Author: Calvin Jackson

How to switch to HTTPS

Posted on by Calvin Jackson

Managing and maintaining a website is not the average person’s idea of fun. In fact it’s nearly impossible to keep up with all the web trends and updates unless you’ve made web development your business or passion. For this reason our clients entrust us to manage the web development details.

As our valued reader we want you to be aware of upcoming changes to web security, specifically:

  • The difference between HTTP & HTTPS and 
  • How to switch to HTTPS

Through a recent conversation with our hosting affiliates at WeBEEHosting, we’ve learned about pending security changes to Chrome, which may negatively impact all domains still using HTTP.

Starting in July 2018, Chrome will begin marking any website still using HTTP as unsafe.

Traditionally, only websites exchanging sensitive information (i.e. credit card info) used HTTPS. Chrome is actively pushing for all sites to be HTTPS in an effort to decrease hacking.

HTTP(S) = Secure

Switching your website from HTTP to HTTPS requires an SSL Certificate, which consists of small data files which bind a cryptographic key to your company’s digital details. Installing an SSL Certificate will activate the padlock, which allows for secure connections from a web server to a browser.

Is Your Site HTTP or HTTPS?  

You can determine if your site is HTTP or HTTPS by checking the URL.

 

Presently, a web viewer sees an ‘i’ inside of a circle when a site is HTTP (deemed not secure). When a visitor clicks on the ‘i’ icon, they are notified that the site is not secure.

How to switch to HTTPS

 

A secure website will show a closed lock icon and begin with HTTPS.

How to switch to HTTPS

As of July 2018, the non safe indicator will be prominent in the URL bar, eliminating the need for the second click of the i icon.

How to switch to HTTPS

HOW TO SWITCH TO HTTPS

If you are wondering how to switch to HTTPS, simply notify your web development team. Adding additional web encryption (HTTPS) may be as simple as sending an email.  Your TLAS web team is prepared to orchestrate the necessary encryptions through security certification.

Impact on your SEO

Bounce rate is a critical aspect of your website’s SEO. The amount of time before a user clicks away from a page on your website is the “bounce rate”. Like golf, a lower bounce rate is better. We expect that websites marked as “not safe” will experience higher bounce rates, meaning that users are likely to leave the site quickly. We’re all competing for web traffic so every factor counts.

July is just around the corner. We encourage you to make the security upgrade sooner rather than later.

Web Design Trends of 2018

Posted on by Calvin Jackson

It’s 2018! In all of the New Year excitement, did you create a list of, “ways to develop a ‘new you”? We certainly hope not, because we like you just the way you are. What we do want you to consider is how to stay fresh on the web…not like that!  Let’s keep this clean, people. My point is, what are the web design trends of 2018 and how can we keep our web presence fresh? Ok, I’m going to stop using web and fresh together.

Similar to other industries, such as fashion, automotive, and furniture, there are trends that drive web culture. I’ve scoured the internet for the hottest web design trends of 2018, to help you decide if you’ll be an early adopter or laggard. Web trends, like the planets are constantly in motion. Let’s see what web trends are moving and shaking in 2018.

Web Design Trends of 2018

    • Mobile
    • Color
    • Motion Graphics
    • Typography
    • Scrolling Effects

MOBILE

Last year, Google announced that a site’s mobile experience was a contributing factor in the “secret” algorithm that calculates a site’s organic rank. Naturally, once Google spoke there was a mad rush to optimize sites for mobile. This year will be no different.

Web Design Trends of 2018

Your website must be optimized for the mobile user because the fact remains that the number of mobile users has surpassed the number of desktop users. If you want your audience to have the most positive experience on your site it absolutely must be responsive.

Two very simple issues with mobile usability are font size & proximity of buttons.

The font on your mobile site should be legible enough that a user does not need to pinch and zoom.

Proximity of buttons is probably the most frustrating issue with poor mobile-view. If a person is trying to click on the “about” page but is accidently pressing the “registration” button, you have an unhappy user on your hands. Make sure buttons are sized appropriately and far apart enough where each is a distinct function.

Need to know if your site is mobile friendly? Yes, yes you do! Ask Google, they’ll tell you right here.

 

COLOR

Once upon a time web designers were constrained to “web safe” colors. That day is long gone. Today, in 2018, web designers are getting BOLD with color choices and brace yourself, even reviving the use of gradients to add depth.

Web Design Trends of 2018

Nike.com implemented a subtle gradient with spring pastels as a background to an edgy image.

 

Vibrant colors evoke emotions and help to paint a story. We’re so dedicated to color theory, we hosted an instagram series dedicated to #ChooseWisely: The Psychology of Color. If your brand colors aren’t aligned with your customers or mission, you may want to consider which colors are going to help drive success.    

MOTION GRAPHICS

Just as quickly as web developers realized that video banners were dragging load time, they found a work around:  smaller files with just enough motion graphics and animation to draw in the user without the giant files sizes that push up load times and push away site visitors. Studies show that users are 50% more likely to leave a site that takes more than 3 seconds to load.

