Great offer at LogoDesignCreation!

 

We found great offers at LogoDesignCreation!

A VOUCHER WORTH OF $50 FOR BEING THEIR CUSTOMER! How generous of them.

PURCHASE with LogoDesignCreation nowand get this voucher for your next order.

THIS IS ONLY A ONE TIME OFFER SO DON'T MISS IT OUT!

*This gift certificate will be valid for purchases above $100 only.
*This gift certificate is only good within the next 24 hours.
*Collect the gift certificate on the design panel.

Start thinking of refreshing your logo, a new website or perhaps a brochure to promote your business. Remember, a successful business starts with a strong visual impact. Therefore, improving your branding outlook is a MUST! Take this opportunity, hurry up and get started now.

How to Validate and Test Your Designs for the Mobile Web

The mobile industry is ever expanding with users who use their mobile device to surf the online world. Due to this increasing use, many users want to access abundance of websites right from their mobile devices but are often turned down from websites that are not working on their devices.

Many web developers and designers do not actually know of many tools that can help them test their websites on different platforms, which can often cause frustration. They should be more aware of the tools that will help make websites more mobile friendly across many platforms.

Once website is implemented, designed and optimized, it is time for validation and usability testing. Validation and testing may not be the most exciting areas in web design, but they are just as important in ensuring everything looks great.

This provides means of correcting any problems before revealing your site to the public. There are several ways to validate your website. Most importantly, you should validate your HTML, CSS and SEO, as well as ensuring that you have no broken links or images.

Code Validation:

At times the error associates more to the codes used besides just a few misplaced HTML tags here and there.

In this case, the W3C validator can be used to find simple markup errors. This validator is the quickest and easiest way to check your website or mobile website to see if it is mobile friendly or not. Once you have received the green light from several validators, you will need to get a few different types of phones to perform some actual tests.

Browser Compatibility Testing:

Make sure your website looks the same on all of the major browsers i.e. Firefox, Internet Explorer, Chrome, Safari and Opera. It is also important to test previous browser versions since many web users are still using them. Additionally, you may want to test our your site on mobile web browsers as well, for example using mobiReady. Making your site easily accessible through mobile devices is becoming more and more important.

Usability Testing:

It is crucial to have people other than yourself test your website. This can reveal problems that are not obvious to the designer. Be sure to have the users explore the website fully, and have them give feedback in terms of the design, colors, content, navigation, layout and performance of the site.

In conclusion, validation of websites is a good practice. It is one hidden secrets of an effective and quality web design. Make sure you validate your website today before it hits the general public!

QR codes on the rise

A lot of people are still oblivious about the existence of QR codes. More and more people are now aware of the codes but many may not yet have actually used one. It is not everyday you stumble upon such technology.  There has been rapid adoption of smart phone technology by other countries such as Japan, United States, Australia amongst others in the past two years, prompted the introduction of the first QR codes. QR codes have been used for years in countries like Japan and Korea where smart-phones are already widely adopted.

What is QR code? QR Codes (printed square labels looking a little like a crossword puzzle), also known as “quick response codes” are part of a whole new way of connecting with consumers via their smart phones and mobile devices.

A sample look of a QR code. Give it a try! Scan it using your mobile phone.

 In 2008, airlines started to implement the codes on boarding passes. Mobile phones are then equipped with the technology to allow two-dimensional bar codes, which can be used as electronic boarding passes.

source: http://2d-code.co.uk

source: http://blog.ovrdrv.com

Present day, QR codes are being used almost everywhere: including websites, signage, stationeries, decorative items within the home and etc.

QR codes can be read using camera equipped smart phones loaded with the appropriate application, taking users through to relevant information coded inside. The barcodes can store a variety of data, which includes: text, URL, telephone number, SMS/MMS message, email, contact entry also known as vCard, and calendar entry. Storing URL presents many possibilities besides just loading a web page. You can actually play a video, download a mobile app, check-in on Foursquare, update a Twitter status, Like a Facebook page, display map directions and many more.

