Month: July 2015

Creating New Product Labels

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

As a new product is launched it is crucial that it has an attention grabbing label.  A label that is appealing to consumers is one that will sell products.  With new products entering the market place the buyer’s first impressions are what help move the product and hopefully create a lasting impression for repeat purchasing.  The label needs to be extraordinary to entice buyers into picking the item up and contain all the pertinent information needed to make a purchase.

There is no clear cut formula in label design when it comes to creating a label that will sell your products.  There are however certain criterion that should be considered when laying out the design for your new product’s label.

Colors: The colors used when designing custom labels influence the buying decision of consumers.  Each color and combination of colors works to entice customers to feel certain emotions.  Certain colors such as yellow and red encourage purchasing however these colors aren’t always the best choice.  If you are selling a certain feeling along with your product consider what colors work to create that same feeling and use them in developing your label.

Fonts:  Avoid fonts that are overused.  The goal is to create something unique.  The font that is chosen should also be easy to read and capture the personality of your brand and product.  For instance, if you are creating a label for potato chips look for a font that perfectly describes the crispy texture.  If the chip is bbq flavored consider adding additional font that represents the spicy tang of the flavor.  If the chip is pickle flavored consider using a font that exemplifies the sour, salty nature of pickles.

Company/Product Name: In order to be easily identifiable the label must always contain the company and or product name.  This is a no brainer in marketing.  This should be consistent amongst your company’s product to create a brand that is easy to identify quickly.

Ingredients: If it is a food or drug being marketed the label should contain the ingredients that make up the product.  This will allow consumers to easily identify allergens.  It is also a requirement set forth by the FDA to ensure that products accurately account for all substances used in creating the product.

Label Size/Type:  The type of label used as well as the size will be dependent on the packaging or container of the product.  Will the item require two labels, one front and one back? Should the label cover the entire container of leave some of the container to be seen?  There are many types of label options to choose from such as:  shrink sleeves, cut and stack, pressure sensitive, roll fed and flexible packaging.

Bar Code: A universal code placed on the product label helps to convey valuable information to electronic scanners.  It includes recognizable information to the scanner such as the product name, weight, price and such.

Contact Information: It is essential that your company’s contact information is clearly represented on the label.  This should include the company name, product manufacturer, company address, phone number and email address.  If your social presence is important to the company’s image add that information as well.  The contact information, stated visibly on the label, helps to encourage communication between you and your target market.

The factors above form a foundation that custom label and graphic designers should use to create and manufacture a label that encourages sales.

At Anchor Printing, we take pride in offering our clients cut & stack labeling, pressure sensitive labels, roll-fed labeling, shrink sleeves as well as flexible packaging options. Contact us today at http://anchorprinting.com for all of your product label design, printing and packaging needs.

 

 

Anchor Printing

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Challenges Faced In Product Label Design

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

There are many challenges that come with creating a label that accurately depicts your product and grabs the attention of your target consumers.  Not only do you need to create a label that is appealing to your market it must accurately represent your company’s brand identity.   This is the challenge graphic designers and label manufactures face when designing a label for a new product; especially when labeling food products.

Your label design must be eye-catching, reliable and unambiguous; this is the key to food product labeling.  This may sound like a simple concept however when introducing a new product to the market creating something that stands out, gets noticed and creates a purchase is far from easy.

Below are useful guidelines to help design an impressive label for your product:

Get to know your target consumer in depth:  When designing a product label you must first verify the target market and their desires.  It is important that there is clarity when it comes to what consumers are looking for before you begin creating a design concept.  It is important to understand the problems your target market are faced with and how your product helps solve them before beginning the label design process.

Decide what your information your label should contain:  The job of your product label is to sell your product.  It is impossible for product manufacturers to personally sell their product to each individual customer.  This is the job of the product label.  Your product should say everything you would want to say to a consumer if you were sitting in front of them.  The label should answer such questions as: what type of product is it, how the product is used and what ingredients are used in its creation as well as other such questions.  Convey the core values of your product on the label.  This is the information consumers look for to make an informed buying decision.

Establish the style of your product:  Part of your company’s brand images are the illustrations, fonts and colors that are used when labeling the company’s various products.  This should be taken into consideration when introducing a new product into the mix.  This will increase brand awareness when consumers are looking to select a product.  Positive brand recognition will bring awareness to new products that are available on the market.  When consider a style it is important to bear in mind the following: label colors, label graphics and label readability.

