Get your own Facebook inspired business cards by partnering print company, Moo Inc.  The design is generated through Moo’s new facebook app and allows simple editing online.   Moo grabs your facebook timeline cover art as the front side, along with your profile pic.  It includes a few text lines, such as name and your facebook url.  The process is simple and sweet, which is as great as the deal here.  The latest promotion is for 50 business cards, usually $15.   It gets better … shipping is totally free for the standard rate.   Take advantage of this limited time offer which started Jan. 5th.  The first 200,000 facebook users will collect this complete free promotion, so hurry now as I just finished placing my own order.

Click Here for FREE Facebook Cards

Google has launched a new initiative to help developers create apps.  With the fast growth of Android OS, we expected a growing & friendly community to match the love of Apple fans.  Blackberry may be the exact opposite of ‘what NOT to do’ if growing a platform for App development.  Well, with 10 billion Apps and growing, Android has created an online resource center for developers.  It includes sample code, reference, documentation, tutorials and more.  Simply visit this link:

http://developer.android.com/index.html

Google has even revamped the marketplace and its rolling out to a phone near you.  Learn more

VIEW INFOGRAPHIC:

Elucid Marketing is sharing some resources for those inspired by arts and love computers.  It’s not as organized as desired, but for the passionate & interested, it’s a good start!   You’ll enjoy it if you’re driven to learn tools to help create better graphics.  Whether you creating a new profile pic or twitter background, we can help advance your skills.  After you develop these skills, you’ll want to attract local business to buy flyers as a new design company.

Get Paint Shop Program — FREE!

First, you will need software!  Got any money? No? Me too! So I use free software. Go below to download a free verison.  There are truly only a handful of used programs, with most popular being Adobe CS5.  I suggest using the easiest. most friendly & effective, PaintShop!

Old Apps –  Go Download Paintshop Pro 8  (PSP 8)

**start with Paintshop pro 8, yet the newer the better. It helps to understand & you’ll have time to download another trial.  There are free trials that last from 30-90days.  But since this software changes every year, they are up to PSP 14.  An older version runs around $40 and newer around $100. To keep it FREE, You can download every few months.  It’s a little work, but beats paying.  The best designers pay hundreds dollars for Adobe CS5, which is more complex & part of a suite of design tools. 

After you download, you need to install it.  Then read my quick summary  of my experience with paintshop pro.  Sorry if its written fast, but may be helpful. There are a handful of videos for Paintshop Pro on Youtube, too!

How to use Paintshop?

Now that you have software up & running.  First, you will need to play around with each button on the leftside toolbar. For the creative, you have just unlocked a new power, called digital art and image editing.  Check out your toolbar on left, looks like this:

If you use the paintbrush on the side   (or just push ‘B’). Try painting & adjusting the SIZE (top).  On the top, you will see the size, which is how wide you would draw a line.   Then try the hardness (next to size).  This is how sharp the edges of your brush will be.  When set under “25″, it will leave a fade or blur.  See image below.

top toolbar

I used different hardness setting and this is what it looks like.

I used different setting on opacity. The yellow bar was already there, but view how light color is applied.  Great for light effects.

Need to change color, simply click on the colors box on right side (if not showing, push f6 button).  There is two colors showing, one is foreground & one is background, just a name of two colors actually.  When you paint, use the right or left mouse buttons to use these colors.  If you click you can access all colors & chose another from color wheel.

 It even has gradients & patterns, listed as tabs here.   The most fun feature is the eraser. There are two, one is  which allows is not so fun, and then there’s . the fun one.  The fun eraser erases the background.  You can cut yourself out a pick and then insert yourself into another photo, which is cool.  Personally, I use “Limits” in top toolbar and select “Find Edges” (makes graphic more crisper).  The background eraser is not perfect and works well with solid backgrounds.  If your pictures leaves edges on your graphic, use the original eraser to touchup the sides.  I use Hardness 88, so it wont be so jagged of an edge.  You want soft graphics and not hard edges as this contrasts your image more.

Erases similar color. Click & hold around edges. (the center is + and circle is edges)

TEXT
If you need text, use the tool that looks like this [A] .   Here you can chose fonts, size, bold, etc.  I recommend clicking the box “Anti-alias” which produces smoother looking font.  To change color make sure you highlight your text and change background color on rightside.

