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- Canva Hack: How to Create a 3D Effect
By Gracie Steel, Digital Marketing Assistant at Omega High-Impact Print Solutions In the ever-changing landscape of social media, capturing attention is the name of the game. From stunning graphics to captivating content, the pressure to stand out from the crowd can leave even the most creative minds in a rut. Because of this, content creators, graphic designers, and social media enthusiasts alike are constantly on the hunt for fresh ideas. If you've ever felt this way, you're certainly not alone. That's why we put together this simple Canva tutorial- so you can find that spark of inspiration to breathe new life into your social posts. Follow along as we show you how you can instantly elevate your Canva designs using this 3D effect. Shall we begin? Step 1 To demonstrate this hack, we will be using Canva Pro. But, it is possible to complete this design using the free version. To get started, select and upload your photo. Step 2 At this time, add any text, effects, elements, brand fonts or colors. Step 3 Next, either reupload, copy & paste, or duplicate your image. Whichever method you choose, be sure it's the same aspect ratio as your original image. With your newly duplicated photo, go to EDIT PHOTO > BACKGROUND REMOVER . This will isolate the subject of your photo. ( TIP: If you're using the free version of Canva, you will not have access to this feature. To get around this, simply search "Free Image Background Remover" in any search engine to remove your image's background). Step 4 Align the isolated subject with the background image. DOUBLE CLICK or go to EDIT PHOTO > CROP to crop your isolated subject. You'll see how this step made the hand and coffee cup look as though it's going through the "o" in "coffee," adding instant depth and dimension. In just four simple steps, you've unlocked a new and exciting way to advance your designs and captivate your audience. We hope this tutorial inspired you to approach your social media game with a different perspective. To stay up-to-date on all industry how-tos and tutorials, be sure to subscribe here.
- A How-to Guide for Creating GIFs in Photoshop
By Jamie Cloak, Marketing Director at Omega High Impact Print Solutions Are you looking to add a touch of animation to your visual content? GIFs are a fantastic way to engage your audience and bring your images to life. Fortunately, with Adobe Photoshop, the process of creating GIFs is both accessible and rewarding. In this step-by-step guide, we'll walk you through the process of making a GIF in Photoshop, unlocking a realm of creative possibilities. Unleash Your Creative Potential - let's go! Step 1: Open Photoshop and Import Your Images Launch Adobe Photoshop on your computer. Select "File" > "Scripts" > "Load Files into Stack." Click "Browse" and select the images you want to use for your GIF. Press "OK" to import your images as separate layers. Step 2: Adjust and Arrange Layers Navigate to the Layers panel. Arrange your layers in the desired order for your GIF frames. Make any necessary adjustments to each layer, such as resizing or adding filters. Step 3: Set the Duration for Each Frame Click on the timeline icon at the bottom of the screen to open the Timeline panel. In the Timeline panel, click "Create Frame Animation." Adjust the time duration for each frame. This determines how long each image will be displayed before transitioning to the next one. Step 4: Create the Animation In the Timeline panel, click the "Duplicate Selected Frames" icon to create additional frames. Make changes to each frame as needed, creating a seamless transition between them. Preview your animation by pressing the "Play" button in the Timeline panel. Step 5: Fine-Tune Your GIF Refine your GIF by adding effects, transitions, or text overlays. Experiment with layer visibility and opacity for dynamic effects. Preview your GIF to ensure it meets your creative vision. Step 6: Save Your GIF Once satisfied with your animation, go to "File" > "Export" > "Save for Web (Legacy)." Choose the GIF format and adjust settings like size and quality. Click "Save" to save your animated GIF. Congratulations! You've just created your own GIF using Photoshop. Feel free to share your animated masterpiece on social media, websites, or wherever you'd like to showcase your creativity. Animating with GIFs in Photoshop opens up a world of possibilities for expressing your ideas and engaging your audience. Experiment with different effects, transitions, and styles to make your GIFs truly unique. With this guide, you're well on your way to becoming a GIF-making pro in Photoshop. Happy creating!