Graphic designers and label manufactures must work together with companies to create an attention grabbing label for their products.  The products label is the first step in compelling consumers to make a purchase.

At Anchor Printing, we take pride in offering our clients cut & stack labeling, pressure sensitive labels, roll-fed labeling, shrink sleeves as well as flexible packaging options. Contact us today at http://anchorprinting.com for all of your product label design, printing and packaging needs.

 

Anchor Printing

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Installing An Aluminum Pool Fence

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Having an in-ground swimming pool installed at your home is the ultimate in luxury and relaxation.  The pool area offers fun, enjoyment and memories that will last your family a lifetime.  It is important that the pool environment is safe to ensure those memories are favorable ones.  The last thing anyone wants to relive is an accident that happens in or around their pool area.  One of the best ways to make sure your pool is safe is with an aluminum pool fence.

Aluminum fence manufacturers offer a wide range of colors and styles to choose.  It is certain that you will find a decorative aluminum fence that compliments the exterior of your home as well as the homes landscaping and area surrounding the pool area.  Aluminum fencing is also easily customizable making it the perfect option to suit any size and shape swimming pool.

As with all pool safety features it is important that it is installed properly.  It is important to select a fence that meets the B.O.C.A. regulations.  It is also crucial that the pool’s fence is installed correctly.

Proper Aluminum Pool Fencing Installation Includes:

An area surrounding the perimeter of the pool clear of objects that children would be able to use to help them climb over the fence.  This can include such things as retaining walls, boulders, trees or other features within the landscape that can be stepped on to ease access over the fence.

An aluminum fence should be installed so that it completely surrounds all sides of the pool.  Some homeowners feel that hedges are enough to properly block children from accessing the area.  This is simply not true and is irresponsible.  The pool area must be completely enclosed with aluminum fencing.

When choosing an aluminum pool fence it is required that the pool is accessible through an entry gate.  The gate must be one that swings closed and latches without additional assistance.  This is ideal to ensure that the gate is latched helping to prevent accidentally leaving the pool gate open and the water accessible to young children or pets when unattended.

Swimming pool safety is of utmost importance to homeowners.  Aluminum fence helps to create an environment that does just this as well as being visually appealing.  Having a fence in place also helps to keep pets and wild animals away from the pool as well as security against vandals when not in use.

iFenceUSA offers the widest variety of maintenance-free, no-rust aluminum fences and gates in the industry! Whether you are a pool contractor, a building contractor, an architect, a landscaping professional, or a “do-it-yourself” homeowner looking for exceptional value and installation advice, you’ll benefit by buying wholesale aluminum fences shipped factory-direct to your home or business anywhere in America from www.iFenceUSA.com!

iFenceUSA

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Safe Swimming Pools With Aluminum Pool Fencing

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

When it comes to pool safety you can never be too cautious.  One of the leading causes of death among children under the age of five is accidental drowning.  Thousands of young children suffer near-death drowning injuries each year resulting in debilitating brain injuries from oxygen deprivation.  A solid defense against these life changing tragedies is a sturdy aluminum fence.  The addition of an aluminum fence along with safety conscious equipment and behaviors can help to prevent almost all accidents that are pool related.

Installing a solid aluminum fence is only one of the barriers used to separate children and pets from the pool.  It is arguably one of the most important however.  When choosing an aluminum fence it is important to purchase and install a fence that meets all B.O.C.A. regulations as well as the regulations set forth by your local government and homeowners associations.

The following are characteristics to consider when choosing a perimeter fence to purchase and install around your in-ground swimming pool.

Aluminum Pool Fence Requirements

Proper Height:  The minimum height requirement of pool fencing is forty eight inches (four feet) tall.  Decorative aluminum fencing can be purchased in a variety of heights and styles.  Taller fences work better of course to deter older and more active children from accessing the pool area unsupervised.

Sturdy Construction:  The installation of an aluminum fence is permanent.  It is not like other less sturdy pool fencing options such as mesh.  Aluminum is an incredibly durable, sturdy material for fencing and is perfect for the perimeter of a pool.  Aluminum is resistant to rust, chemicals and other environmental factors that it can come in contact with around a swimming pool.  Another benefit of aluminum pool fencing is the ease of maintenance.  No painting or staining is required to keep the fence looking as new as the day it was installed.

