I currently use to following social media:

Facebook. Add me on facebook.
Twitter. Follow me on Twitter.
Myspace. Add me on Myspace.
Linked in. Add me on Linkedin.
Flick R. Add me on FlickR
Youtube. Watch my youtube account.
Videmo. Watch my vimeo account

What is blogging?

“A blog is a website, usually maintained by an individual with regular entries of commentary, descriptions of events, or other material such as graphics or video. Entries are commonly displayed in reverse-chronological order. “Blog” can also be used as a verb, meaning to maintain or add content to a blog.

Many blogs provide commentary or news on a particular subject; others function as more personal online diaries. A typical blog combines text, images, and links to other blogs, Web pages, and other media related to its topic. The ability for readers to leave comments in an interactive format is an important part of many blogs. Most blogs are primarily textual, although some focus on art (artlog), photographs (photoblog), sketches (sketchblog), videos (vlog), music (MP3 blog), audio (podcasting), which are part of a wider network of social media. Micro-blogging is another type of blogging, one which consists of blogs with very short posts. As of December 2007, blog search engine Technorati was tracking more than 112 million blogs. With the advent of video blogging, the word blog has taken on an even looser meaning — that of any bit of media wherein the subject expresses his opinion or simply talks about something”. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/blog

Blogging which has at first been more personal means of expression on the internet have now become also a useful corporate tool for communicating with customers or employees to share knowledge and expertise. Business blogs are sweeping the business community. Blogs are an excellent method to share a company’s expertise, build web traffic, and interact and increase awareness with potential customers..

What does Blogging Provide to Small Business?

1. Blog software is easy to use. Simply write your thoughts, link to resources, and publish to your blog, all at the push of a few buttons. Blog software is easy to use once someone has designed your website.
2. Blogging is a low-cost alternative to having regularly update a web presence.
3. Updating the weblog is a much quicker process than contacting a web designer with changes or doing the coding and uploading yourself.
4. Business blogs provide your small business with a chance to share your expertise and knowledge with a much larger and possibly global audience. Which is a powerful benefit for consultants and knowledge workers as well as typical business owners too.

What is social Media?

“Social media are primarily Internet- and mobile-based tools for sharing and discussing information among human beings. The term most often refers to activities that integrate technology, telecommunications and social interaction, and the construction of words, pictures, videos and audio. This interaction, and the manner in which information is presented, depends on the varied perspectives and “building” of shared meaning among communities, as people share their stories and experiences. Businesses also refer to social media as user-generated content (UGC) or consumer-generated media (CGM).” http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Social_media

Social media has become a great way of staying in touch with contacts, and see what people are up and encouraging networking the benefits of social media include trying to create transparency in your business. By letting your clients and contacts know more about and making a bond of interest and sharing of experience, you give them more trust in your company and your services. Services such as Twitter, linked-in, Facebook and myspace can let you do this.

The benefits of using social media

Why bother explore social media as a marketing channel for your website or business? What can social media do for you that networking and link exchanges cannot?

Here are some reasons why you should consider using social media:

1. Natural. Not only do you get natural links without any discernible pattern, your website is exposed to large groups of people in a almost random fashion. This is different from paid advertising which has overtones of trying to sell you something, your vistors are likely to have a genuine interest in your website as they do not feel pressured into buying anything.
2. A different type of traffic. Social communities can be a great source of web traffic on top of any traffic you are already receiving from search engines and direct hits from sales publications and advertising. While you can’t easily increase your search engine traffic, social media traffic can be very easily controlled through strategic marketing with a variety of traffic hitting your site depending upon your new marketing technique.
3. It’s low-cost. Just a Internet connection and a little time, no subscription fees or expensive network breakfasts or boring sales people to talk to.
4. It complements and it’s external from your site. Social media optimization and marketing is usually community-specific. No changes to keywords or meta data. It doesn’t interfere with any other methods of getting traffic to your website whichever they are. It can and will fit with an advertising campaign targeting other websites or traffic.
5. Brand specific. With the means of profiles and easy to customize pages, profiles and user ids, you can have a consistent approach throughout your marketing, empowering your brand.

How I can help

If your unsure on how to use social networks for your business or would like for me to design your own personal business blog I can help. I will help set up all the best practices and types of social media best suited to your business and advice you the best way you can market yourself using them. Get in contact if your interested.

A Logo design and branding that would reflect the difference that Make that job yours would make on a possible candidate and job search was requested. Using the typical logo design process that involved creative sketching, brainstorming and mind-mapping and focusing on the positive nature of finding that ideal job I was able to create the following logo for Adam and use the devised branding on a website, stationary and marketing package to offer his services to the public.

www.damstyle.com

David had a new service to market, which was a professional one to one service for graduates and professionals looking to net that next job.

David was looking for a fresh way to present himself in advertising and wanted an email campaign print advertising for this new offer. One of his staff had already created a poster for the new service but David thought it needed some more flare and better presentation to win these new clients.

Below you can see the before and after design and the added value that good design can give any campaign.

