Here’s what you do.

1. In the Plugins section of the admin bar, go to the Editor tab.
2. In the top right corner, navigate to the Twitter plugin you are using and SELECT it.
3. Locate the line that [...]]]> Many of you may have noticed recently that the twitter feed within your WordPress site has ceased to work. This is because Twitter have made subtle changes to the the way the RSS feed is streamed. After several hours of hunting for a solution I came across it and it works no matter what Twitter plugin you have.

Here’s what you do.

1. In the Plugins section of the admin bar, go to the Editor tab.
2. In the top right corner, navigate to the Twitter plugin you are using and SELECT it.
3. Locate the line that has this code: $messages = fetch_rss(‘http://twitter.com/statuses/user_timeline/’.$username.’.rss’);
4. In the URL bit of that line, paste in the following: ‘http://api.twitter.com/1/statuses/user_timeline/’
5. Save the change.
6. Job done

Hope this helps.

Here’s a video to help you out too.

With many thanks to www.clarkcommunications.ca for posting this solution.

Any great logo should symbolise more than it represents. The Rings (and the Ageters) represent an organisation and a sporting event but they symbolise friendship, excellence and unity. They symbolise the striving to [...]]]> Wel, the Olympics and Paralympics have now finished and I think it’s time to reflect on what is probably one of the greatest logos of all time. The Olympic Rings are truly iconic symbol of sport and culture. They are one of the few internationally recognised logos. But what is it that makes the Olympic Rings truly iconic and one of the greatest logos ever?

Any great logo should symbolise more than it represents. The Rings (and the Ageters) represent an organisation and a sporting event but they symbolise friendship, excellence and unity. They symbolise the striving to be better, to push yourself harder, jump higher, run faster, throw further, to swim and cycle quicker than anyone else. They symbolise national pride, the overcoming of the odds and the desire to be the best in the world.

But as we have seen so recently, they symbolise even more than that. Because the Olympics and Paralympics happen in front of an audience of billions. As we saw so recently, 80,000 people screaming home their heroes is an incredible thing to witness. To stand in that throng and sing the National anthem is a truly powerful experience. New words have been used: Legacy and Inspiration. The Olympic and Paralympic games of London 2012 were truly inspirational.

And five simple rings and three simple curves simply symbolise all of that.

It’s incredible if you think about it. How something so simple can symbolise so much.

Logos don’t have to be complicated things. As a designer, it is so easy to get caught up in the designy-ness of it all but as with so many things the simplest things are often the best. A logo shouldn’t say what you do, it should represent who you are. It should convey a message, symbolise the values of the organisation, the things that makes its heart beat.

A great logo represents more than just the organisation, it symbolises, communicates, informs and inspires.

And the Olympic Rings and Paralympic Ageters do just that. Which is why, together, they win my vote for Best Logo of All Time.

More than that, we’re also really privileged to have tickets for the athletics in the Paralympics. We can hardly wait!

But, for me, there [...]]]> As I sit at home and write this, the opening ceremony of the 30th Olympiad, London 2012 is 24 hours away. The excitement in our house is tangible, not only because of the occasion but because, on Monday we will be in Weymouth for the sailing and then in Coventry on the Wednesday for the footie. We’ve camped out to see the Torch pass through Redditch and there is a real air of anticipation and excitement.

More than that, we’re also really privileged to have tickets for the athletics in the Paralympics. We can hardly wait!

But, for me, there has been more to London 2012 as I have watched with great interest how the branding has been rolled out – from the unveiling of that logo and the font that went with it to the merchandising. I’m not a fan of the logo (but I do get why it looks like it does), I do like the font but, overall, I think the branding has worked. There has been real consistency, creativity, coherency, collaboration and cohesiveness about the whole affair and, while some of it may have missed the mark (the two Olympic mascots, for instance), I think that the overall exercise has been a real success.

The thing that sealed it for me was receiving our tickets.

When they were delivered I was really impressed.The actual items are great quality with a fabulous design ethic. The iconography of the sailing dingy and the football are excellent and really in keeping with the angular nature of the brand design. The accompanying booklet was really well done with well written and clear information but (and this impressed me) wasn’t just facts and information but tried (and succeeded) in enthusing and exciting us for the events we had  had booked. The folder everything came in felt really expensive and has the ‘wow’ factor.

Everything was designed to impress – and it worked, but it highlighted the importance of the 5 C’s of Branding in every aspect of design and communication.

