Insignia Creative

New Social Interactive Training Website Launched

2012-02-07T07:56:00.002Z

Occasionally a customer will walk through our doors with a new idea that will push our design and programming knowledge to the limit and beyond; this happened to us about 6 months ago when Wayne Turner phoned us.

"I have an idea I want to come and talk to you about" he said, "and I don't think anyone is doing this"… alarm bells immediately start ringing in my head as truly new ideas on the web are very rare.

This phone call and the subsequent meeting was the start of Learnsom.com; a social interactive learning website that was to push and teach us new skills and and grow Insignia's staff.

The idea behind Learnsom is to have a single place where anyone can come and learn or train via video footage, this learning can be anything from how to paint your nails or take a better photograph through to complicated mathematic problem solving or health and safety.

Viewers can simply search and watch videos or they can create an account which then enables them to interact with other users online or even the people who have posted the videos. This interaction can be done via email or internal messaging within the site or through live chat. The ability to create albums and upload photos and comment and rate makes the site a very interactive medium.

Learnsom also has a business side where companies can create accounts and train their staff. The ability to load training videos in a closed environment and give access to staff members greatly reduces the cost of training; this linked with the ability to take an exam online after watching the video helps to make sure staff are trained properly in a variety of subjects.

A live chat system and soon to follow video chat means that training without leaving your office is possible with live interaction and real time group discussions; this saves time and money and greatly helps with increasing your companies carbon footprint.

The site is receiving rave reviews for its new outlook on training as well as its strong policy in making all members sign up with real names and strict no bullying and safe environment ethos, making it a strong contender for training in schools.

We are already working on further new updates to the site to make it even better and more unique.

www.learnsom.com

Logo and branding design
Print design and marketing
Web design
PHP programming
Video hosting
Web streaming

New idea number 3 for 2012

2012-01-28T19:02:00.001Z

Insignia Creative is now iPad friendly!!
We now have an iPad so all our websites can be checked across mobile, computer and tablet platforms.
The iPad will also help with customer meetings giving us access to Internet and files whilst out of the office as well as syncing remotely with all our calendars and contacts giving us real time access to all our information.

New idea number 2 for 2012

2012-01-28T18:30:00.001Z

To help move large and multiple files between computers, phones and iPads we have set up an online Dropbox account.
This will also benefit our customers as they will be able to load large and multiple files to us with ease and vice versa.
Another time saving way of interacting with Insignia Creative.

New idea number 1 for 2012

2012-01-03T22:12:00.001Z

With our ever growing customer base and increase in work Insignia is having to develop its processes to keep up with demand.
In 2012 we will be introducing new ways of working, new design concepts and other new ideas to help make your design and marketing jobs run as smoothly as possible when using us.
The first new implementation is an online project management system which will schedule all jobs breaking them down into smaller tasks which are allotted to each one of our staff who is a specialist in that particular area.
The new system allows the customer to also see their project and monitor its progress at all times as well as comment and add to each task and, if necessary, upload documents and images.
We are always looking at how to make any design or marketing job as smooth and painless as possible for the customer and this new software is another leap forward for Insignia Creative.
If you have a design or marketing requirement no matter how big let us help you, including becoming your marketing division of your company. Contact us for more details.

Merry Christmas from Insignia

2011-12-23T07:48:00.002Z

Insignia Creative would like to wish all our customers a very Merry Christmas and A Happy New Year and thank them for their continued custom throughout 2011 and looking forward to working with you in 2012.

We will be closing at 12pm on Friday December 23rd 2011
and reopen 9am Tuesday 3rd January 2012�

2012 Insignia Shake Up

2011-12-22T18:10:00.001Z

Well we have now moved into our new office (same building), so ready for a shake up of the business in 2012.
New stationery and website on the way and business mentoring from Derek Gribble and the guys at South Devon College helping us to shape Insignia for the future.
New project management software being tested to streamline our projects and help with a smooth workflow for us and our customers.
Watch this space for further updates.

When black is not actually black

2011-11-21T14:15:00.001Z

Just sat here putting together a menu for a new customer and the predominant colour is black for the background and thought I would drop a bit of useful advice to anyone creating a printed document using black as a background colour.
Black is not actually black - yes I know that does not make sense but when you are cerating black in CMYK sometimes 0,/0/ 0/100 is not sufficient.
Many times I have seen printed material and a black is either lack lustre and flat or has gone a grey rather than black.
To create a true black with depth mix all colours to create it, the standard rule of thumb is 70/70/70/100 but this does differ from printer to printer so ask the advice of the printer who is printing the job.
This mix will give your blacks true depth and make your whole printed job much punchier.
Hope this helps!!

