January 27, 2010
Decoding Graphic Extensions
Not all file formats are equal. Whether using graphic files for printed documents, presentations or web pages each file format serves a specific function. By using a wrong file format, you may encounter poor image quality (resolution), oversized files or unreadable images.
Below is a quick reference guide on what each file format is and how they apply.
BMP – Bitmap is a raster image format used to store and display color and grayscale images. The format supports 24 bit color, which makes it suitable for photos. Not ideal for the web.
AI – Adobe Illustrator is a vector Drawing Program for both Windows and Mac.
EPS – Encapsulated PostScript is a platform-independent printing format used for storing vector information. EPS is the standard format for the graphics industry because of it’s scalability and excellent print quality.
GIF – Graphics Interchange Format is a raster format for DOS, Windows, Macintosh and UNIX. GIF files are used for screen presentation or animation (72dpi) not for print applications. GIF is commonly used on the internet if the image only requires 256 colors. Images that have more than 256 colors should be saved as JPEG. GIF files are not suitable for print.
JPEG or JPG – Joint Photographic Experts Group is a raster graphics format which compresses (between 5 and 20 percent) an image to save space for DOS, Windows, Macintosh and UNIX. JPG has a highly efficient way of compressing images and is used for large photos. Ideal for the internet. High resolution photos can be used in four-color printing.
OCR – Optical Character Recognition is the process of taking an image and converting it into text so that it can be edited in Word or Acrobat without retyping it. At times scanning to OCR is not perfect and during the conversion process some words or letters will be left blank or with symbols. It is important to review the scanned document and make necessary changes.
PDF – Portable Document Format is a document format that retains both embedded font and graphic (photo or drawing) information from the original (native) file. PDF files can be viewed on many platforms such as Mac, PC, Unix or Linux using Adobe Acrobat Reader or certain web browsers. PDF files can be made from within such applications as InDesign, QuarkXpress, Illustrator or any graphics program.
PICT – PICTure is a Raster format mainly for Mac applications. PICT holds QuickDraw vector images, bitmapped images and text and is the Mac counterpart to the Windows Metafile (WMF) format. When PICT files are converted to the PC, they use the .PCT file extension.
PNG – Portable Network Graphics (Pronounced “Ping”) was designed to replace the GIF format. PNG files can hold up to 48-bit color and can use variable transparency (alpha channels). PNG compression is in most cases slightly better than GIF. PNG files are used primarily in web applications and are not suitable for print.
PS – PostScript is a page description language for both PC and Mac platforms. It is used primarily for printing documents on high resolution output printers.
PSD – Photoshop Document is Adobe Photoshop’s native file format. Ideal to create images for both internet and print.
RTF – Rich Text Format is the “standard” from Microsoft to transfer text and images smoothly between applications running on Windows and Mac. RTF enables special characteristics like fonts and margins to be included the file format.
SVG – Scalable Vector Graphics is used to describe two-dimensional graphics. SVG supports vector graphics which make files very small and fast to transmit. SVG is supported by most web browsers.
TIFF/TIF – Tag Image File Format is a platform independent raster format for image files. TIFF is supported in almost every image and word processing software. It is ideal for printing.
WMF – Microsoft Windows Metafile is a vector graphics format for Windows-compatible computers. This format can be ideal for printing.
As a quicker reference, there are three primary graphic file formats suitable for web pages: GIF, JPEG/JPG and PNG. The primary graphic images for printing are EPS and TIFF. JPEG/JPG and BMP can be used in print if created correctly in your design program. Never pull an image from w web site to use in your printed document. Always check with Aloha Print and Copy before you begin design on your artwork.
Rely on the experienced experts at Aloha prior to designing and preparing your document for printing. Our designer has over 11 years experience creating fine quality print jobs.
For more information about Aloha Print and Copy’s design services or any other services and products we offer, please call us at (770) 642-1642 or email: alohaprintcopy@juno.com.
January 21, 2010
When Opportunity Knocks
Daily I work on marketing ideas for future blog articles that will give Aloha clients fresh (or refresher) ideas to help give their business a needed boost. I cruise the information highway for inspiration. Ideas are easy, information not so easy to come by when you have something specific in mind. Today was no different. The topic I had in mind was “Big Impact, Small Budget.” The main idea was tips on how to create standout marketing pieces on a limited budget. I have the basic tips but I was looking for more. My brain started hurting and I decided to go to lunch. One thing I love to do is walk down at the river during lunch. Hoping that would give me much inspiration off I went.
