I have made a marketing-tier strategy for my business. The tier starts with some free (free to me at least because I don't have to pay for my creatives) free in money but not "time." If I charge $80 an hour and I spend an hour on one of my projects that's $80 lost. If no projects are in the studio it's not really a loss, but my challenge is keeping up with my plan while active projects are in the studio. (OK, so maybe it's not so "Free.")</div><div><br /></div><div>Back to my topic, I start with "low hanging fruit."</div><div><br /></div><div>1) Website design keeping my portfolio up to date with recent work, monitoring my web analytics every Tuesday, and making tweaks and adjustments to the site trying to address any falling statistic. (Probably 20% of my work week.)</div><div><br /></div><div>2) Google Alerts, Blogging and blog commenting (2 hours a day)</div><div><br /></div><div>3) Twittering (I have a schedule to check in with my twitter activity three times a day.</div><div>If I am in production mode on a project I let this slide, but if I am in a hunting mode, I can be on this all day!)</div><div><br /></div><div>4) Press Releases (I'd love to do one a day "5 days a week" but it takes me three drafts to come up with an idea, which is about 2 hours plus take two to three rounds with copy writers helping me put spins on the article and editing my bad grammar, so this is limited to once a week.)</div><div><br /></div><div>5) Eblasts (They say 80% of your business comes from 20% of your customers. Sending a bi-weekly eblast to my customers helps me know who the 20% is.)</div><div><br /></div><div>6) Splash Page (I try and convert the eblast into a targeted landing page that can help convert the casual traffic to a more focussed conversion.)</div><div><br /></div><div>7) Digg (I am looking for a name to call this concept. All I can think of is "Digg," it's basically a collection of sites like http://digg.com/ and <a href="http://www.stumbleupon.com/">http://www.stumbleupon.com/</a>.) </div><div><br /></div><div>I submit these landing pages to these social networks, hoping to get some traffic and link popularity from google.</div><div><br /></div><div>8) Podcasting and Vlogging (I love documenting my work and creative process.) In an effort to help prospects understand where their money goes when they hire me, I have developed a strategy where I document a project as I work on it. Then, I convert this process into a padcast that will launch in itunes, and vlog, and a video version of the process that I publish on my you-tube channel. (This strategy has three distinct benefits to them: a) Increases exposure, new prospects can come from these channels; b) Helps provide some insight to a prospect who is considering hiring me and my company, but does not understand why it costs so much; c) Helps me stay on track. I do so many types of creative projects, by documenting my process as I do it, I can refer to it in the future to save time relearning something that worked and/or to give me an opportunity to figure out a better way to do the project this time.)</div><div><br /></div><div>This last item is probably the most time consuming part and along with everything else, I am hoping to get a handle on it soon and add it to my weekly task list.</div><div><br /></div><div>Boy, with all this stuff, when do we have time to do the work? That is my biggest dilemma, but it's important that I keep up with it. This strategy is the source for new blood, and new blood is the only defense, if existing customers decide they have enough design work to last them a while.</div><div><br /></div><div>Hopefully this strategy will yield enough rewards with new business that I will be able to fund next tiers which would include, banner ad campaigns, google ad words, direct mailers, trade publication ads, Vehicle wraps, SIgnage, and trade shows.</div><div><br /></div><div>Basically, everything I offer clients but can't afford the production.</div><div><br /></div><div>The point to this is this: having your own business doesn't mean you get to slack off and call it a half day just because you 'wanna' kick back. To me having your own business means you don't mind making yourself work 60 to 80 hours a week. I am hoping to balance my family and social life a bit more, because I don't want to miss my kids growing up. But, I need to be able to protect them and provide for them, so I am "nose to the grindstone," and determined to make this business work.</div><div><br /></div><div>At last with this plan I am starting to see "new blood" and I am beginning to see rewards from these efforts. I believe I am heading in the right direction, and can't wait to see where I will be 5 years from now. Like the Adam Sandler movie click has taught me, "I ain't in no rush and hope I can enjoy every minute of it."</div><div><br /></div><div>Let me know what you think on the subject, I'd love to hear your experiences.</div><div><br /></div><div></div>No Pun Intendedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06730000968196051344noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694256839175297234.post-56096519164983164042009-10-16T06:18:00.000-07:002009-11-06T21:20:00.359-08:00Getting Your business ready for the HolidaysI came across this article giving some tips on getting your business ready for the holidays. <div><br /></div><div>I love it when at the beginning of October, we start thinking of Christmas! And how frustrating that is as a consumer, but, as a business we are actually behind the eight ball...