Graphics
So today, I give you most I know about Graphic design in Business.
( I did study that a long time ago in London, and about a decade ago got offline experience in Norway.)
So this article going to be very long
Consistency is the key, but sometimes Life talks for you.
Quality Graphics and Your Business
Whether your business offers high-quality graphics plays an important role. You’ve heard it time and time again, “a picture’s worth a thousand words,” and that’s true when you opt for high-quality graphics.
How often do you see products that don’t offer some time of graphic packaging designed to help sell the product, and it works?
Consumer testing has shown that if you have two identical items – one with plain packaging and one with catchy quality graphics – the latter will sell.
Can you imagine going to the store to buy a bottle of orange juice and all that was on the packaging were the words “orange juice.” Would you buy this orange juice or would you choose the one right beside that looked professionally packaged with colorful graphic components that were attractive and appealing to the appetite?
If the auto industry could sell cars with plain sheets of paper with just the vehicle facts, do you really think they would go to the cost of creating those enticing color brochures? They provide them because they work.
The examples are endless but you get the idea.
Anyone can start a business online as long as they have a computer and an internet connection but making sales online is not as simple as one might think.
There’s the high level of competition,
the uneasiness that still exists by consumers, and
perception, which all affect whether a visitor decides to complete a purchase.
When your website is perceived as a safe place to shop visitors will buy. The use of graphics can help to achieve that feeling, and quality graphics will also entice visitors creating a positive buying experience.
Does Your Company Marketing Plan Include the Use of Graphic Logo?
Whether your business makes use of direct mail, a website, business cards, newspaper ads, or a number of other marketing options available to you, without a good plan you may be disappointed at the inadequate return on investment you receive.
It all begins with targeting your audience so you need to understand who that target market is. That way you can maximize your ROI.
You also need to create brand identity and that’s where the use of graphics is important.
Does your company have the look of a reputable company that consumers can depend on?
Do you have a logo?
If yes, is that logo doing a good job in identifying your business and creating brand recognition?
If you don’t have a logo or you don’t think it’s creating the branding effect it should then it’s time to get busy and either design your own logo or have a website design company do it for you.
You can use your company initials, or if you have a short company name even that.
Add your brand colors and you are ready.
A few things to keep in mind when creating a logo.
Graphic designs should follow visual rules for line, color, shape, textures, volume, value, tone, and form.
Your design needs to create a center of interest along with unity and harmony. Good balance will provide visual weight and establish importance.
The size of your graphic is important too. While it needs to be large enough to be visible and notable, it should not overpower all your correspondence, print material, and website.
Consistency is important across everything you do. There should be one logo that is used in all company correspondence. It’s this consistency that lends itself to branding over time.
Your logo should be simple and easily identifiable.
My first logo was too complex and it was about me more than my clients.
For the past 3 years, I have been using this logo, and it doubled my revenue. (Some parts it was inflation and Covid moving so many people online)
Some of the most recognizable logos are a single letter or symbol. (Apple, Disney, Car companies, etc.) Many companies have a logo that becomes their branding image. For example, the McDonalds arch, or the Nike checkmark. Almost everyone knows these logos. But do you know what the logo for Facebook looks like?
It’s important to have a logo that people remember and that customers gravitate towards because of company or brand recognition. Learn from the successful.
Color is also important and how you use that color is even more important. The color(s) you use on your logo should complement other company colors.
It’s a big mistake to think that a little zig here and a little zag there and you have the logo your company will live with for the rest of its days.
When you design a logo look at all aspects of your company and what it is your company wants to communicate about itself, including whether the company has a slogan that should tie to the logo.
Your logo can tie all elements of your business together nicely and it can definitely increase your return on investment when it comes to your marketing plan.
For some taking care of your own graphic design is possible, but for many the talent isn’t there and you will need to look for a graphic design company that can fill your needs. If you feel you rather outsource this task, first you can look into online Logo Makers (About 531,000,000 results in Google cost 0-50 euros) or do a project on Upwork or Fiverr. It should cost you 30-100 euros.
Look to your graphic design to brand your business.
You should be aware, that changing a logo can negatively affect your business, and how your customers think of your business. Therefore, it’s advised that you do not change your logo unless it is absolutely necessary.