Walking down at the river, listening to the water and the geese, the gentle wind blowing through the trees, the warm sun on my face and my thighs burning because it’s been over 4 months since I walked. My brain was not engaged on inspiring ideas. All I could focus on was walking my mile plus, kicking myself for letting my exercise routine go stagnate and getting back to the car…when it happened.
Someone was coming up behind me and fast. The polite thing to do is to move to one side for the quicker traffic. As I move to the side, I heard a small “Hello.” Because I was focused on my end goal of getting back to my car, I did not realize the hello was for me until she pulled up next to me on her inline skates. She introduced herself as Suzanne and we started talking about what great weather it was to be working out when she pulled a brochure out of her backpack. It turned out, Suzanne works for an all women’s fitness gym and they are having an open house. Suzanne told me a little about the gym, invited me to the open house and gave me a free pass. I thanked her and got in my car while she headed down the walkway towards her next prospective client.
WOW!!!! What a great marketing strategy. It cost her the price of gas and time in her schedule to meet and invite ladies to come try out her gym. AND what a perfect avenue to find prospective clients…walking at the park!! It brings to mind another client of mine who is a builder. Years ago he told me that he takes his business cards and places them in strategic places through out Home Depot and Lowes offering his building services.
Yes, we can all sit behind our desks and make our daily sales calls or mail out postcards and letters, but to really get the audience that NEEDS your services, you need to go where the masses go. We’ve become a world where we lock our business doors, put up signs for no soliciting and let our voice mail pick up to avoid interaction, but you never know when opportunity knocks.
So when you hear a knock at your door, it may be Celia from Aloha Print and Copy offering YOU services or products to help give your business the boost it needs. Where else can you get free ideas, fine products and friendly service? That’s what relationship marketing is all about.
For more information about Aloha Print and Copy’s print, copy, design, bind and mail fulfillment services and product information, please call us at (770) 642-1642 or email: alohaprintcopy@juno.com.
January 11, 2010
Make Thank You Notes Part Of Your Relationship Strategy
When was the last time you sat down to write your customer a personal note or sent a thank you card? Last week? Last month? Never?
In today’s economy, a business should involve more than face-to-face contact. In the past, many businesses took for granted that their customer base would remain faithful to them. Not true today. In order to be able to be successful during tough times, businesses must develop a strong relationship with their customers. Let’s face it, there are other companies out there that can produce the same results you do only cheaper.
Every company can have a website, send out brochures or flyers, or mail out postcards. And we all pass out business cards at every opportunity. But it’s rare for a company to send out thank you cards or notes.
Many people underestimate the power of sending these little gems. Surveys conducted recently have concluded that you can increase consumer loyalty by sending a business thank you card or note. In the surveys, 66% said they would more likely do repeat business with a company who sent thank you cards or notes. While 75% said that they feel like their business was really appreciated. Of those surveyed, 55% found that receiving a card were valuable in building and strengthening a business relationship. Interestingly, only 44% said they had received a thank you card after a major purchase or contact.
For your note to be effective, it’s important that you write it in your own handwriting. Your note will come across as a sincere show appreciation and helps build confidence in the business relationship. Computer generated notes or envelopes appear too insincere and come across as bulk junk mail.
There are a number of great reasons to send a note card:
• Appreciation letters thanking customers for their patronage.
• Acknowledgement of a recent business transaction.
• Thanks to an individual for a customer referral.
• Appreciation for volunteer service.
• Thank employees for their exceptional service or performance.
• Mention a new product or service.
• As a service reminder.
• Congratulations on a promotion, grand opening, new hire.
• Thank an acquaintance or prospect for taking time to meet with you.
• After a business network luncheon or dinner.
So, by sending out thank you cards or notes, you create an effective business strategy which can strengthen customer loyalty, increase repeat business and stand out from competitors in a way that connects with customers. It’s all about communication with your customers. That’s relationship marketing.
For more information about Thank You notecards and relationship marketing and what Aloha Print and Copy can do for you, call us at (770) 642-1642.
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