And when our Paralympic tickets arrived (remember: this is the first time EVER the same branding has been used for both Olympics) things were exactly the same.

Again, all the design values are there – even the Travelcard has the 2012 logo watermarked on it!

It’s been fascinating to watch how the brand has developed and been rolled out over so many different mediums: clothing, merchandising, tv, print, web, apps and how it has all been consistent, coherent and creative.

The design may not have been to everyone’s taste but I think it has captured something of the heart and the passion of the Olympics.

Let the games begin.

Until next time.

I will come out and say it – I am an Apple fan and I have been ever since I became a graphic designer 20 years ago. And, yes, while I am a sucker for the marketing (hey – at least I’m aware of it!!) I think their [...]]]> It is official. Apple is cool. A High-Court judge has said so. In court. Actually, allow me to be precise: Judge Colin Birss’ ruling in Samsung v Apple was that that the latest Samsung tablet was “not as cool” as Apple’s iPad. Thereby inferring that the iPad is cooler than the competition.

I will come out and say it – I am an Apple fan and I have been ever since I became a graphic designer 20 years ago. And, yes, while I am a sucker for the marketing (hey – at least I’m aware of it!!) I think their products are (on the whole) without equal. I use Apple products all day every day and they’re brilliant.

So my cards are on the table but I shall be impartial here and ask a very important question: what has lead Judge Birss to think like this and to make the declaration he did. The answer is very simple.

Brilliant Branding.

If we think back over the 5 C’s we can see that Apple are masters in all of these areas:

Coherency – their marketing and products makes perfect sense. It’s obvious, and there is the same look and feel to everything they do.

Consistency – we hear the same message time after time after time and when they do get it wrong (the PR nightmare after the iPhone 4 signal debacle) people are shocked and surprised. We hear the same message so often we just believe it.

Creativity – do you remember the old iPod ads with the dancing silhouette and the white headphone cables? It captured people’s imagination and millions bought a product they perceived to be innovative and a ‘must-have’. The message backed up the product and visa versa.

Collaboration – Apple buy in talent. It’s as simple as that. But more than that, they have an army of ordinary people who have registered as beta testers. Every product (hardware and software) is beta tested months before launch to try to iron out any bugs and niggles. Their feedback is taken seriously and it is this army that affect how their products look, feel and work.

Cohesiveness – so what ties this brand together? I don’t have the space to mention everything here but if you want to know go just visit any Apple store at 3pm on a Saturday afternoon. Just watch and listen. Then go outside of the store, turn round and look up. Do you see the word “Apple Store” anywhere. Of course not. You don’t need to.

Yes, Apple products cost a significant amount more than similar products. Yes, they seem to have a bent towards global domination at the potential cost to the consumer. Yes, there is an arrogance to the company that sometimes beggars belief.

But they have got Branding down to a fine art. If the definition of branding is “a person’s gut feeling about your organisation, service or product” then most people (and I am aware that you either love or hate them) then most people’s response gut reaction follow’s Judge Birss’ – the competition just isn’t as cool.

I’m going to finish with a small anecdote. When the iPod Touch first came out I dragged my technophobe dad into the Apple store in Kingston (the poor man!). He stood in the maelstrom in the store with fear and bewilderment in his eyes and allowed himself to be shown to a bench where a free iPod Touch lay.

Within seconds he was using it like he’d owned one all his life. He looked at me with something akin to wonder in his eyes and uttered the immortal words: “this IS cool.”

Then we went to the pub.

Have a good one.

Branding is vital to your company’s marketing strategy, both in terms of offline activity but online activity also. Branding serves as the business’ identity in the marketplace and helps that company or organisation stand out from your competitors. It is essential to have your branding consistent across all platforms in order to [...]]]> This week, we’re really lucky to have a guest blog post from David Lynes of Redditch-based Web Development company Unique IQ (@uniqueiq) writing on a topic very close to my heart. So without further ado…

Branding is vital to your company’s marketing strategy, both in terms of offline activity but online activity also. Branding serves as the business’ identity in the marketplace and helps that company or organisation stand out from your competitors. It is essential to have your branding consistent across all platforms in order to look professional.

Before customers actually choose you to provide a service they will research as much as they can about your company or organisation. They are looking for signals to indicate the credibility of your products or services. One of the major ways in which this research takes place is of course – online!