A nice comment from one of our customers

2011-11-17T13:21:00.001Z

Hi Richard

We receive nothing but praise for the website. People are blown away by it and it does a wonderful job for us.

Regards

Nick Crosley
Normandy Arms
www.normandyarms.co.uk

Updated Website Design

2011-11-02T16:28:00.002Z

I know, I know, 3 posts in one day - honestly we are busy here at Insignia Creative!!

Another bit of breaking news for you with the launch of an updated website for long standing customers of ours - Atlantis Marine Power.

After years of running their old website which was originally designed by ourselves we were called in to discuss an upgrade.

The old site was desperately in need of a refresh as it was designed back in the days of slow internet connections and so very text heavy.

The customers brief was to tweak the design and make it cleaner and more up to date without losing the overall feel of the site, the site also had to continue working with the bespoke content management system we had built.

Hopefully you will agree that we have filled the brief with the new design and whilst we were at it we have updated the internal page headers and layout to keep with the new look and feel.

www.atlantismarine.co.uk

Bespoke designed Facebook pages

2011-11-02T10:14:00.002Z

Social media - we have all heard about it but are we all using it to the best advantage for our business?

More and more companies are using twitter and facebook to help advertise their business and some are even going to the extent of using them rather than having a website; there is even a thought that facebook could become your business website!!

I think this is a long way off and all companies need a web presence of their own as well as utilising social media to take full advantage of any free publicity you can get.

Dartmouth Golf and Country Club are one such business that appreciates the power of social media using several channels to help advertise to the world and with the recent introduction of being able to personalise facebook they asked Insignia Creative to come up with a new entrance page to their facebook profile.

http://www.facebook.com/dartmouthgolfcc

The new 'Like Us' page pushes viewers to push the Facebook Like Us button which then gives them access to the full Facebook profile for DGCC.

The page showcases the main areas of the golf club and links viewers back through to the website.

We look forward to helping DGCC drive up their facebook 'Like' figures and if you would like Insignia Creative to help you with your Facebook page then contact us now.

Boat and Car Delivery in UK and Europe

2011-11-02T09:28:00.002Z

I love the diversity of my job, we never know who is going to email, tweet, phone or walk through our door and it never ceases to amaze me the difference in businesses that do contact Insignia Creative.

This week we have launched the new website for Nick Unwin Transport www.boatandcardelivery.co.uk

The website showcases the different types of transport Nick is able to handle including the specialist handling of boat and car transportation throughout the UK and Europe.

We think we have captured the essence of Nick's business throughout the site and this is also shown in the logo we have created for him for the boat side of the business.

Now the hard work starts of getting www.boatandcardelivery.co.uk up the search engine in a very competitive marketplace.

Do you need help with a logo or website for your business - contact us now on 01803 321280, info@insigniacreative.co.uk or www.insignicreative.co.uk

Copyright and Trademark in Logo Design – Understanding the Difference

2011-10-28T08:55:00.001+01:00

Trademark and copyright are two words that often confuse logo designers. In layman terms, both essentially stress on, “no-copying, no-cheating.” However, in theory and in practice, both terms have different approaches. Logo designers are often naïve about trademark and copyright issues; therefore, through a series of posts, I will try to help both our designers and clients to understand the basic difference between these two terms. Once you understand the differences, it will be easier for you to protect your work. This will also enable you avoid logo design mistakes that could lead to a trademark infringement case.

What Is A Trademark?

According to the definition obtained from law journals, a trademark is defined as, “A word, symbol, or phrase, used to identify a particular manufacturer or seller’s products and distinguish them from the products of another.” It is the identity that distinguishes it from the rest of the industry. Example: McDonald’s logo is a trademark that distinguishes its burgers from the burgers of other competitive companies such as Burger King.
There are laws that protect a company’s trademark from being copied or re-created. Companies that wish to protect their trademark register with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (you may have different laws governing trademarks depending on the country you live in). Once registered, the companies holding the trademark have the right to sue or file a case against any other company or designer who has a logo design that resembles their trademark.