 >>>>>Pick a color 

WHOA!  You read all that?  You really wanna be a professional! lol   I will post more tutorials when I can, but lets move along to the technical aspects of ART.  This info is slowly learned in school courses, but most importantly experience.  I will give you things you need to experience, so you can ‘pass’ for a graphic design with experience.

SEE VIDEO:  Using Paintshop

Learn More:

All about Paintshop Pro in simple steps

ABOUT.com   Paintshop Pro Tutorials

 Quick Concepts  (various programs, but inspiring)

Graphic Design Field

My Quick Overview

Some people go to college for a detailed and comprehensive history of art, today’s trends & standards of the industry.  For nerds, I recommend this approach to be the best and wish you much success.  Well, others just love doodling and making something nice in their spare time.  Why not try to make some extra money since the economy is not doing so well.

So let’s get started.  Now that you’ve created something that your friends can’t believe you did, you’ll want to work that magic even more.  First, you will need to view other’s work.  I recommend looking at the BEST of the BEST, which you can mimic the same expression and trends.  Once someone sees you’re up on the latest design techniques, you’re magic is working!   When I started, the trends were:  shiny buttons, shadows, texture and light effects.  If I created using these elements, I appear as a pro.  I just had to figure out HOW to make my computer software to work accordingly.   This trends still exist today and if I had to summarize what i learned, it’ll be this.

Shiny buttons:  Add Lightness/Bright Contrast to a portion of the button

Shadows:   Copy the image, turn to all black, use a Blur, then place original image on top

Texture:  use texture instead of solid backgrounds, like canvas, wall, grass, marble, etc. Try here

Light Effects:  This is most tricky. Involves adding light spots, Same as Shadows but turning white or original color blurred behind original image

That’s all I really attempted to learn, yet I had a little knowledge of creating letters in Microsoft word.  Which takes us to fonts which seems soooo easy, but most complex part of design.  Choosing the right font is just like speaking clear to someone.  The first thing we recognize is words, trying to read them.

SERIF vs SANS SERIF FONTS

There is serif and san-serif fonts, which just means there the way they look, either type writer-like or either round clear, futuristic if u ask me.  This font used to type this article is Serif, commonly used as Times New Roman. It includes tiny edges & hashes on end of letters, making it appear formal, important.  San-Serif, commonly Arial, Tahoma, or my favorite ‘Century Gothic’, is used to be more friendly, sporty.  The edges of font is important. Why? Because when people see your flyer or graphic, there is a certain amount of time for them to determine if it’s garbage or appealing (magic ) When they read fonts, it may take longer to read one with edges & fancy corners.  How they read & this time is most important!   The rule is to keep simple, but detail oriented.  Create short lines of text, not sentences unless you’re making a paragraph.  You need Big Headlines, or shall I say different sized headlines. The big one is your title, keep it simple. Such as, KEEP OFF LAWN, rather than Do Not Step on this Grass Please.  Be concise!

KERN

Also, letter spacing and line height are big deals.  More space in between letters (called KERN) will take longer to read, but also jumbled letters may cause trouble too.  An evenly spaced KERN will create a good visual and force viewer to read it.

COLORS

Now we move to colors.  You probably know something about color and reason why you love art!  The technical term is color theory, which to me, is just a theory but helpful.   It describes the shades & combinations of color.  I don’t fully understand it, but know the rule Keep It Simple.  You don’t want abstract or complex art unless it’s personal & not for public info or expressing quick point.   You must know, contrast.  Black vs White.  When you have a light background (white) it is easier to read than dark background.  As long as it’s contrasted, it’s okay (yellow & dark blue), but keep remember light works well for reading & reason books are printed on white paper.  Here are a few tools, that I promise if you play around with one night, it will explain HOW to use color.

MUST SEE!

Colour Lovers  -   Browse Palletes (colors that go well together)  also Patterns & Color Trends

Color Wheel  -  Shows colors on a color wheel.  You’ll visualize this when choosing colors eventually

Tools & Visual aids!    My Favorite in Red

	Websafe Color Picker Tool all web-safe colors (6x6x6 = 216 colors).		Color Picker Tool 16x16x16 = 4096 colors.
	Make Websafe Colors convert any color to a web-safe color.		Color Mixer Tool for mixing new colors.
	Create Colors by RGB Values mix color values to create new colors.		Combine Colors Tool combine two colors into one.
	Color Matcher Tool find how well two colors match.		Compare Colors Tool compare six color samples.
	Close Colors Tool find similiar colors to a chosen color.		Opposite Color Tool complementary color tool.
	Random Color Tool eight random colors & their values.		Text on Background Tool foreground text / background color combinations.