- How to Grow Followers Organically: Proven Strategies for Social Media Success
By Ava Hoch, Marketing Associate at Omega High Impact Print Solutions In the ever-evolving landscape of social media, the quest for followers is a constant pursuit. However, the real game-changer lies in fostering organic growth – a method that not only builds numbers but cultivates a genuine and engaged audience. Understanding the significance of organic growth is vital. Buying followers or spamming can negatively affect your social page or overall business. Keep reading to learn how to grow your organic following! Let's get started! Step 1: Define Your Brand & Audience Before embarking on your journey to grow your social media following, defining your brand identity is essential. It is important to understand your unique value proposition, core values, and the audience you want to target. Your brand identity will be the foundation for creating content that resonates with your intended audience. Your brand's mission and values should be clearly articulated across each platform. Defining your overall voice, tone, and branding will help you stay consistent and promote brand recognition. Step 2: Quality Content Creation A high-quality, engaging content strategy is essential to organic growth. Create content that provides value, entertains, educates, or inspires your audience. It is key to tailor your content to your brand and audience, ensuring it aligns with your brand identity. Use a mix of photographs, videos, graphics, and text to keep your content diverse and appealing. Keep an eye on content that does exceptionally well and continue to replicate it in similar posts. Step 3: Engagement Genuine engagement is the heart of organic growth. Respond promptly to comments, messages, and mentions. Encourage conversations by posing questions and actively participating in discussions within your niche. Building a community around your brand fosters a sense of belonging and loyalty. Step 4: Collaborations & Partnerships Collaborating with other users or brands in your niche can expose your profile to a broader audience. Look for opportunities to cross-promote with like-minded individuals or businesses, whether through shoutouts, collaborations, or joint partnerships. This mutually beneficial approach can introduce your profile to new potential followers or audiences. Step 5: Hashtags & Keywords Hashtags and keywords can significantly boost the discoverability of your content. Research and use relevant hashtags in your posts to increase visibility. Make sure to research keywords to use in your post captions. However, don't overdo it; focus on using a mix of popular and niche hashtags that align with your content and target audience, and avoid keyword stuffing. Too many hashtags or keywords can come across as spammy. Step 6: Analytics & Optimization Utilize post analytics to see what is working and what may need to be fixed. These metrics unveil the performance of your content. By deciphering these analytics, you gain a deeper understanding of your audience's preferences, allowing you to optimize your content for maximum impact. A well-optimized profile not only attracts new followers but also makes it easier for your existing audience to connect with you across different platforms. Growing a social media following organically is a marathon, not a sprint. It requires dedication, authenticity, and a deep understanding of your audience. Remember, in the realm of social media, authenticity yields the most significant returns. Embrace these proven strategies to organically grow your followers and cultivate a thriving online community!
- Importance of Combining Print and Digital Marketing
By Jamie Cloak, Marketing Director at Omega High Impact Print Solutions Amplify Your Reach by unleashing the Power of Combined Print and Digital Marketing. Let's explore the importance together! As we navigate the ever-evolving landscape of marketing strategies, it's crucial to explore innovative approaches that can maximize your brand's impact. Introducing the undeniable powerful synergy between the seamless integration of print and digital marketing. In an age dominated by digital platforms, the effectiveness of print marketing is often underestimated. However, marrying the tangible appeal of print with the dynamic reach of digital channels can create a compelling and holistic brand experience. Below we've outlined a handful of reasons why combining print and digital marketing could be a game-changer for your business... 1. Enhanced Engagement By leveraging both print and digital channels, you can capture your audience's attention through multiple touchpoints. A well-crafted print piece can serve as a tangible introduction, while digital platforms provide interactive and dynamic content, fostering deeper engagement. 2. Cross-Channel Consistency Achieve a unified brand message by aligning your print and digital collateral. Consistency across channels builds trust and reinforces your brand identity, ensuring that your audience receives a cohesive and memorable experience. 3. Expanded Reach While digital marketing allows you to reach a global audience, print marketing can target specific geographic areas effectively. Combining the two enables you to cast a wider net, reaching diverse demographics and increasing your overall market penetration. 4. Measurable Insights Digital marketing provides robust analytics, allowing you to track and measure campaign performance in real-time. Integrating digital tracking tools with print campaigns enables you to gather valuable insights into consumer behavior, preferences, and engagement levels. Examples of combining Digital with Print Marketing 1. Social Media & Postcards By combining social media and postcards, you create a comprehensive marketing strategy that leverages the strengths of both digital and traditional methods. This integrated approach lets you connect with a broader audience while ensuring a memorable and personalized brand experience. 2. Direct Mail & Email Marketing Direct mail and email Campaigns can complement each other in terms of campaign lifespan. While emails can create initial awareness and engagement, direct mail can serve as a more enduring reminder, extending the impact of your marketing efforts over time. 3. Blog Post & Newspapers Compliment your blog posts by converting them to local newspaper publications. Include a QR code to direct readers to your website, encouraging them to explore additional content and engage with your brand online. To help you harness the full potential of this integrated approach, we offer a comprehensive suite of services that seamlessly blend print and digital strategies. Our team of experts is dedicated to crafting personalized campaigns that resonate with your target audience across various platforms. If you're interested in exploring how the fusion of print and digital marketing can elevate your brand, please contact us here . Together, we can tailor a strategy that aligns with your goals and maximizes your marketing ROI.
