Paper print vs. new technology

No doubt you’ve already joined the online revolution – millions of us now have a multitude of online social networking profiles and websites. We can even read the latest news stories online – virtually every major magazine and paper across the globe now has their own website. This shift in media forms has made marketing more accessible than ever to the masses – but what does this mean for the humble paper copy?

Rewind only a few decades and paper copy was the number one option for marketing and information distribution. From newspapers to leaflets, paper copy seemed to be everywhere – and perhaps it still is to some degree. However, as we continue to learn the huge marketing power of the Internet, more and more people are choosing to market their business or services online.

Online literature has its advantages of course – Internet-based copy can easily be edited and changed to reflect the times we are living in. It’s also a more permanent option – leaflets can easily be thrown away, but online copy has a much longer shelf life. Printing costs can also be reduced using online copy, saving companies money in a somewhat difficult financial climate. But would we really like to see the end of all paper copy altogether?

The majority of people would agree that there’s room for both options in the modern world. There’s no doubt that online marketing is on the increase, and this trend is unlikely to slow down in the near future. Certainly, the figures we are seeing would prove that it is a viable and cost-effective marketing strategy. Online communications allow us to reach a larger customer base and have helped us to open up global communications on a whole new level.

But there are still many people who prefer paper or ‘hard’ copy. In an online age, we tend to forget that not everyone is on the Internet. Yes, a large majority of us are, but many still rely on traditional methods to catch up on news and read about new products and services. Even if you are online, the likelihood is that you still buy your favourite magazine or newspaper in hard copy. And why is this? – it’s because you prefer it that way! So, in conclusion, perhaps we haven’t seen the last of paper copy just yet – there seems to be room for both options in the foreseeable future.

Add Special Zing to Twitter

You are running around social networking land like mad, trying to make an impression for you and/or your business. You are trying to build your brand-either corporate or business. You are on LinkedIn, Facebook, FriendFeed and Twitter (perhaps more). LinkedIn and Facebook offer nothing in terms of customization, but Twitter…ah….

While Twitter provides easy to use background template designs, they are used by the vast majority of Twitter members and don’t allow for adding graphics or text. Your Twitter background is an opportunity for more people to learn about you and see a link to your website or blog.

However, Twitter does allow for you to upload a background as a single page. A graphic designer can create a custom background and embed your logo, your image, a bio and links which acts like an advertisement for your business or services! Be forewarned. Links are simply text, they are not hyperlinks so people cannot click on them. This is Twitter’s fault-not your designers!

Ratio7 offers full service graphic design, including Twitter backgrounds as well as WordPress blog and site themes, print, logo and Web design to make your business more visible! Call or email us for a free consultation now.

Today’s Business Card

Despite advances in technology, Web design and capabilities, a business card still makes an important statement and is a necessary tool for networking. If you are still using one of the 1500 business cards you bought 5 years ago, it might be time to have a designer review both your design and the content on the card. With the advent and popularity of social media like Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn as well as blogs, you need to provide a variety of ways for people to contact you. Besides, business cards continue to change shape, size and material so it might be time to break out and have some fun with that tiny piece of cardstock that represents you after you’ve walked away from an in-person meeting.

What changes can you make?

Ratio7 finds that clients are increasingly choosing a portrait set up vs. landscape. See below for sample.

Consider adding all your social media contact info, a brief overview of your business or service offerings, or just a striking logo  on the back side in a contrasting color. See below for sample.

Try selecting a unique material to make your card stand out. Cards come in wood, metal, vellum, plastic, aluminum, cardboard and more! To generate ideas, check out the Flickr business card group here.
Small changes like rounded corners, or even one rounded corner, make your card stand out from the pack. Raised lettering, a punch out on the card, or a magnet feature are all options.

Finally, do add all of your social meda contacts on your card. This can increase your following and contacts and gives your network the ability to find you and what you do in a variety of locations.

Ratio7 is a full-service media and graphics firm and can create a striking, yet affordable new look for your business card. Just contact us for a free consultation!