WHITE SPACE

Many artists will tell you to leave ‘whitespace’, which is empty space.  If you have space, the eyes will travel to nearest object or contrasted element.  If there is equal space on left & right, its centered.  If its filled with similar color or graphics, it will look too busy or take longer to read it.  Use whitespace alot when starting out!  This takes us to positioning.  Using that space helps grab attention from viewers.  We can use boxed outlines, shaded backgrounds, and the whitespace to draw attention to a section or element.

The use of white space is probably one of the most effective means of attracting

White space (the absence of text and graphics) is vital to graphic design. The key is to add just enough white space so the eye knows where to go and can rest a bit when it gets there.

You can control white space in the following location: margins, paragraph spacing, spacing between lines of text, gutters (the space between columns), and surrounding text and graphics.

20 Examples of using WhiteSpace – Click here   See how real advertising  and brand designers do it!

Using Design to Communicate

Steps in finding ways to attract:

• Analyze the target audience.
• Determine the purpose of your message.
• Decide where and how your message will appear (whether it will be a printed publication, presentation, or web site).
• Establish goals.
• Organize text and graphics.
• Choose an appropriate format and layout.
• Select appropriate typefaces, type sizes, type styles, and spacing.
• Add and manipulate graphics.
• Organize text and graphics.
• Proofread
• Refine and fine-tune.

Lines can be used to:

• Organize information.
• Highlight or stress words.
• Connect pieces of information.
• Outline a photo or set it off from other elements.
• Create a grid. (A grid is the underlying structure of a page.)
• Create a chart or graph.
• Create a pattern or rhythm by drawing many lines.
• Direct the reader’s eye or create a sense of motion. (Create a sense of action by using a diagonal line.)
• Suggest an emotion.

MORE TUTORIALS WILL BE ADDED BELOW:   BOOKMARK US!

The Social Networking war has just heated up, or has it?

This week, Google opens its ‘invite only’ social networking platform to all.  Google Plus has grew fast and claims to better organize friends to send messages to select groups.  Personally, I love it!  However, my experience lasted for a week in August as my friends were not signed up, yet.  Maybe this will be the next best thing to Facebook?  I have always loved Google, if you read other posts, yet never thought they stood a chance with Facebook.

With over 800 million users, Facebook is not only unique channel for conversation and social media content…. it has info sharing capabilities, good for business, news groups, and celebrities as well.  This has all changed.  As I noticed a new homepage, a status update ticker, larger photos, I didn’t perceive it as an advancement or improvement to Facebook.  The platform has been a channel, similar to Twitter, but with much more visual and much more inclusive.  Facebook has impacted our culture, so much, we check it daily and use it as a supplemental “public forum”.   I must note, some use it as therapy, ranting, and an actually reality show

At the F8 conference, Facebook announced more changes to come.  After reviewing Mark Zuckerberg’s keynotes, I was astonished.  He announced that Facebook is heading in a new direction, practically giving Google a chance to establish the social channel we were familiar with.  Zuckerberg states, “Facebook is already established as a social network”.  This means they are confident users are satisfied and will stay put.  This is bold.  The Facebook founder also displayed the Timeline, replacing our profile.  This inclusive timeline of events include our life, detailed in social connections, posted photos and videos, the Apps we use, and more.

Personally, this is T.M.I.  The timeline ends at our place of birth, mapped.  It seems to highlight ones life, as if its a perfect one, without some desired erasing of old relationships, bad jobs, or a time of not so flattering photos  If privacy was an issue before, then this will cause even more discourse.  Facebook is focused on self-identity, while sociologically we are in an Era of more people are trying taking longer to identify their passions and learn life.  I feel MySpace was great at this, and the new Timeline seems to be similar.  I will admit, the Timeline is wonderful display and will compliment any person who has accomplished alot within their life.  But who’s perfect? or how will we respond to the social aspect of wanting a perfect timeline, if it’s social impact still holds in our digital culture.  Was conversation & relationships the main ingredients to facebook? Or will this self-identity timeline turn us away from sharing our full life as social media?