- Print Lingo: A Glossary of Printing Terms
If you have ever worked with a commercial print shop, chances are you’ve heard a few words or terms that were completely foreign to you. As with many industries, the printing world has its own language of sorts, and for many, it can be difficult to understand. But never fear— Omega is here! We’ve compiled a glossary of some basic terms that will prevent you from feeling left in the dark when working with your printer. Absorbency: The amount of liquid that a piece of paper can retain. Acetate: A thin and flexible sheet of clear plastic that is commonly used to construct overlays. Adhesives: Adhesives are compounds used in printing to make objects cling together securely. Aqueous Coating: A transparent coating that is used to preserve printed objects by creating a high-gloss surface that increases durability. Barcodes: A means of encoding data on a scannable, visible surface in a visual and machine-readable manner. Bindery: The process of attaching, gluing, or otherwise linking a series of separate pages together to form a book, notepad, etc. Perfect binding, spiral binding, saddle-stitching, staple stitching, are all examples of bindery. Bleed: After printing, the inks on the paper may bleed over the trim markings. This is referred to as "bleeding." Caliper: A device used to measure the thickness of paper in thousandths of an inch, or mils. Chemical Resistance: The ability of printed materials to resist interacting with substances with which they come into contact, ensuring no damage is done. Coating: A specific liquid coating can be put to the paper to lessen the possibility of ink smearing after printing. It's especially useful for printed material. Color Separation: The process of breaking down colors into their core elements. Color Sequence: The sequence of printing inks in the press. This is also known as color rotation. Creep: The movement or shift of margins in a document that occurs as pages are folded during the booklet finishing process. Creep can vary based on the thickness of the paper and the number of pages. Crop Marks: Lines drawn on pages to indicate where the document or print will be cut. Crossover: An image or rule on one printed page that extends to an adjacent folded page. Damping: The process of applying water to the lithographic plate on a lithography printer before printing. Debossing: The process of stamping a design into the surface of an item or paper, creating a concave imprint. Die-cut: A Die is a precise, razor-sharp steel blade used in the printing industry to make many pieces of the same shape in an efficient and uniform way. Digital Printing: Digital printing refers to methods of printing from a digital-based image directly to a variety of media. Digital files (i.e., a PDF) are uploaded to the machine to be created via laser technology. Dot Gain: When dots are printed larger than they should be. Dye-Sublimation: Instead of applying color to the material, dye-sublimation alters the color of the material itself. Elasticity: When a printed object does not lose its form when opened, it is said to be elastic. Embossing: A technique for making raised relief pictures on paper and other materials. The design will protrude from the paper. Feeder: The device that supplies paper into a printer in the proper position. Finishing: The finishing touches of a print (for example, cutting the crop lines and adding protective gloss). Flexography: A method of printing that is used on uneven surfaces such as packaging. This is commonly used for labels and uses a flexible relief plate to print letters and short words. Ghosting: The appearance of another lighter image in the same print on a printed picture is referred to as ghosting due to the lighter, ghostly finish. Guillotine: A sharp blade used to cut and trim printed paper stacks. Hickey: An unintentional flaw mark that appears on a final printed product, possibly caused by dust or ink difficulties. Imposition: When a printed sheet is folded, the pages are arranged in a way that reads sequentially. Ink Set-Off: Ink that is transferred accidentally from a printed sheet to the back of the sheet above it when the materials have been printed and are piled in a pile. Laminate: A thin, clear plastic sheet that is frequently put to a thick material to create a glossy protective coating against fluids and heavy wear. LED UV: A print technology that produces a high-end finish. The inks are precisely blended and pressed onto the material (paper, card, etc.). This is then blasted with LED lights to swiftly dry it. This keeps colors crisper and speeds up the printing process overall. Lithography: Lithographic printing is a common method for producing high-quality images. The picture is transferred to the lithographic plate, inked, and finally printed on paper. It's a quick and easy printing process. Lux Paper: This material is a triple-layered, ultra-thick card with a distinctive colored core running through the central layer. Metallic ink: Ink that is made with powdered metal or pigments that reflect light. Silver and gold are the most utilized hues. Pantone Color: A color