How to work with a design agency to get the best results

It takes two to tango!

Whether or not you are a fan of the TV series 'Strictly Come Dancing' you can't deny that watching two people dance in perfect and faultless synchronisation can be an impressive sight. It's the same in sport. For example, take two people rowing together in a race, if they get their oar strokes in complete tandem then the boat will glide forward smoothly and powerfully. It's the same with a rally driver and his partner or a golfer with a professional caddy. When two people work together in perfect harmony then the results can be outstanding.

The same principle applies in business. When a service provider works in harmony with a customer then by synchronising each element of the business relationship it becomes a win-win situation. The service provider is rewarded for a job well done and the customer gets the outcome he or she expected. So why, you might ask, does it sometimes go horribly wrong?

Well think about it. What if both dancers start off on the wrong foot? What if one oarsman pulls his oars back at the same timer his co-oarsman pulls his oars forward? The result, quite simply, can be disaster! It's exactly the same in our business. When we work together harmoniously with our clients everything falls into place like a synchronised set of dance moves. When we misunderstand each other or set off on the wrong foot then we are setting ourselves up for a fall.

A supplier wants to give you the best possible service (usually) - and in order to do that they need you to be the best possible client. So how can you achieve that? Simple! Just read the 13 top tips below and you will find out everything you need to do to be the best client anyone could ever hope to work with. If you can follow each and every tip then you will become the perfect client.

Tip 1: Understand the Process

My first tip is this - understand the process! If you have an understanding of how the Design and Print process works then we can start talking the same language. So here's what you need to know... Every job we do for our clients' goes through the following steps and the highlighted steps are the ones that need your direct input:

Briefing - Design concepts - Feedback - Design development - Design approval - Artwork - Proof - Amends - Re-proof - Approval - Print preparation - Printing/production - Delivery

Tip 2: Understand what 'Briefing' means

Wherever possible, try to give the designer the best possible written or strong verbal brief and then be sure you remain available to answer any questions he might have. To get the best results you need to be as clear as possible on what you want and what you are trying to achieve. Never say "I'd just like a few creative ideas" otherwise you might end up with a whole range of non-specific ideas that may look attractive but won't achieve what you need. So do make time to do the groundwork at the beginning and be clear about what it is you want. The more you work with us the better the end result will be.

Tip 3: Timing

The best results generally come from projects that have been carefully planned in advance where time has been set aside to work on them. Creativity isn't a nine to five job - in fact our thoughts, concepts and ideas hit us at some very odd moments (we won't go into details!) Generally it's when we are relaxed rather than when we are under pressure that we produce the best results for our clients. So if you want the best from us then allow us plenty of time to do a good job. And here's another useful tip - If you do need to meet a tight deadline then make sure you are available to check the proofs!

Tip 4: Amendments

If you want your project to be a success we understand that there is an element of fine-tuning. However, the way that any 'amends' are provided to us can ensure that the process goes smoothly and accurate proofs are returned to you. Try wherever possible to send amends via email or give them to us as marked-up copies. Amends given over the phone may seem a quicker option for you but it can lead to confusion - especially if you haven't given the designer time to get the copy in front of them! Also, don't expect a designer to amend artwork on screen over the phone - the artwork may appear simple when printed in front of you but may involve a number of layers of text and images and trying to rush things can often lead to errors in the artwork at a later stage.


Tip 5: If you get it right first time it will save you money!

By all means take all the time you need to decide what it is you need, but once you have committed to a piece of work, then any later change of mind will mean extra work for us which will incur further costs.

Tip 6: Select the right images

It is important to make sure that any images you want to be used are fit for purpose. In other words whether it's for a coaster or a poster make sure you pick the right sort of images to get your message across. Don't be afraid to ask us if you want some advice and don't forget we can also advise you if an image is of a high enough resolution for your purposes too.

Tip 7: Colour

Every monitor is set up differently. We calibrate our monitors to ensure that they are as closely matched to the printed item as possible. However as most of our proofing is done electronically via PDF files, or through colour laser print outs, what you see may not be an exact representation of what will be produced. If you have a specific colour you wish us to match then please provide a sample and likewise, if you are unsure of a colour, ask the designer to provide you with a swatch. If the right colour is something that is absolutely essential in your line of business then always request a wet proof to be confident of the reproduction.


Tip 8: Meetings

If you want to meet with us during lunchtime then we have no objection at all if you want to buy us lunch. Similarly, if you want to meet us at the pub then we will gladly accept a drink. Also, just to let you know, sometimes we can also be bribed by chocolate.