What Is Trademark Infringement?
Logo designers or design companies that violate trademark laws by copying or re-creating existing logos commit an act known as, “trademark infringement”. In technical definitions, trademark infringement actually means, “similar trademarks creating consumer confusion.”
Because trademark is a brand, it is required to be unique. If there are two trademarks resembling each other, the consumer will be confused about the brand, leading to brand loyalty and brand identity issues.
If matters are not settled between the two parties, the consequences of a trademark infringement case could result in a hefty fine or at worse a lawsuit. However, it is rare that any case of trademark infringement is taken to court. The process is often lengthy and companies prefer to sort out the matter amongst them rather than to go through a law hassle.
This however is not true in the case of globally recognized companies. They would go to any lengths to protect their brand image from being replicated. For example: In 1976 NBC’s logo was a stark resemblance of a Nebraska PBS station and the network had to spend $855,000 to solve the case.

What Is Copyright?

Generally, copyright is not used for a company’s logo design. Copyright protection begins once a piece of art is created in a fixed form. It is typically used for protecting artwork or creative works by individuals. However, in exceptional cases, there are logos that are creative masterpieces and can be protected by copyright laws. As a logo designer, you can protect your work from being copied by stating the item to be copyright protected. Anyone who wants to utilize your logo artwork must first contact you and ask for permission.

Difference Between Trademark and Copyright
Trademark protects a company’s brand image, while copyright protects the designer’s work. However, there is a contradiction to this difference. If your artwork is the registered trademark of a company, then your copyright powers on it become void. This means, you cannot re-license your work to anyone else as it is being covered by trademark laws. Therefore, in logo designing, copyright isn’t as strong as it is in other creative fields such as writings, publications, paintings etc.

With this post, I hope you understand your rights as a freelancer, while at the same time also understanding the authority a client has over your work, once it is a registered trademark

Keith J. Hamilton - blog.mycroburst.com

#Irony

2011-10-27T14:49:00.002+01:00

My designer text me this morning to say he is going to wait for the rain to stop before he walked to work, I offered to leave the dry, warm office to go and pick him up and walking to my car I get splashed by a passing car :-(

Using Your Video Content for Search Engine Optimsation #SEO

2011-10-13T16:08:00.003+01:00

Having invested time and budget on video, many businesses do little more than bury it on their website and upload it to their YouTube channel and that’s it.

This approach in using video as a marketing investment yields very poor returns.

It completely misses the opportunity that video represents as the highest, proven, engagement media available online and under utilises the component parts that make up video (audio and visual) and the ability to re-distribute those component parts as part of an effective SEO (Search Engine Optimisation) campaign.

Video content can be taken and broken down to its constituent parts, re-formatted contextually, creating many pieces of content from a single item and then distribute those pieces across the internet, greatly increasing the SEO potential by re-purposing the video content.

A single piece of video content can create:

• Multiple shorter versions of the video (no longer than 1 min each)
• Multiple Podcasts from the audio
• Multiple Slideshow content
• A transcribe from the audio for use as White Papers and landing page content
• Subtitled or ‘Closed Caption’ versions of the video through embedding Metadata (including keywords) into the video that Search Engines can read and see as unique video content
• Google/Yahoo/Bing Video Sitemaps (enables the search engines to index all our video content correctly)
• Video back-link tracking and analysis

From 1 five minute video it is possible to create up to 30 pieces of content specifically designed for Search Engine Marketing.

These can then be submitted to over 150 video and audio sharing platforms, blogs and social media platforms, with links back to your website or landing pages using targeted keywords and phrases in the title, description and tags for each item placed on the platforms.

This turns that one video into thousands of quality links that drive targeted traffic to your business.

Why do this?

Videos are 50 times more likely to rank on the first page of Google and other search engines for your targeted keywords than text, simply because there are by no means the number of videos optimised for keywords as there are articles.

Videos receive a 41% higher click through rate than text links. Video is more engaging to us and we view it as a trusted media far more when making a decision, than reading text.

Your Options

Insignia Creative has partnered with another local professional SEO and Marketing business that has built a trusted list of sites suitable for this activity and would seek to identify more that are relevant to your business and so increase the effectiveness of the campaign.

Depending on whether you already have existing video content, we can either produce content for you or re-purpose your existing videos for distribution as mentioned previously.

Remember, this system puts to work your existing content that probably cost you thousands to produce, actually creating a useful ROI.

If you are aware of the need for your company to build an online marketing campaign but lack the time or resources to consistently produce content (which is the reason this service was created), video marketing is the solution to that problem. One video can produce up to 4,500 links, easily enough to keep even the busiest marketer occupied!

Interested?? Call us now on 01803 321280 or drop us an email info@insigniacreative.co.uk and learn more NOW!!

