It seems like everyone is on Twitter and Facebook. Social media goes so much further than just catching up with old pals and colleagues - it has offered a completely new marketing platform. For those of you who are currently utilizing social media for your business' promotion: have you truly found success through these efforts? Unfortunately, for many, the precious time spent on Facebook and Twitter hasn't really paid off.
The key to maintaining a network of followers and allowing for rejuvenated interest in your message is by adding value. Example: If you are a Personal Chef, switch up messages about current offers with say, a simple recipe. Develop your Twitter rapport by offering little pearls of wisdom, or something that your follower might find to be useful and intriguing. There must be a fine balance of content shared through social media... if it is all one thing, your audience will quickly lose interest.
Friday, October 22, 2010
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Tips to a Successful Direct Mail Campaign
We all receive an unfortunate amount of junk mail on a daily basis. Direct mail campaigns offer an excellent way to sell your product, but there are some important factors you need to adhere to in order to stay out of the dreaded junk pile.
Consider the Package
Outer envelopes should be avoided as much as possible as these act as an additional barrier between your audience and your message. An envelope has less of a chance of being opened by the recipient. If a package is necessary, be sure it is enticing and offers a hint of text regarding your message.
Consider the Design
Content layout, color palette, and overall design will allow your viewer to connect with your content. Keep in mind that your viewer's attention span is mere seconds - and if the content is too wordy, your message will not be given a fair chance. By laying out minimal content in brief yet strong statements, you will be able to get your ideas across in an effective manner. Interesting graphics will draw attention and leave a lasting impression.
Content Placement
Offer a good balance between imagery and text. Always end with a strong and clear call to action. Don't be afraid to repeat the call to action throughout the mailer as this is the most important point for your viewer to retain.
Tester Campaigns
Sending out a few tester campaigns will allow you to hone in on which special deal (if applicable) works the best. Always remember to track results.
A Cost Effective Recommendation
Consider a simple postcard for your next direct mail campaign. Not only is this a cost effective route (minimal printing and postage costs), but this format allows for an instant connection with the content (read: no envelopes). Be sure to check out our deal section, as we are offering a direct mail package, this month.
Consider the Package
Outer envelopes should be avoided as much as possible as these act as an additional barrier between your audience and your message. An envelope has less of a chance of being opened by the recipient. If a package is necessary, be sure it is enticing and offers a hint of text regarding your message.
Consider the Design
Content layout, color palette, and overall design will allow your viewer to connect with your content. Keep in mind that your viewer's attention span is mere seconds - and if the content is too wordy, your message will not be given a fair chance. By laying out minimal content in brief yet strong statements, you will be able to get your ideas across in an effective manner. Interesting graphics will draw attention and leave a lasting impression.
Content Placement
Offer a good balance between imagery and text. Always end with a strong and clear call to action. Don't be afraid to repeat the call to action throughout the mailer as this is the most important point for your viewer to retain.
Tester Campaigns
Sending out a few tester campaigns will allow you to hone in on which special deal (if applicable) works the best. Always remember to track results.
A Cost Effective Recommendation
Consider a simple postcard for your next direct mail campaign. Not only is this a cost effective route (minimal printing and postage costs), but this format allows for an instant connection with the content (read: no envelopes). Be sure to check out our deal section, as we are offering a direct mail package, this month.
Monday, June 21, 2010
The Wonders of Type
Did you know that typography dates back to Egyptian times? Hieroglyphs were artfully arranged to tell a story. Had they been placed carelessly upon stone walls, the message would've been entirely different.
Typography can be defined as the art of type arrangment with an overall goal of effectively reaching the target audience.
And while this may not sound that exciting, typography is the very platform of all written imagery. Any billboard, magazine advertisement, or article in Sunday's paper utilizes a sound typographical foundation. The way in which type has been arranged determines how impactful the message really can be.
Being conscious of the type within say, a brochure, business card, or newsletter, allows one to ensure their message is read.
Take a moment and look at your collateral. What do you see? Is content easy to read? Intuitive in its organization and layout? How you arrange your type directly influences how one will experience your written materials.
Typography can be defined as the art of type arrangment with an overall goal of effectively reaching the target audience.
And while this may not sound that exciting, typography is the very platform of all written imagery. Any billboard, magazine advertisement, or article in Sunday's paper utilizes a sound typographical foundation. The way in which type has been arranged determines how impactful the message really can be.
Being conscious of the type within say, a brochure, business card, or newsletter, allows one to ensure their message is read.
Take a moment and look at your collateral. What do you see? Is content easy to read? Intuitive in its organization and layout? How you arrange your type directly influences how one will experience your written materials.