language used by designers, printing businesses, and brand owners. This makes it easier to create the desired hue over and again. PPI: Pages or pixels per inch. Process Colors: Cyan, magenta, yellow, and black. Printers mix these fundamental colors together to produce other hues. Proofing: This is the most effective technique to avoid costly printing errors. It's critical to pay great attention to the proofs you get to ensure that the design, content, and color are all correct. Ream: 500 sheets of paper. Paper reel: A reel of paper is a continuous length of paper wound around a cylinder. Reels are frequently used in combination with Digital Printing equipment. Registers: These are markings used as reference points to ensure that different print elements are correctly positioned on a given piece of print. RGB: The red, green, and blue color space that computers utilize to show images on your screen. To print correctly, an RGB computer file must be converted to CMYK. Runnability: A printer's runnability refers to how rapidly it can 'run' without creating any errors. Satin Finish: A smooth, soft finish applied to paper. Silk Paper: Silk paper has a low surface shine and offers great ink-to-paper contrast. When used, colors seem brighter and more defined. Spot Color: Rather than utilizing the CMYK method, Spot Color is done by mixing ink to create a desired color. Spot Varnish: A method of emphasizing a specific part of a page by applying varnish selectively. Tint: The addition of the color white to another color. As a result, when printed, the color appears lighter and whiter. Trim: This is a line that is cut along to achieve the desired size for a given print project. To provide a continuous and precise edge around a design, the trim cuts through the bleed. UV Varnish: A protective and aesthetically pleasing thin coating applied to a printed page which is dried with UV light. Varnish: A glossy coating applied to a final printed object to enhance luster and protect it from external damage. At first, it may seem like an intimidating list of terms to commit to memory. However, when you work with a printer like Omega, your customer service rep will never shame you for not being up on every term. After all, that’s why we’re here and we’re more than happy to clear up anything you may find confusing. Nevertheless, if you do find yourself wanting to upgrade your print terminology, this glossary is a great place to start. Written by Omega High Impact Print Solutions' Digital Marketing Manager, Emily Steel
- How to Create a LinkedIn Newsletter as a Business Page
By Ava Hoch, Marketing Associate at Omega High Impact Print Solutions LinkedIn is a great platform for professionals and businesses. One of the newer offerings of LinkedIn is Newsletters. LinkedIn Newsletters are perfect for sharing information and building a community. Let's get started! Step 1: Ensure Eligibility Confirm that you meet LinkedIn’s eligibility criteria for creating a newsletter. Generally, you need to have a personal LinkedIn profile, be connected to a certain number of connections, and not have any restrictions on your account. Members and Pages with more than 150 followers and/or connections are eligible to be evaluated for LinkedIn Newsletter access. Step 2: Create a Newsletter First log in to your LinkedIn account and navigate to the "Home" page. Once you confirm your eligibility, go to “Write Article” on your page, then click “Manage” in the top right corner, then click “Create Newsletter”. Proceed to fill out all newsletter details. Choose how often you will publish your newsletter (daily, weekly, monthly, etc.). Step 3: Create a Catchy Newsletter Title & Graphic Carefully select your newsletter title, as LinkedIn advises against frequent changes, which could confuse your audience. Design a distinctive graphic for your newsletter that incorporates elements like your business name, newsletter title, or logo to maintain brand consistency. Step 4: Create Engaging Content Plan the type of content you want to include in your newsletter. This could include industry insights, trends, professional tips, personal experiences, or curated content relevant to your audience. Consider the interests, needs, and preferences of your LinkedIn connections. Step 5: Draft a Welcome Message Craft a compelling welcome message for your newsletter, introducing yourself and explaining the purpose of the newsletter. Clearly communicate the value subscribers will gain. Step 6: Write First Newsletter Article Once you have created your newsletter click on "Write an article". These articles will be published in your newsletter. To preview your article, click "Manage", and then "Preview". Step 7: Add Sections & Content Create a basic outline you will use for each Newsletter article. Divide your newsletter into sections to organize your content. For example, you might have sections like "Industry Insights," "Featured Articles," or "Tips of the Month." Add content to each section. You can include text, images, links, and even multimedia elements to make your newsletter visually appealing. Step 8: Publish Newsletter Once you've added and reviewed