Graphic Design – Page 5 – IFTS, Inc. Blog

Do You Need a Professional Logo Designer For Your Company?

Are you in the process of starting a small business and want to build your brand’s identity successfully? With a myriad of marketing strategies and slogans to consider, knowing where to invest your time and money is critical to your success.

Why is a professional designer so Important when it comes to your company’s logo?

Is this really a big deal, or is it something that can be put off while you focus all of your time and energy on running your company?

Why not just put your name and phone number on a business card along with some clip art and call it a day?

Even in the world of small businesses, it’s not uncommon for entrepreneurs to overlook the importance of having an eye-catching logo in place before they open their doors. If you’re not a professional graphic artist, it’s best to hire a professional logo designer.

Image is Almost Everything

According to a Promotique by Vistaprint survey of 2,000 Americans’ knowledge of today’s top logos, logo recognition, and thus logo design, is extremely important:

Half of those polled said they were more likely to use a company with a well-known logo.
60 percent of those polled said they don’t buy from companies with unusual or ugly logos, even if they have positive reviews. This is especially true if the company is unfamiliar.

Really?? You’re saying that my distinctly average logo might turn off potential customers, despite my stellar reviews?

Regrettably, yes.

It seems obvious. Do you have a bad logo? That’s not good. Do you have a good logo? That’s great. However, when we consider that 85 percent of those polled said that when they find a logo they like, they are more likely to stay loyal to that business, we can see how important great logo design is.

Color, Consistency and Creativity is Key in Logo Design

We all know that different colors influence our decisions and moods on a daily basis, …but have you considered that the logo you designed with your spouse’s favorite color might not appeal to your clients in the same way?

Do you have enough time to create a thoughtful logo that incorporates all of the elements of good design, such as color, font type, line thickness, and direction?

Are you aware of your ideal customer’s design preferences?

Your logo design will not create a meaningful connection with your customers if you are inconsistent, and it will negatively affect their trust. The psychology of how design affects us is fascinating and fun to learn about, but imagine the stress relief of knowing that this attention to detail is taken care of for you with a professionally designed logo.

Not all Freelancers are Created Equal

Hiring a professional graphic designer will set your company apart from the rest, but where do you find this one-of-a-kind person who can potentially make or break your branding efforts?

Just because someone is inexperienced or cheap doesn’t mean they can’t make a great logo for you. But making sure your logo is thoughtfully executed should be their top priority. This is where communicating your company’s style and the audience you are trying to reach comes into play.

A good designer should be an excellent listener and take your business seriously. Someone who is also good at understanding your customers’ needs and preferences will help your overall relatability.

Make sure you get a good idea of this before you hire them by looking at their previous work. Someone who charges $5 for a logo on Fiverr probably has a lot of other work to do and won’t take the necessary time to learn about your business and clients.

Many do-it-yourself design apps say that you can make your own logo in minutes and for a few dollars. This may be true, but the goal is to make your brand stand out by using a process and style that are as unique and personal as you are.

Is a Logo Redo Necessary?

Are you one of the companies whose logo was maybe more of an afterthought? Then, it’s probably worth considering having one professionally made.

Say you already have a logo, and it’s one you really like, but it’s not quite reflecting the style and direction you want your brand to go. Then, yes, it sounds like a new logo would be a no-brainer.

However, there is a pretty legitimate exception to having your logo reimagined.

When you already have a strong following of committed customers, you could potentially spark a negative response to a logo redesign because, subconsciously, this change feels like a mini betrayal.

In 2009, the company Tropicana revamped its logo from a straw-poked orange to a large glass of orange juice with its trademark repositioned vertically. Less than two months later, there was a 20 percent loss in sales! They were quickly forced to calm the masses by switching back to their original packaging and, thankfully, restoring peace to the universe.

Simply put, most of the time, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.

Need to Hire a Professional Graphic Logo Designer?

Now, hopefully you aren’t questioning all of your branding decisions up to this point, but when it comes down to the success of your business, ultimately, what matters most is the quality of products and services you provide to your customers and building solid relationships along the way.

At IFTS Inc., we are just as committed to our clients as you are to yours, and we have a passion for all things digital marketing and web design, including brand strategy and logo design. If you are stuck and just don’t have the time or expertise to become a local celebrity, we can help!

What Should You Consider Before Hiring A Web Design Company?

So, you’re looking for a well-designed website that keeps people engaged while still being simple to use AND converts visitors into clients?

Get in line!

A website that is proactive in addressing your requirements and business goals has become more essential than ever before. In this day of information overload, having an online presence that reflects the unique features of your business or services while still being simple enough to not only attract but also retain customers is essential. You need to stand out among the almost 2 billion websites that exist today.