Logo Design

2011-10-13T11:41:00.002+01:00

A quick blog entry to show a few of the newer logos we have produced lately for some of our clients

If you are looking for a new logo or want an existing logo or business branding brought up to date please contact Insignia Creative Ltd on 01803 321280 or take a look at our website www.insigniacreative.co.uk

Server Outage

2011-09-27T08:01:00.000+01:00

Due to 1and1 server network outage beyond our control one of our web servers has been down since yesterday afternoon, we are pleased to say that the server is up and running again this morning and we apologise for the outage of any websites connected to this server

What Is Spam?

2011-08-25T14:40:00.002+01:00

Spam is most often used to describe the sending of unsolicited bulk emails, but it can also apply to unsolicited and automated phone calls, and text messages.

While we're not suggesting that readers partake in this particularly nasty form of communication, you should be aware that the term ‘spam' can apply to any sales email, text or call that is perceived as being unwanted or unsolicited. So, if you send marketing emails, buy in marketing lists or use cold calling to promote your business, you need to be aware of your responsibilities under both the Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations (PECR) and the Data Protection Act.

How to stay on the right side of the law
Ensure you have the consent of everyone you contact. Consent may be given directly, for example, if an individual enters their email address or phone number on your website, or indirectly, for example, you got their contact details in the course of a sale and the marketing material you are sending relates to your similar products and services.

When you send sales emails or texts, you must provide the recipient with a way to opt out each time you contact them.

If a person or organisation asks to be taken off your marketing lists, you must comply with their request. There are no exceptions to this rule, and if you fail to comply, they can apply to the courts for an order against you under section 11 of the Data Protection Act.

Consent can be collected by a third party on your behalf, provided it is made clear that it is proposing to pass the details being submitted to businesses to another organisation. If you buy data through a third party company, seek written assurances that the information on the list was collected in an appropriate way with the consent of the individual contacts.

Under the PECR, you should not phone anyone who has registered their number with the Telephone Preference Service or the Corporate Preference Service.

When sending emails to corporate contacts (i.e. info@ or sales@ companyname.com) rather than individual contacts (i.e. peter.smith@ companyname.com), the rules are more relaxed. You are not obliged to get their consent before contacting them, however you still need to provide them with a way to opt out of the emails.
Note: If you're sending emails internationally, make sure your emails and your practices meet the requirements of the recipient's country.

If you do breach the regulations, it is good practice to deal swiftly and openly with any complaints that arise. Apologise to the recipient and assure them they will not receive communications from you. Take swift action to ensure that they aren't contacted again and, if the contact came from a bought-in list take steps to check the list is up to date.

And, if in doubt, always seek legal advice!

This piece of useful information was copied from another blog post which I have since lost the link too so we at Insignia Creative can not take credit for this information but thought it would be useful for our readers.

Waxing Lyrical

2011-07-25T12:02:00.001+01:00

A great way to start the week - we launched the new website for Normandy Arms, Blackawton at the beginning of the month and Nick Crosley (owner) has just phoned to say what a fantastic site it is and that customers have been coming into the restaurant and also commenting on how good the site looks and works.

Well done to Dave our designer for a great design and programming, and a pat on the back for the rest of the team here at Insignia Creative.

www.normandyarms.co.uk
http://blog.insigniacreative.co.uk/2011/07/new-site-launch-for-normandy-arms.html

New site launch for The Normandy Arms, Blackawton

2011-07-17T14:02:00.000+01:00

We often talk to clients about redesigning their websites and here at Insignia Creative we feel that a site has a lifespan of roughly 3 years before it needs an overhaul (depending on site content).

We were then surprised when Nick Crosley of The Normandy Arms emailed us asking us to overhaul his site after about 18 months from its original launch. After a quick phone conversation we found out that the original site we had designed was doing its job but Nick wanted to keep everything looking fresh and therefore he felt a complete redesign was required.

We immediately started working up some rough designs based around Nicks comments and as you can now see the new site is now live.

We have taken full advantage of a beautiful video produced for the Normandy Arms using this as the main intro to the site giving a dramatic entrance page.

Subsequent pages utilise further beautiful photography letting the pictures tell the story whilst keeping text to a minimum.

www.normandyarms.co.uk

Bang & Olufsen and Apple Mac Site Launched

2011-06-08T16:30:00.000+01:00

As any of you will know who follow me on Twitter or our blog you will know I am a bit of a gadget nerd and I love anything Apple Mac; so when we were approached last year to set up a new website for a customer selling used Bang & Olufsen multimedia gear and Apple Mac equipment I jumped straight in to help!!