your content, click on "Next" and then the "Publish" button to make your newsletter live. If you want to schedule your newsletter for the future, click on the small clock next to the publish button. LinkedIn will share your newsletter with your connections, and they can choose to subscribe. Step 9: Promote Newsletter Share your newsletter on your LinkedIn feed to increase visibility and encourage more people to subscribe. In addition, you can promote your newsletter in relevant LinkedIn groups or communities (without spamming). Step 10: Engage With Subscribers Respond to comments and engage with your subscribers. Encourage them to share feedback and suggest topics for future newsletters! Step 11: Stay Consistent Stick to a regular schedule for sending out newsletters. Use consistent branding for recognition. Consistency helps build anticipation and keeps your audience engaged. Step 12: Analyze Newsletter Performance Use LinkedIn analytics to track the performance of your newsletter. Monitor metrics such as engagement, views, and subscriber growth. Adjust your content strategy based on the data. Remember to always abide by LinkedIn's policies and guidelines, and respect your audience's preferences. Providing valuable, relevant content will help you build a strong and engaged community around your LinkedIn newsletter. Now, get creative and begin your LinkedIn Newsletter journey! Need an example? Check out our LinkedIn newsletter!
- How to Create a Successful Influencer Marketing Campaign
By Emily Steel, Marketing Manager at Omega High-Impact Print Solutions Influencer marketing has become a powerhouse in the digital age, offering businesses a unique way to connect with their target audience. Collaborating with influencers can elevate your brand's visibility and credibility. In this step-by-step guide, we'll walk you through the process of establishing successful partnerships with influencers. Let's begin! Step 1: Define Your Objectives Before reaching out to influencers, clearly define your campaign objectives. Are you looking to increase brand awareness, drive sales, or promote a specific product? Understanding your goals will help you identify the right influencers and measure the success of your collaboration. Step 2: Identify Your Target Audience Know your target audience and choose influencers who resonate with them. Research influencers whose followers align with your demographic, interests, and values. Tools like SocialBlade, BuzzSumo, or native platform analytics can help you assess an influencer's audience demographics. Step 3: Research and Shortlist Influencers Conduct thorough research to identify potential influencers. Consider factors such as engagement rate, content quality, and authenticity. Create a shortlist of influencers whose style aligns with your brand image and whose audience matches your target demographic. Step 4: Engage with Influencers Before reaching out, engage with influencers on their social media platforms. Like, comment, and share their content to establish a genuine connection. This initial engagement helps influencers become familiar with your brand and increases the likelihood of a positive response. Step 5: Craft a Personalized Outreach When reaching out, craft a personalized and compelling message. Clearly communicate why you believe the collaboration is mutually beneficial. Highlight specific aspects of their content that resonate with your brand, showcasing that you've done your homework. Step 6: Negotiate Terms and Compensation Discuss collaboration terms and compensation early in the conversation. Be transparent about your budget and expectations. Consider offering a combination of monetary compensation, product samples, or affiliate partnerships based on the influencer's preferences and your campaign goals. Step 7: Provide Clear Guidelines Clearly outline your expectations, campaign goals, and any specific guidelines for the collaboration. This includes content format, posting schedule, and key messaging. Providing a detailed brief ensures that both parties are aligned and reduces the risk of misunderstandings. Step 8: Foster Authenticity Encourage influencers to create authentic content that resonates with their audience. Authenticity is key to building trust, and overly scripted content may come across as inauthentic. Allow influencers creative freedom within the agreed-upon guidelines. Step 9: Track and Measure Performance Utilize tracking tools and analytics to measure the success of the collaboration. Monitor engagement, reach, and conversions to assess the impact on your campaign objectives. Use this data to refine your influencer marketing strategy for future collaborations. Step 10: Nurture Ongoing Relationships Building lasting relationships with influencers can lead to continued success. Stay connected, express gratitude for their contribution, and consider future collaborations. Influencers often appreciate brands that value long-term partnerships. Collaborating with influencers requires careful planning and thoughtful execution. By following these steps, you can establish successful partnerships that not only elevate your brand but also resonate with your target audience through the authentic voice of influencers. Remember, the key to success lies in transparency, authenticity, and mutual benefit. how to influencer marketing