Remember – there is no need for consumers to waste time on a confused or dysfunctional website when there are hundreds (often thousands) of alternatives available to them at the click of a button.

Keep all of this in mind as you conduct research and attempt to determine the most appropriate route when developing your company (or personal) website. There is no reason to squander your time or money, but a few well-timed and well-placed investments may go a long way toward ensuring your success.

Did you realize that some individuals make their entire career designing websites?

Okay, so you probably already knew that, but think about the following scenario:

Your home requires plumbing or electricity. Considering that these are important factors in your overall quality of life, are you willing to put in the hundreds of hours required to learn how to do it yourself, knowing that the chances of making an error are significant?

Alternatively, are you planning to engage a professional, certain that their knowledge and skills will ensure that your requirements are fulfilled?

Another scenario that is commonly encountered:

A business owner will tell us, “My teenage nephew is really good at computers and promised to help set up a website for our company this weekend.”

Does this nephew know about SEO, website speed optimization, CTAs, internal and external linking, Google Business Profile optimization, congruity across your online presence and other factors that help your website rank as well as convert? Our guess is probably not.

Most people don’t know what must go into a website to make it work for your business in 2022. There are 175 new websites created PER MINUTE every day. The “If you build it, they will come” mindset no longer works like it did twenty years ago.

Designing a profitable or promotional website is critical to your company’s livelihood, and while DIY projects are a fun and educational way to pass the time and learn something new, the truth is that there is a lot more to online success than meets the eye.

A professional web design company employs multiple people that are well-versed in the complicated and diverse requirements of many types of websites.

Throughout their careers, they have gained incomparable expertise that serves as a precious basis for their current endeavors. This experience has given them invaluable knowledge that serves as a priceless foundation when starting a website design project. This is why I strongly recommend that you hire a professional when it comes to creating your website.

However, the type of expert you choose is equally crucial.

Figure out what you need the website to do

Before employing someone, it’s critical to have at least a basic understanding of your own requirements and objectives. Because pro web designers work with a large number of clients, understanding what you want before you talk development with them will guarantee that you and the designer are a good match and will assist them in providing you with exceptional service.

What kind of person or company do you want to work with?

It’s also crucial to be aware of who you’re working with.

Because of the internet, it is simple for people to market themselves as “experienced professionals” (yet another reason to have a high-quality website!).

Investigate what you’re looking for; if you come across someone claiming to do it for a significantly lower price, be skeptical; you’ll most likely wind-up spending twice as much money to get a useless site back up and running.

Don’t be afraid to ask questions! You are knowledgeable about your industry, and they should be knowledgeable about theirs.

Inquire about their opinions on your project and see whether their ideas are compatible with yours. Look at their previous work and see what other sorts of sites they have worked on and the industries that they are familiar with.

Due diligence is important when choosing a web design company

Another component of “knowing who you’re hiring” is to request a portfolio and references from past customers. Be careful to research the designer’s past work; it’s critical that you choose a firm that can collaborate with you and meet all of your business requirements. Reviewing work from prior clients is a valuable and instructive approach to obtain honest feedback about the quality of the designer’s work, his or her willingness to collaborate, and overall professionalism.

You’ll want to know who will be engaged in the creation of your website after learning more about the firm itself. Web design and development are comprised of several different components. You should inquire as to whether any of the services being supplied will be outsourced and whether the firm has a group of employees with whom they operate on a regular basis.

Make a list of everything that you want your website to be capable of

You should also check to see if the company provides all of the features that you are searching for. For example, having a mobile-friendly or responsive website that adapts to any screen size might be a distinguishing feature of your site that sets you apart from your competition in certain situations. Find out what sorts of services the web firm provides and make sure that they are in line with your expectations and the requirements of your organization.

Is there a timeline that you have to meet?

Another issue that has to be addressed is deadlines. If you have deadlines, it’s critical that you communicate them to anyone you hire so that they can ensure that your project is successfully completed on time.

You want to ensure that anyone you employ will devote the necessary time and effort to your project. Make sure they will develop an appealing and easy-to-use website in a timely manner, so that you are not forced to wait months for your company’s website to go up.

Hiring a web design firm is a good investment for your company, and the appropriate expertise may make a significant difference in your performance and profitability.

In your hunt for a web designer, make sure you do your homework and be clear on the type of relationship you are seeking. Don’t be hesitant to ask questions or obtain references/portfolios from potential candidates.

Hiring the right company to design your website is just as important as hiring a web designer in the first place!