Tip 9: Pitching

We know we have to earn our stripes and prove our credentials as designers. However, we hope that once we have demonstrated our abilities and worked with you a few times that we develop a relationship that you can trust. We also understand that you can't allow your suppliers to get complacent and that you need to get the best quality for the best price. However, we do ask you to be fair. Sales pitches are all part of business life and a bit of competition is actually quite exciting - but if we have to go to battle on nearly every project it can be wearisome for both of us. So before you ask a designer to give you a lot of hours for free please think about the following:

a) Let us know if the job is an actual job or just an idea that you are considering. If it is just something in the pipeline please at least be honest at the start.

b) All designers should start on a level playing field. Budgets need to be agreed at the start, deadlines must be the same for all parties and the brief given to each company must be the same.

c) Be honest with us about the number of designers involved in the pitch. 3 is the norm, 5 rare. More than 5 and you'll find a lot of designers will stand down as this can show a lack of decisiveness from the client at the start.

d) Do give feedback. Remember that you have asked a designer to give up their time for free. In return give them honest feedback about their performance. (We once had a client who stated in the brief that due to budget restrictions they would be unable to notify the unsuccessful candidates! We chose not to partake in that pitch!)

Tip 10: Communication

We always strive to ensure a job goes as smoothly as possible. We climb mountains when required, fight fires and even pull rabbits out of hats. All we ask from you is that you keep communicating with us. When we know what you need and when you need it we are quite happy to jump through some pretty small hoops!

Tip 11: Contracts

We believe it is essential to have a contract to protect your interests as much as us. Make sure you read the whole contract before you sign anything because understanding what is expected of both parties makes the whole process run more smoothly - and it can help can avoid any misunderstandings further down the line.


Tip 12: Pay Invoices on Time

Just like in any other profession we need to be paid for the work we have done within an agreed time limit. Paying us late, or making us chase you for payment is time consuming and painful for us both. We pay our invoices on time so be sure to pay us on time. That way our relationship is sure to blossom!

Tip 13: Be open and honest with us

If we get something wrong or screw up tell us openly and honestly. We are only human and we sometimes make mistakes. If we get something wrong we will do everything possible to correct it and get back on track (We rarely make mistakes of course...it's usually our clients - just kidding!)

So there you go - my 13 top tips for being a perfect client. Follow these tips and you can be sure of being the best client anyone have ever had the pleasure of working with. You will definitely be top of our Christmas present list and we will proudly mention your name at every business or social event we go to.

But don't worry, I really do promise not to invite you to a dance...

Anatomy of a successful Apple email marketing campaign

Click on this image to see an example of how Apple create their email marketing - it had a breakdown of the anatomy of a successful email marketing campaign - useful information.

Taken from:
Flowtown - Social Media Marketing Application

How To Generate Massive Traffic - Copy All of These Strategies

One of my favorite bloggers online is Kim Roach over at BuzzBlogger.com.

Kim is one of those rare finds in the IM space that consistently provides tremendous value in everything she does. She's been out-doing many of the big-name gurus with her traffic techniques.

In fact, many refer to her as the 'Traffic Queen'. Which from what I've seen is certainly a worthy title.

She's managed to unlock the secrets to massive traffic...testing and tweaking new traffic strategies... plus adding her own little twists and tricks.

And unlike most other marketers, she spends most of her time in the trenches, locked up in the marketing laboratory - cookin' up more juicy traffic goodness.

But every once in a while she surfaces back up into the real world to share her latest findings.

If you'd like to see what she's been cookin' up in the lab lately go now to:

http://buzzblogger.com/td/?e=Storey

Kim's has unlocked her very best traffic strategies in her latest product called 'The Traffic Dashboard'. It's a complete training center that contains over 20 of Kim's top traffic getting methods.

These traffic techniques are really quite unique as you can see for yourself by taking a look inside the member's area...






Traffic Dashboard - a sneak peek inside...




Inside 'The Traffic Dashboar' Kim shows you how to go from nothing to over 3,000+ subscribers in just 30 days. (all in step-by-step detail).

You literally point and click your way to increased traffic with Kim's unique dashboard design. (as seen above)

You have to actually TRY to mess this one up! Because the point-and-click learning system forces you to take action.

Here's a sneek peak at what you'll find inside...

An underground tool for extracting exactly where your competitor's website traffic is coming from. This is like being given the keys to the kingdom. (I'm really surprised Kim is sharing this little gem)

(If you thought Alexa was cool imagine knowing EXACTLY how much traffic your competitors were getting each day and knowing exactly where that traffic was coming from.)

"James Bond" tactics for spying on your competitors and forcing them to hand over all of their hard-earned, battle-tested, profit-busting strategies.

A super simple method for cramming your opt-in list with 200-400 subscribers in a single day... (and NO this has nothing to do with ad swaps)

A really cool strategy that shows you how to get 10x MORE traffic from EVERY article you write.

As many of you probably already know, traditional article marketing is becoming less and less effective. What worked in 2004 simply doesn't cut it anymore.

