We always make it a point to invite our clients to bring their own ideas and suggestions to the table when we sit down to discuss a new creative project. We love to see what inspires our clients, and what motivates them to want to elevate their brand.

That’s why we like to offer these design link roundups from time to time. Whether you’re an entrepeneur considering an upgrade to your current branding/visual presence or a designer looking for a bit of inspiration, we invite you to take a look at our newest collection compiled from some of the industry’s top online design resources. Click on any of the images or descriptions to visit the respective link:

35+ Beautiful Examples of Creative Collage for Your Inspiration | 1st Web Designer

30 Unique Logo Designs That Actually Say Something | DevSnippets

37 Unusual Examples of Business Card Design | Freelance Switch

30 Well Designed E-Commerce Websites for Inspiration | Modny 73

The Dieline’s Latest Top 10 Package Designs | The Dieline

20 Creative Print Advertisements For Your Inspiration | Designer Daily

30+ Impressive Email Newsletter Designs for Your Inspiration | Dzineblog

One of the most interesting facets of working with small businesses is listening to the challenges managers face as they try to implement and sustain online marketing strategies.

Like many of my peers in the industry, I find that I hear a lot of the same issues voiced over and over when companies fail to achieve their goals with a web/social media marketing plan. Unfortunately, frustration often leads to confusion, desperation or — worst of all — apathy. A sound strategy can unravel quickly if it’s not cultivated properly, which is why I’ve decided to offer up seven critical pitfalls small business managers should try and avoid:

Wrath

Whether it’s a diatribe from a disgruntled ex-employee on a message board or a less-than-favorable review on a blog post, companies large and small have been faced with a similar dilemma: How do we react to a negative comment online? While the answer isn’t always simple, the first step always is. Ready for it? Here it is …

Take a deep breath and exhale.

A negative comment is not the end of the world, and in fact, some might say it’s inevitable in today’s business landscape depending on the size and scope of your company. The bottom line is that wrath should never be answered with wrath. No matter how artful your writing abilities are, a terse response (either in e-mail form or a direct public response) looks, at best, petty and, at worst, defensive and mean-spirited. In other words, the best response is one that is tactful and honest. Kill your audience with kindness, yet explain your position in as forthright a manner as possible.

Of course, the worst response of all is a non-response. All you’re doing by not responding is letting the comment (and commenter) control the conversation. Acknowledge the gripe, and take control of the conversation on your own terms — you’ll be surprised by how quickly you can win over even the most fervent detractor.

Greed

One of the most common (and understandable) pitfalls many small business executives fall prey to is setting unrealistic goals for their online marketing strategies. It’s good to want to be on the front page of Google’s search results. It’s good to want to have eleventy billion followers on Twitter.

It’s not good to expect these things to happen overnight.

A sound web marketing strategy is one that takes into consideration the workload capabilities of your staff, budgetary requirements, infrastructure limitations and long-term goals. Eighteen hours a day on Twitter might get you 20,000 captivated followers in a month, but at what cost to the rest of your business (not to mention sanity)?

My advice? Set realistic goals, and embrace the positives of being patient with the process. Ultimately, you’ll have a better understanding of your consumer audience, and a better understanding of what works and what doesn’t when it comes to engaging them.

Sloth

Plain and simple, laziness undermines more online marketing campaigns than any other potential pitfall.

Every day, solid marketing strategies wither away from inactivity or undernourishment. You can have the prettiest website in the world or the most tricked-out blog in the blogosphere, but it won’t mean a thing if your audience is starved for content. Set realistic goals for building your online presence … but then make sure you put the resources in place to feed your online platforms on a consistent basis.

Likewise, content updates that are seen as throwaways will be, well, thrown away by your audience. If you or your staff is going to take the time to put together a content update, make sure they devote the necessary amount of brain power to the exercise as well. You don’t have to reinvent the wheel with every update; just strive to bring quality information to your audience and you’ll reap the rewards.

Pride

Florida Governor Charlie Crist likes to say “God gave me two ears and one mouth, and I try to respect the ratio.” Political commentary aside, companies would be well served to follow Crist’s advice when navigating the online marketing waters. Sharlyn Lauby wrote an outstanding piece highlighting the importance of this issue a few months ago on Mashable:

“A lot can be learned by watching others. Don’t be afraid to ask questions on and offline so you can learn more.

(General Motors director of global social media Christopher) Barger encourages companies to remember ‘that few ideas should be rejected out of hand; not everything is going to work, but in 95% of the cases, even if something doesn’t work there is value to be gained and lessons to be learned from the ‘failure.’ The only exceptions to this rule are efforts that would contradict the basic etiquette and/or rules of social media – transparency, openness, authenticity, and avoiding ‘pure traditional marketing’ plays, etc.’”