Once the barcode image is created, it can be printed on nearly any surface and location for e.g. the newspaper, TV ads, billboards, product packaging, clothing labels, cake frosting, an more. This method enables marketer or business entrepreneurs to drive traffic, interaction and conversion from anywhere.

QR codes can be used for nearly any function, logistically, advertising, customer service etc. To list a few:

• Best Buy uses QR codes on in-store price tags for quick access to online reviews.

• Gold Digest uses Microsoft Tag in their magazine for tips with interactive video.

source: http://2d-code.co.uk

• Real estate agents use QR codes on “for sale” signs providing potential buyers access to virtual tours.

• LogoDesignCreation.com included a QR code onto their marketing brochure, containing discounts which allows their consumer discounts if they purchase an order on their website.

• Time Warner’s HBO used a blood-soaked QR code in its television ads for the third season of vampire drama True Blood.

• Macy’s decked out its department stores with codes that brought up videos of Tommy Hilfiger and Martha Stewart doling out fashion advice.

• Vibe used codes in fashion spreads to send readers to sites where they could buy clothes pictured in the magazine.

• Other brands using codes in innovative ways include Coca Cola, Delta, Ford, Gap, Home Depot, Starbucks, and Verizon to name only a few.

Some tips on how you can use or create your QR codes properly:

• TIPS#1: Use with caution when placing QR codes online. They should always enhance the user’s experience. The codes content should provide special value for the customer. It is a hassle to scan a codes, so users have high expectations as to what content they will find. Reward the user with discounts, exclusive content, or useful tips relevant to the code’s context.

• TIPS#2: If a user could click on a link, don’t make them scan a code to complete the same task. Also bear in mind that the location must be easily scannable too. Plastic frames and packaging can reflect light. Kindly consider all factors that could impact the scanning experience.

• TIPS#3: QR codes can be created for free on the Internet. There are free QR code generators and online creators out on the net. Feel free to create QR codes ready to print or to add onto a t-shirt or mugs. Try it out at QRcode.com, qrcode.kaywa.com, and qrstuff.com to name a few.

• TIPS#4: Include a QR code on a business card that links to a vCard would be a lot easier than the user manually entering the contact report.

QR Codes are set to become the next big thing. The codes indeed make grabbing information much easier these days. It lessens the use of paper and saves time, definitely one of the best thing every invented for a smarter and faster world today. Include a QR code for your business today!

LOGO DESIGN TRENDS FOR 2012

It’s the new year once again and of course the logo design industry has always something up its sleeve, now let’s take a quick peek at what 2012 has in store for logo  design enthusiasts. With the new year comes a new start. Designers are constantly trying to find the newest design trends which are likely to sweep the world of logos this coming year.

Last year, Logo Lounge released logo design trends for 2011, based on their half yearly performance of the logo design industry. These trendy logos will guide the designers in the right direction explaining the trends being followed and accepted in the branding business.

Some of these are continuations of the sorts of things the designers did last year; others are totally new and could well see their popularity rise.

So, what is the logo trend for this year?

Firstly, lets talk about colors. We have seen a lot of bright colored logos (rainbow colors). Most of them are eye catchers and evoke a good feeling with their clients. On the other side, limiting the color choice is part of the logo design process because some logos have gone too far over the top with the colors used.

The year 2011 gave us more gray and brown logos. These logos are bit more subtle then the harsh black ones and the tone ranges very from sepia to chocolate.


ANIMALS

It seems like in 2011 we unleashed the entire zoo onto the world of logos. There have been so many animals in logos: monkeys, owls, dodos, lions, whales, mooses. The reason: most of the animals listed here have attributes that we would like to associate with a business: aggressive, powerful, dominating, strong, top of their class. It’s a psychological thing.


FRUIT


Nowadays, you will often hear brand names that are inspired by a fruit. Popular examples of famous logos are Apple and Blackberry. These allusions to the fruit depict a sense of freshness and sweetness for the brand identity. The fruit inspired shapes are now being considered as an iconic representative for brands to represent purity and wholesomeness. Bananas, apples, the lot. All these corporate identities are (probably) in some way related to nature or are sustainability oriented.