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Latest Service Addition: Content Management System
Here, at (in)Spire Graphics, we have just added CMS to our vast arsenal of design and marketing solutions. So, what exactly is 'CMS' and how can it help your company?
A Content Management System website is a system that can be updated and maintained by the client, without any knowledge of coding. This is a great option for companies who wish to have an in-house web maintenance ability.
Currently, we are working on several CMS-based websites for clients - and feel that this is a great way to offer a product that can be adapted by the client. If you are looking for a professional website system that can be updated on your machine, this type of site is for you.
As with all of our website design services, we offer a custom design interface, as well as layout and set-up of the website. Our CMS package also includes basic training on how to manage your very own CMS site. This is ideal for someone who wants to be involved... but doesn't necessarily want to learn html, css, and the intricacies of the web.
A Content Management System website is a system that can be updated and maintained by the client, without any knowledge of coding. This is a great option for companies who wish to have an in-house web maintenance ability.
Currently, we are working on several CMS-based websites for clients - and feel that this is a great way to offer a product that can be adapted by the client. If you are looking for a professional website system that can be updated on your machine, this type of site is for you.
As with all of our website design services, we offer a custom design interface, as well as layout and set-up of the website. Our CMS package also includes basic training on how to manage your very own CMS site. This is ideal for someone who wants to be involved... but doesn't necessarily want to learn html, css, and the intricacies of the web.
Thursday, March 11, 2010
New Services!
NEW Services
We are overjoyed to announce that we have added an entire new media wing to our design studio. With full-fledged media capabilities, we are able to better assist you in getting your message out there! The applications are really limitless, and the final product exudes a polished sense of professionalism.
Video
We are now able to offer full video services. There are so many different things you can do with this exciting medium! Looking to add video to a website, or perhaps, start a web video blog? Perhaps you have a collection of important VHS videos that you would like to have digitized. Whatever your video needs are, (in)Spire Graphics is here to help.
Audio
We specialize in basic audio editing as well as full audio mastering. If you are looking for professionally developed audio, we would love to assist you.
Please, check out how Everyday Life Paths utilized our audio + video services to communicate their ideas by visiting: www.everydaylifepaths.com
If you are interested in learning more about video and audio, and how these services can help you better connect with your client, please contact us today!
Spring Deals:
Post Cards
1,000, standard size, 2 sided
$95 (Normally $115)
Basic Website Package
3 page website
$299 (Normally $450)
*ask about details
Custom E-Newsletter Design
$99 (Normally $150)
Current Deals available through April 15, 2010.
We are overjoyed to announce that we have added an entire new media wing to our design studio. With full-fledged media capabilities, we are able to better assist you in getting your message out there! The applications are really limitless, and the final product exudes a polished sense of professionalism.
Video
We are now able to offer full video services. There are so many different things you can do with this exciting medium! Looking to add video to a website, or perhaps, start a web video blog? Perhaps you have a collection of important VHS videos that you would like to have digitized. Whatever your video needs are, (in)Spire Graphics is here to help.
Audio
We specialize in basic audio editing as well as full audio mastering. If you are looking for professionally developed audio, we would love to assist you.
Please, check out how Everyday Life Paths utilized our audio + video services to communicate their ideas by visiting: www.everydaylifepaths.com
If you are interested in learning more about video and audio, and how these services can help you better connect with your client, please contact us today!
Spring Deals:
Post Cards
1,000, standard size, 2 sided
$95 (Normally $115)
Basic Website Package
3 page website
$299 (Normally $450)
*ask about details
Custom E-Newsletter Design
$99 (Normally $150)
Current Deals available through April 15, 2010.
Friday, January 29, 2010
What Color will Define 2010?
As you probably know, Pantone's Mimosa was the most popular of hues used in 2009. This bright, juicy, citrus-infused color offered a sweet treat of a break from the bleakness of the year... and certainly put forth a hopeful and promising mindset. What color will define 2010, I wonder?
Color manages to convey what your business is about, before you get a single word in. The types of hues you decide upon will determine your target audience (age, gender, personal tastes, etc.). By being aware of this, one can fine tune their message to attract the perfect client.
Consider your business' branding for a moment...
Are you targeting a specific gender?
What generation does your brand lend itself to?
What type of feeling is conveyed when you look at your logo?
These points are all important to consider, as they truly assist in the connections you make.
Since we are lovers of design, color is really our medium... and we love a good excuse to talk about it! If you want to chat about your branding strategy, give us a call or send us an email.