My other assumption is Facebook’s targeted audience will be compromised.  What is their target audience?  Probably a younger generation that grew into any and every-one!  That is why they are 800 million, which I would assume atleast 40% are either rarely active, fake account, or not actual identified real account/person.  However, this still is a powerful number and way pass the competitors.  Facebook’s social impact was huge & needed no marketing, as it IS a marketing machine, naturally.

Facebook was easy to use for a 13year old to a 75 year old, but now is more complex and not as visual appealing.  Most joined to connect to family, but moreso, connect to long lost friends.  Google Plus notices this, and simply uses circles to direct messages to correct friends and family.  No more sharing kegstand photos with Aunt Jackie or crazy nightclub photos with the church choir.  Maybe we should all be saints?

Facebook will be more an email and personal diary, rather than the messages on walls and the recent news feeds with real-time humor from all friends.  Now, we will not use this news feed, simply because we will direct messages to certain friends in facebook lists.  Google Plus will do the same, but with a few more integrations of all their services and innovation of this type of social platform, it stands to win big.  Google’s flaw is advertising and marketing. Yes, I said it, even knowing they are #1 in online advertising, but listen.

Why? Google is everywhere, visible on almost every webpage.  This is not marketing, but merely advertising to a large number base.  No matter how creative their Google search homepage looks, they are outside designs and never used to push product.  They love being simple, but slowly grow to be the force behind the internet, yet now sharing it with Facebook.  Facebook has word of mouth, the most powerful of online marketing, which is like direct selling or targeted numbers.  Google is a powerful brand, a popular one, but advertising is described just as real estate ….Location, Location, Location.  It may not mean they are great real estate sellers, just have the clever advantage of being where the buyer wants them to be, gaining the sell.  Google owns the digital world, so yes we buy ads.  They have power in numbers and will greatly let you gain 5,000 impressions on websites for a under $20.  This is so appealing, you must take the deal, in return, Google makes billions.

Secondly, Google does not have star power, such as Myspace did. Yet, I am a fan & know they are competent in web technology, plus, they offer free services and open source projects. They are not labeled ‘cool’ or ‘hip’, but more an information service, a developers dream, Gmail, search engine, or merely nerds of web technology.  They will need celebrities and to become a desired new trend/fad, when marketing the Google Plus social platform.  The invitations were not a good marketing tool, in my opinion.  Google will have to show up on TV, promo events, and entertainment or social venues.  Is Google cool or just an internet company we know about?  There is risk by creating hype over a product, but I feel it is a small risk, to kick it in 2nd gear, to compete with upcoming Facebook. Lets go, Google!

Marketing has transformed into a media channel, a showcase of benefits, or a entertaining seduction to buy! lol  They must not state they have a new product, but present it as the next best thing or actually competes with Facebook.  While Facebook measures the backlash of these changes, Google has a chance …that probably wasn’t fully known until the f8 conference.  Not only Google, but many other startups even have a shot to chase the leaders with a more flexible, viral marketing strategy.

As I state Facebook changes as a bad decision, they also have strategy to make actual profit from it  Facebook is focused on Apps, which are hot sellers for mobile devices and good for future of web technology.  They stand a chance to connect users to business, such as NetFlix inside facebook.  This could be the best business model by a web giant, yet their ‘bread and butter’ is turning into Honey Butter spread (US joke).  I don’t know if everyone loves Honey Butter, but some will really enjoy it.

Elucid Marketing will update changes as it progresses.  We have already signed up for the new Timeline effective September 30th 2011.  Our fanpage is here.  Find us on Google Plus at Bernard Thomas for Elucid Marketing.  More video and info is listed below.

Try out the new Facebook Timeline:  http://www.facebook.com/about/timeline

Go try out the Google Plus platform:

Search our site for description of this Google Plus platform, it’s promising

BEST GLANCE:  http://www.google.com/intl/en/+/demo/

Watch an Overview of Google+

CIRCLES

SPARKS

View More at:

http://www.google.com/+/learnmore/

Google has launched their new version of the facebook Like button. The +1 button!  This new button will be seen on blogs, websites, and even in the search results.  Google aims to engage the social networking crowd and hope for participation with this new feature.  The +1 button will help you recognize what your friends are interested in.  This is compared to Microsoft Bing’s new search features that displays your facebook friends within search results to improve recommendation of sites. Google is riding the Tech wave and staying with all the competitors.  They may not master the social side, but with products that are just as good and fastly created, they stand to hold the crown as King of the web   Check out the videos below.  Google has also created new search interface with newly graphic designed buttons and extended features on image search. Try it by clicking here.