- How to Use Templates in CapCut
By Gracie Steel, Digital Marketing Assistant at Omega High-Impact Print Solutions Video editing is an essential skill for those looking to make an impact in the world of content creation. CapCut, as we covered many times before, is a free video-editing and image design software with a versatile and user-friendly interface. Within this platform is a templates feature, which allows you to enhance the visual appeal of your content. In this blog post, we will teach you how to use CapCut templates so you can spend less time figuring out intricate effects or edits, and more time producing engaging TikToks, entertaining YouTube videos, or shareable Instagram content. Let's begin! Step 1 Open CAPCUT on your desktop or mobile device. Next, select TEMPLATES. Step 2 Filter through templates using the categories in the sidebar. Or, use the search bar to find a specfic template. Once you've found a template that aligns with your video's style and purpose, drag your template to the editing timeline. Step 3 Sometimes CapCut templates include a green screen, but don't actually isolate the subject. If this happens to you, simply go to VIDEO > CUTOUT> AUTO CUTOUT. Doing this will remove the background from the subject of your CapCut template. Step 4 Now you can adjust the placeholder background, and add or modify text, fonts, and colors to your liking. And just like that, you've created a video using CapCut templates! We recommend exploring other CapCut features and experiementing with a variety of templates so you can stay on the forefront of video editing innovation. Be sure to stay tuned for more tips, tricks, and tutorials designed to polish your skills in the everchanging world of content creation!
- How to Launch a Perfectly Crafted Email Program
By Jamie Cloak, Marketing Director at Omega High Impact Print Solutions If you're just starting a new business venture, the many layers to launching a new website can feel overwhelming and endless. There's a lot to be done, but one of the most important (and overlooked) components is to capture the email addresses of your visitors. This is necessary to build a foundation for your subscriber base, allowing you to target them when your site launches, deliver any announcements you may have, and ultimately notify your subscribers when you release new goods. Keep in mind, with your new site, you will need to integrate an Email Service Provider (ESP). Lots of website providers offer native email platforms, but if you find there are limitations on your site's solution, there are plenty of options available to you. Let's get started! Step 1 YouTube Shorts Purchase your domain and begin to build your site. While it's "under construction", design a captivating Lead Generation Form so you can collect the names and email addresses of your site visitors. This will help you have an audience for your "go-live" date. Step 2 Build out a content calendar. If possible, utilize Microsoft SharePoint or a Google Document so your team can see the cadence and topics in real-time allowing for idea collaboration or suggestions. Theoretically, it's most productive to have 3 to 4 weeks planned/designed out so you have a concrete plan for the coming campaigns. Additionally, this will keep your team on the same page and allow for cross-marketing campaigns to occur via your site, email, SMS, and social media channels. Step 3 Set up your flows/automation in your email platform that will generate revenue with little to no management. Once they are set, they should be able to live for quite some time. Best practice tip: use evergreen photography so you're not committing to a product that may go out of stock, on sale, etc. Some recommended flows to get started are: Welcome Letter. This is a series (about 3-4) of related emails that could offer a note from the CEO, background on the company, and a promo code to be used on the recipient's first purchase. The main purpose of this series is to leave a positive first impression and offer immediate engagement with the subscriber. Abandoned Cart. This is a flow series that is sent to onsite customers who have viewed a product, and shown interest in it by adding it to their cart, but did not complete the purchase. Aim to show the clients the items they added to their cart with a direct link to the goods, as the idea is to gently nudge them back into the sales funnel. If possible, add a promo code to this flow to offer an incentive to convert. 