</div><div><br /></div><div>Here is a document I put together to try and get you prepared for seasons well enough in advance so you have time to think of seasonal promotions and have time to develop the creatives.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://docs.google.com/Doc?docid=0AY3GMbrgrJQgZGQ5OXM4cWNfMTIyY3hzZ3BtZ3I&hl=en">http://docs.google.com/Doc?docid=0AY3GMbrgrJQgZGQ5OXM4cWNfMTIyY3hzZ3BtZ3I&hl=en</a></div><div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.promotionworld.com/se/articles/article/091015-How-To-Get-Your-Website-Ready-For-Christmas">http://www.promotionworld.com/se/articles/article/091015-How-To-Get-Your-Website-Ready-For-Christmas</a></div></div>No Pun Intendedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06730000968196051344noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694256839175297234.post-42922081836711924052009-10-14T06:59:00.000-07:002009-11-06T22:03:40.848-08:00Writing ContentIt is no surprise that I don't like writing content. <div><br /></div><div>Next to cold calling, writing is one of my most dreaded things.</div><div><br /></div><div>This reaction is due to a lifetime dedicated to communicating "visually."</div><div><br /></div><div>I would rather illustrate the cover of a book than to actually read the book. (Of course you can't illustrate the book without reading it.)</div><div><br /></div><div>But like cold calling, copy writing is a necessary business evil.</div><div><br /></div><div>If I plan to succeed with my "professional graphic design studio"</div><div>I must advertise it and promote my business any way I can.</div><div><br /></div><div>In the last few months, I have seen how effective blogging and press release writing has dramatically increased traffic to my site, resulting in leads that turn into customers.</div><div><br /></div><div>So I see that writing content for these mediums is a must. And, I am determined to get over the hump and be able to write quality content that helps folks become aware of my design studio.</div><div><br /></div><div>I came across an article today that has inspired me on the subject of content writing.</div><div><br /></div><div>Its notes how "Screenwriters" go about writing a screen play. The author of the article points out the similarities of the screenwriting process to the goals of effective marketing campaigns for businesses.</div><div><br /></div><div>I have to say I am inspired by the topics and will put into play some of the ideas.</div><div><br /></div><div>Check out the article here and let me know your thoughts on the topic...</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.submityourarticle.com/articles/Dr%20Mark-Yates-6101/film-writing-70229.php">http://www.submityourarticle.com/articles/Dr%20Mark-Yates-6101/film-writing-70229.php</a></div>No Pun Intendedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06730000968196051344noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694256839175297234.post-68940097157267782022009-10-12T07:02:00.000-07:002009-10-12T07:06:41.246-07:00Serial Entrepreneur !<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">I just came across an industry term "</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Serial Entrepreneur</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">" and I gotta say I got such a kick out of it.</span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">I am a big fan of Dexter these days and I get a kick out of Dexter's "need to kill", he lives by a code that he must obey to keep him "on track".</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">And when I herd this term I could envision myself as being a "Serial Entrepreneur" and the code is basically my marketing strategy and design approach. No matter if I am promoting a pet project of my own or I dive into one of my clients businesses, I get the biggest thrill out of getting the next kill, ahem, business deal.</span></div><div><br /></div><div>How many other Dexter type Serial Entrepreneurs are out there I'd love to hear from you...</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>No Pun Intendedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06730000968196051344noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694256839175297234.post-88171376376093610182009-10-11T07:17:00.000-07:002009-10-11T07:48:16.502-07:00Recap taking your site from 1 to 1 million users<div>I came across this really awesome video snippet from some geeky web app conference.</div><div><br /></div><div>I was intrigued by the title taking your site from 1 to 1 million users</div><div><br /></div><div>Now I don't build web apps nor do I plan to. But what I find valuable here.</div><div><br /></div><div>is to look into the techniques to build users, and think of it in terms of how you could build traffic or prospects to your business's website.</div><div><br /></div><div>While taking the notes from the video and placing it here I could immediately see how I could utilize some of these ideas to help my design studio website.</div><div><br /></div><div>Check out the video and place your business into the concept and see what you come up with.</div><div><br /></div><div>Share your ideas here, I'd love to hear your spin on them</div><div><br /></div>1) Ego<div>ask yourself does your feature stroke the ego in any way</div><div><br /></div><div>what emotional rewards do they walk away with, gaining reputation (badges) showcase</div><div><br /></div><div>a) followers</div><div>like twitters (number of followers)</div><div>more followers the better contest who can have most followers</div><div>gives the appearance of an audience.