A Self Latching Gate:  It is required that any pool enclosure have a self-closing, self-latching gate as well.  Most every style of aluminum fence has a matching aluminum gate designed to compliment it.  When installing the appropriate aluminum gate add a padlock or other type of lock, out of the reach of small children as an additional safety feature.

Correct Bar Placement: The bar placement on your aluminum fence panels are important as well.  The horizontal bottom rail must be less than two inches from the ground.  This is crucial to keeping children and small pets from crawling under it in order to access the area.  It is also important if the decorative aluminum fence style you have chosen has a mid-rail it required that it is at least forty five inches above the bottom rail.

Incorporating the above, as well as the B.O.C.A. pool safety code can all be accomplished with aluminum fencing that compliments the landscape surrounding the pool area.  Aluminum pool fences are easily customized as well.  A reputable online fence retailer will assist you in the planning, designing, ordering and installing your new aluminum pool fence.

iFenceUSA offers the widest variety of maintenance-free, no-rust aluminum fences and gates in the industry! Whether you are a pool contractor, a building contractor, an architect, a landscaping professional, or a “do-it-yourself” homeowner looking for exceptional value and installation advice, you’ll benefit by buying wholesale aluminum fences shipped factory-direct to your home or business anywhere in America from www.iFenceUSA.com!

iFenceUSA

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Creating Safe Spaces For Seniors With Age In Place Remodeling

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Ever since the commercial with the elder lady lying on the floor yelling, “I can’t get up” has more emphasis been placed on seniors choosing to age in place.  Without breaking the budget it is possible to turn your loved ones space into a senior friendly environment that keeps them safe while allowing them the independence and freedom that they crave.

The one space to completely overhaul, if any, is the bathroom.  Most accidents involving seniors occur in the bathroom.   If your budget allows for it the best option is to take the existing space and tear it down to the studs.  This will allow you to change the structural base of improvements.

Start with widening the door entrance to a width that easily accommodates a walker or wheel chair.  From door to jam the opening should be at least thirty two inches.   Change out the door and upgrade to a sliding door.  This makes entry and exit even easier for seniors with mobility issues.

The next addition in renovating the bathroom space to accommodate aging in place is to install a shower that allows the user entry without a ledge.  A zero entry, roll in shower is ideal for users dependent upon wheelchairs or walker.  The best shower head to install for aging in place is one that can be removed.  Hand held shower heads allow users to get into hard to reach places normal ones don’t reach.   Install a built in seat in the shower as well.  This will allow older people to get off their feet while showering if the extended standing is too much for them.  Shower grab bars are essential on the walls to help with balance.

As we age the muscles in our legs start to weaken.  To combat this install an elongated toilet that sits at least seventeen to nineteen inches off the ground. This will help ease the stress put on older legs when transitioning of getting on and off of the toilet.  Installing grab bars that are accessible from the toilet are also beneficial to aging adults.

Bathroom flooring is another area that causes concerns when it comes to seniors.  Tile options are often slick, carpet in a bathroom is not an ideal option and neither is wood or the use of throw rugs.  Ceramic tile offers selections with added texture.  This is an ideal flooring option to add to a bathroom remodel, especially in age in place remodeling.

Additional lighting, both natural and artificial should be added.  Eye sight tends to fade as we age and extra lighting helps combat these issues.

Keeping our parents safe is our top priority while keeping their independence is of top priority to them; unite both in age in place remodeling.

The Home Doctor, based in Livingston County including Brighton and Howell Michigan, offers a variety of home renovations to clients ranging from bathroom remodeling to age in place home modifications.  Contact http://glenmillerthehomedoctor.com/ today all of your home renovating needs.

Glen Miller The Home Doctor

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Benefits Of Installing A Gunite Swimming Pool This Summer

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

It’s summer! Many families celebrate the arrival of the sunshine season by opening their pools.  In-ground pools are installed using a variety of different materials from fiberglass to plaster.  If you are looking to celebrate the arrival of summer by installing a new in-ground swimming pool consider a gunite, otherwise known as concrete, pool.

Gunite has many advantages over other pool materials.  Gunite is a type of reinforced concrete that is strong, durable and adaptable to most any desired size or shape.

