Before I delve too deeply, let me state clearly, I have a bit of a bias (maybe a hatred) of email signatures that include images. So this may be considered a bit of a rant. Also, so I'm clear, I'm not discussing email newsletters or email blasts - I'm talking about personal or corporate email signatures that most people include in their emails. »

Signs, signs… everywhere signs. I’ll admit I’m not crazy about signs. Most of them are poorly designed and they can become overwhelming. But signs are necessary for some things – I get that. »

Every good piece of marketing has it – a call to action. Whether it’s a clickable button on your website or a good old-fashioned phone number on your direct mail piece, marketing is pretty much useless if it doesn’t encourage a response/action. So, why isn’t your “call to action” motivating your clients and prospects to act? »

​I’ll admit, I’m being dragged kicking and screaming into the Wordpress world. Not that I dislike Wordpress; I’ve talked in the past about how it was a terrific blogging tool. But while others happily embraced it years ago, until recently we still weren’t fans of using it to build entire content-managed sites. But my… how things have changed. »

While stock art, stock layouts, templates, and impressively good starter layouts in consumer applications have sped along the democratization of design, I was recently reminded, as a designer, I still have some special knowledge and experience. I’m not pompous, I’m merely acknowledging that, as a professional, I have specific knowledge within my field and industry.  »

Marketing, advertising, public relations, social media, selling - they’re all important to your overall success. I’m sorry to say, the better mouse trap isn’t going to succeed by simply being better. It’s a fact new entrepreneurs often grapple with during their start-up. »

There’s been a lot of hubbub about ad blockers recently, with some sites even blocking users of ad blockers or displaying messages which attempt to shame or guilt them into unblocking their sites. Publishers gripe that, by using adblocking software, visitors are depriving them of revenue. While true – because online media is mostly dependent on ad revenue – it over simplifies the situation. »

According to a recent study, approximately 46% of small businesses in the United States don’t have a website – if you don't have one, you are hurting your business. »

​Small businesses come in all shapes and sizes. But regardless if they’re manufacturing a product, selling a service, or doing a little of both - most face similar problems, especially when it comes to marketing. Here are three problems we see commonly, along with possible solutions. »

Recently, when talking with a prospect starting a new business, they asked if they should invest in an 800 number. My quick answer, yes – unless you’re strictly serving your local community, an 800 number is an excellent option. It’s even better if you can customize it so it forms a catchy “tag line” such as 1-800-FLOWERS or similar. »