Wednesday, May 25, 2011

Social Media for Businesses

Social media is user-generated content distributed online and through mobile phones. Social media includes social networking, blogs, photo sharing sites, online forums among others. Social media is used not only by individuals, but also by organizations and companies to connect directly to their target audiences. Compared to traditional forms of media such as TV and radio, social media is free of charge. Social networking is a part of daily life for consumers of all ages, and their tastes demand communication that feels organic or sincere.
Companies and organizations using social media must steer clear of using social media as a commercial form of communication. Instead, it is crucial for these entities to create and maintain a social media presence that engages their consumers.

If you are not Tweeting yet, it is time to start. Assign one person in the company to keep the conversation going. If you are not sure where to start, look for professional assistance. Marketing firms like Archipress, can help you get started and launch your social networking presence. The small fee paid for setting up your social networking profiles is a good investment since these networks provide continuous free pr and advertising for your company. Additionally, you can easily target different populations since these networks make it easy to identify users by demographic and even psychographic variables. Most importantly, social networking increases traffic to your website which is where you want to drive customers to buy your services.

Check out our online social presence in these sites:

https://www.facebook.com/archipress
http://twitter.com/archipress

Monday, May 16, 2011

Business Card Tips

  

Think about the main purpose of those 3” by 2.5” cards that accompany you everywhere you go. Business cards are essential in the exchange of contact information. However, business cards also serve to create lasting impressions of the person who carries them and of the company/organization represented. It is important to keep these three business card purposes in mind when designing and ordering your next set of business cards.

How to design a business card that facilitates contact information exchange?
1. Choose a font that is easy to read.

Good: 305-259-1815 info@archipress-inc.com (Times New Roman)
Bad: 305-259-1815 info@archipress-inc.com (Blackadder ITC)

2. Include only necessary information and leave plenty of white space. You want to ensure that the company name, your name, title, phone number, email and website are included. Remember that 3” by 2.5” is a small space, and it is not necessary to occupy all of it. A business card introduces you. If you want to provide more information, you can do so through a follow-up email or call.

3. Take advantage of new technology such as Quick Read (QR) codes to ensure others record your contact information. Consider placing your contact information QR code in the back of your business card. It makes you look tech-savvy and allows smartphone users to add your information with a click on their phone.

How to design a business card that enhances your professional appearance?
1. Business cards are your initial presentation; do not compromise quality for price. When examined closely, you will see each business card costs cents, and the price difference between a better business card and one of lesser quality will not be significant.
2. Choose a layout that looks organized. Remember to add emphasis to certain parts by increasing font size. Generally, the company name should be in larger font than your name and title.
        
3. Make style choices that go well with your industry. There are different shapes, different paper weights and styles, different printing techniques and different color options to choose from.  

How to represent your company with your business card?
1. Make sure to include your company logo. Logos look better when printed in full color. If you must go for lower cost, you can try a two color print on different color paper.
2. Make sure your company website is also included.
3. If space and layout permit, also try to incorporate the company tagline.

Tuesday, May 3, 2011

QR Code Essentials

The Quick Response Code (QR) is the way to the future. It has been used successfully for many years in Japan, and it is quickly catching on in the United States. QR codes reinvent the way companies communicate with potential customers, and it provides companies with greater reach to millions of worldwide smartphone users.

QR codes easily connect potential customers to websites, contact information, or to texts. They are ubiquitous, and can go on flyers, folders, business cards, banners, lawn signs, and so many other places. With so many possibilities, what are you waiting for?

We wanted to make things easier for you. If you do not have a QR Scanner yet, here are the top free apps for the most popular smartphones:

Iphone:

Blackberry:

Android:

If you are a business ready to access millions of smartphone users, please contact us. We will work with you to find the most effective way to include QR codes in your next campaign or initiative. The best part is that Archipress will track the QR code providing you with key marketing information!