THE TRIANGLE

Combining many triangles into a larger shape.


UNUSUAL SHAPES

 
Traditionally, logos have been focused around squares and circles, with the occasional triangle thrown in for a bit of visual interest. 2012 is where that changes. Now people will be using much more free form shapes. Brush up on your pentagles, guys.


BUTTONS AND BUBBLES

The prevalence of Facebook’s like button and Digg’s digg button has totally changed the way that most people interact with the internet. It’s also changing the logo design world, with more people deciding to incorporate press buttons and speech bubbles into designs in 2012.


GRAY IS THE NEW BLACK

Those massive strokes people used to use in logos are no more. Now sleek, ink-shy logos are the way forwards, with lighter weighted fonts and grays and browns replacing the harsh blacks. Very few people are moving towards #000000 on their  color wheel.


GOING GREEN

The environment has always been a concern for ethical logo designers. 2011 saw a lot of greens coming into the average designer’s palette, and 2012 will see this trend continue. Expect to see earthly tones to make big companies seem a little more conscientious.

All these trends have affected many logos (for the good and the bad). It also affected the way clients wanted their logos. Personally, we think that too many designers followed these trends and the upcoming years will show that some of these logos will have an outdated look and clients will be looking to update their logo, because customers fail to recognize their logo. So what I hope to see in 2012 is a lot more variation and we hope that designers will be less affected by trends and will develop a tone of their own.

What do you think that 2012 will bring?

Branding, Identity and Logo Design

Source: justcreativedesign.com

Most people in business have a hard time distinguishing between the terms Branding, Identity and Logo Design. They use them interchangeably in the business world, which is a huge mistake in marketing your company. Logo design, Identity and Branding all have different roles of their own. They have to work together to form an recognized image for a business or product.

BRAND

Source: edibleapple.com

The word Brand on dictionary defines brand identity as “the outward expression of a brand, including its name, trademark, communications and visual appearance.”

Most of us will never get to be recognized to that degree like McDonalds, MAC, Facebook etc, but we can still be identified in our own realm if we take the time to do it correctly. The first thing to be done is to create and identify your brand.

“Your brand is your company's personality.”

A brand identity represents what your business stands for and how you will ultimately be known. That is why it is very critical for businesses and companies to have a striking, memorable and timeless brand identity. Successful brand identities are able to evoke a desired set of feelings from the public, instead of just looking good.

Source: guardian.co.uk

As an example, let's look at the well known beauty product company, The Body Shop. The Body Shop inspired by nature has ethically produced more than 900 natural beauty products at the same time committed to social causes. They support innovative global projects working in the areas of human and civil rights and environmental and animal protection. These values of their business dimension are prominent throughout everything they do from their innovative products, advertising and promotion, right through to their customer service. The Body Shop is an emotionally society brand that connects with people. People can feel part of the brand as they can connect and feel towards it. It is this emotional connection that creates their brand, not purely their products.

IDENTITY

Source: ibtimes.com

Corporate identity refers to all of the visual parts of your brand including logo, color palette, tagline, font, etc. A talented art director or graphic designer can help you create these, but not until you have answered the key branding questions for your company.

“Corporate identity refers to all of the visual parts of your brand.”

Your company identity is the ultimate goal. If you're recognized, it is assumed people gravitate to you. The more they see your logo, the more they trust you. For example, everyone wants the recognition the gold arches brings McDonalds, the f that stands for Facebook or the apple with the bite taken out of it which is unmistakably MAC.

LOGO DESIGN

Now think of your brand as a toolbox containing all the tools you need to promote your business and its identity. In that toolbox are all the advertising you use whether it is online, television or printed material as well as coupons and promotions. But the most important tool in there is your logo because you want people to see it and recognize it. You should have an impact so as soon as people see it they will think of your business.

“The logo identifies a business/product in its simplest form.”

Your logo design is a vehicle to get your brand/company known. It is a visual representation of the company or product that expresses your brand in a memorable way.

It is important, before you do anything else, even before you get your logo designed, is to define your brand identity. What do you want your company to be known for? How do you want to appear in the public's eye? Make sure your logo represents what your business is all about-that it's compatible with your brand and company identity.