Using animated headers with unique illustrations to tell your story is a technique which users are more likely to appreciate. Think about it, a site visitor isn’t likely to notice that you’ve spaced your buttons appropriately (unless you didn’t). While, a well told story is likely to evoke emotions and be shared with colleagues.  

Web Design Trends of 2018

Chicago’s Museum of Science and Industry adds a simple motion graphics to the robots eyes, to add subtle engagement and keep load times low.

Typography

Few design elements have withstood the test of time, as evidently as typography. From ancient hieroglyphics to our modern day obsession with helvetica, typography is the most critical vehicle of your message. Face it, if your consumer can’t decipher your message then it’s failed.

Web Design Trends of 2018

Cartier uses engaging typeface to draw in a web user and drive clicks.

Strong typography transforms itself into stimulating visuals. Tenacious visuals engage users and most effectively relay messages. Typography can sometimes seem like an unsung hero of design, but use it effectively and it can be the super hero of your website.

 

Scrolling Effects

Subtle yet sexy, like the ‘girl next door’ of web design. A well executed scrolling effect can be just the cost efficient level of elegance your site needs. Here at The Lemon Ad Stand, we’re a fan of the scrolling effect. It’s a unique way to add depth to a one page site.

By keeping a static image behind the scrolls, you keep the viewer engaged. In case you haven’t noticed yet, engagement is a theme here. In using a scroll effect to move copy over an image, the user is literally driving the engagement of the site.

Visit NikkFit.com to engage with her photos and copy. You’ll notice that as you scroll through the site, the background images changes. This creates a unique gallery experience driven by you, the user. You aren’t scrolling through a traditional gallery format yet you’re experiencing the gallery in the same way you’d walk through a brick and mortar gallery.

 

The scrolling effect is bound to have a good year in 2018.

 

It’s April but don’t be dismayed, you have plenty of time to restart your diet, read the book on the nightstand, brush up on astronomy and implement some of these web design trends of 2018 to your own site.

Happy “New You” Friends,

The Squeezers

Is your logo being held hostage?

Posted on by Calvin Jackson

You’ve finally  had an epiphany! The greatest marketing strategy since those beer frogs and you’re ready to launch. You’ve laid out just enough content to entice your reader and swiped through hundreds of images to find this perfect one. Now you just need to place your logo in the corner and press send.  Where’s the logo? Do you need to rescue your logo?

 

LET’S ENGAGE IN A QUICK EXERCISE…
Open up your finder/my computer and locate your company logo.  
Was that simple enough? I’m sure that you have a folder labeled ‘company logos’, which includes a 4 color option, a version for a light background and a version for a dark background. When you need to re-order branded promotional materials, polo shirts or coffee mugs, you also have a specific logo saved for that purpose. If the aforementioned holds true, you can stop reading here. Congratulations, you are in complete control of your logo.

 

Still with me? I figured you would be. I manage a design agency and even I, have to talk to someone else to get my logo in specific formats. So let’s figure out how we can pull a Liam Neeson and rescue your logo from whomever is holding it hostage.

 

RESCUE YOUR LOGO

Let’s start with who may have your logo? Ideally, the original designer of your logo should have the original files. Always ask anyone you hire to provide original files, even the working files that you don’t have the software to access. You’ll save a lot of time and money later, if you need to ask someone else to make updates. Don’t let them hold your logo hostage. If you don’t even remember who created your logo it might be time for a refresh.

 

To ensure that you have complete access to your logo, make sure to request, from your designer, these specific files in these specific formats: a 4 color option, a 4 color option w/out a white background, a version for a light background and a version for a dark background.

(.ai) file with live fonts: vector

It’s good to have your logo in its purest form and that would include the fonts. In case you ever need your logo font for any reason you should have access to it. The (.ai and .eps) file are vector files which will allow you to enlarge your logo till infinity, in case you need it for a billboard or jumbotron.  

File naming example: logoname.ai

 

(.eps) outlined file: vector

The fonts in your (.eps) file should be outlined, so it becomes a vector image and your logo fonts will never default if the needed font isn’t present on the computer you’re using.
Good for printing: paper, promotional merchandise, large format printing
File naming example: logoname.eps

 

png: large & small dimension

The (.png) files have a translucent background, allowing you to place your logo on any background color you choose without a white box showing up around it. It is only used for digital purposes.
Good for presentations in PowerPoint/Keynote
File naming example: logoname.png

 

jpg: large & small dimension 300 dpi high resolution

Probably the most commonly used file, for a small/medium sized business, because it is the most accessible file as it doesn’t require speciality software to access.
Good for emails and programs that don’t accept .ai or .eps files
File naming example: logoname.jpg

If you don’t have your logo in each of these files then reach out and rescue your logo, from your designer. If you require your logo be recreated, use this list as a resource to ensure you have everything you need.

 

Having full access to your logos will ensure the continuity of your brand as you create and launch the next brilliant marketing campaign. Stay tuned for part two, where we’re going to make sure no one is holding your entire website hostage. 