The Role of Graphics in the Global Market
Today's global business market is highly competitive, and technology has played a major role in making it so. As a result, the role of graphics has become even more important for modern-day businesses. Eye-catching graphics are a valuable tool in this highly competitive environment.
The role of graphics is also evident in our day to day lives – just take a look around.
Millions of graphics are being designed in an effort to attract potential consumers and increase business sales.
When graphics are properly arranged and managed, they will be an attractive asset to your business. Just tossing in a picture is not adequate.
When a graphic defines the text and adds cohesiveness and interest the graphic becomes meaningful. This is the real goal of using graphics in a global market.
Web graphics designs aid in improving website layout in a manner that will attract visitors and express the company’s message, all the while effectively stimulating the senses of the visitor.
It sounds simple here, but the truth is – it’s a lot of work.
There are some things you should consider when you are designing a graphic.
Determine who your audience is
What the status of that audience is
Look at what the message trying to do
Decide on what the medium is going to be (print, online, posters, etc.).
Font you use
Size and color of that text,
Ensure all text has been properly proofread by a native speaker
Take into consideration movement, proportion, pattern, proximity, contrast, balance, color, unity, texture, and white space.
Graphic designs are an integral part of your website and your role in a global market. The global market is going to continue to be highly competitive and understanding the role of graphics will keep you ahead of your competition.
The Role of Graphics in Your Online Business
If you are going to run an online business graphics are essential. Whatever type of business activities you are doing online, advertising, or running an online storefront, your business will be presented to countless international customers. Your online business's success or failure is significantly influenced based on the graphics you choose.
When you use professional graphics on your website your site look more professional, just as when you use low-quality graphics it can have a negative effect. Visitors will judge your website by the quality of the graphics whether you like it or not – it’s just the way it is.
If you look like an amateur you’ll be treated like one – people are leery about dealing with amateur companies.
For a graphic to be most effective, it will clearly express your brand and the public will quickly come to associate that graphic with your company.
Branding is as important to your business as working capital.
When branding is done right, there is no question about who the graphic belongs to. The value of that initial investment will carry you years into the future when done correctly. Your company will not reap the benefits immediately, but they will over time as that graphic becomes recognizable you will begin to enjoy the full value.
There are tons of similar sites and so the sooner you are able to create brand recognition through graphic recognition (branding), so give this task the full attention it deserves.
The role of graphics expands even further.
Graphics are a powerful tool in increasing sales. There are many studies that have been done showing how top-quality graphics that are placed properly on the website and with the text appropriately placed will enjoy a significant increase in the length of time visitors remain on your site.
Top Tips for Using Graphics for Your Business Publicity
If you are pitching your business idea, don’t miss out on the opportunity the use of graphics offers you. It’s an excellent tool for your business publicity.
Often a high-quality graphic or photo is the first thing that the reader sees.
A picture serves as an anchor, which is why you will see photos or graphics associated with many top stories.
In the world of journalism, a good photo can take your story from the back of a magazine to the front.
Here are some top tips you should know about for using graphics for your business publicity.
Graphs such as bar charts or pie charts help your reader better understand complex issues. Use them freely when they can add value to what you are saying or promoting. Don't forget Infographics
If you are including a photo of yourself should be above the shoulders and a good resolution. Don’t be afraid to include your photo with reports, stories, as well as other advertising or marketing.
Use exterior and interior photos of your business in media events and marketing campaigns. Consider using photos of people at work inside your business where applicable.
Press releases for promotions, awards, new products, etc. should include a photo.
Use graphics to create company and brand recognition for maximum value and begin to create associations early on.
Use photos that are relevant. For example, if you are a fitness trainer you might consider a photo that shows you in some type of fitness event.
Stay away from graphics that are too big. While graphics are extremely valuable, that value can be undermined by using graphics that are too large.
If you use someone else graphic always remember to ask premission
If you are involved in sponsoring events, make sure to take advantage of the photo opportunity that can benefit your business
Graphics are a powerful tool for all businesses, yet surprisingly their value is often misunderstood, and still more often completely ignored. When graphics and photos are used in the right manner, they present an incredible amount of value to all businesses.