Lust

Every day seems to breed new opportunities in the online marketing realm, particularly within the social media spectrum. But as enticing as each new opportunity may seem at first glance, make sure you take some time to analyze a new platform for its potential pluses and minuses before jumping in head-first.

The social media landscape is riddled with sites that seemed like a potential bonanza at first, only to slowly languish as other technologies and opportunities passed them by. Take care to determine if that shiny, new opportunity addresses your core objectives. Will it help us be more responsive to our audience? Does this particular platform allow us to fully express our power and personality as a brand? Will it help us cultivate a new audience, or broaden the reach toward our existing market?

If the answer is “maybe” to any of the above, you might be better served to watch and wait.

Envy

After 15 years in the design and marketing industry, I’ve come to one irrefutable truth when it comes to online promotion (and really, promotion in general):

Someone will always do something better than we’re doing it.

That doesn’t mean we don’t strive to be the best design firm we can be, and that doesn’t mean we don’t strive to provide the best marketing solutions we can. All it means is I don’t lose sleep at night over the fact that someone might have a better Twitter background than we do. The key to successful online marketing — be it on a website, blog or social medium — is finding your own “sweet spot” as an information provider. If you’re communicating the values of your product or service in the voice that accurately represents your brand, then you’ve fulfilled your mission as a content provider.

Observe your competitors, learn from your competitors. But resist the temptation to get into an arms race. It’s not about bells and whistles, it’s not a contest to see who can do the most the fastest … it’s about communicating your brand’s benefits to your target audience with honesty, transparency and authenticity. If you’re engaging your audience and building a following, then the strategy is working.

Gluttony

A good marketing strategy will invariably find a way to strike a balance between the various platforms it utilizes. So take heed not to gorge yourself one particular avenue of promotion.

In other words, if you find yourself (or your staff) focusing so heavily on YouTube, for instance, that your other marketing outlets begin to suffer, then it’s time to take a step back and look at the big picture. YouTube is a wonderful marketing platform and is certainly worthy of a substantial time/effort investment, but it’s just not smart business to rely too heavily on one avenue. Any financial advisor worth his or her salt will inform you of the importance of having a balanced retirement portfolio; the same principle should apply to marketing.

Find that balance between your marketing platforms, and you’ll find the long-term rewards will be to your liking.

– Matt Tarr is Elevation 7′s creative director and principal. He can be reached at 239.634.5281 or by emailing matt@elevation-seven.com.

Whether you’re a business owner pondering an upgrade to your current online/branding presence or a web designer looking for a dash of inspiration, here are seven current collections of some of the industry’s most creative projects. Click on any of the images or descriptions to visit the respective link:

30 Insanely Awesome Websites using WordPress as a CMS | 1st Web Designer

26 Unusual but Very Creative Business Cards | DevSnippets

30 Fresh and Exceptional Flash Portfolio Websites | FlashMoto

20 incredible examples of smooth horizontal and vertical sliding navigation websites | 2 Experts Design

The Dieline’s Latest Top 10 Package Designs | The Dieline

30 Websites with Amazing Navigation Menus | Best PSD to HTML

Forget About Classics: 75 Crazy And Creative Textured Websites | 1st Web Designer

<img src="http://elevation-seven.com/images/stloutdoors.preview.jpg" alt="STL Outdoors beta site by Elevation 7 width="597" height="281" />

(Click image to see full screenshot of STL Outdoors beta site)

Here’s a sneak peek at our newest project, a blog/social community for recreation enthusiasts in the St. Louis area called STL Outdoors.

This custom WordPress design will utilize a dynamic social networking system and robust calendar platform. Elevation 7′s personalized training program will also allow the site’s administrators to update the site easily and quickly.

The new site is expected to be completed by summer.

Each month, Elevation 7 creative director Matt Tarr offers a roundup of his favorite design resources available from the web’s top websites. Click on any of the images or descriptions to visit February’s collection — fonts, freebies, tutorials, inspiration and more!:

High Quality Vintage Web Design Textures | Cookie Labs

A Collection and Resource Motherload of Textures and Patterns | Design Cubicle

20 Classy Free Serif Fonts | D-Lists

Design a Grungy Minimalistic Poster in Photoshop | Circlebox Blog

40 Black and White Stylish Websites | 10 Steps

65+ Smashing PSD Files on DeviantArt | Metamags

115 Creative Advertisements That Feed Your Inspiration | Desigg

60 Awe-Inspiring 60’s Movie Posters | Digital Art Empire

35+ Stunning Photoshop Smoke Effect Tutorials and Brushes | Tripwire

18 Outstanding Typography Photoshop Tutorials Of 2010 | Designussion

23 Professional Facial Photoshop Retouching Tutorials | Web Design Booth

35 Photoshop Tutorials for Creating Web Design Layouts | Blue Blots

40 Beautiful Corporate Websites | Vandelay Design

70 Fairly Creative Fresh Logo Designs for Design Inspiration | Instant Shift

11 Most Popular Blog Design Styles | Hongkiat

Textures In Web Design: Examples And Best Practices | Spyre Studios

50 Packaging Designs That Pack A Punch | Pelfusion

Newsletter Design: 50+ Great Examples | Designer Fix

“The Page Can’t Be Found” Coolest Error 404 Pages In Web Design | Smashing Apps

Massive Collection of Over 1,000 Floral Photoshop Brushes | PSD Tuts

Elevation 7 creative director Matt Tarr offers a roundup of his favorite free design resources available from the web’s top websites. Click on any of the images or descriptions to download any of the freebies from January’s collection — fonts, Photoshop brushes, vectors, textures, patterns and more!:

Tuesday Total Textures #2 | Abudeezo

BK Ink Strokes Brushes | Brush King

33 Absolutely Free E-Commerce Icon Sets | Naldz

Grungy Green Tileable Photoshop Patterns | Web Treats Etc.

25 New High Quality Free Fonts | Smashing Magazine

Freebie: Distressed Bark Texture Pack | Design M.ag

Free High Res Wood Carvings Brush Pack: SR Carved | Six Revisions

500+ Free Exquisite Vintage Textures and Backgrounds | Graphic Design Free Resources

Beautiful Free Vector Downloads Roundup | 2 Experts Design

Each month, Elevation 7 creative director Matt Tarr shares some of his favorite links from the world of design, advertising and marketing. Click on any of the images or descriptions to visit links from January’s collection:

50 Best Free Tools To Create Perfect Color Combinations | Smashing Apps

CSS Techniques I Wish I Knew When I Started Designing Websites | Noupe

45+ Free Retro Wallpapers for your Desktop | Naldz

30 Examples Of Well Designed Ecommerce Websites | Spyre

24 Clever Websites Combining jQuery & Illustration | Web Designer Depot

50+ Useful Mac Applications for Designers | Instant Shift

40 Beautiful Minimalist Websites | Vandelay Design

Inspiration: 60+ Vintage Automobile Ads | PsdTuts+

Logo Design Inspiration: 70 Creative Fresh Designs | Instant Shift

20 Amazing Photoshop Tutorials in Digital Painting | Design Freebies

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The challenge: Yoga Lounge celebrated a strong debut in mid-2006 and posted impressive revenue numbers through its first nine months of operation. The company’s concept (part yoga studio/part spa/part organic refreshment bar) was a hit with first-time clients, and the store’s future seemed bright. But by late 2007 the store’s revenues had dwindled, and the company limped through a disastrous tourist offseason. The store’s management team ponders wholesale changes to the company’s concept and business model before turning to Elevation 7.

The solution: Utilizing the store’s client contact list, Elevation 7 conducts a study via e-mail and phone to analyze the reasons behind the company’s inability to retain customers. The results (124 respondents) revealed that while clients enjoyed the store’s services and concept, the company’s prices seemed out of line with other competitors in the market. Considering the overall fragility of the local economy, it becomes readily apparent why the store has lost traction. The task is clear — develop a concept that positions Yoga Lounge as therapeutic, inviting AND affordable. Elevation 7 proposes a targeted e-mail marketing campaign to the store’s client list, along with additional contacts compiled through a data analysis of year-round residents by income and location. The campaign will offer time-sensitive discounts on bundled service packages that can be booked via click-through to the company’s website. Additional support will be provided by modifying the company’s existing print buys in area lifestyle publications. The look and feel of the campaign should convey the store’s warm, organic feel rather than scream “discount!”. Image and ambience remain vital components to the store’s long-term business model.

The result: Response data shows the e-mail campaign compiles an astounding click-through rate of 34%. Of those respondents, 52% purchase a service package. The store extends the discount to the respondents as a repeat offer at the time of service, and over 60% book a second service. All told, the store estimates repeat business tripled over the next 60 days. The company’s management team has expressed interest in adding targeted e-mail promotions to its long-term marketing strategy.

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Business card, letterhead and envelope system designed for Mercer Green, an upscale residential community located in Jackson, Miss. The identity system was developed as part of a larger brand development project for the home builder.

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This versatile, retro-inspired logotype series was developed for Yesterday’s Clues, an advertising blog that focuses on industry history. Because of the site owners’ need to adapt the logo to different format for various promotional materials, the logo was designed in a broader variety of proportional specifications. Yesterday’s Clues can be viewed here.

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The challenge: Create an easy-to-manage website that can expand its content and scope as this start-up company expands its reach.

The solution: Matt develops a clean, sleek design for the site’s front end, and an administrator side that gives the company plenty of room to grow. Matt utilizes the Joomla content management system to develop a site that’s as expandable as it is easy to manage. After just one training session, the company’s site administrator is able to quickly add videos, news stories and company updates. Still in the final phase of development, the site can be viewed here.

