Outward Image Print Services

Posted on December 3, 2011 by

Outward Image has evolved from working almost exclusively on website projects, to a balanced design solution for both web, and print materials. Our experience in the area of print is extensive, and that experience pays off to you in receiving high-quality print jobs that are done correctly.

Another advantage of using Outward Image is price. Our prices often rival the prices at most D-I-Y online print outfits, yet the work you get from Outward Image will not be from cookie-cutter templates. Your designs will match your identity with high-quality custom work.

We work with our customers to ensure they are happy with the final product. You see the designs before you commit to the final job. You don’t pay anything until you are happy with the digital files that will represent your final, finished job. You simply can’t go wrong, so give us a try today.

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WordPress as a Website Platform

Posted on October 1, 2011 by

WordPress as a platform for Web design and development allows an intermediate option between a static site comprised of html files with css style sheets — and a custom programmed site where features necessary are beyond standard plug-in modules that allow for specific functions. For instance, if a business would like to be able to collect email addresses of interested site visitors, and then be able to distribute information about the business to those who wish to receive them. Joining the list is totally voluntary on the part of the visitor, and they will be able to unsubscribe at any time.

Another one may be a Calendar of Events that can post general future events, or more specific schedules for subgroups within the organization. Schedules can be printed out in calendar form, so it may not be necessary to the distribution of printed calendars. And since printed lists can get lost, it is nice to always have the current schedule at your fingertips, even on your phone.

As for design, the history of WordPress has been that it is a bit challenging when it comes to specific design requirements. Theme developers are able to create their own static html and combine it with WordPress to acheive truly unique designs. But another alternative has developed in the form of versatile themes that have adjustable wireframes, commonly desired website options with easy-to-use check boxes and other input fields, and the ability to create css code to override existing settings. This enables an infinite array of designs that can originate from a single theme. Using a theme like this, along with a substantial knowledge of html and css goes along way of achieve truly unique looks and interesting visual interfaces.

The versatility of function that can be achieved in a WordPress site is a direct product of a vast number of plug-in modules developed by individuals or small enterprises, and shared with anyone who is working with WordPress. This number increases daily, and other plug-ins are being modified and enhanced. These modules can offer a very pleasant smorgasbord to someone with a desire to add real functionality to their site without the programming knowledge to do so by scratch. These modules are limited, however, to the frailties of their authors, and some are indeed, better than others. Ratings are provided to help a designer choose more reliable plug-ins.

I always recommend trying a new plug-in on a test site before incorporating into a published site. A new WordPress site can be created in seconds, allowing an easy avenue for experimenting with different plug-ins. Experimentation can tell us how the plug-ins operate, whether they are user-friendly and useful or cumbersome and confusing, and whether it plays well with other plug-ins. If you are planning a site with a specific combination of functions that you have not tried out before, it would be wise to see them all function on a test-site first. And always make a backup before installing new plug-ins so if disaster strikes, it won’t be a nightmare of rebuilding an entire site!

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Welcome to the New Outward Image Website!

Posted on August 16, 2011 by

Welcome to the new Outward Image website. This site signifies a change in direction from static page sites, to database-driven, dynamic websites that are both beautiful in form, and function. A site by Outward Image is not only beautiful to look at, but can go along way to satisfy your marketing needs in the modern business climate.

An effective website needs several specific characteristics, but a few of the most important are that the site be visually appealing, that it be informative without making the user work too hard for it, that it makes running the business easier with tangible benefits, and that it be easy to operate and update. All of these things are in the realm of the designer, and that is what Outward Image specializes in.

There are some other important items in building a website also. Outward Image builds sites that are SEO-friendly. Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is a process that begins from the moment construction starts on a site, and continues til that site either expires, or until the owner or operator simply quit working on it. Part of SEO is making regular changes to your website. A site has to be a living, breathing entity if it is to be successful. In today’s maturing internet environment, a static site no longer meets the requirements of SEO algorithms that crave change, and volume of relevant information.

A site can have the most voluminous, relevant information on any given subject, but people may not read it if it is hideous to look at, and it is difficult to find the information the user seeks. Any site, no matter how beautiful to look at, will not attract many visitors, especially return visitors, if it contains sparse information that never changes. So a designer can design a site that has the potential of high search engine rankings, but the whether or not that site achieve that potential depends on its management after it is launched.

Recognizing this fact, Outward Image is proud of its ability to design sites that are attractive, functional, and ready to take advantage of the marketing efforts of the sites permanent managers, whether that be the site owner directly, or whether that responsibility is out-sourced to another entity.

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