(in)Spire Graphics

Deal of the Day Promotions: Is it worth it for your business?

2011-03-14T16:27:00.000-07:00

Most of us subscribe to numerous discounted daily deal sites promoting local restaurants, spas and retailers. Groupon and Livingsocial are a few of the hundreds of different companies who offer this popular service. Before signing your business up for an offer, we've compiled a few points to ponder. While many businesses discover this is an excellent way to draw crowds, others aren't quite so lucky.

1. Consider your price point. A large percentage of each payment will be taken by the company marketing your deal. Be sure to also check on the credit card fees associated with each transaction. More often than not, the marketing company will pass this expense onto you.

2. Be creative about pushing for repeat business. Perhaps, offer a discount on a second visit. The main goal is to attract a new client base... and keep them coming back for more.

3. Don't take away from a current client base. The goal is to attract new clients and because of this, new businesses happen to be the most successful with this model.

Resource: Moran, Gwen. "Is Groupon a good deal?". Entrepreneur, March 2011: 61.

Make Social Media Work for You

2010-10-22T12:13:00.001-07:00

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.

Tips to a Successful Direct Mail Campaign

2010-07-20T15:23:00.000-07:00

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.

The Wonders of Type

2010-06-21T13:44:00.001-07:00

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.

Latest Service Addition: Content Management System

2010-04-21T16:35:00.000-07:00

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.

New Services!

2010-03-11T13:10:00.000-08:00

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.

What Color will Define 2010?

2010-01-29T14:46:00.000-08:00

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

2010 has arrived...

2010-01-12T11:58:00.000-08:00

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.

Marketing Tips from (in)Spire...

2009-12-01T13:22:00.000-08:00

Right now, it is important for businesses to really ride the technological surf. There are so many great tools out there for you to use in communicating your products and ideas! We have put together a few important elements that will help you ride that wave and really be in front.
Here they are:

1. Update your website regularly.
Yes... we know. It takes a little time... time which you may not have. But a little update every month goes a long way. Updating your website will allow for better search engine ranking results. It will also make sure that your visitors will come back more often, which after all, is what you want.

2. Start a blog!
This is a great way to tell your #1 fans all about your business. Write a little blurb every week - inform visitors of your latest projects - perhaps even a current special that you are running. Not only will this communicate fresh ideas but it will also allow you to reflect a bit on goals. Blogging requires no html experience - you can get up and running in mere minutes. We recommend www.blogger.com

3. Social Media
Social media tools are great for communicating your business on a completely different platform. Facebook pages and Twitter accounts are a fantastic way to keep people informed about what you are doing.

This may seem like a lot, but if you just dedicate a few minutes a day to each of these, you will notice an improvement in awareness of your business. And if you have any questions, we are always here to help you.

Wow, time sure does fly!

2009-11-23T08:01:00.000-08:00

I realized this morning while waiting for a client to meet me at Starbucks that I haven't entered a new post. Everything has been great! Business is continuing to grow and we're always having a great time transforming our clients ideas into a graphic medium. It truly is amazing the vision that individuals have. So many of the people we work with have a passionate vision of what they want to accomplish. Whether providing delicious baked goods or creating a collective co-op they're driven to accomplish their dreams and aspirations. What is awesome, is that they come to us. We're honored and thankful for all of you.

So, our newest client is Hyperform Design Co-Op. They are based in Arvada and are an architectural co-op. We've been tasked to create a website for them, something fun, something unique, something that shows their playfulness and creativity. We've also redesigned their logo to compliment the website. The design that we came up with is very different from your traditional website. I took the lead on this with my experimental approach to web design. We're anticipating the website to launch in the next week or so.

Experimenting with websites can either be really awesome, or provide serious issues. But, I love to play around with layout and try new things. This is something that I have always done and will always continue to do.

I'll keep it short today. And just in case I don't get an entry in before Thursday, have a wonderful Thanksgiving, be safe and thanks for reading!

Chris

And a pinch of gratitude...

2009-11-03T16:35:00.000-08:00

Every day, when I roll out of bed and make that arduous trek to our office (2 flights of stairs), I cannot feel anything but complete gratitude for our company. Every day, I am offered unique projects, interesting clients, and a chance to solve problems, visually. I love being able to be creative each and every day - I love answering my client's needs and feeling like I am honoring each and every part of me, in the process, too.

We have been in business for 2 1/2 years... we have somehow, magically, flourished amid a pretty tumultuous economic period... and we have done it all because of our wonderful clients. So, I guess I just wanted to make my first official post as a sort of 'thank you'. Thank you for making our dreams possible. It may sound corny...and oh-so-cliche... but it is true... without you, well, this fantastic vista really just would not look the same.

Ciao!
Jessica

November already....

2009-11-02T22:13:00.000-08:00

Wow, we cannot believe November sneaked up on us. Thanksgiving, then X-mas, soon enough we'll be in 2010, holy frijoles!

Anyhow, as always we've been staying busy! We just landed a website design for a local Architecture firm here in Denver. We're very excited to be creating this website and once we are further along, we'll post a link so you can check it out. The website will have a beautiful flash intro, awesome galleries to show off projects and simply kick @ss! After all, this is not your corporate Architecture firm, this is a collaborative design studio that knows how to have fun!

We're just about finished with a CD insert for a local musician. Then we'll be creating the album cover which will hit the streets nationwide! We're excited to be working with the artist, the producer and everyone else involved. We like showing off our design skills!

We have another website we're working on for a wedding designer. She does everything from chair covers to floral arrangements. She has amazing work and her website will show off her talents. We're anticipating a late November launch date. We'll post the link once the site is ready to be viewed.

Amongst other things, we're staying super busy, loving every minute of it and continue to grow. In the next couple of months we'll keep you posted on a sister company we'll be starting. We're fine tuning the details, so stay tuned!

Always happy,
Chris

Beautiful snowy Wednesday

2009-10-28T15:26:00.000-07:00

Ah, it's a beautiful winter day and a great time for a first post! We're new to blogging but it'll be fun to keep everyone up-to-date on the happenings at (in)Spire.

We've been working on some fun projects that have allowed us to dive deep into our creative minds and come up with some fun design concepts. We've been creating email campaign ads for a local hotel. The task has been to come up with not only a non-traditional design, but uniquely create copy that hails from the comical realm. The trick is keeping it professional yet funny. It's been tricky for us, but pushes us to be creative which we love!

We're working on two websites for a baby clothing company out in NYC. One is live, you can view it at www.babyworksbyrobar.com. It's a one page site that we'll add to and we have some tweaking to do to the text. However, it was a very fun website to design because the client wanted something professional, yet playful and obviously with a child-like theme.

The other site is more sophisticated with a flash banner, but keeping the same child-like theme intact. We'll post the link in a couple weeks once it is ready to be viewed.

We also are completing a CD cover for a local musician and will post the cover once we get the final approval. This was a little challenging as the client wanted to promote a professional business like feeling, yet add a spark of "hood-ness."

That's it from me today, Jess may hop on and post something. She tends to write better than I do, but hey my excuse is I have too many words to remember cuz (purposely misspelled) I'm bilingual. We'll see how far that takes me, haha.

Have an excellent Wednesday!
Chris