MORE NEWS:

Google adds +1 and other social metrics to analytics package‎ - Brafton
Google Now Lets Website Owners Measure The Power Of +1 (And Any …‎ - Washington Post
Google News: Google Let Webmasters Measure +1‎ - webhostdir.com

2008-2018 Job Outlook Comparison

Fayetteville State University

ABSTRACT

This job outlook report examines two particular positions within the communications field, a graphic designer and a public relations specialist.  Data was collected from online government resources, such as US Bureau of Labor and Statistics.  The job outlook and descriptions were compared to decide which position is more promising in terms of pay rate, required background, working conditions and the overall opportunities that exist.

The report shows changes in the communications field for these positions based from 2008 and calculated until 2018.  This research will show the major advantages and disadvantages in entering the field as entry-level or with years of experience.  Each position is analyzed to show the amount of positions that are currently occupied and its growing rate.

The report shows PR specialist are highly paid and have chances of socially interacting with constituents to communicate brand identity.  The graphic designers are required to be creative and reach deadlines, however much less than the stress of a PR agents.  The work environment is more complex for PR specialist and some graphic designers are more flexible to work at home or on-site.

Recommendations for candidates seeking a position in the communications fields are employment within the graphic design sector.  This position was selected as it is (1) largely populated, (2) increases with web design skills, and (3) more stress-free than a public relations specialist.  With high competition in PR, the graphic designer specialist holds better opportunities within their career by updating skills in current design software and web development courses.

INTRODUCTION

This job outlook for graphic designers and public relations specialists provides insight on forecasting opportunities for employment.  With US unemployment rates remaining above average, this report examines the changes in the industry and expectations associated.  Recommendations are included for prospects looking to choose and enter one of the given fields.

JOB OUTLOOK COMPARISON

The communications field has two positions that require a special skill when communicating with the public.  These fields are different, yet similar in nature.  The graphic designer is more visual and public relations specialist is more social.  Both these positions require communicating the brand identity of a person, product, or business to increase recognition and drive sales.  Listed below is a brief job analysis of each position.

Graphic designers are creative publishers of art who produce print or electronic media as their career. Their duty includes designing memorable and communicative works for clients or employers. (Wikipedia.org/Public_relations, 2010)  The provide communication and a visual brand image seen by consumers to enhance the feel, understanding, or position of a particular brand.

Public Relation Specialists maintain the public image of an organization, business, or high-profile individual. (Wikipedia.org/Public_relations, 2010)  Their duties include communicating to the public, create growing social relationships, and damage control of one’s brand identity.  This may entail publicity events or media interviews.

GRAPHIC DESIGNERS

JOB OUTLOOK

The US Bureau of Labor and Statistics rates graphic designer careers to grow as fast as average.  There is growing competition in the industry.  Graphic designers with advanced skills in web design and animation have the greatest opportunities.

(Graphic Designers Overview, 2010)

REQUIRED BACKGROUND

Most graphic design positions will require a bachelor’s degree in the subject.  Candidates are usually required to have skills in problem-solving, communication, creativity, and familiar with up-to-date design software.  Some candidates can acquire 2 year associate degrees and certificates to obtain a graphic designer assistant position.  The National Association of Schools of Art and Design accredits about 300 post-secondary institutions with programs in art and design. (BLS.gov, 2010)  It is standard for a graphic designer to put together a working portfolio of their best works.  This is used an example and representation of the designer for consideration during selection process.

PAY SCALE

The average wages for a graphic designer in 2008 was $42,400. Most averaged between $32,600 and $56,620 and lowest 10 percent earned less than $26,110 and the highest 10 percent earned over $74,660. The averages below are categorized into sectors within the industry.