So Kim show's you 10 different ways to repurpose your content for additional traffic and exposure. Use just a couple of the strategies in this video and you'll have no excuse for not getting AT LEAST a couple hundred visitors for every article you publish.

... and that's just the tip of the iceberg!

This thing is packed with over 8 hours of juicy traffic goodness... NO fluff... NO filler.

With over 8 hours of step-by-step video and enough how-to information to DESTROY literally
every question, worry and problem you've ever had in regards to traffic.

A Word of Warning: There's just ONE caveat to this product. In fact, these traffic methods will NOT work in all situations. In order for these traffic strategies to reap their full power - you MUST be creating HIGH QUALITY CONTENT! (not some auto-generated content that not even your momma would be proud of...)

If you think you're going to slap together some useless crap, throw up some auto-generated sites and have thousands of visitors pouring in...This course is NOT for you.

This training course was created specifically for people who are looking to build REAL businesses online... People who are dedicated to providing top-notch value for their visitors, subscribers, and customers.

This is something Kim stresses a lot, and I agree. If you're not willing to take the time and effort to put together some really good content and offer real value, then don't bother with 'The Traffic Dashboard'. It will just be a waste of time for you if you don't have good content in place.

But...

If you are dedicated to building a REAL business online and providing your visitors with REAL VALUE then 'The Traffic Dashboard' will help you to grow your business 10x faster.

Plus, at an affordable price to boot!

So, if you're ready to turn on the traffic tap, then click on the link below...

http://buzzblogger.com/td/?e=Storey

There are no “tricks”, or “magic traffic buttons” here, just proven traffic strategies that are designed to generate traffic as quickly as possible.

Plus, for those of you who are more advanced, Kim combines old school tactics with new traffic twists and tips that you won't want to miss...

http://buzzblogger.com/td/?e=Storey



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Stand out, be different, don't be a Mailchump!

Using Aweber, Constant Contact or Mailchimp? Well here's how to do so and not to look like a monkey!

Whichever email system your company uses to send out your email communications, make sure you make it your own.

Ensure that whoever receives the email knows who it has come from. How many times have you opened an email and thought ‘not another generic template I don't recognise’ *delete*? My guess is quite a few.

Avoid this happening to you by having a custom template designed, creating a brand for your communications that is unique to you as well as aesthetically pleasing and in keeping with the rest of your marketing communications.

Don’t hide the company logo away in the bottom corner, display it loud and proud as an integral part of the template. If your customers are familiar with your brand (which I imagine they are) then they will associate it with good service, quality and reliability. So make sure they can see it.

Use company colours for your template, automatically relating it to your brand. Once customers associate these email communications with your brand they will take the time to read the contents and click on the links, driving new and old customers to your site.

If you are already sending email communications; newsletters, e shots, e-zines, whatever you choose to call them, then you will have an established database. This database will have been collated from customers (data collected from purchases), potential customers (data sourced) or almost customers (those who have signed up to receive emails.) More often than not you will be sending different communications to different segments.

But if time and budget only permits one template and one design – KEEP IT SIMPLE.

Nobody wants an overly showy template, your customers want to be able to locate the information they need, they don’t want to be shifting through fancy typography and hidden java games to get to their discount code.

So in a nutshell, keep it branded, make it your own - but don’t show off!

Need some help with a custom branded email template? Want to make sure that ALL of your marketing communications follow your company brand? Drop us a line now for a free brand appraisal at info@whype.co.uk or visit our website at www.whype.co.uk

What does your brand say about you?

What does your brand say about you? Are you sure?

Now, more than ever before, it is oh so important to keep a finger on your online pulse. You need to know what people are saying about you and with the use of the internet it is easier than ever.

The internet gives customers a barrier to hide behind; it allows them to speak their feelings more freely than if they had to do so in a shop, for example. The down side of that is that their feelings could be positive or negative, and you have no control over what they are saying.

Luckily, there are tools that allow you to monitor what is being said about your brand online; Google Alerts and SocialMention being two of the better ones.

Once you have established what people are saying about your brand, the glory of the internet is that you can reply in real time, taking the time to address concerns, thank people for positive comments, and in general interact with your customers and increase the power of your brand.

The internet allows you to speak back to your customers, address the issues that they may be tweeting or blogging about. Reply to their tweets/blog/facebook, ask what the problem had been and how you can help. This interaction will bring the brand a personal touch and hopefully, restore (or increase!) customer faith in your company.

It may be that consumers are responding online to changes that have been made to your products or services; listen and take note. You may have made some brand changes they don't like – but at least you will know! Or they may be talking about how great your brand is – if you're not monitoring then you won't know!

It is a lot easier to collect customer feedback online than anywhere else – after all, who really fills out customer feedback forms?

Monitoring your brand online is free, cheap and easy – are you doing it?

You can set up Google Alerts to email you every time your company or associated key phrases are mentioned online – so you needn’t waste valuable hours searching the web for them.