They needed to re-brand a software program called Data Exchange and asked me develop a logo design with them. The final design that was developed is below.

More information about Data Exchange:

Data Exchange is an application to manage the Exchange of Data. DataExchange acts as a broker between Sources of data and a user to deliver data in a controlled uniform manner.

DataExchange is implemented as a J2EE Application executing in a Servlet container.As DataExchange is Internet facing access control is tightly controlled, DataExchange uses the Concept of an inbox that contains DataLinks – A link to data. This link to data can be accessed in a variety of ways. It allows users to access information over the internet, ensuring users only access their data and that no unauthorized disclosure of data takes place.

Program highlights include:

• Access is monitored
• Access is easy and intuitive
• Data can be easily managed

Concept designs

Below are some concepts the were created in the design process but not developed.

At this moment 80% of all UK businesses have a website.
Silicon.com reporting

There should not be any doubt in your mind that you need a website for you business, but here are some good reasons I have compiled:

(1) Your customers expect you to have one.

What would happen if people learn of your business name and then try to find out more about you on the web? If they cannot find your website they will start to search for a competitor that offers similar services or products. Your losing business just by not having a website.

(2) Open 24/7

Unlike a phone line or shopfront, a website is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It does the hard work, when you’re not working. People have the convenience to look at your website when they want to.

(3) A method of contact

Not all of us like to use the phone to talk to people, there also are many who can’t. Be it disability, working hours or even general shyness. A website offers a discrete and private way of displaying information the client needs. They may feel more confidant using email contact than the phone.

(4) It’s cheaper and faster.

Even ordering a brochure or making a phone call is a slow method of finding information compared to a website. With a well designed website potential clients and customers can find the information they need. No postage, no call time, just instant access.

(5) It’s the new Yellow Pages.

The older among us that worked before the age of the internet will remember the Yellow Pages. It was practically the place to turn to if you needed to find a business or service. It was essential that you had a listing. Nowadays the first place to look for something is the internet. With more than just a listing the customer can compare prices, services and find a more in-depth profile about your business.

(6 ) It gives you instant credibility.

A website showing the customer all about your business gives you credibility. If it’s presented in a clear readable and attractive manner it gives the customer trust. Which in turn makes them value your opinion and services. Using a mix of well written copy, good design and useful information will instantly create a great first impression.

(7) Better than any sales/services brochures

Although a small run of sales brochures maybe a cheaper solution than a well designed website. A sales brochure has; limited pages, a limited run and limited shelf life. A website has almost infinite possibility of ways to display information about your business.

(8) A website makes it easy for people to refer new customers to you

For many businesses, referrals are a crucial source of developing new clients. Having a website makes it easy to encourage referrals, as customers can simply send friends and business contacts to your site to view your services or products.

(9) A website increases the value of your advertising

Adding your website address to all marketing and advertising is a great way to introduce potential customers to your company even if they have not met you.

(10) Analyse the results.

A website can measure report and show data on how successful your marketing and advertising is using various software installed onto your website.

If you are interested in developing a website please get in contact.

Having run my own business for the last two years and have experience creating and developing design for small businesses and individuals, I often find it’s the case that clients have never worked with an individual before and normally are used to working with companies. Which is not at all rare since companies do seem more professional than an individual working from a office at home. Hopefully this post will explore some of the benefits of working with a one person business or the commonly known description “freelancer” in the design industry.

Before I start this article I would like to point out that it’s not me in the picture. The sun does not shine behind me and grumpy silhouettes do not stand behind me and cross their arms. I also never wear white shirts (I prefer brown, grey or black!) but as the metaphor represents I do work on my own, separately from a company and I do generally do the same job as a team of people.

The one person business is often regarded as the singular description “freelancer” which technically is not wrong, but does conjure up images of the lazy freelancer working from a bedroom and spending a lot of there supposedly working time watching daytime TV and not necessarily doing the 9-5 working ritual that the rest of country partakes in.
The truth of the matter is really that many professional freelancers that do work from a home office, probably put in more working hours than they would like to admit.
These professionals are not hard to spot, they would normally at least have a home office or working space, business cards, online/off-line portfolio, company brochure and list of services as well as references or testimonials, but always do your homework and find out as much as you can before hiring them for a project.
(you can request to look at any of the above via email!)

So why would or should you hire a “freelancer” to do the work of a larger design agency?

Price.

This probably the main reason you are considering hiring a freelancer.
Freelancers often have very low overheads and rarely rent their office space, pay substantial amounts for advertising and have a great deal of expenses attributed to there day to business. As such they won’t need as many clients and capital to profit from their business as a design angency would. With these lower operating costs they can offer a lower price on their services in order to appeal to the marketplace. Get a quote from me and see how much you could save.

A singular interpretation of the design brief.

While this does not sound like a benefit, the design brief is written so an understanding can be made between client and worker. Since there is just one interpretation of the brief and there should be little confusion to the outcome that could happen if multiple members of staff are working on your brief.

Expertise.