There are two major areas currently available online to bear in mind when you are implementing your brand:

Website & Micro Sites
The website is your hub of all the products and/or services you provide. Whether it be graphic design services through to electrical goods keeping your brand connected through your website is essential. Ensure that you have consistent use of colours, styles, themes, layouts, logos etc.

You can look like an expert when potential clients find a large blog attached to your website of your postings online, as well as building trust in your customers. However, it should not be your sole marketing strategy.

But even with a website and blogs, without a good marketing strategy, there is a risk that your brand will be left out and not consistent. Ensure that you market your brand well and give it every opportunity to build and grow.

Social Media Profiles
It is important to create your profile on all the social media outlets you are active on. Ensure that you don’t just create a basic profile but complete it as fully as possible and ensure that your branding is used as much as possible. Sites such as Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and YouTube should all reflect your brand.

When implementing your profiles on the various social media networking sites ensure that you are consistent in everything you do. Your profile or user name should stay consistent throughout the networks so it will be easier potential customers to remember you and connect with you and your business.

I hope this has helped look at the importance of branding across all of your marketing activities. Don’t simply concentrate on one area to build your brand – think about all avenues where a potential customer may find and research your products or services. Keep your brand consistent and ensure that you have this firmly in your marketing plan.

David Lynes
Web: www.uniqueiq.co.uk
Follow Unique IQ on Twitter

This week’s post is really just a short summary of the last 6 weeks’ worth of posts. I cannot begin to stress how important it is that you are influencing people about who you are and what you do in the right way. If you want your business to grow and to flourish it is worth spending the time, effort – and money – to make sure things are done right every time.

No business grows without investment and in these tough economic times, any investment needs to be [...]]]> Brand: “a person’s gut feeling about your organisation, service or product”.

This week’s post is really just a short summary of the last 6 weeks’ worth of posts. I cannot begin to stress how important it is that you are influencing people about who you are and what you do in the right way. If you want your business to grow and to flourish it is worth spending the time, effort – and money – to make sure things are done right every time.

No business grows without investment and in these tough economic times, any investment needs to be carefully thought through. But in a time when businesses are cutting back on marketing, brand awareness and cohesive and consistent communication streams the question really is: can you afford not to?

If you want to get ahead of the curve and rise above the competition so your voice is heard above the others then investment in a sustainable branding process is essential and will be far more effective.

So, finally, I want to conclude with the summary of the 5 Cs that I gave in week one as I think we need to end where we began – looking at how these elements can powerfully affect your organisation and the messages that are heard by those that really matter – your customers and prospects.

Coherency – Does your communication stream (expressed through verbal, print, web and digital media) have a connection across all channels? Does it make sense overall? Is it understandable?

Consistency – Is your communication stream consistent over an extended period of time? Are you delivering the same message (albeit in differing forms and with different emphases) time and time again?

Creativity – Creativity is what gives brands traction in the marketplace. Does your company or organisation have great creative design, helping it stand out and be noticed? What does your logo, marketing material or website make people feel about what you do and what you have to offer?

Collaboration – In this tough economic climate, it’s very tempting to cut costs (and corners) and try to do everything yourself. This is not necessarily the wisest thing to do. You do what you do best. Why not bring others in to help you focus and strengthen your brand. Work with experts in their field – marketing consultants, web developers/designers, graphic designers / brand experts, social marketers etc. Remember, deep insights come from deep experience.

Cohesiveness – is your communication stream well integrated? Is there something that unifies it all – a common creative theme that makes each element feel part of one whole family? Is there a united message?

I hope this series has been of real help. Next week we have another one of our regular guest blogs and this time we’re really privileged to have David Lynes of web development company Unique IQ (@uniqueiq) writing some words of wisdom.

Until then, take care.

Over the last few weeks I’ve been looking at how you can best influence your brand and there is one final element that ties everything together: Cohesiveness

Cohesion can be defined as “unified” and “well-integrated” and these are vital elements when thinking about your brand and how you can positively influence it. There are some questions I asked in the introduction blog post and they are worth revisiting:

1. Is your communication stream well integrated?
2. Is there something that unifies it all – a common creative theme [...]]]> Brand: “a person’s gut feeling about your organisation, service or product”.

Over the last few weeks I’ve been looking at how you can best influence your brand and there is one final element that ties everything together: Cohesiveness

Cohesion can be defined as “unified” and “well-integrated” and these are vital elements when thinking about your brand and how you can positively influence it. There are some questions I asked in the introduction blog post and they are worth revisiting:

1. Is your communication stream well integrated?
2. Is there something that unifies it all – a common creative theme or thread that makes each element feel part of one whole family?
3. Is there a united message?