Computer systems design and related services             $47,860

Specialized design services                                                       45,870

Advertising, public relations and related services           43,540

Newspaper, periodical, book, and directory publishers   36,910

Printing and related support activities                                      36,100

Entry level positions obtained median cash compensation of $35,000 in 2008, according to the American Institute of Graphic Arts. Solo designers, senior designers, and lead supervisors earned a median of $60,000. The chart below shows the percentage of designers within the industry and the corresponding rate of pay.

(Graphic Designers Overview, 2010)

WORKING CONDITIONS

Graphic designers may work in offices within a business or work in their own office or studio.  Some are hired for weekly design of promotion material or printed materials for internal or external use.  Graphic designers may also work freelance positions which are based on contract or seasonal basis.  Consultants and self-employed designers tend to work longer hours and in small, congested environments.

PUBLIC RELATIONS SPECIALIST

JOB OUTLOOK

Public relations specialist are expect to increase much faster than the average.  There is a competitive natural associated with entry-level candidates. College graduates have greater chance when combining degrees in public relations, journalism, or another communications-related field with a public relations internship or other related work experience.

(Public Relations Managers Overview, 2010)

REQUIRED BACKGROUND

Public relations specialists usually require a bachelor’s degree in public relations. Courses in advertising, business administration, finance, political science, psychology, sociology, and creative writing are helpful when seeking employment. Some companies may require college graduates who have worked in electronic or print journalism and some employers may ask for training and experience within the related industry.  Marketing is also helpful for entry-level candidates.

PAY SCALE

The average annual salary for public relations specialists were $51,280 in 2008. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $30,140 and the top 10 percent earned more than $97,910.  The median annual wages are listed below:

Management of companies and enterprises                                            $55,530

Business, professional, labor, political, and similar organizations                          55,460

Advertising, public relations and related services                                                  55,290

Local government                                                                                    51,340

Colleges, universities, and professional schools                                       46,660

(Public Relations Managers Overview, 2010)

WORKING CONDITIONS

Many PR specialist work in busy offices with tight deadlines and schedules.  Some work a standard 35 – 40 hour week, yet it is common to work overtime and irregular hours.  At times, they are required to be on-call or work around the clock.  Quick composition of speeches and meeting agendas may be required for damage control or publicity events. Below are facts about the current working conditions of PR specialists:

• About 25 percent are self-employed; many do freelance work in addition to holding a salaried job in design or in another occupation.
• A bachelor’s degree is required for most entry-level positions; however, an associate degree may be sufficient for some technical positions.
• Job seekers are expected to face keen competition; individuals with a bachelor’s degree and knowledge of computer design software, particularly those with Web site design and animation experience will have the best opportunities.

CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Based on the job outlook for graphic designers and PR specialists, candidates must be aware of the forecasting of the positions.  A graphic designer has many more opportunities as over 200,000 positions exist in this field.  A PR specialists must be even more competitive in seeking employment.  A bachelor’s degree is necessary for both positions and the more experience a candidate obtains, then the greater chance of becoming recruited.

Salaries for PR specialists are nearly twice the salary of a graphic designer.  PR specialists experience more pressure and are required to work irregular hours to satisfy their clients or employer.  Some PR specialists  are high-profile and represent the brand identity by becoming a spokesperson or promoter of a particular entity.  Other positions may only require an associate degree for small, technical jobs.

Graphic designers are required to be creative and most are passionate about their job.  It gives them a sense of accomplishment with special attention of their talents throughout the industry.  This reputation may aid in seeking greater opportunities or in launching self-employed ventures such as freelancing and seasonal contract work.  Unfortunately, graphic designers are less in demand, but stand a greater chance when developing skills in web design and animation.

The job outlook for PR specialist is rewarding based on pay, but the better position would be a graphic designer in near future.  Designers with web development capabilities will be in greater demand.  This is a great opportunity to compete with the over 200,000 within the field in comparison with only 50,000 of PR specialists’ positions.  A graphic designer will have a less stressful workload and capable of gaining experience for increased pay or position.

WORKS CITED

"Graphic Designer." Wikipedia.org. 2010. Web. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Graphic_designer>.
"Graphic Designers Overview." Campus Explorer, Inc (2010): n. pag. Web. 23 Nov 2010. <http://www.campusexplorer.com/careers/632CB2B7/graphic-designers/>.
"Public Relations." Wikipedia.org. 2010. Web. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Public_relations>.
"Public Relations Managers Overview." Campus Explorer, Inc(2010): n. pag. Web. 23 Nov 2010. <http://www.campusexplorer.com/careers/026FB81E/public-relations-managers/>.
United States. Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition - Public Relations Specialists. , 2010. Web. 23 Nov 2010. <http://bls.gov/oco/ocos086.htm>
United States. Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition - Graphic Designers. , 2010. Web. 23 Nov 2010. <http://bls.gov/oco/ocos090.htm>.

