Why hire a professional Web Designer?

Quite frankly, with all the inexpensive software available, anyone can create a Web site. However, will that Web site be search engine friendly, content-rich, and pleasing in appearance? Will you know how to include a shopping cart, feedback forms, unique graphics? A professional designer has spent countless hours studying these concepts and can provide you with a Web site that is not only aesthetically appealing but is search engine friendly and utilizes the full power of technology.

A Web site designer can help you present the best possible face to your customers. Remember, your Web site gets your foot into the door of potential customers and puts you in their living room. Don't get kicked out by having a poorly done Web site or one that looks like all the rest to represent you. You cannot create a unique presence on the Web or in print using clip art and templates. A good designer can create a custom look based on the image a company wants to present to its customers.

Amplified Communications can create affordable and appealing Web sites that are optimized for search engines and maximized to their full potential. email us today (info@amplifiedcommunications.ca) and let a professional help get you and your company noticed.

What the heck is a spot colour anyway?

You may have heard the term "spot colour" before, in relation to a job you were having printed. In offset printing, a spot color is any color generated by an ink (pure or mixed) that is printed using a single run.

The widely-spread offset printing process is composed of four spot colors: Cyan, Magenta, Yellow and Key (black) commonly referred to as CMYK. More advanced processes involve the use of six spot colors (hexachromatic process), which add Orange and Green to the process (termed CMYKOG). The two additional spot colors are added to compensate for the inefficient reproduction of faint tints using CMYK colors only. However, offset technicians around the world use the term spot color to mean any color generated by a non-standard offset ink; such as metallic, fluorescent, spot varnish, or custom hand-mixed inks.

When making a multi-color print with a spot color process, every spot color needs its own lithographic film. All the areas of the same spot color are printed using the same film, hence, using the same lithographic plate. The dot gain, hence the screen angle and line frequency, of a spot color vary according to its intended purpose. Spot lamination and UV coatings are sometimes referred to as 'spot colors', as they share the characteristics of requiring a separate lithographic film and print run.

Top 10 reasons your company should have a well designed logo...

If you feel your logo may be a little under par, or are thinking of doing your corporate logo yourself, here are 10 reasons why a properly executed, well thought out logo design is so important...

1. Make a good impression. 

Before a potential customer even walks in the door, they have a developed a first impression of your company by what your logo says about your business.

2. Attract new  customers.

An effective, functional and memorable logo can and will inspire customers to give you their business, or think of your company when the time is right.

3. Stand out from the competition.

If you flip through any directory, or phone book and you'll see a myriad of forgettable companies. Differentiating yourself in a positive way is critical to winning over potential clients/customers.

4. Keep loyal customers.

Don't give your competition the chance to steal away your customers. If your brand and logo are well established and well thought out, your clients will be less likely to try out that new company around the block.

5. Build trust through professionalism.

A professional, polished logo will tell customers that you are good at what you do. A sloppy, poorly designed logo conveys a lack of ability and know-how.

6. Tell customers who you are.

Every company has an emphasis, specialty, or distinct quality that separates it from other businesses. The right logo will help customers decide if your company is the right choice for them.

7. Provide a visual association.

Logos are the visual representation of a company's brand - that is, their services, products and image in the customer's mind. No logo means there's nothing to help customers think of and remember your business.

8. Back up your business.

Most companies work hard to provide the best products and services in their industry, and a good logo can reinforce these efforts.

9. Help people remember you.

Along with standing out, a professional logo will make it easier for your customers to think of you when they have a need for your services.

10. Build employee morale.

Employees who are proud of their company and their image will surely work harder and be more productive. They will also tend to talk about the company more and build a good positive image.