How to Use Images to Tell Your Story
For the most part, business marketing involves digital images. Images and graphics are key to telling your story. Business graphics are powerful tools that are sometimes overlooked.
Your images will enhance your story, whether that story, your advertisement, your press release, or any other written correspondence your company partakes in.
Quality is important. Choose an image that is of good quality. Never use images that are unclear or that do not look professional. After all, this is your company that’s being reflected.
You should also not place an image just to place one. Too often, a business will grab an image just to place an image in its story. That’s not a good idea. You want your graphic or photo images to be relevant. When you do this, you’ll discover a much higher readability from the beginning to end of your story.
Be sure to incorporate your logo into all your material.
Product and company branding are both important and can be easily achieved using graphics in your articles. Brand and company recognition can lead to an increase in revenue so learn how to get the most out of it.
Don’t be afraid to incorporate relevant graphs and charts into your story. They can bring added value and interest.
Just don’t make them too complicated, as that will have the exact opposite effect.
Every business has all kinds of different print material including:
Press releases
Advertisements
Business proposals
Social media
JV partner sites
Website content
Newsletters
Direct mail outs
Brochures
Business cards
Forms
Interview coverage
Each form will tell your story in a different way because each type has a different function and purpose.
It’s important to match your graphic usage appropriately and to learn how to make the most out of your images when you incorporate them into your content material.
This isn’t always as easy as one might think it is.
Stay competitive with the proper use of graphics and images.
The graphic should always be associated with your business, with you, or with what you do. Graphics are a great way to brand a company, product, or person.
Take your time, consider your message, and choose wisely the first time so you do not have to change your graphic later. It’s that important, so as making a decision, so don't forget to give yourself a deadline.
How Graphics Design Can Help Your Business Grow
It’s a good idea to explore the different options you have available to you in the form of visual stimuli.
Web graphics engage the imagination, create appeal, and even affect cognitive skills.
By using graphics, you can incorporate cognitive and visual components to create a website that draws visitors in and keeps them there.
You have only a few seconds to capture your visitor’s interests before they hit the back button and using graphics is certainly one method of doing so.
Graphics are also important in the branding process. Brand recognition and product recall are often associated with an effective graphic. Just look at McDonalds and their big M. Everyone instantly knows what that means.
Your graphic choices can play an important role in the public perception of your company and the products or services you offer.
It’s no secret – it has long been known that there is significant value in graphic design when it comes to marketing your products and business image.
Your graphic designs should complement the look and feel of your website and it should distinguish you from the competition.
You can also use graphic design to create a logo or some type of symbolism that over time becomes associated with your company. This type of branding has long-lasting effects. The graphic images can be transferred from online to your business cards, invoices, letterhead, and other paper products.
If you still aren’t convinced of the value of graphic design when it comes to growing your business, take a look around you. In any given street where businesses are located, you’ll find all kinds of graphics and logos that your brain instantly knows where they belong. You too have the power to use graphics as a visual aid in company and brand recognition.
Graphic designs play an important role in the public image of any brand, and therefore when product endorsement is an issue you need to give your graphic design the proper consideration.
Excellent graphic designs that are aesthetically pleasing and visually appealing to your visitors. There are simply some elements that don’t convert to words and the proper graphics can.
When it comes to marketing, the significance of graphic design services is well-known. When graphics are successful, they can increase the profits of a business.
When imaginative skills are put to work on graphics creations, the choices are endless. Spectacular designs can be fashioned by smart use of images, colors, and sounds.
Your graphic design choices need to match the web design, site content, and types of clients. Online competition is fierce and it’s getting fiercer every day that goes by. Your focus should be on pioneering graphic design elements that will be effective.
Business Proposals do Better with Graphics and Color
Many companies have their own unique branding, which often includes unique packaging, a logo, and other graphics that make them identifiable and recognizable.
Many are not aware of how important it is that this same recognition transcends across to business proposals.
However, when graphics and color are used it is imperative that sound judgment be used.
There are a number of factors that contribute to an excellent business proposal:
Page layout
Legibility through font choice
Proper white space
Good use of graphics
Color
An independent study found there is a 73% increase in comprehension and a 78% increase in retention when color and graphics are used.
