Good morning!
Welcome to this month’s newsletter!
I hope you have improved your email signature since our last email :) Feel free to send our way if you like some feedback.
Here is an issue I see often (with solution!):
You’re amazing at what you do, but…
when it comes to marketing and design, it feels like a struggle…
You’re not alone!
Most business owners face these three common challenges when it comes to design:
1️⃣ Inconsistent branding across platforms
2️⃣ Spending too much time on visuals instead of your business
3️⃣ Feeling stuck without design expertise
𝗟𝗲𝘁’𝘀 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁!
Join us for a 90-minute Design Crash Course where you’ll learn how to:
✅ Create more professional designs (For this webinar we will use Canva as it's most accessible to all)
✅ Build custom brand social media templates that save you time
✅ Apply easy design tips for a polished look
Your Investment (= tax write off): $80 p.p. - with Early Bird of $60 until Dec 3 - Including GST
Date: Saturday December 7, 2024 or Sunday January 12 at 10AM - 11:30PM conveniently on Zoom.
Register now and take the first step towards "Entrepreneur Ease"!
Sending sunshine!
Norja
Brand & Design Ninja
Inspiring Growth!
Or Instagram
How to create better designs
Creating an ad that stands out is not as easy as it may appear. Whether it’s in print, on-line, or social media, the key to a successful ad lies in clarity, focus, and engagement.
Here are the essentials to help your ad grab attention and move viewers into customers.
- Keep it Simple: Less is more when it comes to text. Long, detailed paragraphs often get skipped by busy readers. Our brains naturally avoid overwhelming information and prefer quick, digestible points. Instead, focus on the most important information—what you’re offering and why it matters. Use clear language that gets straight to the point. Highlight key benefits with bullet points where possible or bold text to make your message easy to digest. A brain can “hurt” when text is too long, too small or not enough contrast in colour scheme.
- Teaser: A strong ad should give readers a glimpse of the result they can expect. Think about what success looks like for your audience. A teaser like “Double your leads in 30 days” or “Feel more at peace in life” tells readers the benefit they’ll gain by engaging with your business. This creates immediate interest and motivates them to learn more.
- Call to Action: Tell your audience what to do next. A clear call to action (CTA) tells readers exactly how to take the next step, whether it’s “Call us today,” “Visit our website,” or “Reserve your spot now.” Or something more creative. Place your CTA prominently and make it easy to follow through.
- Visuals: A picture is worth a thousand words. Complement your text with high-quality visuals that reinforce your message. Whether it’s a product photo, a graphic, or a simple design, visuals can capture attention and communicate instantly.
- White Space: Don’t overcrowd the design; leave space around visuals and text to keep it clean and professional.
- Test and Adjust: Once your ad is live, whether in print or digital, track its performance! Monitor engagement, clicks, or inquiries to see what’s working. Use this information to tweak your future ads for even better results. Ask clients how they found out about you.
- Templates: While templates are a helpful starting point, be mindful - they can make your brand look similar to others, potentially leading to brand confusion.
#graphicdesignmatters
Spot the Signs of a Phishing Attack
Writtenby James at Partek.ca
(Published in the November 2024 Crowsnest Connect)
Today we’re diving into the dangers of phishing attacks with Phishy Friday. Phishing is one of the most common cyber threats, where attackers impersonate trusted sources to steal sensitive information like passwords, credit card numbers, or even company secrets.
But how can you tell when an email, text, or link is “phishy”?
Look for these tell-tale signs:
- Unfamiliar Senders: Emails or messages from unknown or suspicious sources.
- Urgent Language: Phrases like “Act now!” or “Your account will be suspended!” are designed to provoke quick, careless action.
- Strange URLs: Hover over links before clicking. Phishing URLs often look similar to real ones but with subtle differences.
- Attachments: Unexpected files could carry malware that can infect your system.
If you think you’ve been targeted, don’t panic.
Here’s what to do:
- Don’t click: Avoid clicking on any links or downloading files from suspicious messages.
- Report it: Notify your IT department or MSP (Mail Service Provider) immediately so they can investigate.
- Delete the message: Once reported, remove it from your inbox.
By making cybersecurity a priority, your business can reduce its risk of becoming the next victim of a cyberattack. Take action now to protect your company, your data, and your reputation.
Feel free to reach out if you need any assistance with this. We’re here to help.
Colour Infusion & Crowsnest Connect
Box 1227, Coleman AB T0K 0M0
403.688.1137 • [email protected]