Similarly SocialMenton does all the searching for you, even creating a positive to negative ratio for all the mentions; searching blogs, twitter, facebook as well as online newspapers and news sites.

http://www.socialmention.com/

http://www.google.com/alerts

Of course there are more complex, expensive online media monitoring tools but if you are a small company and intend to keep your monitoring in house then between Social Mention and Google Alerts, you will have most ground covered.

Do YOU know what's being said about YOUR brand online?

Promoting your website offline – what, no computers?

Believe it or not, it’s not all about the internet. Those business relationships and affiliate networks still matter, so don’t neglect them.

Forming partnerships with other brands has been a favourite marketing method of many who have gone before us. An ideal partner will share your target audience but will not be in competition with you. A good example would be a health club and sports clothes.

You can grow these relationships by, for example, creating joint literature – allow the health club a page advertorial in your monthly brochure and vice versa, exploit it as much as you can.

Get Social
No, not social media again. Actually get out there, meet your peers, meet your customers and go to talks and lectures by those in your field. Continue to learn. While attending events where you may meet potential customers, take your time to talk to them, find out what they know about your brand and what they think of it, they can be as useful to you as your product can be for them.

Although, don’t just attend any old event. They can be expensive, after hours and at times – tedious. Attend networking events for your local area, the Institute of Directors or Chamber of Commerce is a good place to start. If there aren’t any networking groups in your area, create one.

PR
If you are taking control of PR yourselves, then start by creating some case studies. Start with satisfied customers and their stories; include a good quality photograph (journalists and editors love photos!) Get on the telephone to trade magazines as well as business magazines to see if they would be interested in featuring your case studies. Get in touch with your local business magazines and business pages of your local paper, speak to them and see if they have any features coming up that you may be able to comment on or provide a quote for. The more people read your name and your companies name the more likely they are to visit your website and buy from you.

See if you can offer your expertise to a local Uni or college. Their PR teams would then deal with the PR! Not only will you be helping young talent but you will be putting your brand name out there, with both potential employees and customers.

Seminars
Promoting them, sponsoring them, attending them, speaking at them; anything to do with high profile seminars in your field – you should be there. Getting to know your peers and customers on a personal level will provide great word of mouth marketing for your organisation. Industry seminars can often be very insightful. With high profile speakers (this could be you!) attendees can learn from each other, share skills and often help each other out from a business perspective.

Further to speaking at seminars, why not host an online webinar? If you have an exciting product launch or an exciting announcement to make why not do so through a webinar, this is a low cost option and carbon friendly as nobody need travel anywhere. You could look into hosting regular webinars around a series of topics, making a name for yourself as an expert in your field. Webinars also involve those taking part to visit your website and provide contact details – pop those onto your email marketing database!!

As we've said before, having a website is great, but not unless it gets visitors, and at Whype we're dedicated to not only giving you a website that works, but also helping you (with articles like this) to make the most of free and low cost ways to promote it.

If you like our articles, please consider Tweeting, Facebooking and sharing them – we'd really
appreciate it!

So you've got a website – now what?

Having a website is all well and good but what are you going to do to help promote it? The days of SEO being the be all and end all of website promotion is well gone, and some would say “Thank goodness!”

Marketing your website is no longer just about creating and keeping your own audience. By creating a buzz online through other websites and social media sites, you are able to access other audiences, who you may not have done previously.

Social Media and the internet has taken off in a big way; 80% of the population work and play online, so it has never been more important to step up and start being social online.

Here are just some of the ways you could promote your website:

• By uploading material to YouTube, contributing to online discussions and creating podcasts – on a variety of topics, you have the ability to connect with audiences and customers who may not have been within your initial ‘target market’
  
• A blog gives your company a voice, pretty much like this one. It allows you (the customer!) to read and experience the ethos of the organisation. By regularly talking and engaging with your customers it allows them to feel part of the brand or organisation.
  
• Social media – become active on Facebook and Twitter. That is where your customers will be ‘hanging out’ so you should be too. Engage with them, don’t just create a profile and update it – use it. Talk to your customers and ensure that you add value, join in with conversations – give your opinion and provide links to your website.
  
• Your LinkedIn profile is essential for those B2B relationships – make sure your profile is up to date and relevant. Link it to your brand’s Twitter profile as well as your personal one. Let people know what you are about as a person – and link them back to the company website (see the theme here?!) LinkedIn is also a great platform to raise awareness around your work experience, by listing how many years’ experience you have in a field or any awards you may have won will allow both your peers and your customers an insight into your professional life.

These are just a few ways in which you can promote your website externally – having a great website is a great start, but if you're not promoting it then what's the point?

At Whype we not only design fantastic websites, we give out free information such as this to help our customers make the most of their new promotional tool.

Need a free website appraisal? Contact us now!