A University of Minnesota study found when simple graphics were used the message persuasiveness increased by 47%.
Why do graphics have such an impact when combined with words?
Some people learn better with graphics,
others are skimmers so they are more likely to absorb content that includes graphics.
When graphics are statistical in nature, they tend to carry authority.
Here are some ways to enhance your business proposal with graphics and color:
Always include your company’s logo.
If you have a company color make sure it is incorporated throughout your document. For example, you can subtly include a line between text and header in your company color.
Avoid the use of poor-quality generic images. It will do nothing for your business proposal. Don’t add just to add. It needs to have value.
Don’t use graphics that are too complex because you will frustrate your readers and lose them.
Illustrate an idea in text graphically.
Never put all your graphics in one place together in your document.
Always consider your audience
Using Graphics in Your Mail Will Increase the Responses
Did you know that from the moment the recipient gets your mail and opens it, there are only 10 seconds where he or she will decide whether to continue reading it or throw it in the trash?
During those 10 seconds your recipient’s eyes become fixed on the images and headlines. They never look at the body for even a split second.
Let me rephrase it for you: before your reader ever notices the text you’ve written, the reader sees the graphics.
Once you understand the effects graphics have on the flow of the eye, you can increase your response to e-mail marketing by getting the reader’s attention.
The reader’s eyes will follow the direction in which the illustration is focused. The eye usually will follow in that direction what is in the illustration points. For example, if a woman is wearing a vertical striped blouse, the eye will follow those stripes.
Place the captions as near to the pictures as you can.
Captions need to be below the picture or to the right.
In most languages, you should never put a picture on the left or above the picture. This rule doesn't apply if your text is in right-to-left languages, for example, Arabic, Hebrew, or Persian languages.
Capture and expand your reader's view so he/she scans the whole page rather than just a small section.
At the far left of the page put a commanding picture to draw the reader’s eye and therefore expand the reader's view to take the entire page in.
Put pictures with people to the left and the eye will be drawn to them.
Put color pictures to the left and black & white pictures to the right.
Never put an eye-grabbing picture on the bottom of your page because it will draw your reader to the exit point.
Studies indicate that 80% of eyes will go to a vertical shape followed by a horizontal shape.
Readers will see circled areas before they will see square areas.
A burst will immediately get the attention but it can backfire by causing a distraction.
People will read within a border before they read the open text.
If you want to increase the response to your e-mail, using these tips will certainly help because graphics are a powerful tool when used properly.
How Posters Can Help Maximize Your Small Business
The global economic uncertainty has had its toll on many businesses, but smaller companies have especially suffered.
The crunch in profits has led to a reduction in the financial resources available for marketing, advertising, and promotions, almost always the first-place costs are cut.
Think graphic posters – you’ll be amazed at how they can help maximize your small local business.
In fact, the graphic poster is one of the best tools in an environment that is volatile.
Posters have been around for decades and have long been recognized as one of the most effective promotional tools out there for small businesses.
Let’s look at how you can benefit from some of the advantages of a poster:
Put posters up where they will be visible to people repeatedly. When seen over and over again the posters tend to stimulate interest in the minds of those who have seen them and that initiates action.
Posters are a cheap promotional tool. Cut your costs further by finding a discounted printing service provider or a local artist looking for recognition, and buy a wall.
With a few simple software programs, you can easily customize posters for all budget sizes as well as initiatives.
Use your poster campaign as a bit of a teaser about what’s to come.
The beauty of poster marketing is that it can be highly targeted so your posters will only flood where your potential customers can be found.
Poster success is all about the placement of those posters. Best placements are eye-level in areas where traffic flow naturally comes to a stop.
Place your graphic posters in areas where a number of people hang around.
Don't forget to place your posters on Social media too
By personalizing your company vehicle with related graphics, you effectively turn your vehicle into a mobile billboard. Wherever you go you take your company’s message and spread it to those who come in contact with your vehicle whether that’s on a freeway, on a city street, parked, or sitting in a parking lot. This isn’t something you are going to change in a few months. Your graphic needs to represent your company for the next two or so years.
