Public Relations Spotlight - Campaign Planning
Posted by chris | Filed under Business Tactics, Featured, Tips and Advice
The term is everywhere it seems - public relations. Throughout my undergraduate education, it seemed every source I used described the difficulty in defining PR. According to the American Heritage Dictionary, public relations employs certain methods and activities to establish and promote a favorable relationship with the public. However, that is a rather ambiguous definition. You might ask if that means advertising, being involved in philanthropic efforts, communications or types of business tactics. The good news is that it does. The harder part to discern is what methods will be beneficial for your business. What would be the best choices?
The first thing your company should do when considering what to do regarding PR is research and decide exactly what your priorities are. Who is your target audience? Is there a particular part of your business you want to improve upon, are you attempting to manage a crisis or are you preparing to unveil a new product? Maybe you need to conduct a survey to find out what you need to know, or perhaps you can do research on other companies who already have done what you want to do. Maybe you want to change the opinion of an audience, but you’re not even sure what people think. I’ve always thought that research was possibly the most important part of PR. It is the foundation of what you do, where your ideas stem from and gives you the information you need to make your campaign effective. You can use all sorts of methods, but if it doesn’t match what you’ve found in your research, the campaign may not be as successful.
Are you not sure where to start? Digispire offers consulting and can give you the advice you need to get on the right track. We’re here from the beginning to the end. Once you decide on the tactics you’d like to use, we will work to produce professional, aesthetically pleasing and effective materials. Research can get you started - we’ll do the rest! Call 888-580-0852, request a quote today or e-mail info@digispire.com today for more informaiton!
Vectors vs. Pixels
Posted by darren | Filed under Featured
The use of vector graphics vs. pixel (often referred to as bitmap or raster) graphics is a common sore point for many of us in the design industry, when attempting to explain the difference to the novice. However, it is an element of design that is very important for anyone to understand when communicating your design needs to a designer. You will often hear us request things, such as logos, be delivered to us in “vector format” or we may ask for the particular filetype (usually .AI or .EPS).
I have happened upon this great video, which I hope you will find educational and will open your eyes to the world of vectors and pixels, forever making you a valued member of any design project, even as just client or project manager! Take a look:
Pittsburgh Mayor Shows Steeler Pride
Posted by chris | Filed under Featured, News Highlights, Tips and Advice, Web Design
Depending on who you ask, of course, it’s been said that Pittsburgh Steeler fans are some of the most avid and loyal. This week it seems all news headlines are in some way related to the big AFC championship game this Sunday against the Baltimore Ravens.
We’re even hearing about the lengths people will go to in an effort to support their team. A certain columnist resorted to bashing Primanti’s sandwiches, saying that the fries in them look like centipedes and that they’ll clog your arteries. I almost doubled over laughing when heard that. Seriously? Because of COURSE fast food or a fried chicken dinner doesn’t do the same thing. Anyway, I was amused at the ridiculousness of the things people do to impose negative thoughts. I highly doubt the columnist’s article will deter anyone from going to Primanti’s. After all, it is a landmark in the Steel City, and it was the third Pittsburgh-famous place I went to once I moved here. It’s been featured on television shows, and people across the United States know it as one of the most famous establishments in Pittsburgh.
Today I even saw an opinion piece in the Baltimore Sun that was making fun of Pittsburghese, claiming it was just another reason to “hate the Steelers”. I could be wrong, but I don’t recall sandwiches or a dialect having much to do with our football team. I could get into all of the intricacies of how these things are beside the point, but I choose instead to highlight some of the positive ways in which people can show their loyalty- to businesses, causes, or sports teams. Today Pittsburgh Mayor Luke Ravenstahl officially changed his last name to “Steelerstahl” in support of the upcoming game. He didn’t change it to “Ravensuck” or some other derogatory name. The Mayor even gave a radio personality the credit for the idea.
The idea is unique and classy. He, like so many other Steeler fans, has chosen to show his support for the Black & Gold players in a relevant and positive way. True, the trash talk always will exist and the tension is the essence of an intense rivalry. I thought this was a professional way to focus on the positive. It supports the Steelers as they prepare for the game, which actually IS the point. Notice that the statement does not poke fun of Inner Harbor or criticize Baltimore City.