This is more than just being consistent and coherent – it’s making sure that everything sticks together, feels intentional, has a purpose and integrates well together to paint a complete picture of who you are as well as what you do. This is not an easy thing to do and needs constant awareness and attention to detail. The rewards for doing this can be massive and really help grow and establish your brand above and beyond all expectation.

Here are three really simple tips for you to think about:

1. Create a brand guidelines document.
By putting your core creative, colours, fonts and essential messages in a document, you are cementing all of that information and providing a contant platform for you and others in your team to refer to. If you’re not sure what goes in this document, please do get in touch as I’d be delighted to offer some free advice.

2. Have a plan.
Have you sketeched out what your communication streams and core messages are for the next 12 months? If not, this is massively helpful exercise to undertake. It helps you think through what you want to say, how you want to say it, where you want to say it and to whom. It doesn’t need to take long but will be a huge benefit to you and your organisation.

3. Keep it simple.
The more complex something it, the harder it is to manage and maintain. The simpler something is, the more effective it is and the more impact it will have. Keep your core messaging simple and integrate your communication so everything just works and works well.

Well, we’re nearly at an end of this little series and I hope you have found it useful. If you have, why not share this blog post using the links at the bottom of this post? Next week is a final summary and then we move on to a different (and shorter) series. Until then, take care.

This week’s blog is born out of two very powerful insights I have recently been given that have truly freed me to be the designer I know I can be. I want to pass this on to you so can enjoy the same freedom I have found. The more I have dwelt on these truths, the more I have realised that Collaboration is one of the most powerful tools I have in being able to influence people’s gut feelings towards me and my business.

Here’s the first insight: Freedom!

Why [...]]]> Brand: “a person’s gut feeling about your organisation, service or product”.

This week’s blog is born out of two very powerful insights I have recently been given that have truly freed me to be the designer I know I can be. I want to pass this on to you so can enjoy the same freedom I have found. The more I have dwelt on these truths, the more I have realised that Collaboration is one of the most powerful tools I have in being able to influence people’s gut feelings towards me and my business.

Here’s the first insight: Freedom!

Why is it that, when it comes to my business, I ignore the fact I’m not good at certain things and plough on regardless, getting more and more frustrated until I either give up or (through sheer stubbornness) chance upon success?

I was spending more and more time on these areas of the business, knowing I was stealing design and personal development time. I know I was born to be a creative soul, a designer and I was spending huge chunks of time in admin and it was a soul-destroying exercise. So I did something about it. I asked for help.

And suddenly my time was freed and I could spend time feeding my creativity and seeing the impact that had on the work I was doing for my clients.

I’ve come to realise that it’s no sign of weakness to either ask someone for help or buy that help in. And in doing so, I am released to do what I do best and allow others to operate within their gifts and skill-sets. By collaborating with others in helping me run my business I can grow my business along the lines I want to. Their help and advice (some of bought-in and some it given) continues to be invaluable and I am seeing Audacious grow from strength to strength.

Here’s the second insight: deep insight come from deep experience.

I read recently that ‘deep insight come from deep experience’ and it is so true. When I work in collaboration with others – to help me grow and develop skills and my business – I learn, gain insight and I truly grow. As we chat about where we’re at with our businesses, I am always on the look out for a nugget of advice that will take me to another level.

But more than that, I am enabled to offer far more than I can on my own.  Here’s a great example of what I mean. I was recently contacted by a local school to design and source the print for a new prospectus. That’s part of everyday work life. But I had recently made some great contacts with a fabulous photographer and a gifted copywriter so I was able to bring their gifts into the equation and offer the school a package that sourced images and copy as well as design and print.

It’s also worth noting that as I was able to source the images and copy, the school staff were freed up to do what they do best – inspire kids to be the best they can be.

As a result of that work, more projects have come our way. Because I was willing to work in collaboration with others, I’m not just seen as a one-man-band. I can bring in a team of excellent professionals to help my clients grow their organisations.

As a direct result of collaboration people’s gut feeling towards me and the service I provide has been very positively influenced. So the ultimate lesson for us is this: if we try to do everything ourselves and work on our own, we end up harming our brand.