Using Web Graphics On Your Website to Maximize Your Business
Just because you build a website, does not mean customers will come and it does not mean they will buy even if they do come.
It’s a common misunderstanding that leaves people frustrated and disappointed because their website did not do as well as they expected.
Using the right graphics can improve the appearance of the site and motivate a visitor to act. Using web graphics on your site is a smart business move.
The graphics you opt for in combination with the text you utilize will present the flavor of your site.
It will give your website its own personality, its own look, and feel. It can be, serious, fun, or warm and inviting.
You can stand out from the competition, but before going graphic crazy there are some things you need to know.
The graphics you place on your web page should serve a function. If they are just there because they look cool take them off. There is no question that there are thousands of cool and impressive graphics but unless they serve a purpose there’s no value to putting them on your site.
Navigation buttons are used to help your visitor comfortably move around your site. They should be easy to read and you can include a small image.
Your logo identifies you, and people begin to remember it over time. It gives you brand name recognition.
Background images can add visual appeal to a website but they can be bothersome if you aren’t careful used. There is nothing worse than trying to read text on a graphic that almost makes it invisible. Visitors are very quick to hit the back button if it makes their eyes hurt.
Title graphics are a good way to get recognition for your site. Use something unique that will stick in the minds of visitors.
Photos are popular on websites because they can make a page friendly and inviting. If you plan to use photos on your website you should optimize them for the web otherwise your pages will load slowly and people will become impatient and leave before the site ever loads.
For a professional-looking page match your fonts on all navigation buttons.
Your graphic images should match your website colors and typefaces.
Use graphics to improve website functionality, and balance their usefulness against the loss in speed for your page to load.
Your copy is important. When it comes to your visitors, who are your potential customers, they care only about themselves. If this doesn’t sit well think about it – I want to feel younger, I want to feel skinnier, I want to … and the list goes on. When consumers buy things, there is always an emotion attached to that purchase. When writing your copy make sure you keep this in mind.
Quality graphics are also essential to a website; however, their importance is also tied to what you are selling. For example, if you have an ebook for sale that’s for sale graphics may not play as important a role as it would if you were selling a video game, where graphics not only allow them to see what it is they are buying it close the sale by enticing them.
Graphics are highly misunderstood. They are far more than pictures. They engage, entice, and create emotional reactions. They can mean the difference between products selling and products sitting on the shelf.
Simple, catchy, and designed especially for your business and/or website.If you haven’t introduced your website to quality graphics don’t wait another day. Graphics are a powerful tool that will provide you with a return on that investment for years to come.
Creating Effective Business Cards Flyers and Brochures Using Visual Design
There was a time not that long ago when print specialists or professional artists designed and produced all of your print material. Today, there are a number of excellent do-it-yourself options and while they aren’t likely going to be as good as having a professional design it for you, it can save you a bundle and it can certainly be used.
Thanks to a number of different software programs and print materials creating your own business cards, flyers, brochures, and other print materials has never been easy.
You have a number of choices when it comes to typeset, font size, and the graphics you use. In no time, at all, you’ll have created a professional look and you have the freedom to let your vision come through.
However, everything is not always better. Sometimes taking on these projects yourself can result in less than desirable results. Let’s face it – not all of us have the skills to create quality materials.
This set of simple tips can help you create effective material.
Legibility
One of the most common mistakes is choosing fonts that are hard to read. While there’s no need to choose a boring font like Times Roman, you should choose a font that’s easy to read.
Readability
Just as your copy should be legible, it should also be readable. Contrast, white space, repetition, proximity, and alignment are all important to making your copy easier to read.
Use of Graphics
Don’t be afraid to use graphics. They’re a valuable tool. However, make sure that you don’t just choose graphics to fill space, ensure they are relevant and memorable. The placement of your graphics is also important. If you have not designed a logo you should and it should be used on all printed material as well as on your website.
You should use high-quality graphics and photos. Poor quality can be fuzzy and unclear. That will reflect badly on your company since it will look very unprofessional when finished.
Graphics that are too big or too small also reflect poorly on the finished product and your company.
One of the most underused, yet most powerful tools you have at your disposal are visual graphics. Take the time to understand how these graphics can benefit your company and your print material. If you are unsure how to get the most value from them look to the professionals.