Besides showing our support for the Pittsburgh Steelers, my point is to stay classy and promote a positive image - in everything, even in the business world. Bashing other companies in advertising rarely leaves a good impression. More than likely it wouldn’t convert those who are brand loyal, and you would run the risk of turning others off from trying the product or service - not to mention possibly find yourself floundering in legal issues. Finding a unique way to promote your company nearly always is an efficeint way to use time and energy. Stick with the positive…and reap the benefits.Lastly, GO STEELERS!!!
Success in Small Sizes
Posted by chris | Filed under Featured
The Washington Post lists on its Website a section titled “Voices on Small Businesses”. According to the Website, small businesses represent 99.7 percent of U.S. businesses. And yet, it seems this majority faces the task of surmounting many challenges. Founders and successful businesspeople offer their suggestions on various aspects of making your small business a success. David Netto, founding partner and creative director of Netto Collection, talks about fearlessness. Perhaps I think this is such an effective video because I’ve never considered myself to be the gutsy sort, but to me that trait is the epitome of beginning a small business. Many will not make it past the first year, let alone the two or three years following, but founders choose to believe in their ideas and their visions. Whatever the industry or service, each dares to make the world a better place with something that didn’t exist before. Not to sound like a Budweiser advertisement, but I’d like to salute small business owners - for dreaming big.
Check out Mr. Netto’s video.
White Space a Red-Hot Element in Web Design
Posted by chris | Filed under Featured, Opinion, Web Design
Okay, so maybe the title is a bit cheesy. However, white space is undeniably important when designing a Website. When I think about cluttered Websites with little white space, newspaper sites immediately come to mind. My eyes don’t know where to focus, and it’s hard to find what I’m looking for quickly. These sites don’t necessarily fall into the norm, since their purpose is a bit different than a small business’ site would be, for instance. An organization or business site should be professional, aesthetically pleasing, clean, and essentially do what it’s meant to do- provide information to your audience. I found and referenced some tips that are helpful to keep in mind as you review your company’s Website or prepare to have one created:- “White space” is coined as such because it is the space between different elements on printed pieces or on Websites.
- The key is to achieve an effective amount of white space and to keep it consistent. Make sure your text isn’t too crunched together so that it’s hard to read, but that it isn’t so spread out that it becomes disconnected either.
- Making sure you have enough white space doesn’t mean that you have to cut your content or make your page look empty. It simply means keeping your margins consistent and somewhere in the middle between too spread out and too congested.
- A way to break up longer sections of text is to add headings. It does wonders to get your audience to read more and makes your site look more organized.
- Just as with all of the text elements on your page that need to have a consistent amount of white space in between, your images should reflect that as well. Text should not run into the photo, and it’s a good idea to add a short caption describing the photo when applicable.
To Contract or Not To Contract?
Posted by chris | Filed under Business Tactics
Ever wonder how pricing differs so greatly between companies and web design and development projects? Although there are countless factors in determining cost, the discussion I recently viewed shed some light on whether it’s best to charge hourly or have a web maintenance contract. Reading the comments, clearly there seems to be a shortage of black and white areas and a huge amount of gray. Anyway, I thought it would be particularly helpful for those who seek web help. Quotes and costs can seem ambiguous and overpriced until you see the big picture. It probably won’t answer nearly all questions that exist out there, but it’s a start.
Click here to view the discussion.
Cloud Computing?
Posted by tim@digispire.com | Filed under Featured
What exactly is Cloud Computing?
Any web application is a cloud application in the sense that it resides in the cloud. Google, Amazon, Facebook and twitter applications are cloud applications in this sense. However, many people use this term to describe programs that are still found locally on your computer.
The article that I refer to below basically refers to different examples of cloud computing and how others view it. It talks about what it is and why we use it. But after reading this, I chose to think outside of the box.
It made me think of many questions that I am very curious as to what the answers might be.
