Social Media... Teaching Ourselves and You...

Success on the social web depends directly on your current knowledge of the subject. At Asterisk Creative, our team stays on top of the latest trends and are always continuing our social web education.

The AC Team will keep your employees abreast of the all the tips, tricks, and trends required to conduct business on the Internet.

We involve ourselves in ever aspect of the social media community. We work to understand who the players are and what the next innovation will be to drive results for your business.

Contact Asterisk Creative today to start using the internet to grow your business and make an impact using social media!

Color Theory and Your Brand

Color is more than meets the eye. Color evokes strong emotions and reactions. This is important to understand when designing a logo, website, or marketing materials. The colors you choose sends a message to your buyer. The proper use of color is vital to create a positive image among your target audience.

For example, red stimulates appetite. Think of the impact the McDonald's logo has had for decades. Red, however, is not a color to use in the financial sector because it creates fear not trust. On the other hand, blue it is one of the least appetizing and one of the favorites for most people.

Our team at Asterisk Creative uses color theory to when designing. We understand the complexity of the decisions buyers make. We work with our clients to create a brand strategy and materials that will deliver the right message to their buyers to create RESULTS.

Good SEO can help Reputation Management

A company traditionally implements an SEO (search engine optimization) strategy in order to ensure that their references appear that the top of every search engine results page. In the past few years, reputation management has become a higher priority as more people are using the Internet to express their opinions. This article gives great insight into how SEO and repuataion management can complement one another to take your business to a higher level.

Please visit http://www.brafton.com/industry-news/good-seo-can-help-reputation-management-$1305898.htm

Increasing Sales with Social Media

Marketing and sales go hand in hand. You can't have one without the other (unless you're the neighborhood lemonade stand, that is). But lets be real, marketing creates a demand for your product. Marketing gets your clients calling you. Find out how you can increase your sales using social media marketing powerhouses like Facebook, Twitter, and Blogger.

Visit http://www.examiner.com/x-13637-Kansas-City-Social-Media-Examiner~y2009m6d16-Increasing-sales-with-social-media

Ten Tips for Expanding Your Twitter Presence

This is a great article that can help you take full advantage of the "media bonanza" that is Twitter. Social media marketing is an efficient and inexpensive way to bring your business to a larger audience. Whether you're "tweeting" about your latest gig or a simple humorous comment, Twitter is without a doubt the most cutting-edge way to connect with your consumer.

Check it out at http://ohmygov.com/blogs/general_news/archive/2009/06/22/ten-tips-for-expanding-your-twitter-presence.aspx

Timing is Everything on the Web

When Trying to Engage People on the Web, Timing is Everything.

http://www.forbes.com/2009/06/22/allen-adamson-marketing-cmo-network-adamson.html

Shapes Salon & Day Spa

Recently presented with a 2009 Charlotte's Best of the Best Award, Shapes Salon & Day Spa is on its way to becoming the next big thing when it comes to getting a little rest and relaxation. Shapes offers services for men, women, as well as children; everyone deserves some pampering.

In the spirit of the tough economic times, Shapes boasts an extensive package that offers specials on hair, spa, and nail services. Also, Father's day is just around the corner. Need a last minute gift for Dad? Lucky for you, on June 21st, Shapes is running a special on select spa and nail services. Gift cards are available as well.

Don't be afraid to stop by. Heck, there is a 10% discount for any first-time customer. Whether its a massage or a simple haircut, at Shapes Salon & Day Spa there is something for you.

Check it out at www.ShapesDaySpa.com

Social Media – Is it a fad?

So just came across this post on twitter - http://www.ploked.com/social-media/social-media-is-it-a-fad.html, and it got me to thinking. Is social media a fad? I think not. It’s a new wave of communication that has yet to used to its fullest potential. We have just scratched the surface on how social media can be used, not only from a communications standpoint, but also from a marketing perspective as well. Brands can instantaneously engage with their end users via social media and this communication can give them insight into how to better meet the needs of those consumers. Brands can learn how consumers react to their products and services and even gauge what marketing campaigns are most effective based on consumer response. Brands like Domino’s and Comcast have used twitter to manage their “damage control.”

If you have considered dabbling in social media and don’t know where to start, or would like to explore how it can positively (and inexpensively) boost your marketing and SEO efforts, give Asterisk Creative a call. We can help you navigate the wild world of social media.

Opus Company launches new brand and website!

Asterisk Creative was tapped by Opus Company to create a new brand identity design to reflect the companies creative approach to hospitality solutions and hotel consulting. The logo is built in vector graphics.
The brand message and feel were continued throughout the website to create a user friendly experience. The website is hand built and coded to allow for future adaptation as the business grows. The site is built with a search engine optimization strategy in place and the site is cross browser compatible.

Discover the DiFabion Difference

Asterisk Creative has launched the redesigned DiFAbion Remodeling site. The site needed an updated look and feel that would create a dynamic user experience. The site features multiple photos galleries and contact form mechanisms. The site is also built to be cross browser compatible and with a Search Engine stragtegy. Please visit www.difabionremodeling.com.

Applied Vector

Vector graphics are very useful and have many applications.

In particular, the use of vector graphics is a great way to create a logo or identity mark. Vector graphics refer to geometric shapes, lines, and curves used to produce an image. By manipulating these vector objects, one can produce a symbol that effectively represents their company or business. That paired with the use of typography or the arrangement of type will ultimately construct a logo.

What's All The Tweeting About?

What's All The Tweeting About?
Twitter Offers A Unique Platform For Communication

Twitter is a "microblog". Think of it like a blog, only smaller... in fact you only have 140 characters (not words, characters) to communicate a message, so what you say has to be short, concise and of interest.

Twitter is simply a means to communicate with an audience of people who want to hear what you have to say. It's two way communication with your customers and prospects. And it's free!

Using Twitter is very easy - you sign up for a Twitter account and then start posting the 140 character messages, known as 'tweets', immediately. Once you've posted a tweet, it goes into your Twitter feed. Anybody who is following your tweets will then see your update within their own Twitter account - similar to how a blog's RSS feed communicates with RSS readers.

Of course, if your 'followers' are subscribed to hundreds of people, you may only have exposure on the main page of their account for just a few seconds, which is one of the reasons that people Twitter so much - so they can stay top of mind.

By default, Twitter feeds are set to public. This means that you can search for anybody who uses Twitter and see all of their past tweets.

So, what's all the fuss about this tool. And, how can you as marketer think about using it? Try these ideas:

· Extending the reach for those individuals or companies that already have a blogging strategy in place, and want to deepen or further ties. Good examples: Carnival Cruise Lines. The ScienceNewsBlog's weather tracking updates. Andy Carvin's PBS blog on education and technology.

· Retailers announcing sales and deals. Good example: Deals on Dells. Blue-light specials at Amazon.

· Increasing the ability for frequent updates to blogs or web sites or news. Examples: The NY Times, CNN, BBC, Adrants, and those of us here at MarketingProfs.

· Building consensus or a community of supporters. President Obama's successful campaign can be tied directly to his use of Twitter and Obama News Updates.

· Building buzz. Example: Sneak previews for followers.

· Updating breaking news at conferences or events. Share your experience with your followers presents you as a thought leader.

· Updating your network to shape your own personal branding: What's going in your life and your business.

So, is this hype or the next thing? Probably somewhere in between. Social media continues it's evolution and Twitter represents the latest platform breaking down the walls of communication as we've know it.

Sources: Marketing Profs, Web Profits