10-15% off should suffice. Thank You. This is an email that is delivered once the customer has completed their purchase. Likely, your website provider will immediately send a confirmation email with transactional information, but this is a different message in nature. The mindset behind a thank you email is to foster customer loyalty and retention, express your gratitude, and ultimately encourage future engagement with the brand. Product Reviews. The purpose of the review email is to gain customer feedback on your product. This will help build credibility, consumer trust, and social proof that your product is leading above the competition. Step 4 Design your email header and footer. For your header, it is important to include your brand logo. This way, the viewer can immediately identify who sent the campaign. Under the logo, create a navigation that mirrors your site's navigation layout. This allows the user to easily jump to the landing page of their choosing. For the footer, include links similar to the navigation offering a simple user experience, and most importantly, a footer should always include an unsubscribe link. This step is critical to avoid being marked as spam. If a recipient no longer wants to receive marketing emails and does not see an unsubscribe link, they may potentially mark the message as spam which can be detrimental to an organization. Best practice tip: utilize your site font and color palette when creating headers and footers so the brand identity remains intact. Step 5 Building the email. The Subject Line is one of the most important elements of any successful email campaign. Since your customers ' inboxes are so competitive, it's important that you capture their attention with a witty and brand-related subject line - just remember to keep it short and sweet. Since over 40% of emails are opened on mobile devices, emojis are a good component to include as well. Next, ensure each individual campaign is strategically designed to offer compelling information while maintaining a consistent pattern throughout. Utilize strong imagery to capture the attention of your recipient and creatively showcase your goods. The a-spot (or first image displayed), will determine if the viewer will scroll below the fold. This is where your photography can really shine and showcase your products. Step 6 Scheduling your email. As you're growing your subscriber list and sending out email campaigns, you may need to run A/B tests for your campaigns and weigh the results against each other to determine the best time to send. Traditionally, mid-day / mid-week are the best times to send campaigns, but it may be beneficial to identify when you have the most traffic on your site. Knowing when people are most engaged with the brand may help push them through the sales funnel to ultimately complete a purchase. A few final thoughts... Email Marketing can be a lot of fun! It's an opportunity to speak directly to your audience and tailor each message to your liking. Ensure your designers all speak in the same brand voice and keep it light and positive. Try to find a harmonious balance between lifestyle photography and in-studio photography to keep the viewers engaged. And lastly, though each individual email should feel unique, you want the viewer to be able to feel a consistent theme throughout all coorespondance. If you would like assistance launching an email program, our team of experts is standing by and ready to dig in! Just contact us here and we will get right back to you!
- How to Create a YouTube Short Video
By Ava Hoch, Marketing Associate at Omega High Impact Print Solutions YouTube Shorts are short-form videos that have taken the world by storm. Shorts are vertical videos less than 60 seconds in length. Shorts are popular for mindless scrolling and have various features for user interaction. Creating a YouTube Short for the first time can be a bit tricky, but we've got you covered! Let's get started! If you're using a smartphone, record or upload a Short directly from the YouTube app using the following steps: Step 1 YouTube Shorts Sign in to the YouTube app. Step 2 Tap the "+" at the bottom of the screen. Next, make sure "Short" is highlighted at the bottom. Step 3 If you want to upload a video you previously recorded, tap the camera roll square in the left bottom corner of the screen. Step 4 To make your Short longer than 15 seconds, tap 15 s in the upper-right corner to record up to 60 seconds (60). Step 5 To record a new video clip, hold the red "Capture" button or tap it to start recording and tap again to stop. Step 6 Tap the "Done" checkmark to preview and enhance your video. Step 7 Tap on any of the options at the bottom of the screen to edit or enhance the video. Options to enhance your video include sound, text, voiceover, timeline, filters, and Q&A. Step 8 Tap "Next" to add details to your video. On this screen, include a title (max 100 characters) and select settings such as video privacy. Note: For creators aged 13–17, the default video privacy setting is private. If you're 18 or older, your default video privacy setting is set to public. You can change this setting to make your video public, private, or unlisted. Step 9 Create a caption, review your visibility, add a location, and adjust settings to your preferences. Step 10 Tap "Select audience". Choose either “Yes, it’s made for kids" or "No, it’s not made for kids" to choose your audience. Step 11 Tap "Upload Short" to publish your Short. Get creative! Shorts should be entertaining and fun to create and watch. Subscribe to us on YouTube to get some inspo.