If you take the meaning of cloud computing to refer to programs that are not installed on your computer, then the way computers actually work is going to change drastically in the very near future.
What will this do to the operating system as we know it?
If this continues the way it is going, will it eliminate the hard drive and change how we use the local network?
Will we have to learn a new programming language?
Maybe I am going way overboard with this, but think about it if you will. We would have a  ”Cloud” and a virtual network through that cloud. You would use a touch screen, a cell phone or even shall I say a halogram to access it. Applications would reside in this cloud and so on.
What about networking? Would the networking aspect of the computing field be eliminated?
Form your own conclusions, but from my eyes the future of computers as we know it is heading in a completely new direction.
To view article click here!
Why Do Designers Design?
Posted by chris | Filed under Featured
Today I came across this article, or rather, compilation of reasons people have chosen a particular profession. Sometimes all you need is to look past the work produced and see the inspiration behind it:
http://www.nikibrown.com/designoblog/2009/01/04/why-are-you-a-designer/
Not only does this apply to our field, but it provides a lot of insight on what distinguishes people, departments, and companies. Not to mention, it begs the question, “Why do I do what I do?” Many times success comes from being able translate the “why” into the “what”.
Year-End Blowout Deals You Won’t Want To Miss!
Posted by chris | Filed under About Digispire, Advertising, Featured, Marketing, Meet the Team, News Highlights, Opinion, Politics, Web Design
In the spirit of New Year’s Eve, Digispire is offering several end-of-the-year specials that you won’t want to miss- and they’re only offered for a limited time! Call us today at 1-888-580-0852 or e-mail info@digispire.com. We look forward to hearing from you soon!
Looking for a way to increase your marketing efforts in a cost-effective way? Digispire’s Create’n'Send e-mail marketing program will bring your marketing objectives to life for only $10 per mailing + $.02 per subscriber! There are no set-up charges and no monthly costs. For a very short time, we’re offering E-Newsletter content development and custom design for only $99! We’ll create your customized E-Newsletter from scratch- giving you time to focus on your business. Hurry, contact us today.
Websites are one of the most important ways to target your audience and bring in new business. Why not start off the new year by allowing Digispire to create your Website design or re-designing it with a clean, fresh look? For a limited time, when you purchase a Website design or re-design you will benefit from:
- 50% off custom Website design
- 50% off blog add-on
- 30% content management system (CMS)
- 25% off pre-purchased blocks of hours
This is a limited time offer, contact us today!
Some supplies are necessities for a business. Our Blowout includes great print order discounts. Our limited-time print specials include:
- Business cards starting at $0.02 each
- Brochures starting at $0.61 each
- Letterhead starting at $0.46 each
- Note Pads starting at $4.16 each
Take advantage, get a quote today!
A kind reminder- our Blowout will be gone before you know it, so don’t miss your chance to start the year on the right foot with Digispire’s marketing expertise. Call us today at 1-888-580-0852 or contact us at info@digispire.com. Don’t delay, contact us today for a quote. We look forward to hearing from you soon!
Happy New Year!
Posted by chris | Filed under Featured
We’ve finally reached it- the end of 2008. Ever wonder what it’ll be like to welcome the year 2028? Hard to imagine. Anyway, I read the typical news article about bringing in the new year. The writer talked mostly about people feeling relief. No one can be sure 2009 will bring more jobs, improve financial situations, or be filled with good things. However, the one thing we know is that it’s a chance to start anew. It may be trite, but I’ve always liked New Year resolutions. If you side with me at all on that subject, what will you resolve to do this year- especially concerning your business? Do you want to focus more on cost-effective marketing efforts? Should you improve your employee relations? An objective is the first step in achieving success. Digispire wishes you a Happy New Year!
In the spirit of New Year’s Eve, Digispire is offering several end-of-the-year specials that you won’t want to miss. Later today, we’ll be unveiling discounts galore- and don’t forget to check out our new offers. If you have any questions regarding these opportunities, call us today at 1-888-580-0852 or contact us at info@digispire.com. We look forward to hearing from you soon!
