Category: Marketing

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5 Tips to a Good Design

Graphic design is the process of visual communication to capture and engage viewers, generate interest or get a message across. A good design will make you feel something, compel you to read it or draw your attention. Make sure you have at least 3 of the fivethe following elements in your design.

1. Is there a focal point

The focal point is the main thing that you want the viewer to see, feel or understand. The following elements can be used to create a focal point: Size, Color, Framing or by Isolating. Isolation is separating the element from the rest of the design which brings focus to it.

2. Make sure your fonts work well together

For most designs, choosing one serif font and one sans-serif font is a good starting point.

• Never us a headline or script font or all caps for the text area of your design.
• Make sure all of your text is readable
• Use fonts that are clean and easy to read, especially for the body copy
• Size of the font is very important – make sure it is readable, but not too large
• If there is a background, make sure your font can still be easily read

3. Color and contrast

Color is a significant part of design, it dictates the mood and feel of the piece you are designing. Make sure your colors add interest, but do not fight with each other. A good rule of thumb is to consider colors that appear directly opposite or beside each other on the color wheel. Contrast is important because it draws the most important elements out and adds emphasis to them.

4. Good use of space

The parts of your design that you leave blank are just as important as the parts you fill. White space gives your design some breathing room it can also add interest if used correctly. If there is not enough, it looks crowded and hard to read, if there is too much, your design elements lose their relationship with each other.

5. Texture

Although you cannot feel texture in a printed piece or on a computer screen, the appearane of texture can add to your design. This can be accomplished using graduated color, layers, lines or shapes.

A good design is the key to getting your piece read, your brand recognized and your information remembered! If you need help, contact Handouts …WE DO THAT!


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Say “Thank You”

At this time of year being thankful is on our minds, but you should always remember to say “Thank You”.

Did you know that it costs five time as much to attract a new client than to keep an existing one. Showing your appreciation is a great start to building client loyalty. The holidays are the perfect time to remember to contact your clients and thank them for their business. A gift, a card, or just a phone call to let them know how much they are appreciated.

But, do you take the time to say “Thank You” when your client gives you an order or buys something from you? Not just the words, but hand written message? A note card is a great reminder that you appreciate them. If you don’t have the time or don’t like to write, a simple and inexpensive way to say Thank You is with a postcard. You can have pre-printed postcards where all you have to do is sign them or leave space for a short personal handwritten message. It doesn’t take much time or much money. Postcards are very inexpensive and, if you send a 4×6 postcard, the postage is only $0.35…and best of all, it keeps you your name in front of your client.

If you choose to send postcards, please make sure they are professional in the design and printed on quality paper. Remember, everything you do should help build your company image.

I really like postcards because they’re seen by other people and not just the person they’re intended for, they are seen by everyone who handles them. This keeps your company’s name getting recognized and remembered along the way! So, such a simple act can reap great rewards!

If you need help, please remember “we do that”, we can create and print the perfect piece for you to thank your clients.

Last, but certainly no least, I want Thank you so much for taking the time to read this, I really appreciate it! I hope that you can take advantage of this simple way to grow your business.

Please share it with someone else and, help them reach their goals!

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What is an SSL Certificate?

Why is my website showing as an UNSECURED SITE?

SSL stands for Secure Sockets Layer. According to GoDaddy, “an SSL Certificate is a digital certificate that authenticates the identity of a website and encrypts information sent to the server using SSL technology. Encryption is the process of scrambling data into an undecipherable format that can only be returned to a readable format with the proper decryption key.”

So, that means the SSL creates a secure link between a website and the visitors browser ensuring that the data being passed between the two remains private and secure. When you browse or interact with a website, your information passes through many computers. The SSL provides encryption which makes it unreadable to everyone except the server you are sending the information to, preventing others from stealing private information. A website that takes credit cards must have an SSL Certificate to be PCI Compliant (complying with Payment Card Industry).

In addition to encryption, an SSL also provides authentication. This ensures that you are sending your information to the correct company – not someone pretending to be that company.

All websites should have an SSL Certificate. It adds credibility to your website and lets visitors know that your business is legitimate and your site is safe.

How do I know if a site has an SSL Certificate?

When you see the lock in the search bar, that means that website has an SSL certificate. The web address also changes to https:// to show others that this is a secure site. There is also a Verified & Secure logo that may be on the website as another indicator of an SSL Certificate. If you do not have an SSL certificate you may notice that the menu bar will show NOT SECURE in red letters as a warning to visitors.

How do I get an SSL Certificate?

Go to the company that hosts your website, they should be able to provide you with an SSL Certificate. There are different levels of SSL’s to choose from and there is a yearly fee. Once you have the SSL it has to be installed onto your site and verified every year.

If your website is through Handouts, contact us and we will make sure your site is Secure!