Whether you create your own or you hire a professional, isn’t as important as making sure you get it done.
Business Branding With Graphics
Business branding is a phrase we hear often but what exactly does it mean?
Business branding with graphics establishes a visible queue to identify products, services, or a company as a whole by customers and potential customers alike.
A graphics design is an effective way to create an association between a design and a product in the mind of the viewer.
While words are certainly a powerful tool, when it comes to brand recognition graphics are far more effective.
You want your company, your products, and/or your services to stand out in the minds of consumers and a good graphics design combined with a good marketing campaign can do just that. Look at companies like Apple, Nike, or McDonalds – three examples of branding through graphics.
The ultimate goal for you and your business is to leave a lasting impression on consumers that over time require no words to know how you are.
Graphics branding should also extend to your packaging attracting attention and that graphic should be seen as attractive by the consumer. Look at Gillette or Venus products. You want to buy them just because of their packaging and you can pick them off the shelf by recognizing that packaging without ever seeing the name.
Your logo graphic needs to differentiate you from the competition, and if you are like most industries, there is plenty of competition. A recognizable logo is key to branding and to your business. There is lasting effect here and long term value as we’ve seen in the examples we already presented.
There are numerous mediums used to advertise businesses and it is well known that the use of graphics in advertising has lasting benefits to the company. Internet, print, and television ads all have the potential to have a strong impact. Proctor & Gamble is coming which is proof of the power of a good advertising campaign that creates recognition and loyalty to a graphic design.
But it needs to go further than that – there has to be overall branding online. Creating superior graphics will create a brand identity. Look at what the Walt Disney website has done or what Microsoft has done. A great example of how a solid graphic design can be powerful in your online branding.
When graphics are incorporated into online promotions, emails, newsletters, or other forms of online interaction they create a visual effect that the consumer is quick to begin to recognize when it crosses their path. Those same graphics can be incorporated into brochures, stationery, business cards, banners, and the list goes on....
If you want to reach a targeted audience, you need to reach them through a visual image. When that image is used throughout the business over time your business branding with graphics comes full circle.
5 Ways Graphics Can Hurt Your Online Business
A web with no graphics would be a bit like food without the seasoning!
Graphics, photos, and graphs are to your website as spices are to your cooking – enhancing the experience and leaving the visitor with a more memorable experience.
However, just as food can be too spicy, there can be too many images on the page ruining the experience, so you’ll need to find a happy, medium. Too many images can actually turn visitors away.
So what type of graphics will harm more than help your website?
Too Large
When images are too large they can be too slow to load and they can also take away from the text. The purpose of the image is usually to help convey an idea relating to the content. When the image takes up too much of the screen, the visitor can be distracted missing the purpose of the site.
Inappropriate
When your website is a business design, you need to focus on the content of your pages and the overall message they project. You need to ensure the images you use are appropriate and reflect your business values correctly. If you do not present your image appropriately to the audience you are targeting it could be more detrimental than helpful.
Poor Quality Images
Using images that are unclear, fuzzy, poorly centered, or amateur in other ways will be reflected in the assumption your business is also amateurish. No images are better than poor-quality images.
Illegal Images
There are a lot of creative images on the internet and you might do a right-click and save without thinking much about it. The problem is that if you use these images on your website you may find yourself facing copyright infringement. Use only those images that are royalty-free unless you have permission to use others.
Ignoring the Use of the ALT Tag
Many people ignore the ALT tags, not realizing just how important it is. The alt tag is like a free sign to your website. Without the use of the ALT tag, your website is at a disadvantage for visitors and you will also be non-compliant when it comes to web standards and SEO.
Knowing how graphics can hurt your website as well as help your website will help you to build your website in a manner that keeps your visitors interested in what your website has to offer.
Graphics play such an important role in all aspects of your business. It’s important to never underestimate their value. The most successful businesses know how to maximize their graphic value.
If you are unsure of how to accomplish this task on your own, turn to graphic design professionals who know and understand their industry and how it applies to your business. There are plenty of talented professionals who can help make your business the success it should be.
And if you read this far tell me you deserve a cookie :)