Increase Your Reach With Facebook

Using Facebook to Grow Your Business

Facebook is a great place to connect with your own friends, family, and colleagues, but it has also become an incredibly powerful platform for businesses and organizations to build community, engage with prospects, and encourage customers and members to spread your message to a larger network. Small businesses and nonprofits are encouraged to create a Facebook Page.

Facebook is the largest of the social networks, with more than 800 million people worldwide.  It also offers tons of applications and widgets that can make your Facebook Page engaging and fun.

Businesses need a “page” rather than “personal” profile. A Facebook Page, like a personal profile, provides an information hub that users can choose to “Like.” Liking a Facebook Page is not too different from subscribing to a newsletter. Facebook users will Like a Page to stay updated on events, promotions, and news, or to simply show their appreciation or endorsement. Anyone can build a Page — businesses, associations, actors, musicians, nonprofit organizations, politicians, etc. Some businesses have even built Pages for specific products or services.

There are many reasons a business needs a Facebook Page.  Here a few top reasons:

• Connect and engage with your customers and potential customers
• Get found by people who are searching for your products and/or services
• Promote content you create such as webinars, blog articles, slideshows, events, and other content
• Generate leads for your business

A big advantage to creating a Facebook Page is that you do not have to accept requests for connections. Any one on Facebook  can choose to Like your page. When someone Likes your Page, anything you post to your Facebook Page will show up in their newsfeed. This is how the network effect kicks in. If you post something that your fans like, they will share it with their Friends, who may decide to Like you too. Another big advantage is that Facebook Pages  get picked up in search engines and give you and your organization and its website even more exposure.

So, you created a Page.  Now what? You need to focus on promoting your Page to attract fans. To really get the maximum benefits of Facebook you should have a custom Page that engages your customers.

Custom Profile Picture

Go way beyond your logo in your Page’s profile picture. You can add special messaging, incentives, and promotions.  Facebook allows you to insert an image up to 540 pixels long, providing plenty of opportunity to increase your messaging power.

Custom Welcome Tab

Custom welcome tabs allow you to make a great first impression on your Facebook  Page for visitors and to persuade them to become fans of your Page!

• When a visitor lands on your Facebook Page for the first time, the custom welcome tab will explain what your business is and does with custom graphics, photos, and  text
• You can highlight your services, products, or special promotions
• Welcome tabs are the perfect place to ask visitors to “like” your Page, and to offer an incentive for them to do so
• You can also use this tab for linking them to your blog or website

Studies show that visitors are 2 times more likely to LIKE a Page with a custom landing tab.  This is also the perfect chance to have your Page go viral with contests and sweepstakes.  Forms can be added to your welcome Page for users to like, signup, and share with their friends.

Optimized Info Tab

Facebook allows you to provide a lot of content to be added to this tab. Take advantage of this Info tab to provide any information you want customers to know about your business.  Include items like your company vision, product descriptions, address, phone number, website URL , partners, coupon codes etc.  The links on this tab are indexed by Google so be sure to include all of your URLs!

Apps

There are a variety of apps to enhance the functionality of your page. You can add extra features like your company blog, Twitter Feed, videos, newsletter signup, and micro websites.  Some companies are even including a store on their Page, allowing their fans to purchase their products without ever leaving Facebook.

Are you ready to Increase Your Reach with a custom Facebook Page?  AlphaGraphics Lisle/Naperville has all the tools to help you optimize your Facebook Page.

Fill out the form below and a link to your Facebook Page and we will provide you with a FREE evaluation.  Don’t have a Page yet? Don’t worry we can help you from start to finish. We will offer you suggestions based on your industry and goals.  We look forward to hearing from you!

Click HERE to download our service guide.

Name(required)

Company(required)

Facebook Link

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Need to Know Printing Terms Bleed, Gutter, and Crop Marks!

What is a Crop Mark?

The solid black lines in each corner are called “crop marks”. We use the crop marks as guides when cutting the product down to its finished size.

It’s important that you DO NOT alter or move the crop marks.

After you have finished your design and you have created your PDF proof, only your design and the crop marks should be visible. If you’re happy with your proof then this is how you would supply your design to us for printing.

What is a Gutter?

The dotted green line represents “gutter”. This is a visual reference to stop you from crowding the“finished edge” (the solid red line) with text and any graphics that don’t require bleed.

The example below shows the appropriate use of “gutter” for the text along the top, left and bottom edges of the design.

After you have finished your design and you have created your PDF proof, only your design and the crop marks should be visible. If you’re happy with your proof then this is how you would supply your design to us for printing.

What is a Bleed?

The dotted blue line represents “bleed”.  If any part of your design touches the “finished edge” (the solid red line) your design must then extend past the finished edge for 1/8” (3mm).

Example (A) shows the correct use and amount of “bleed”.  Example (B) shows incorrect use and amount of “bleed”.

After you have finished your design and you have created your PDF proof, only your design and the crop marks should be visible. If you’re happy with your proof then this is how you would supply your design to us for printing.