 

LEAVE AN IMPRINT

Posted on by Calvin Jackson

Since the mid-nineteenth century, advertisers have been working to pervade your psyche. Early advertising came through newspaper and magazine ads. Today, advertising is everywhere: the train station, your inbox, text alerts and, of course, the 5 second delay to your favorite cat video.

How can you break through all the advertising noise inundating your target audience?

Send a tangible message

Touch is the first sense you developed. By shocking the senses with a physical marketing piece, you distinguish and elevate your brand.

Create and deliver compelling printed marketing and advertising pieces that your clients can hold, turn, flip and bend.

Why is print worth the investment?

THE OPTIONS ARE ENDLESS

You can create a printed piece as small as a business card or as large as a ceiling banner. Finishes have evolved beyond gloss. The variety of textures and finishes can add stunning dimensions to your piece.

INCREASE YOUR IMPACT

Printed marketing materials are an additional element to your campaign. Use printed materials to complement your digital strategies. While a customer may notice a 15 second video spot online, sending a mailer increases brand awareness and the campaign message.

DISTINGUISH YOUR BRAND

With the price of digital marketing as low as $5 a day, investing in printed materials sets your brand apart. Quality design and enhanced print options deliver luxury to your clients. Provide proof, in hand, that your brand is distinct.

EarthColor was seeking a means to educate clients on how to properly set-up files for their premier print finishing service, Scodix SENSE. We created an itemized accordion folder to house tips, techniques and guide specs. The client will receive a new insert to save in the folder as new tips and strategies develop. Because the kit is delivered to creative departments it conveys a high level of design aesthetic and functionality to distinguish the Earth Color brand.

Chef Paul Virant’s sales team needed an effective way to promote their event space to potential clients. We created a uniquely sized trifold sales kit at 7″ x 8.5″, which comfortably fits in the recipient’s hands. Each pocket in this folder is branded to support each one of Chef Paul’s 3 ventures. The success of these ventures all rests on the reputation of the chef, so we made Paul the star of this piece by highlighting him on the cover and inner panel.

Creating a full marketing/advertising campaign requires a multidimensional approach to reach your audience. If you’ve been looking for ideas to cut through the digital noise, we suggest you consider the power of print to get in touch with your clients.

The Year of Scodix Sense Application

Posted on by Calvin Jackson

This year we’ve had several opportunities to display our expertise of Scodix Sense on a variety of projects. From business cards, folders, sales sheets and holiday cards, the possibilities to enhance these print projects have been vast. 

Whether a photograph or a vector file, our team of professionals have risen to the occasion and elevated the plane. If you are interested in engaging your clients’ senses let us add the finishing touch. 

To Refresh a Logo, or not? That is the question.

Posted on by Calvin Jackson

A client recently asked us, “Should I update my logo, even if no one has complained about it?” In short, YES! If you feel that your logo needs to be updated then let’s do it. Maybe your colors can be brightened or font modernized. A small tweak may make a big difference. Not all logo updates need to be a complete re-design, you might just “spring clean it”.

SHOULD I UPDATE MY LOGO

Updating your logo is a self-reflection and decision to polish up a bit. This doesn’t change the excellent service they receive, in fact it should serve as a reminder of your excellent service. Ideally your clients will feel inclined to forward along your updated marketing collateral or web link; that is your new logo expanding your reach.

Think of Coca-cola; one of the world’s most recognizable logos has seen several iterations through the years. So many that they’ve actually documented its development over the years. You can read about it here.

Take a look at your current logo and forget all that you know about your brand. Clear your mind, blink twice then look at your logo with fresh eyes.  Even if you designed this logo yourself and you absolutely love it, you can’t think, “gosh, I love my logo.” Think from the perspective of someone who knows nothing about your business. As a new consumer, can you see what your company offers? What elements can make it more clear?

 

When you redesign, Send out an e-blast and social media campaign to announce your new logo. Make a big deal about it because it is a big deal. Your logo is the symbol of your organization. It should be able to stand alone and proudly represent what you stand for. Imagine the City Commissioner shining your logo into the night sky, calling for your service. Is your current logo what you want the world to see?  If, yes then wonderful! If not then it’s time for a change.

#LOVELOFT Event on Michigan Ave.

Posted on by Calvin Jackson

Our New York based client gave us the honor of shooting their #Lovefoft Event on Michigan Avenue. This event featured renowned artist & illustrator Chris Uphues as he painted the walls with his charismatic heart illustrations. We captured this event and it’s patrons as well as photographing the exterior and interiors of the Monroe Ave. and Michigan Ave. LOFT locations.

2015 Graphic Design USA

Posted on by Calvin Jackson

In 2015, The Lemon Ad Stand was awarded a Package Design Award from Graphic Design USA, in recognition of the unique packaging created for local Chicago realtor, Iris Ade.

Iris had requested a personalized package for a recent client who was selling a home they had lived in for over 20 years.  The custom made package was printed with Iris Ade’s custom logo and included a custom made photo book, featuring images of the home being sold as a keepsake for the family selling the home.