</div><div><br /></div><div>b) leader boards</div><div>every one wants to see their name in light!</div><div><br /></div><div>2) Simplicity</div><div>Don't overbuild features.</div><div><br /></div><div>focus on 2 to 3 and try and do them well</div><div>is there anything we can take out of this?</div><div><br /></div><div>cleaner design and faster page load</div><div><br /></div><div>3) build and release</div><div>stop thinking you understand your users.</div><div>learn from what they are doing on your site</div><div>decide what your going to do and do it, don't get into analysis paralysis </div><div><br /></div><div>get it out there see how users use it then tweak it</div><div><br /></div><div>4) Hack the press</div><div>invite only system?</div><div><br /></div><div>limited number of available slots available</div><div>talk to junior bloggers (find the greenest blogger and tell them about your story)</div><div>attend parties for events you can't afford make a list of people you want to be partnered with, follow them on twitter (bring an iphone with you with the DEMO) and have a 30 second pitch ready with how your pitch could work for them.</div><div><br /></div><div>5) Connect w/your community</div><div>start a podcast through itunes</div><div>throw a launch party then yearly or quarterly parties.</div><div>tell everyone you'd like to be there and then try and find their friends and tell them.</div><div>reserve a spot at a bar, tell them its a bday party of about 20 people and don't worry if 75 plus show up</div><div>try and schedule the party when conferences are near</div><div><br /></div><div>6) advisors</div><div>collect a resource of advisors</div><div>people that are smarter than you, that won't charge you</div><div>give them stock compensations</div><div><br /></div><div>7) leverage the user-base to spread the word</div><div><br /></div><div>a) thank you page tweet to complete, instead of a simple thank you page have a tweet to complete call to action that has a generic message of Just visited (http://www.yourcompany.com) Can't wait to see how they can help me out...</div><div><br /></div><div>then give them something for promoting you by adding keywords that pertain to that user "keywords" that they are passionate about (note you may have to add keywords to your contect form to find this out)</div><div><br /></div><div>then add a send and add yourself to your twitter account</div><div><br /></div><div>b) add a welcome window to your website make sure this is a first time visitor</div><div>welcome to your website.com</div><div>then a nice "green-light" button to have the user do your most desired call to action</div><div>then give the option of no thanks I am just browsing</div><div><br /></div><div>9) analyze your site</div><div>google analytics</div><div><br /></div><div>10) step back and look at the big picture</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://vimeo.com/6905398">http://vimeo.com/6905398</a></div>No Pun Intendedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06730000968196051344noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694256839175297234.post-13038853755759358672009-10-11T06:28:00.000-07:002009-11-06T21:17:29.005-08:00Website UsabilityI came across this article talking about the importance of website usability particularly with 50 and up age group. Which I would typically think they'd be using out of date technology and slow internet connections. According to this Author this isn't so. This demographic has the most time to browse the internet, and they prove to be useful in focus groups. <div><br /></div><div><a href="http://searchengineland.com/want-better-web-design-watch-real-users-26958">http://searchengineland.com/want-better-web-design-watch-real-users-26958</a></div>No Pun Intendedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06730000968196051344noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694256839175297234.post-67852816557884452272009-10-11T05:55:00.001-07:002009-10-11T06:00:46.438-07:00The stuff often overlooked in web designI came across a recent blog my a back end developer "venting" about the clients he has, usually over look some critical aspects of website design. They seem like little things but I can see his frustration, a developer shouldn't be forced to make these design decisions at the site build out phase.<div><br /></div><div>I want to point out that it doesn't matter if its the designer or the developer that comes up with the "marketing" spin on these minor website elements, But someone should whether its a copywriter, pr person, vp of marketing or whomever. All aspects of your website design should be geared towards giving a unique experience to your visitors.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap; "> I agree that there are a ton of little things that rarely get considered. That in my opinion would make a difference. For example a custom 404 page that is kinda funny like http://www.problogdesign.com/inspiration/35-most-creative-404-pages-around/ or a thank you page that isn't a generic message of a rep will contact you shortly. Like mailchimp inviting the visitor to share a banana with them by linking to the original Chiquita banana commercial And details like a favicon, and even page titles, & seo descriptions and keywords. There are a lot of things that go into developing a website, that goes beyond the design of a few pages, and everyone should be aware of the impact they have on the impression of your website...