Hiring IFTS for your web design needs

Thinking about hiring IFTS, Inc.? We offer a free one-hour consultation to hear all about your business goals and what you want your website to do for you. After that meeting, we can provide references and other information about past projects.

To get started, schedule your appointment today by calling 412-715-6266.

Reputation Marketing for House Painting Companies PART 2

What is your reputation online?

If it’s

Bad
you don’t have one or
you don’t know what it is

Then, this article is for you!

Last time, we covered the basics – we talked about the definition of reputation marketing and the benefits to implementing it. If you missed Part 1, check it out here.

In Part 2, we will cover the amazing impact of online reviews and how to get them on a consistent basis.

So, let’s get started!

What Is The Impact Of Online Reviews?

Good internet reviews are critical for a company’s long-term existence. Negative client feedback, on the other hand, might have devastating consequences for your business. It is common practice for consumers to research a product or brand using search engine results, social media platforms, and other sites such as Angi or Yelp.

No one wants to waste money on a service that will not satisfy their needs. Hearing about a great experience from others is a good indication that your offered services are worth it.

Did you know that 85 percent of consumers place the same faith in online reviews as they do in personal recommendations, and that 73 percent of consumers place greater trust in a local business when they read favorable reviews from other customers?

This demonstrates the importance of online reviews and how they have a direct influence on your brand’s reputation.

For your reputation marketing efforts to be successful, you must first get positive third-party content, like 5-star Google reviews or the “Thumbs Up” on Facebook. Online reviews should always be taken into consideration for your marketing plan as well as your

Here are a few pointers to keep in mind:

ENCOURAGE GOOD REVIEWS

Don’t be afraid to approach your customers and ask them to submit a nice review of your company! When a customer is satisfied with a product or brand, they are more likely to post a fast review about the product or brand. If your company has a physical shop, you may display a sign or window cling directing them to your page on your website, in emails, and on social media accounts.

KEEP AN EYE ON YOUR REVIEWS

You can’t improve your online reviews if you don’t know what kind of impression you’re leaving. Keep an eye on what others are saying about your home services company on the internet.

REPLY TO REVIEWS

While you have no control over what people say about your business, you do have power over how you respond to both good and bad reviews. This creates the appearance that your company values consumer engagement and is willing to listen to legitimate issues about your services.

If you are dealing with poor reviews, keep a level head and try to tackle the problem at its root as much as possible. This may mean you contacting the individual on a private basis, offline.

How To Create A Successful Reputation Marketing Campaign

With a sound reputation marketing approach, your house painting business will be able to stand out in search results and increase consumer awareness of your brand. Despite the fact that there is no one universal method that works for all sorts of firms, there are a few fundamental components that every reputation marketing plan should have.

Keep these ideas in mind as you work on a reputation marketing campaign for your business:

ASSESS YOUR STARTING POINT

It all starts with taking a close look at the existing status of your company’s image. Businesses are always changing, so it’s important to keep an eye on the pulse of your brand, company, and workers.

Is your goal for your company consistent with the way others perceive your organization?

Does it appear that you’re getting good or negative feedback?

CHECK OUT YOUR COMPETITORS

Another thing you should do is investigate your rivals and examine their brand reputation and presence on the internet. Observing how rivals identify with their clients can provide you with a better understanding of what practices need to be improved and which practices should be avoided.

IDENTIFY IMPROVEMENT AREAS

Once you’ve identified the areas of your home painting business that require the most attention, you can concentrate your efforts on enhancing those spaces. Try evaluating the following areas:

Reviews
Ratings
Articles
Business Listings
Local SEO
Regular SEO

Want more tips on getting Google Reviews? Check out our article on “10 Proven Ways to Get More Positive Online Reviews for Your Business”.

MONITOR, MAINTAIN & GROW

Savvy business owners keep an eye on their reputation at all times to ensure that everything is running well and that their consumers are satisfied. If you regularly watch your brand, you will be able to intervene and take action as soon as unfavorable reviews or comments begin to come in.

Reputation Marketing Helps Painting Businesses Convert Prospects Into Clients

A good reputation is earned via ethical, well-rounded, and high-quality business operations, and it is the most important asset a company can have. Keep track of what is being said about your company on the internet and maintain a professional image in order to maintain a good reputation.

Promotion, monitoring, and acquisition of good brand material are all part of the reputation marketing strategy that allows firms to take control of their reputation. The proactive strategies outlined above can assist you in distinguishing your brand from your greatest rivals and painting a picture of your firm that matches with your organization’s overall goal.

For more information on winning clients over with your online reputation, check out this article.