Dartmouth AV approached Insignia Creative to set up their new website for the new business. After initial talks and meetings with their designer and photographer we produced a brief that fitted their requirements whilst working closely with their designer and photographer for the best result possible.

The site is built on the Expression Engine CMS software which allows Dartmouth AV to upload their own products including images and pdf spec sheets.

The site allows viewers to check the most up to date stock Dartmouth AV are holding and reserve it via a one click button and simple form.

If you are in the market for some top class Bang & Olufsen Audio Visual equipment or require a new Ipad, Iphone or Apple Mac then check out Dartmouth AV's website.

www.dartmouthav.co.uk

Helping spread the Green Energy word!

2011-05-27T13:53:00.000+01:00

With the worlds resources becoming depleted people are looking for ways to create new energy; and the sun is one of the main contenders especially here in the English Riviera.
Sun Solar and PV are one such company helping residents in South Devon to get through the minefield of statistics and government red tape and supplying and fitting solar panels to help with greener energy.
Insignia Creative were approached by Sun Solar and PV to take a look at their existing website and feedback thoughts on how it could be better utilised to showcase the services that Sun Solar provide.
After our initial feedback we produced a new design visual for the website and shortly after started building and programming the code.

The new website has a fresh and airy feel to it and splits the navigation into several key areas releavant to different marketplaces for solar panels.
This navigation split also helps viewers navigate to useful information about solar power and the energy that can be gained from such a system.

If you are interested in havig solar panels fitted then take a look at www.sunsolarandpv.com

Alchem Healthcare New website launched

2011-05-27T13:43:00.000+01:00

I must admit that when we moved the office from Newton Abbot to Torquay I had reservations, especially with the Newton to Torquay road being such a pain in the ass to navigate at anything more than a snails pace!!
Two years down the line and those reservations have been unfounded, the back lane is the route of choice when trying to leave Torquay and the Innovation Centre (where our office is now placed) has been a great source of new clients.
One such client is Alchem Healthcare, what started as a cry for help to sort one of their computers out just over a year a go evolved into us creating a complete new website for the company.

The new Alchem Healthcare website has been produced using the Expression Engine content management system which allows single pieces of information to be used in multiple areas of the site and is highly flexible in the way that information can be displayed and updated by the client.
Featuring the pharmacy details throughout the country and the health checks and services they offer along with the online prescription ordering system the website is clean and useable whilst being able to show a huge amount of information.

www.alchemhealthcare.com

If you would liek to know more about Expression Engine software or having a website built for yourslef or your business then contact Insignia Creative on 01803 321280 or info@insigniacreative.co.uk

Happy Customer

2011-05-27T08:25:00.000+01:00

Another happy customer standing next to his pop up roller banner designed and printed by us ready for an exhibition in Ireland.

Photo courtesy of Mills Hill

Aerial Photography and Filming Opportunity

2011-05-19T09:56:00.000+01:00

A very reputable and high quality film and photography company we work with is aerial filming in June in the areas of the River Dart, Teignmouth coastline and down the coast through to Bigbury and Burgh Island.
Anybody that would like to have aerial still shots or film work of their premises or their location please contact us for more information.
info@insigniacreative.co.uk

Logo Design for New Product

2011-04-19T14:08:00.000+01:00

Not everybody is lucky enough to say that they love their job - but I do!! Obviously there are good and bad days but I love the fact that I never know who is going to email or walk through our door next with an exciting new idea or business that they need help with.

Mandy Frost has been a client of ours for a couple of years and we helped her to build a website to promote her stables and show jump training business here in sunny South Devon. (www.mandyfrost.co.uk); so when she had a new idea for a product and required branding and other design work she immediately turned to Insignia Creative for help.

The new product are Horse Leg Wraps that have been designed by Mandy herself and are designed to be secure but kind to horses legs with no pressure points.

Firstly we pointed Mandy in the direction of a trademark and IP specialist to help with name choice for the product before starting on designs for a logo.

The logo design was produced quickly as the leg warmers were already in production and a stitching pattern was needed for embroidery onto the product.

Once the logo had been finalised we quickly went to work on bag top designs for the packaging which again were produced very quickly in a short print run to meet demands by the client so that the new product could be ready for the first show of the year.

Domain names and emails are all set up now ready for the flood of orders!!