How to Ensure your Artwork Looks Great on Paper

Tips & Tools
to ensure your artwork looks great on paper

Preparing your files for press is no easy task, but follow a few of these helpful tips to save some time while getting the job done right.  Before submitting artwork, check you file for:

font size, type and color

To ensure readability, if you use knockout type, or reverse type,
it should be larger than 5 pt. size and should only knockout
one or two colors. If you are knocking out type on a 4-color
image, use a minimum of 8 pt. type.

If you use a serif font (with details on the ends of some of
the strokes that make up letters and symbols) use a minimum
of 5 pt. type, and only print the type in one color. If you choose,
add drop shadows to your fonts before submitting for print.

color mode

Convert your artwork files from RGB to CMYK
this will deliver the most reliable color and will prevent unexpected changes in color. If your project requires close color matching, it is always a good idea to include a hardcopy proof for us to compare.

While we are often able to closely reproduce a spot PMS® ink using full color process, PMS® spot colors and process colors are produced using different methods. Please refer to a Solid to Process Color Imaging Guide for color conversions.

Your choice of paper will also impact color. A smooth uncoated paper will give colors a more muted appearance, while a coated or gloss paper will add vibrancy. Printing on colored paper will also impact color.

resolution

The resolution of an image refers to the amount of detail in the image; the higher the resolution, the more detailed the image.

To make sure your printed piece turns out great, black and white line art should be scanned in as line art or bitmap at 600 dpi. Photos, color CMYK or grayscale, should be scanned in at 300 dpi for standard spot or process printing.

If your image is less than 300 or 600 dpi, you should replace it with a new image instead of trying to fix it. Images that come to us at a lower quality than what is recommended will be output as sent.

To guarantee the best quality, do not enlarge images beyond the original size in the design process.

 

bleeds, cut line, & text margins

A bleed refers to the artwork that extends beyond the finished size of the item.
To make sure your artwork prints to the edge of your piece, please allow for
your artwork prints to the edge of your piece, an additional 1/8” (.125”) on
each applicable side.

When setting up your files with bleeds, it is good to keep a safety margin or
text margin as well. Any essential text and design elements should be
positioned within this margin. Please make sure the text still maintains the
required margin even when graphics bleed.

Margin for a business card is .125” inside the document. For all other printwork,
.25” margin is best.

Follow these tips to help your artwork look great on paper!  There is a lot of work involved to ensure your file is “print ready”.  We at AlphaGraphics Lisle are experts in design and printed communications.  If you need help with your designs, take advantage of our free consultations.  Just call 630-964-9600 to get started!

For further information on “print ready” files, stay tuned for our next post on “crop marks”!

Why use ePublications?

What are ePublications?

ePublications are reader-friendly and attractive digital documents, brochures, catalogs, magazines etc., that are published in a multi-media format, often resembling a physical binded magazine with interactive features and pages that flip. ePublications are typically published on websites and can be viewed on mobile devices.

Why use ePublications?

Save costs – printed publications and documents are costly (the cost of paper, printing and postage)

Impress readers – an online, digital magazine with interactive features will impress readers as it is contemporary, easy and will enable them to quickly explore further via for example links in the magazine

Rich media – intrigue readers via Video, Flash and YouTube, making them spend more time reading your ePublication

Green – reduce your carbon foot print by only publishing digitally

Marketing & Communication Departments

• Marketing tool to easily put all your publications online

• Inhouse your online publications

• Communicate directly with your customers

• Create your own microsites and campaigns

• Lead generation – generate leads by inserting forms within your publications

• Build customer loyalty – keep them up dated with latest news and new products/services.

• Integrate your social media

• Generate awareness about your business

• Strengthen your corporate identity and increase brand awareness

• Increase web traffic to your website

• Avoid dependency on agencies to create your online publications

Ad & Web Agencies

• White label solution for servicing your own customers

• Your own branding

• Create your own business

• Create impressive interactive online publications

• Use your own branding

• Short term/high ROI

• Communicate with your customers – push custom messages for them within the software

• Create impressive microsites and campaigns for your customers

• Total creative freedom – insert all types of Rich Media and insert it on different layers

• Take advantage of the benefits of online media with limited online skills

Publishers

• Dramatically increase online circulation and reader loyalty

• Create interactive publications that engage your readers

• Increase advertiser value with dynamic ads and direct links

• Cut costs on print and distribution

• Integrate your social media

• Track readers from the online statistics module

• Interact with your readers by inserting live flash elements

• Unlimited publishing

• Reach new readers on mobile devices

Are you ready to “Increase Your Reach” with ePublishing?  Give us a call today to get started! 630-964-9600 or email at dgregor@alphagraphics.com

Scan here to learn more about ePublishing

 

 

Marketing with QR Codes

Scan Here for a Video on Mobile Marketing

The versatility of QR codes makes it a beneficial feature for just about any marketing strategy, regardless the market or product being promoted. Here are just a few examples of how QR codes might be used:

Business cards – use it as a way to make getting your contact info on to someone’s phone even easier. When the person scans it, have it take them to a mobile landing page where they can see a photo, read a short bio, download a vCard, follow someone on LinkedIn, or even call and email right from the touch of a button

Posters – use it to drive people to something more dynamic and engaging (i.e. video, enter a contest, etc.), or a page that offers additional information

Menus – use it to allow restaurant goers to “see” different menu items, and even comment on their personal feelings about a particular menu item

Brochures – drive interested prospects and customers to a video introduction, or mobile landing page that contains more information about the product or service

PURLs – give people another means of accessing their personalized websites, from the convenience of their phones

Signs – similar to posters, use signs as a way to drive an audience to more dynamic content (i.e. video) or collect personal information that can be used to market to them later

10 Point Checklist

The following is a list of items you should consider when developing any QR code campaign. The idea is to accommodate as many of the 10 points as possible, to ensure the best possible QR code strategy.

1. Scan-ability: Test the barcode to make sure it is scanable

2. Uses URL shortener: URL shortener can allow for easier scanning

3. Lists “how-to” instructions: Not everyone knows how to use mobile barcodes, so some indication should be given as to what it is or what to do with it

4. URL or SMS for non-smartphones users: Only about 1/3 of mobile phones are smartphones in the U.S. although the number is growing fast. Listing the short URL or offering a number to text for the information lets you reach the other 2/3.

5. Mobile optimized: Is the content (landing page) designed with phone screens or tablets in mind?

6. Compelling content: Are you offering value to the customer?

7. Clear call-to-action: You got me here, now what am I supposed to do? Don’t leave it to chance, tell us.

8. Opt-in to collect customer data: You got me here, how can I stay involved? Maybe whitepapers, email newsletters, or VIP access can keep them involved. Give the consumer a place to leave their contact information.

9. Social sharing: You got me here, how am I supposed to tell my friends? Have social sharing to the most popular networks built in to the landing page.

10. Visually enhanced: Although not necessary, your mobile barcode could be built with an eye on design. Customized mobile barcodes have been shown to get better response (scan) rates.

Which Marketing Services Does Your Company Use Most?

AlphaGraphics Core Marketing Services

ePublishing

eMail Marketing

Online Marketing

Mobile Marketing

Direct Marketing

Brand Identity

Optimize your Facebook Page

Are you using Facebook to Increase Your Reach?  It’s not enough to just have a page.  To really get the maximum benefits of Facebook you should have a custom page that engages your customers.  There are many ways to make your Facebook page stand out:

Custom Profile Picture

Go way beyond your logo in your Page’s profile picture. You can add special messaging, incentives, and promotions.  Facebook allows you to insert an image up to 540 pixels long, providing plenty of opportunity to increase your messaging power.

Custom Welcome Tab

Custom welcome tabs allow you to make a great first impression on your Facebook page for visitors and to persuade them to become fans of your page!

• When a visitor lands on your Facebook page for the first time, the custom welcome tab will explain what your business is and does with custom graphics, photos, and  text
• You can highlight your services, products, or special promotions
• Welcome tabs are the perfect place to ask visitors to “like” your page, and to offer an incentive for them to do so
• You can also use this tab for linking them to your blog or website

Studies show that visitors are 2times more likely to LIKE a page with a custom landing tab.  This is also the perfect chance to have your page go viral with contests and sweepstakes.  Forms can be added to your welcome page for users to like, signup, and share with their friends.

Check out our Welcome Tab! http://www.facebook.com/lislealphagraphics

Optimized Info Tab

Facebook allows you to provide a lot of content to be added to this tab. Take advantage of this Info tab to provide any information you want customers to know about your business.  Include items like your company vision, product descriptions, address, phone number, website URL , partners, coupon codes etc.  The links on this tab are indexed by Google so be sure to include all of your URLs!

Apps

Facebook and outside developers have introduced a variety of apps to enhance the functionality of your page. You can add extra features like your company blog, Twitter Feed, videos, newsletter signup, and micro websites.  Some companies are even including a store on their Page, allowing their fans to purchase their products without ever leaving Facebook.

Click here to see 100′s of apps you can add to you page.  There is something for everyone! APPBISTRO

Are you ready to Increase Your Reach with a custom Facebook Page?  Fill out the form below and a link to your Facebook page and we will provide you with a FREE evaluation.  We will offer you suggestions based on your industry and goals.  We look forward to hearing from you!

Name(required)

Email(required)

Facebook Page

Comments / Marketing Goals

Contact Number

Welcome to the New AlphaGraphics!

How Effective is Social Media?

Have you been wondering how effective social media marketing is for your business?  Many businesses are devoting a lot of time and money into social media but are having a hard time measuring the success of their efforts. Often businesses want to know the ROI of social media efforts.  Unfortunately, it is not always easy or clear to see.  There are however, a variety of goals and measurements  used to define the ROI of social strategies.  This infographic, developed by MDG Advertising, takes a look at what affects the success of social media marketing.

Infographic by MDG Advertising