by admin on August 22, 2008
Finding low cost graphics for blogs an websites can be easy if you have the right resources.
If you are doing things yourself:
My main source for royalty free graphics is Istockphoto. Depending on the size of the image you are charged a certain number of credits to purchase an image. Most small images for the web are just a dollar or two - and a large file for printing may cost you 10 to 15. All in all - great value when you need to create a impact in your marketing material.
Another source is 123rf.com
123RF has a very large selection of free images they offer which are offered on a time-limited basis - definitely worth taking a look as the “just right” image may be right there waiting for you.
If you are looking to have someone help you with your graphic marketing materials there are a number of sources for which you can find economical help depending on what your needs are:
Try these folks:
99Designs.com
99designs connects clients needing design work such as logo designs, business cards or web sites to a thriving community of over 17,000 designers.
Elance.com
Elance is not just for graphic design - but also great to find writers here.
Guru.com - also has a very large freelancer data base
Outsourcing your design work can save you a lot of time and frustration if you are not an expert with graphic programs and up with best practices - and at the same time - it can also cost you some time and energy when working with outside suppliers.
A couple of quick tips:
Don’t just accept the 1st offer you get in response to your request - as some of the folks on these data bases - respond to everything - and sometime they don’t read what they are responding to. I often put a codeword in the post - and ask any reply to include the code word in the response - that way I know I am not getting just an auto-response.
So some smart best practices are often a great idea.
Things like:
- not paying full balance until the work is completed to your satisfaction - Keep the funds in escrow ready for the work to be completed
- not writing a positive recommendation until the work has been completed
- find someone who you like and who is efficient - and then use them
- be very specific about B timescales, quality required, layout etc - and renegotiate after anything changes
by admin on June 20, 2008
ScreenCast.com by Techsmith
The Product Link: screencast.com
What It Does: Upload, Manage and Store video. Works very well with Camtasia Studio’s one of Techsmith’s other offerings
Take a Tour
Cost depend on the amount of monthly bandwidth you need. I used the beta version frequently - and today - I received the announcement they have now issued 1.0 and are offering a 60day Free trial.
by admin on June 16, 2008
The visual look of Freemind
Free Mind - Open Source Mind Mapping Tool
The Product Link: Open Source Mind Map Software
What It Does: FreeMind is mind-mapping software. Mind Mapping software can be used as a productivity tool.
Keep track of projects, tasks, links to files, keeping track of small notes, brain storming tool, using colours to differeniate, an organizational tool. Aid to help with right-brain creativity.
by admin on November 25, 2007
The Marketer: Kunaki.com
The Marketing blurb: "Your time to market is faster and easier. You can design, configure and manufacture in one day"
The Product Link: http://www.Kunaki.com
What it does: CD/DVD Manufacturing
You design and configure your product (case, disc, inserts, cover art, contents) with their publishing software. The software renders a precise 3-D replica of your product and lets you modify and review different possibilities. The software compiles your product’s content, packaging, art-work into a single digital file and uploads it directly to Kunaki."
- The work they product is retail quality: full colour, glossing, fully assembled, cellophane-wrapped, retail ready products with free upc bar codes.
- There are no minimums, commitments or contracts, no set up fees, mastering or surprise charges.
- It’s fast - real fast
- You can order what you want, when you need it
- You can also have them accept credit card orders on your behalf - and ship product directly to your customers.
by admin on November 25, 2007
The Marketer: Techsmith
The Marketing Blurb: "Camtasia is the complete professional solution for recording, editing and sharing high-quality screen videos. It’s easy-to-use, affordable, and is the quickest and most effective way for you to communicate."
The Product Link: http://www.techsmith.com/camtasia/pcpls.asp
What it does: Screen capture - to video.
My Experience: I have been using Camtasia Studio since version 4 - and now I own version 5 - I am happy with it - and enjoy the extra features now included with version 5. I would recommend the upgrade.
Previously, CamStudio was an option for those wanting to do screen capture - with an open source product. Camtasia Studio - is much more user-friendly.