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Advertising/brand revitalization program for Kansas City restaurant group. Developed with Steve Hicks.

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The challenge: Amid a tepid economy and a glut of competitors offering slashed prices and discount promotions, this women’s apparel retailer struggles to find a way to stay competitive while maintaining its edgy, upscale brand. The store’s priors are down almost 40%, and a sluggish summer season has left behind a mountain of inventory with three months still remaining until high tourist season. The company turns to Matt to create a cost-effective promotion to generate revenue and clear space for fall apparel arrivals.

The solution: Elevation 7 utilizes a method called Concept Clearancing to develop an inexpensive, energetic sale campaign for the retailer. The goal behind Concept Clearancing is to transform a “sale” into an “event.” By targeting a handful of key calendar dates in the year (as opposed to running endless promotions) with a concepted sale that works within the brand’s image, the retailer can make an impact with consumers amid the barrage of competitor promotions. In this instance, the campaign targets upscale lifestyle magazines as its primary media source, supported by newspaper, radio and e-mail marketing. The “Awesome 80s Sale” concept fits comfortably within the company’s irreverant brand, and serves as an effective hook for the store’s target demographic audience. Inexpensive design elements (stock photography, etc.) are used to keep the company’s expenses in line.

The branded promotion proved extremely effective for the company, as the weekend event generated a revenue increase of 41% over the store’s prior clearance sale, and almost 20% above projection. Residual
store traffic increased over 15% over the next 30 days, and sales were up 18% over priors during that same period. The store’s owners have expressed interest in making Concept Clearancing a permanent part of
their business model moving forward.

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The challenge: This regional chain of neighborhood fitness centers has a strong target database of potential customers, but lacks a focused system to take advantage of the opportunity.

The solution: Matt devises an informational newsletter program, along with a direct mail campaign that features a strong call to action. The newsletter program (which includes a handy coupon section) can be easily maintained and updated by the company’s corporate staff, and offers a colorful and cost-effective way to communicate the company’s commitment to a healthy lifestyle. The newsletter is complemented by an energetic direct mail postcard campaign that takes advantage of the company’s contact list of home addresses. Each postcard features an aggressive coupon offer, and both the postcards and newsletters prominently feature links to the company’s website and social networking sites. The company recorded over 125 membership sales directly attributable to the campaigns within 90 days of launch, and an overall revenue increase of almost 73%.

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Four-color concert poster for Band of Horses, designed in Adobe Photoshop to promote the band’s Dec. 30-31 appearance in Atlanta.

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Four-color concert poster for Wilco, designed in Adobe Illustrator to promote the band’s Feb. 16 appearance in Calgary.

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The challenge: This busy photographer needs a portfolio website that’s easy to maintain, loads fast, and looks sophisticated.

The solution: Utilizing a lightweight javascript gallery and Wordpress blog architecture, Matt designs a site that’s as user-friendly as it is elegant. Despite being a self-proclaimed “non-techie”, the photographer is able to manage and update her site after just one hour-long training session. The javascript gallery helps speed up the site’s loading time — a must given her target market’s unusually high number of slow dial-up connections. Matt’s usage of the Wordpress blog system also gives the photographer plenty of room to expand the site as her portfolio grows, along with superior search engine visibility. The site (which was recently given a new design facelift by Elevation 7) can be viewed live here.

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The challenge: Marketing/publishing company features a business name that’s more ominous than alluring.

The solution: Blackdoor Ventures’ new logo utilizes a retro type treatment and a finish that says “moonlit drives and starry nights” to soften the hard edges of the company’s name.

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The challenge: Create brand identity, website and SEO/traffic campaign for irreverent sports news/opinion blog.

The solution: Don’t let the campy design fool you — a focused and aggressive traffic campaign was devised for this start-up site. And it’s worked. Unique visitors averaged over 1,000 per day within three months of the site’s official launch. With competition fierce for market share within the crowded sports blogosphere, Matt Tarr formulated a detailed traffic strategy for the fledgling site. While the site’s Wordpress architecture makes it easy for editors to manage and maintain, Matt formulated a series of training/practice sessions to implement the site’s web marketing campaign. Social networking and bookmarking sites were utilized to build a foundation of readers, and editors learned how to analyze trend and search data to maximize their traffic and revenue potential. The site can be viewed live here.

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The challenge: Apparel retailer wants to open their own wholesale division, but lacks a clear visual direction for branding of its fledgling women’s and children’s lines.

The solution: Matt works closely with the company’s executive team to develop a look and message that fits with the company’s spirit and energy. The resulting campaign combines a pastel color scheme with en energetic type treatment and the whimsical “Good, clean fun” slogan. The two-year-old wholesale division easily surpassed its first-year revenue projection, and second-year sales were 27% higher than projected goal.