We hope this helps to distinguish between logo design, brand and your company's identity!

Starting a business in a low cost way towards 2012!

How to start a business? How do you build a successful business from scratch? What's the secret to starting or building a business from scratch? How do you grow a business with limited resources? What's the business success secret of successful entrepreneurs and drop out millionaires?

Every entrepreneur aspires to become the next Bill Gates, Mark Zuckerberg, Oprah Winfrey, Steve Jobs, Warren Buffett, Richard Branson, etc. But only a few know what it takes to get the level attained by these great entrepreneurs. 

We will be revealing the best small business startup ideas for entrepreneurs who wish to take the entrepreneurial status by next year. If you think it is still early to think about next year, we don't think it is if you want to get ahead of the competition.

As the global economic changes, technology progresses and people needs and wants shift, it is the perfect time to be looking at what business opportunities lie ahead in 2012. Due to the recent recession crisis, a lot of people want to start a business but do not have a lot money to invest in. So, you have decided you want to start a business but you don't have much cast to invest?

Below are some of the budget business ideas we put together to help you start a business inexpensively:

1. Second Hand Stores

People are less inclined to spend the money to buy new at the moment for products like baby clothes which are soon outgrown and need to be swapped frequently. Search and browse through second hand stores for inexpensive and bargain items such as furnitures. Refurnish and reuse is a great way to save cost. Besides, you have furnitures that stands out from the rest in an in creative way.

2. Social Media Consultants

With the rise of social media platforms like Facebook, Linkedln, Twitter, Blogspot and etc, many companies are making full use of the circulation to benefit their brand and services. You could save up by relying on the social media as your consultants to help market your brand to your audience worldwide. It is important for a company to identify the social outlet that is going to give you the best return on your time and investment.

3. Low Cost Logo Design

There is no need to spend thousands of dollars on a business logo design. The new way is through the internet-based logo design services. We found LogoDesignCreation.com as featured on Wall Street Journal article, offering Starter Logo Package at only $39. This package specifically targets startup businesses who are looking to have a business logo done affordably within a few days time. For only a few hundred dollars or less, you can own a well designed logo that fits your business image.

4. Build a website on your own

If you can't afford to have someone custom-design your website, put your site up for less than $100 using tools such as WordPress and Blogspot that provide templates and tools that makes it easy to create a basic website of your own.

5. Self-made videos
Put videos to present your product or service on YouTube or any other video-sharing sites to help promote and spread your brand. Create video tutorial to educate your customers, or show to potential buyers how your products work. Well produced web videos can drive a lot of traffic which in turn build customers, and awareness of your brand.

6. Networking

Learn how to cultivate relationships and give referrals to others. Master the art of networking. Network with others who are doing the same type of work with you. Let them know your existence.

7. Local Marketing

Even if you are trying to reach the global market, your local area offers opportunities to build a buzz about what you do. Use word of mouth in your local area. Your brand would be known in the form of recommendation from a friend or family members.

For a startup entrepreneur, getting the word out about your business is important. Looking for ways to market the business can be challenging if you have limited resources. The points above are only some of the ways you can startup and market your business in a budget manner. Instead of spending thousands of dollars to startup, add a bit more of creative thinking and imagination, you CAN put everything to work and watch your business roll! Good luck entrepreneurs!

Great Deals this coming Xmas!

Christmas is coming faster than you'd think! And we found great deals from LogoDesignCreation we love to share with you!

This year, LogoDesignCreation makes Christmas truly special, by adding a FREE Christmas Theme Logo Design and a $25 Gift Certificate if purchase either their Deluxe Logo Design Package or Presidential Logo Design Package before the 25th of December 2011.

Enhancing your corporate logo to a Christmas themed logo is a great way to engage with your potential customers and offer a fresh view of your brand during this holiday season.

You could also treat someone to a Gift Certificate! Make someone's wish come true with a $25 LogoDesignCreation Gift Certificate today!

Hurry up before the promotion ends! For more details or interested, go order now.

Merry Christmas in advance!!!