Once your new website is complete, how do you tell people about it? Announcing the new launch of your website can be done in a number of ways in order to get the word out and help drive traffic to your new site.

If this is your first website, make sure that you get the web address printed on your business cards and brochures so that people know there is an additional way to get in touch with your business now. Also, connect with your social network followers and tell them about your website launch. Make a post on Facebook and Twitter with the link to your site so that your followers can go directly to the new website to check it out. It might also be helpful to encourage feedback about your site so that you know what your customers think about it from the get go.

In addition, you could submit a press release to local news sources to let people know that your business is now online or that you have redesigned your website for an improved user experience. If you offer special services or features on your website such as ordering online or a blog, include that in your announcement so that users know their experience can be interactive.

On that same note, if you have a blog or news manager on your website, use it to help announce your new website. Make your first post about your new or improved site and take users on a tour of your pages. Tell them what they can find on your site and what they can do while they are there. This is also a great way to encourage feedback about your website.

Launching a new website is just the first step. Once you have your site, you need to let people know it is there. Spread the word and drive traffic to your website using these quick and easy tips.

Do you have business cards for your business? Do they match your brand? Is your logo on it? Does it list your contact information, location, and website address?

These are all important things to think about when creating your business card. There is more than meets the eye when it comes to your business cards. This is your branded material that you hand to people to remember your business and contact you in the future. If it is poorly designed and laid out, then they can easily get overlooked and lost in the shuffle. You want your business card to represent your business and stand out in the crowd at the same time.

Your business card should match your overall branding. You want to include your logo and brand colors so that your cards are consistent with your website and other branded materials. If your brand is consistent, it becomes recognizable.

Your business card should be pretty to look at. You want it to be eye catching and appealing to people so that they remember it and know what to look for when they are trying to find your card in the pile of cards they may have. Your card will stand out in the stack and people will be more drawn to it.

Your business card should have all of your contact information. The point of your business card is so that people know how to find or contact you in the future. What good would it do if there weren’t enough contact information for them to easily get in touch with you? Make sure you include your company’s name, your name, title, phone number, fax number, email address, physical address, and website address if they apply. This way people can contact you in whichever way they find most convenient.

If you think your business card doesn’t stand up to the test, we can help. A business card redesign may be in your future.

Does you logo represent your brand?

Is it easy to understand what your business does just by looking at your logo?

Do you really love your logo?

Your logo is often the first impression of your business; and you have to capture your users within the first few seconds, or that potential customer is lost. It is on your business card, website, brochures, and even your office location. (Well, if it’s not – it should be. Talk to us about that, too.) Your logo should represent your business and it should be able to speak for itself. Your logo should convey your business identity. Your customers should see your logo and know what you do or what you sell.

So, do you like what your logo says to your customers?

Whether you are starting a new business, or have an established business, it is never the wrong time to work on your logo design. It is the basis of all your branding and marketing. If it sends the wrong message, then so does all of your other branding and marketing. It sets the tone for your brand.

Every business should have a logo that they love, so why don’t you? If you are ready to get a logo that speaks volumes for your business, give us a call – we can help with that. We can create a logo design for your business that represents what you are all about. And we promise you will LOVE it.

"Rachel is a graphic designer who is passionate about combining function and style into stylish websites that truly do the brand justice. Rachel uses her experience in a variety of areas including design, marketing, advertising, and social media to give clients the complete package."

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As 2011 ends and we move in to a new year, we move into new trends in website design. Design trends for this year will be sure to help grab your visitors’ attention. While the eye is naturally drawn to graphics and images, it is important for the design of your website to integrate with its function.

Top Trends for 2012

1.    Colors – Brighter colors are being used more than neutrals, but in moderation. You never want to mix too many different colors or use bright backgrounds that will make it hard on the viewer’s eyes.

2.    Typography – Custom fonts are being used more with effects like depth, gradients, and transparency.

3.    Images – Images are always important to grab the user’s attention. Larger images and background images are a current trend that will continue into 2012.

4.    Animation – Animation is always a great way to enhance a website. In 2012 we will see more movement with websites.

5.    Responsive Web Design – This means that your website responds to the device it is being viewed on, which makes it easier to view on different screen sizes, including mobile devices.

6.    Minimalist Design– Sometimes less is more. In 2012, simple designs will give more appealing results. It keeps your website organized and allows the message to be more prominent.

7.    Infographics – Put important information into an infographic to present the info visually. Your users will be more likely to read the info and be interested in what it says.

Does your website incorporate some or all of these trends? If not, are you thinking about updating your site design to be fresh for 2012?  The website designers at TWG are up-to-date with the latest trends and styles for website designs in 2012 and ways to incorporate them into your website’s function for the best results.

"Rachel is a graphic designer who is passionate about combining function and style into stylish websites that truly do the brand justice. Rachel uses her experience in a variety of areas including design, marketing, advertising, and social media to give clients the complete package."