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LET'S TALK
BUSINESS
Banner design tips
An effective banner design can make the difference between an unsuccessful and successful banner ad campaign.
We have found that the following banner design tips can increase CTRs (click through ratios) and resulting sales. We hope these tips help you.
Banner Design Dos
Use animation.
A quick-to-download animation can greatly increase a banner's CTR. Animation must be used very carefully since the purpose of the animation is to attract visitors, not to irritate them.
For animated banners, these general guidelines apply:
The animation should be subtle enough to attract attention but should not be so ostentatious as to interfere or clash with the design of the web page you are advertising on.
An animation that loops endlessly tends to irritate visitors. Have the animation loop 7-10 times, leaving the main message on the last animation frame.
Conversely, some visitors will stop a web page from loading before the banner animation has loaded, leaving only the first frame. Thus, it might be a good idea to have your message come across in your first frame if you know that the web page you are advertising on has a long download time.
Feature a call to action.
Placing a "Click here" or "Submit" graphic image on your banner can significantly improve your CTR.
Use bright colors.
Blue, yellow, and green banners have a higher CTR than black-and-white banners. Use the color red sparingly.
Use the word "Free" in your banner.
Depending on what's offered, the word "free" can increase CTRs. For example, offering a free software demo gets a good response. Offering free money arouses suspicion since people will want to know what the catch is.
Give a benefit for clicking on your banner.
For example, "Do you want more traffic?" or, "Need help with taxes?" The answer to the question will be on your web site.
Keep the message short.
Simple banners have higher CTRs than unfocused, wordy banners.
Link the banner to a specific page.
When people click on the banner, they want to go directly to the web page that has the information they want. Your visitors do not want to go to your home page and have to hunt for the information.
Refresh or change your banners frequently.
Studies have shown that CTRs drop significantly after 2 weeks. The CTR usually increases when a new banner appears.
To find the most effective banner design for your business, you must go through a period of testing. Testing means that you run a banner over a period of time and measure the results (i.e. CTRs and resulting sales). Then you change one thing about the banner design, such as a color or a font change, and run that banner over a period of time and measure the results. The banner designs that result in the most sales should be the types of banners you use for your banner campaigns.
FASHION
Spring 2004 Fashion Tips
by Lata Budhrani
Founder, Dot Com Women
Spring's here and it's time to see
what's 'in' this season.
PINK is very much IN! In fact, Pink
is the new black for this season. Pretty pastels or shocking pink,
choose whatever suits your taste. Use it in shell tops, pants,
dresses, handbags or even footwear.
BRIGHT colors rule the roost.
Vibrant colors such as Tangerine, Citrus, Azure etc. are the hot
colors for the season.
PRINTS - Make a bold statement with
prints this season. Jazz up your wardrobe with nautical stripes,
feminine florals or even Tie-Dyed Tees!
WHITE never goes out of fashion.
But save the 'completely white from head to toe' look for the
Snowy backdrop in winter. Dazzle the sun by teaming whites with
bright or pastel colors in plains or pinks.
COTTON is the most comfortable
fabric of the season. For pants that fit perfectly, choose stretch
cotton.
FOOTWEAR choices are galore this
spring! Bare your feet in stylish designer wear. One-tone is
preferred over multi-colored. Fashionable ankle straps and wrap
around strings are in. Apple Green, Sea Green, Pinks and Blues are
hot trends. But nothing is really 'out'. You could even give
Tangerine or Citrus Orange a try if you are feeling bold.
See DCW's picks for Spring/Summer
2004 at http://www.dotcomwomen.com/beauty/spring-summer-2004.shtml
FOOD
Veggie Dip
2/3 cup sour cream
2/3 cup mayonnaise
2 tbsp dry onion soup mix
2 tbsp dry parsley
1 tsp dill weed
Mix all together and chill.
Tastes especially good with raw vegetables.