- How to Properly Host an Online Giveaway
Written by Omega High-Impact Print Solutions' Marketing Manager, Emily Steel Running a legal online giveaway involves several key steps to ensure compliance with relevant laws and regulations. Keep in mind that laws can vary by jurisdiction, so it's essential to consult with legal professionals to tailor the following steps to your specific situation. Let's explore our Giveaway Guide! Step 1: Understand Applicable Laws Familiarize yourself with local, state, national, and international laws regarding giveaways, sweepstakes, and contests. Key regulations may include consumer protection laws, gambling laws, and privacy regulations. Step 2: Determine Type of Promotion Decide whether you're hosting a giveaway, sweepstakes, or contest. Each has different legal requirements. A giveaway typically involves randomly selecting a winner, while a contest involves judging entries based on skill or merit. Step 3: Create Official Rules Clearly outline the rules of your promotion. Include eligibility criteria, entry methods, start and end dates, prize details, winner selection process, and any other relevant information. Make sure the rules are easily accessible to participants. Step 4: Eligibility Requirements Specify who is eligible to participate. Consider age restrictions, residency limitations, and any other criteria relevant to your promotion. Step 5: No Purchase Necessary If you are running a sweepstakes, ensure that participants are not required to make a purchase to enter. Include a statement that no purchase is necessary to enter or win. Step 6: Provide Equal Opportunities Ensure that all participants have an equal chance of winning. Avoid favoritism or bias in the selection process. Step 7: Prize Value and Description Clearly state the value and description of the prize(s). If applicable, mention any restrictions or conditions associated with the prize. Step 8: Compliance with Social Media Platforms If you're using social media platforms to promote or host your giveaway, be aware of and comply with their specific guidelines and policies. Step 9: Collect and Manage Data Responsibly Clearly state how participant data will be collected, used, and stored. Ensure compliance with data protection laws, such as GDPR or CCPA, if applicable. Step 10: Winner Notification Clearly outline how and when winners will be notified. Include a timeframe for winners to respond, and specify what happens if a winner does not respond within the allotted time. Step 11: Tax Implications Inform winners about any tax implications of receiving the prize. In some jurisdictions, winners may be responsible for reporting prize values to tax authorities. Step 12: Promotion and Marketing Clearly disclose that your promotion is a giveaway or contest. Avoid misleading participants about the nature of the promotion. Step 13: Consult Legal Professionals If in doubt, seek legal advice to ensure your promotion complies with all relevant laws and regulations. Step 14: Record Keeping Keep detailed records of the promotion, including entry data, winner selection process, and communication with winners. Step 15: Post-Event Promotion If you promise to feature or promote winners in any way, ensure that you follow through on those promises. How to host an online giveaway Hosting a legal online giveaway demands attention to detail and a commitment to fairness. By following the steps of our guide, including crafting clear rules, respecting participant privacy, and staying informed about relevant regulations, you can ensure a smooth and compliant experience for everyone involved.
- Building a Linktree Template Using Canva
By Gracie Steel, Digital Marketing Assistant, at Omega High-Impact Print Solutions Linktree is an invaluable resource, providing a streamlined way to access multiple links in a single platform. With Canva’s design tools and user-friendly interface, you’ll be able to craft a Linktree that organizes your links and captures your brand’s essence. In this tutorial, we will walk you through how to personalize a functional, visually-appealing Linktree that is sure to enhance your digital presence. Let’s get started! Step 1 Open Canva on your mobile device or desktop. Select CREATE A DESIGN. In the search bar, type in "Link in bio." Choose BIO LINK WEBSITE as your template. Step 2 Choose from Canva's suggested templates, or create your own design from scratch. Step 3 After you've finalized your design, it's time to insert your links. To do this, CNTRL + CLICK on a word or element and select LINK. Enter the destination URL. Note: Be sure to test your links! Step 4 Once you're content with your Linktree template, select PUBLISH WEBSITE at the top right-hand corner of your screen. Here, you can evaluate how your Linktree appears on different devices. Then it's time to decide where you want to publish your domain. There are three options: FREE DOMAIN, PURCHASE A NEW DOMAIN, and USE MY EXISTING DOMAIN. For this tutorial, we will be using FREE DOMAIN. Step 5 Next, edit the BROWSER TAB PREVIEW, PAGE URL, and DESCRIPTION to your liking. Step 6 When finished, select PUBLISH. You can now view your live website! If you've followed all of the steps outlined above, congratulations! You've made great strides in optimizing your online platforms. Not only does your new Linktree make it easier for users to navigate your URLs, it also adds consistency and professionalism to your brand. To elevate your digital realm even further, be sure to explore our other how-tos and tutorials!