Next week we’ll be taking a look at the last C – Cohesiveness. Until then, have a good one.

I’ve said it before and I’ll keep on saying it – great creative is what gives your company traction in the marketplace. Let me explain.

Remember – you cannot create your brand. Your customers and prospects to that for you. Your role is to influence their feelings towards you product, service or organisation. And I cannot think more immediate way of doing that than through creative design. Most companies tend to have what they do as part of their business name: SRC Accountancy Services, Best Choice Travel, Knightsbridge Legal [...]]]> Brand: “a person’s gut feeling about your organisation, service or product”.

I’ve said it before and I’ll keep on saying it – great creative is what gives your company traction in the marketplace. Let me explain.

Remember – you cannot create your brand. Your customers and prospects to that for you. Your role is to influence their feelings towards you product, service or organisation. And I cannot think more immediate way of doing that than through creative design. Most companies tend to have what they do as part of their business name: SRC Accountancy Services, Best Choice Travel, Knightsbridge Legal Services, Burger King.

You get the idea.

So the creative doesn’t necessarily need to reinforce that message. We know what you do. What we want to know is who you are. And that’s where creative design comes into play. Great creative should be able to capture something of the personality of the owner and some of the core values  the business stands for.

It’s all about intentionality of design. As a designer, my role is to get under the skin of my clients and their company and then capture something of their heart, their passion, their business/charity and then lay it out for all the world to see in the designs I create for them. As I design, I always challenge myself to have a reason for using a particular font or colour. What do those things symbolise? What am I trying to help the client communicate? Every element of every project is intentional, thought through, designed.

Creative Design is a very intensive process but it’s that very intensity that can make it so effective. Design is driven by passion and soul and it it meant to connect to people’s gut feelings so they feel a certain way when they see those designs. And as they do that, you begin to rise above the competition and become an outstanding brand – literally standing out from the rest.

I could write thousands of words on this subject but I won’t.

Instead I’m going to ask you to play a game.

We’re bombarded with logos and ‘brand identity’ at every turn. So take one hour sometime this week to be aware of every single logo and brand you see and ask yourself one simple question: “what is this creative (logo, colour and font) trying to make me feel?

If you run a business or charity ask yourself two final questions – what do I feel when I see my organisations creative? and what do I want my clients / prospects to feel? What do those answers tell you? Is everything just how you want it to be or is there a disconnect? If it’s the latter, what are you going to do about it?

I really hope you enjoy the bank holiday and the Jubilee Celebrations. Take care.

A few weeks ago, I overheard someone say “creating a brand is expensive, and takes a long time to do…”. Whilst I don’t necessarily disagree with the second part of their statement, the first is wrong.

You see, from a marketing perspective – any communication you do…any message you put out there…any niche you want to go after… any design you want done for new logos and [...]]]> Welcome to the first of the guest blog posts. This week I’m delighted that Kim O’Rourke from Merrie Marketing has taken some time out to write some real words of wisdom. Read on…

A few weeks ago, I overheard someone say “creating a brand is expensive, and takes a long time to do…”. Whilst I don’t necessarily disagree with the second part of their statement, the first is wrong.

You see, from a marketing perspective – any communication you do…any message you put out there…any niche you want to go after… any design you want done for new logos and websites….starts with the creation of your brand.

Yes, your brand is definitely about how your customers perceive and see you, but their thoughts have to start somewhere. And that “somewhere” is you, and your vision for your business or organisation.

The creation of your brand starts with you deciding how you want your business to be perceived. What values are you trying to portray? What culture do you want within your organisation? What is your company ethos? What are actually “about”? How do you want your staff to deal with your customers and suppliers? What kind of customers are you trying to attract?

There are far more questions than this to be answered, but the answer to these will determine what kind of brand you are trying to create. Ie – “We want to be seen as a fun, funky and relaxed organisation…” or “we want our donors to be as emotionally involved in our charity as we are…”

From there, it makes it easy to brief a designer.

It also makes it easy to create a marketing plan: your messages, the media you choose, the timing of your media, your target audience, your strapline – all become far easier to communicate from a marketing perspective when you are clear about your brand and what you want to portray.

And if you are clear about what message you want to portray, then your customers will pick up on that message and will think about you what you want them to think about you.

And that makes your marketing suddenly very effective!

Kim O’Rourke
Web: www.MerrieMarketing.com
Follow Kim on Twitter
Like Merrie Marketing on Facebook