HOME DECOR
Adding Curb Appeal to Your Home
Curb Appeal Plus
Curb appeal is the impression your home's exterior conveys. It should create an emotional desire to own the home and to live the lifestyle and status it represents. Adding curb appeal to your home will help you beat the competition and pad your bottom line when it's time to sell.
Remember, a home must appeal to all the human senses. It has to look new. It has to feel new, not used, worn out or abused. Time is the currency of the 2000s. When a house looks like it needs work, the majority of all buyers will only see is the hassle involved to "fix it up"..and even if money isn't a concern, there are only 24 hours in a day.
Curb appeal draws potential buyers inside. It makes them ooh and ahhh as they drive around the block countless times, craning their necks to see each and every perfect detail! Does your home cause this kind of reaction? Or has it faded into the background, non-descript, unappealing and un-noticeable? Not sure? You better go check if you are considering selling.
To give your home curb appeal and make it stand out on the block pay attention to the details.
New Paint
There's nothing like a fresh coat of paint to give your home that "newly built" look. Don't rush the job, and choose a color scheme that sets your home apart from others on the block (but doesn't clash with the neighborhood). Consider the style of your home when choosing paint colors.
Even if your home has very little paintable surfaces, focus on the trim, window sills, shutters, window boxes, the front door, the porch floor and even your mail boxes and exterior lights.
Remove peeling, chipped or old built-up layers of paint before applying a new one. If you don't need to remove existing paint, you do need to prepare the surface. Outside painted surfaces attract a layer of dirt and grime from dust and pollutants in the air. Grime will stop your new layers of paint from adhering properly and cause peeling and cracking.
New Landscaping
Well-manicured landscaping helps frame curb appeal. Keep it simple, well-kept, nothing too elaborate. Make certain the landscaping is in proportion with your home. Consider how your landscaping will appear once its matured for proper placement. From a practical sense, the plants and trees provide cooling shade as well as they control erosion and pollution. Thick, dense bushes, hedges and various trees provide protection from wind, noise and privacy. Homes with mature trees are a tremendous selling feature.
New Paving
New sidewalks, driveways and other nonlandscaped surfaces help pave the way to curb appeal. Stepping stones and pavers come in a large variety of styles, shapes and prices. This is a relative quick way to add texture, color and interest to an otherwise bland area. Check out your local home center for samples of the new faux stone pavers as well as traditional ones.
New Doors, Windows
The entrance of your home should make visitors feel welcome. Spruce up or replace worn out, ill fitting doors and windows if possible. New double doors and energy-efficient windows framed with shutters will do a lot for a home's re-sale and curb appeal.
Adding Drama
Never forget the power of flowers. Red and yellows are the best to draw the eye from afar. Dress up windows with flower boxes blooming with plants and flowers that trail over the sides. Make sure the boxes are full and thick. Add geraniums, vines, pepper mint for good scents, and ornamental grasses to create interest and drama. Dwarf marigolds are your best bets for adding color, spice and flair to walk ways, flower beds and used as border plants. They are easy to care for and last a long time!
Add zing and interest to a front porch with pots of flowers, hanging ferns,
fanciful bird houses, wicker chairs, a casual throw and maybe even a big floppy hat. Make the porch look like the front of a magazine, not someone's catchall. Remember, you want to engage people's emotions, to tantalize them into being curious enough to come inside.
Curb appeal is what reaches out and grabs someone's attention, making them wish they lived there. Think of curb appeal as merchandising your commodity. Show it off, play it up and market it well. In other words, dress your house for success, inside and out.
About the Author:
J.E. Ball, IDC founder of House Chic, shows people, how to transform ordinary spaces into show places. She also encourages individuals to get in touch with their own creativity. Her most recent book will be released in the Spring of 2004, House Chic's Decorating Basics.
Ball is a frequent and popular speaker at conferences, seminars and she is known as the "on-location
decor home stylist".
Also a certified transformational life coach, J.E. continues to promote the empowerment of females around the world.
Complimentary Articles & Resources
http://www.housechic.biz
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