Often a freelancer will specialise in a particular area of design that they focus on, For example I have a long background into design for the music industry and for underground bands. While a design firm quite often offers a variety of knowledge of all types of design work they may not be experts in individual industries and sectors.

Better communication

No sales team to talk to, no receptionist to leave messages with, no account manager who then needs to talk to the designer and then the junior designer, all to deal with the changes to your project. When you call me or email me, the phone call or email goes to me and only me. I can answer queries quickly even when I’m away from my office. I can makes changes to design work without having to receive the information from another member of staff.

Customer service

As the only person in the company I am also responsible for all the billing, invoicing and quoting can answer all quiries. You can also phone or email me at anytime between 9AM and 10PM
seven days a week and expect to get a response. A design agency typically runs like normal workplace with 9-5 hours.

Personal Relationship

With one person handling your project, you will quickly find working with them a familiar experience. Although I like to be as professional as possible with my clients and focus on the project, I do not see any harm in learning more about your client beyond the job at hand. It makes me feel more relaxed doing the work as I feel I have a better understanding of their personal background and needs.

To conclude…

There are some good reasons why firms with large budgets and demanding needs might choose to use a Design Agency, but sole traders and small to medium sized businesses will generally find it to be much more beneficial (and cheaper) to use the services of a freelancer like myself.

You might not need a logo!

This sounds like bad business practice for someone who designs logos for a living but a good logo costs money. Do you have the financial resources to invest in one? You may have already made up your mind but you really need to ask yourself;

Why does my business need a logo?

Most designers will be able to give you a strong list of reasons why you need a logo and how it will be beneficial to your company. Some may even claim “Your business will never be memorable without a logo”. But you may not need one. Before you approach a designer you should ask yourself “Why exactly do you need a logo?’

If you answer no to more than three of these headings you just might not need a logo, your money would probably be better spent on your marketing campaign. If you answer yes to most of these, then you will need a professional designer. You can contact me for a free quote on logo design as I would be happy to design that much needed identity.

(1) Will you have returning customers?

Do your customers come back to use your services or purchase more goods from your business time after time? Unless you are operating in a very niche market, the chances are that your customer knows there are alternatives, where they can get their product or service cheaper or better.
You need to stick in their mind, as the “go to” company or individual for that service or item.

(2) Do people remember your businesses name?

• Emma Johnston’s Accounting.
• John Smith’s Painting & Decorating.

I’m unsure if I’ll remember these examples I’ve made in two months from now!
My company “Graphic-all Design”, is not the most memorable of names but the play on words does stick in some peoples minds, because of the subtlety of the combined words to make up the phrase “graphical design” the name also includes what I do (all types of design).

However I introduce myself by my name first and my company second. I like my name because it’s somewhat memorable, at least in England where most of my business is. My name is Robin Van Rijn, not many people forget my name because it’s foreign and difficult to pronounce. My brand catches the rest of the people that do not remember. So together my name + brand + logo makes me memorable!

(3) Are you entering into a competitive market?

The chances are your competitors are using every possible resource to look the most professional, reputable, financially sound and have best suited service or product. You will need to differentiate yourself from the crowd and be individual to prove you are the best!

(4) Do I need attention?

Does your company run on word of mouth or through print and online advertising? The chances are your direct mail/email campaign is not getting the desired effect if you don’t have a logo or identity. People do not pay much attention to unbranded services or often associate not having a logo as being unprofessional or being non industry standard.

(5) Is your company going to grow and be successful?

If you’re in a start-up business that is growing to be successful, in a few years as your experience and peoples knowledge of your company grows, will your new national and even possibly global clients take you seriously without branding and a logo? Even if you choose a low price logo to begin with, will it reflect you in the years to come? A well designed logo is timeless and would accompany you on the road to becoming the best of your industry!

(6) If you are selling products, do people recognise these products as produce of your company?

If they don’t, you need to ask yourself why they don’t. Your products should be a shining example of your companies work. Even a simple logo could correct this.

(7) Are you using marketing and self promotion resources already available to you?

If you’re networking and promoting your company yourself either online or through off-line marketing. You probably already have the space on your business card, website, letterhead/stationery for your logo to appear in. Having such an item would silently advertise your business. Money aside these are ample places to extend your companies branding. Why not use them?

(8) Do you want to remain faceless and anonymous?

Some companies need to remain private and not open to the public eye. Not having a logo can sometimes make people raise questions. People recognise that branding and logo design costs money. If you do not even have the overheads for simple branding and logo design. People may ask how long is this business expecting to be trading for?

(9) Do you need to explain your company name?
Because of the need to differentiate yourself from the market not everyone attaches their industry type at the end of their company identity. If your company name is an acronym for example, a logo can give visual clues to its meaning.

(10) Do you need to convey that you are reputable?

A typical shop may not need much more than a good store front and polite staff to be a good business. You can see from the store front the basis of their (supposedly) good business. When you don’t have a storefront or way of customers being able to look into your business process or activity a logo, professionally designed printed materials and usable and attractive website will do the legwork for you. Showing that you are committed to both your business and to your clients.

To conclude