</span></div><div><br /></div><div>Check out his rant here and share your opinion...</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://allinthehead.com/retro/344/own-every-aspect-of-the-design">http://allinthehead.com/retro/344/own-every-aspect-of-the-design</a></div>No Pun Intendedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06730000968196051344noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694256839175297234.post-79749647835949587112009-10-09T06:01:00.000-07:002009-10-09T06:04:24.427-07:00Using Analytics to influence your content<div>Here is an excellent example of why its such a great time to be in business.</div><div><br /></div><div>Using the technology available, businesses can cater their marketing , messaging and branding to level never before seen. Instead of launching on a gut feeling, with Google Analytics you can pay attention to what your visitors are doing and give them what they want as it happens.</div><div><br /></div><div>Awesome!</div><div><br /></div><a href="http://www.foliomag.com/2009/how-web-analytics-influence-content-production">http://www.foliomag.com/2009/how-web-analytics-influence-content-production</a>No Pun Intendedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06730000968196051344noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694256839175297234.post-6349217640501586072009-10-09T05:58:00.001-07:002009-10-09T05:58:44.435-07:00Awesome ideas on offline promotion<a href="http://www.youthedesigner.com/2009/10/08/10-way-to-promote-your-tee-designs-in-print/">http://www.youthedesigner.com/2009/10/08/10-way-to-promote-your-tee-designs-in-print/</a>No Pun Intendedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06730000968196051344noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694256839175297234.post-16641727669111909762009-10-09T05:45:00.001-07:002009-11-06T21:15:12.135-08:00The Power of BloggingI recently experienced first hand how a well written blog converted me into a customer. <div><br /></div><div>I am a die-hard fan of overnightprints.com an online business that prints designs I upload to their website. But recently I came across a blog that was a how to guide on how to promote your T-shirt business. At first I was interested because I love print and the designs they showed were awesome. Next I noticed it was teaching how to market your t-shirt business, which I just launched a t-shirt business this week. <a href="http://www.unique-t.com/">http://www.unique-t.com/</a></div><div><br /></div><div>But the thing is this, they gave great ideas, and mentioned that you can do these ideas on your own, or you could hire UPrinting.com Because the article was informative, and has inspired me to do these things, my two options are one go and try and do it myself, "attempting to save money" or hire the pro's. Money is tight so I might try certain things by myself but I could also see myself doing this with Uprinting. Which has now made me less of a die-hard fan for overnightprints.</div><div><br /></div><div>There are two things I would like to point out here that I think makes this concept a successful one. One they aren't afraid to tell "Trade Secrets" if you hold your ideas to yourself, then your prospects won't come up with them on their own. So don't be afraid to tell somebody how or what you are doing, they will hopefully find what you share useful, and some may try and do it on their own or find some place cheaper, or may want to save time and come to you directly.</div><div><br /></div><div>The next point is that they were focussed, they geared the article to someone promoting a t-shirt design company, when in fact this could apply to any company. So staying focussed on a niche will inspire the other applications, instead of trying to cater to everyone speak to just one... </div><div><br /></div><div>Check out their blog here.</div><div><br /></div><div>Get inspired and weigh in on the subject I'd love to hear from you...</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.youthedesigner.com/2009/10/08/10-way-to-promote-your-tee-designs-in-print/">http://www.youthedesigner.com/2009/10/08/10-way-to-promote-your-tee-designs-in-print/</a></div>No Pun Intendedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06730000968196051344noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694256839175297234.post-62248441327049086682009-10-08T13:07:00.000-07:002009-10-08T13:10:17.219-07:00Laid off ? Start your own business!Ah ha!<div><br /></div><div>I have found an article that backs up a belief that I have had since the recession hit. Why throw yourself at the mercy of an employer? Someone you give your 110% for to only be told after many years of dedication that your position is no longer available. I feel that the only real security anyone has is the security in themselves. By having your own business you have complete control over your success.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://genystartup.com/startup/why-unemployed-college-grads-should-channel-their-inner-entrepreneur/">http://genystartup.com/startup/why-unemployed-college-grads-should-channel-their-inner-entrepreneur/</a></div>No Pun Intendedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06730000968196051344noreply@blogger.com0