Welcome to WordPress Tutorial Page:

Since Elucid Marketing highly recommends using WordPress for small business owner’s websites.  We have gathered a series of Videos that will quickly guide your efforts in maintaining a website.  Here, you will learn the basics of WordPress, such as posting a new page, posts, editing, etc.  We find this as easy as using Microsoft Word.  Once you experience WordPress, it will empower your interest in web development and decrease your fear of finding a web developer for the smallest changes to your site.  Enjoy!

What is WordPress?

A Content Management System. This allows you control sections of a website/blog to add or edit content.  There is an online version and a private release that many get confused.  There is WordPress.org and WordPress.com.  The difference is:  WordPress.org is free and ran solely online from WordPress.org site.  Just login and start posting!   Now, WordPress.com is a free program too, but it is downloaded and then installed (on your own web hosting provider/server). We will do this for you. WordPress.com offers a much more variety of features & functions.  I will discuss WordPress.com on this webpage.  Learn how to easily update your site below.

Many look at WordPress as blog software, since was founded for bloggers; however, it is used for web developers to build powerful websites that are easy to manage by end-users.   In videos below, the word “blog” can be interchangeable with the word “website”.  Blog is used for begginers, but equally as useful webmasters.

WordPress is the “back-end”, meaning it lets you view your site from a great-looking software program, online.  This is called your “Dashboard”.  It includes all functions & features of your site, from each webpage, the posts listed, and editing power.

The Basics to WordPress: (Videos listed below)

Log in –  Goto Dashboard

To Log-in go to your website control panel.   –  Example     mywebsite.com/wp-admin

*The wp-admin at the end of your website address, lets you log into your control panel (dashboard).  Where all the excitement begins!

How to Post

A Post is usually displayed on your main homepage.  These are clickable and expands to new webpage keeping same format (template) design.  Post are created like a MS Word document, with text editing features and more.  The creator of a Post will add “Tags” which are keywords that relate to the posts.  The creator must also add a “Category”, which is important feature as it organizes and groups individual posts.  Tags are optional, but help to attract by keywords.  Categories are not, they are used in secondary menu’s and help keep a growing site organized. We will discuss menus later. Post are listed on the homepage in order of dates posted. You can even schedule these posts to ease your workload.

What are Pages, not Posts?

Post are different from “Pages”.  Pages are more fixed and used for additional pages other than homepage.  Pages are used such as, ABOUT ME section or CONTACT section.  We would not change this info often and each page will stay on the navigation menu for users to view.  Pages are not listed and do not include any “Posts”, they are its own entity.  Once you add a few posts and play with the menus, you will see the power of Posts & Pages, possibly creating your own hierarchy or levels of content organization.

What are Widgets?

Sounds like something difficult, but such an easy feature of WordPress.  This is basically the sidebar items added to your layout.  It can include many things, such as list of recent or popular posts, a list of links on your website, text that describes your organization, or even a calendar showing when you posts.  In more advanced options, we could add tweet feeds, flickr photos, log-ins, or even advertisements you can sell to friends.

How do I know how well my site is doing?

Well, there are statistical information on how many views of each posts and how users found your site.  However, we recommend using Google Analytics, which is a free service that give a variety of helpful info to understand your site.  It gives stats on variables such as:  how many people came from search engines or what other site referred them, it gives their location, internet connection speed, how many pages they viewed on your site, how long they stayed on your site, and if they are revisiting.  This info can really be valuable in readjusting your site to cater its visitors!

That’s the basic.  Learn more from video tutorials below.

THE BASICS OF WORDPRESS:

QUICK VIDEO TO ADD CONTENT:

MORE VIDEO TUTORIALS

HOW TO ADD PAGES

HOW TO ADD NEW POSTS

WordPress Basics – Adding images to a post

Understanding Categories to Organize your Posts

EXTRAS:

ABOUT THE NEW WORDPRESS 3.0

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