September 23rd, 2009
Improve Your Wireless Network
If you’ve received warnings about a weak wireless signal or lost your connection entirely, here are a few tips for extending your wireless range and improving your wireless network performance.
- Position your wireless router in a central location. If you can’t move your wireless router, simply try moving it off the floor and away from walls and metal objects (such as metal file cabinets) which interfere with your router’s wireless signals.
- Replace your router’s antenna. Standard antennas broadcast in all directions around the router, so if your router is near an outside wall, half of your signal is sent outside your home, wasting much of your router’s power. A hi-gain antenna focuses wireless signals only one direction so you can aim your signal in the direction you need it most.
- Add a wireless repeater, which will extend your wireless network range without adding any wiring. Just place the wireless repeater halfway between your wireless access point and your computer, and you’ll get an instant boost to your wireless signal strength.
- Change your wireless channel. Wireless routers can broadcast on several different channels similar to the way radio stations use different channels. Try changing your wireless router’s channel through your router’s configuration page to see if your signal strength improves.
- Replace your laptop’s wireless network adapter. Wireless network signals are sent both to and from your computer, but sometimes the computer doesn’t effectively send signals back to your router. If your laptop has a PC card-based wireless network adapter, replace it with a USB network adapter that uses an external antenna. Note: laptops with built-in wireless typically have excellent antennas and don’t need to have their network adapters upgraded.
- Update your network adapter driver. Free updates may increase your router’s performance. To get the latest updates for your wireless router, visit your router manufacturer’s web site.
If you’re looking for other ideas on how to save time by becoming more efficient, give us a call. We can also help you develop creative marketing materials to increase your sales range!
Joe Gass, President
Heritage Printing and Graphics
3601 Rose Lake Drive, Charlotte, North Carolina, 704-910-9914
www.heritageprintingcharlotte.com
22725 Washington Street, Leonardtown, MD, 301-475-1700 www.heritageprinting.com
Tags: technology tip, wireless network
Posted in Technology Tips | 1 Comment »
September 23rd, 2009
Custom Printed Posters
Large full-color posters have been an effective method of advertising for hundreds of years. Designed in 1917 by J.M. Flagg, Uncle Sam’s “I Want You for the U.S. Army” poster is one of the most iconic images in American history. Today, posters continue as an inexpensive tool for publicizing upcoming events, promoting messages, or advertising new products and services.
Created for viewers on the move, effective posters can capture a viewer’s attention immediately and spark them to react. Here are a few things to consider when creating your next poster campaign:
- Simplicity. Some of the best posters don’t say much. Your message should be short, but communicate your message effectively. One of the best ways to spark curiosity is to include an attention grabbing photo, catchy headline, and a web site that is easy to remember. You can provide detailed information on your web site, and entice readers to sign up on your mailing list for additional updates.
- Branding. When designing your poster, be sure it portrays your company brand, including your logo, tagline, brand colors, and anything else that sets your brand apart.
- Traffic. Posters are a great way to spread your message to a large audience, so be sure you place them in high-traffic areas where they won’t go unnoticed. Your message should be able to reach the right people to make your campaign effective.
If you’d like help creating a poster to spread the word, give us a call today. We’ll help you create an eye-catching, attractive poster that is sure to get noticed.
Joe Gass, President
Heritage Printing and Graphics
3601 Rose Lake Drive, Charlotte, North Carolina, 704-910-9914
www.heritageprintingcharlotte.com
22725 Washington Street, Leonardtown, MD, 301-475-1700 www.heritageprinting.com
Tags: Advertising, Point-of-Purchase Displays, trade show displays
Posted in Marketing Tips, Point-of-Purchase Displays | No Comments »
September 23rd, 2009
Promote Your Lemonade Stand
Have you ever noticed how determined and upbeat a child at a lemonade stand is? They are thrilled for an opportunity to promote their product, entice a crowd, and sell as much lemonade as they can. They may only earn a few dollars, but they are excited to go out and try again. Here are a few tips on how to start selling like a 6-year-old:
- Give potential customers a taste of what you have to offer. Similar to how a child may offer a free sample of lemonade, try offering first time customers a free or discounted sample of your products or services.
- Add a special touch. If your prospects or customers feel like they receive special treatment, they’ll likely tell their friends and are sure to return.
- Spread the word. Kids love to run next door to the neighbors and tell them about their new business. In the business world, networking is just as effective and important.
- Get noticed. Sometimes a simple sign isn’t enough to attract business. You may need to jump up and down at passing cars, or simply spread your enthusiasm for your business.
- Don’t give up. Even though many cars will likely pass you by, the ones who stop can make your business worthwhile, so don’t forget to be persistent.
- Find a good partner. Don’t team with someone who will stand around and drink your profits. Instead find someone who will jump up and down with you and help you and draw more business.
Next time you plan business strategies such as price structuring and return on investments, start thinking about core marketing tactics that can help any business succeed. And if you need help developing marketing materials to promote your great ideas, let us know! Our creative experts can help you become the most popular lemonade stand in the region.
Joe Gass, President
Heritage Printing and Graphics
3601 Rose Lake Drive, Charlotte, North Carolina, 704-910-9914
www.heritageprintingcharlotte.com
22725 Washington Street, Leonardtown, MD, 301-475-1700 www.heritageprinting.com
Posted in Creative Services, Marketing Tips, branding | 1 Comment »