A Few Deals:
Business Cards: 1,000, standard size, 2 sided
$48 (Normally $62)
NEW BUSINESS: Logo and Collateral Design Package
logo, letterhead, business cards, envelope design:
$325 (Normally $450)
BRANDING FACELIFT: Logo and Collateral Design Package
Give your branding design a fresh look.
logo, letterhead, business cards, envelope design:
$200 (Normally $350)
Custom E-Newsletter Design
$99 (Normally $150)
Current Deals available through March 15, 2010.
Contact us today! Call 303.955.7392 or email
Color manages to convey what your business is about, before you get a single word in. The types of hues you decide upon will determine your target audience (age, gender, personal tastes, etc.). By being aware of this, one can fine tune their message to attract the perfect client.
Consider your business' branding for a moment...
Are you targeting a specific gender?
What generation does your brand lend itself to?
What type of feeling is conveyed when you look at your logo?
These points are all important to consider, as they truly assist in the connections you make.
Since we are lovers of design, color is really our medium... and we love a good excuse to talk about it! If you want to chat about your branding strategy, give us a call or send us an email.
A Few Deals:
Business Cards: 1,000, standard size, 2 sided
$48 (Normally $62)
NEW BUSINESS: Logo and Collateral Design Package
logo, letterhead, business cards, envelope design:
$325 (Normally $450)
BRANDING FACELIFT: Logo and Collateral Design Package
Give your branding design a fresh look.
logo, letterhead, business cards, envelope design:
$200 (Normally $350)
Custom E-Newsletter Design
$99 (Normally $150)
Current Deals available through March 15, 2010.
Contact us today! Call 303.955.7392 or email
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
2010 has arrived...
2010 has officially arrived. A new decade... A fresh era...
It is a great time to reminisce about the last year - and set some goals for the exciting one that lies ahead.
Here at (in)Spire, we have been keeping busy with a plethora of interesting projects. We have had the opportunity to break into a few shiny new industries - and are looking forward to the exciting year ahead. We hope that you find everything you are looking for in 2010. And we look forward to working with you!
Here are a few little tidbits. You can also subscribe to our monthly e-newsletter by visiting our website: www.inspiregraphics.net . You will receive an e-newsletter with interesting facts, our latest deals, and more - hand delivered to your inbox.
Marketing Tip #1: Avoid the 'Spray and Pray' Marketing Method
Hone in on your ideal client. Who are they? Where can you find them? By following a target-less marketing plan, you are wasting your resources. Take a little time and research who it is you are wanting to attract, and go after that industry. Believe it or not, you will save time, energy, and well, money.
Marketing Tip #2: Go GREEN!
What a perfect time to 'Go Green'. Utilize e-newsletter campaigns, environmentally conscious printing, as well as online-based communication. We would love to help you transition to a more earth-friendly plan!
Brand New Year, Brand New Deals:
Postcards: 1,000, standard size, 2 sided
$80 (Normally $95)
NEW BUSINESS: Logo and Collateral Design Package
logo, letterhead, business cards, envelope design: $325 (Normally $450)
Custom E-Newsletter Design
$99 (Normally $150)
Current Deals available through February 15, 2010.
It is a great time to reminisce about the last year - and set some goals for the exciting one that lies ahead.
Here at (in)Spire, we have been keeping busy with a plethora of interesting projects. We have had the opportunity to break into a few shiny new industries - and are looking forward to the exciting year ahead. We hope that you find everything you are looking for in 2010. And we look forward to working with you!
Here are a few little tidbits. You can also subscribe to our monthly e-newsletter by visiting our website: www.inspiregraphics.net . You will receive an e-newsletter with interesting facts, our latest deals, and more - hand delivered to your inbox.
Marketing Tip #1: Avoid the 'Spray and Pray' Marketing Method
Hone in on your ideal client. Who are they? Where can you find them? By following a target-less marketing plan, you are wasting your resources. Take a little time and research who it is you are wanting to attract, and go after that industry. Believe it or not, you will save time, energy, and well, money.
Marketing Tip #2: Go GREEN!
What a perfect time to 'Go Green'. Utilize e-newsletter campaigns, environmentally conscious printing, as well as online-based communication. We would love to help you transition to a more earth-friendly plan!
Brand New Year, Brand New Deals:
Postcards: 1,000, standard size, 2 sided
$80 (Normally $95)
NEW BUSINESS: Logo and Collateral Design Package
logo, letterhead, business cards, envelope design: $325 (Normally $450)
Custom E-Newsletter Design
$99 (Normally $150)
Current Deals available through February 15, 2010.
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