Logo Trends of 2014

Logo Trends of 2014

Hello everyone, Same disclaimer as always, we don’t claim to be the ultimate authority on this topic, we just thought we’d share our findings. The logos of the past usually incorporated several mockups and heavy digital artworks. Usually with the emphasis on some iconic symbol that would be used for brand recognition. But now that we’ve embarked on the new digital era of tons of online businesses; People have realized that “less in most definitely more”. The clean and minimal typography designs have definitely taken over. These logos focus on the aesthetics of the characters themselves versus relying on graphic artistry. By simply adding some simple tricks like connecting certain letters or just flipping a letter upside down. Changing that letters color too can sometimes be that killer design clients are looking to obtain. So whether you are designing a logo or looking for one to be created, just remember, “Don’t over think the design”. I hope this helped someone. Have a great day and thanks for reading. – Matt   [fbcomments]...
Email Addresses and their Importance

Email Addresses and their Importance

Hello all, I will start with my usual disclaimer. These are just tips me and my team have picked up over the years and should be taken as suggestions. We do not claim to be the ultimate authority, but we hope 20+ combined years experience my might grant us some validity. Ok great, now that we’ve got that out of the way, let’s talk email addresses. I am sure you have multiple email addresses and they each have their purpose. Let’s talk about how we, SMS LLC, look at email addresses. Most people use FREE providers like Google, Yahoo and LIVE to name a few. These a great for purposes like general emailing between friends, registering on websites for personal use and other personal things. That is where I believe the list should end. Meaning if you have are in business for yourself; you should not be emailing your clients from “ABCroofing@gmail.com”. You’re probably thinking, “Well I don’t have tons of money to setup all that stuff”. Well it might not be as expensive as you think. Did you know that you can have your own custom email addresses for as little as $10-$20? You do NOT need to have a website, with content that is, in order to have an custom email address. Here are the pros and cons to this strategy. PROS: You have a professional email address. Clients will see strength in knowing that you’ve invested into your business. You can place this address on business cards and promotional materials. Your business emails are now separated from your personal emails. You can have a much cleaner email;...
Why Magento?

Why Magento?

Hello all, First, I do not want to claim to be an supreme expert at Magento or any platform out there, but I will say that I have learned to master this platforms capabilities. If you are new to e-Commerce solutions are web design, then Magento CE or EE is NOT for you. You should probably start with something like Big eCommerce or Bigcartel. Now you might me asking yourself, “Then why do I need Magento?”. The answer is simple, you may not. Magento is for the client or customer that wants 100% control over the outcome and/or finished product of there e-Commerce solution. Frankly, the others are just reused layouts and templates of what already works with little to no customization. With Magento, the world is your oyster. Magento is a very powerful platform and is easily scalable if you are versed in its components. Most skilled Magento Developers can have the ground works for a Magento build down within 24 hours, but remember this is like buying the base model car without any options. The fun comes after the install is done and you have a fresh new build to make whatever you like. With the easy built in options and OpenSource platform, it makes anything possible. I hoped this helps someone make a better choice. Thanks for your time! -Matt   [fbcomments]...