For a gunite pool to be installed the crew will dig a hole around the desired space.  Then the pools plumbing will be put into place and a framework grid made from three eighths steel reinforced rods will be placed.  Once the grid is in place and secured with wire the crew will spray in a heavy coat of gunite in between and around the rebar that is in place.  The gunite is a mixture of cement, sand and water.  This mixture is then smoothed out by the crew and left to set for about a week or so before they apply the smooth plaster finish onto the rough concrete surface. The entire process takes between thirty to ninety days depending on your contractor and the weather.

Gunite is used in most luxury pools as it can be designed to any shape or size desired.  Custom designed pools are most easily created from gunite.  This concrete mixture gives the pool a more natural looking pool.  With the introduction of new designs families can use gunite to have a pool created to resemble a Florida beach, vanishing edges or even backyard ponds.

Advantages of a Gunite Swimming Pool

  • An in-ground swimming pool created using gunite is a permanent structure.  It becomes an extension of your home and works to increase the homes equity.  It also adds to the beauty of the landscape which works to increase the overall value of the property.
  • A gunite pool is more customizable and therefore unique and personal.  It may cost a bit more and take a few more weeks to install but are more than worth it.  You can literally customize the entire area and every little detail.
  • A gunite pool can use a variety of finishes including tile, exposed aggregate and even fiberglass.
  • Homeowners can work outside the box to seek a design created to reflect their home and personality.
  • Gunite is highly durable and can withstand climate changes when closed properly for the season.
  • A gunite pool will last a very long time.  The plaster protective layer will need replacing every ten to fifteen years which is easily completed by professionals specializing in pool plastering and repair services. 

Pound Pool Plastering repairs commercial and residential gunite swimming pools including coping, tile and plaster repairs. For more information or to request a quote, visit us at http://www.pound-pool-plastering.com/.

Pound Pool Plastering

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Installing Electronic Entry Driveway Gates

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

The number of electronic entry gates installed is increasing as new subdivisions are developed and privacy within ones home environment becomes more and more sacred.  With every electronic investment there come advantages and disadvantages to weigh.  Although the advantages outweigh the disadvantages when installing an electronic driveway gate there are disadvantages that must be considered.

One of the main advantages with an electronic driveway gate is the added security to your family home and property.  Anyone that enters the area must provide a secure connection to open the gate.  Gate entry comes in several different forms from remote controls to key pads depending on what the owner desires.  This reduces the number of unwanted visitors to the property as they are unable to enter the area due to a driveway that is blocked by a secure gate.  To allow visitors into the property the owner will need to open the gate.  This allows the resident to verify visitors before entry.

Another benefit that comes along with having an electronic driveway gate or entrance gate is the increase in value to your home.  It gives your property or subdivision an upper class status as electronic entries have become a symbol of wealth.  Buyers have noted choosing one home over another when looking to buy because of the addition of an entry gate.

Electronic gates have a convenience that older gates don’t; the ability to open and close them without leaving the comfort of their vehicles. When the weather is less than perfect or you get home later than normal there is no need to exit the vehicle to open and close the gate.   With remote controlled entry and gate operators the gate opens and closes from the convenience of your vehicle.

Gate operators are available in two different styles to choose from including swinging and sliding options.   Sliding gate operators are perfect for spaces with limited access as they conveniently slide into themselves when opening.  Swing gates are perfect when your space is unlimited and flat.

The main disadvantage that comes with purchasing and installing an electric gate is the expense.  It is a large financial commitment; though this home improvement cost is usually recouped with the increase in equity to the home.  Another disadvantage can come when choosing the material in which to use for your new fence.   If you choose a wooden gate you will need to provide yearly maintenance to keep it in working order unlike aluminum which is basically maintenance free.

Another disadvantage can come during a power failure or malfunctioning system.  This is true of all electrical components.  A battery backup can be installed to protect against power failures but nothing can fully prevent the inconvenience of a system that malfunctions.

As you can see the advantages far outweigh the disadvantages that come along with installing an electronic entrance gate. If you have the financial resources an aluminum entry gate is the ideal addition to any home driveway.

SAC Fence Michigan offers a variety of electronic entry gates, access control entry systems and fence options for homeowners to choose from.  You will find a variety of fencing options online at http://www.sacfencemi.com/.

SAC Fence

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The Unpredictability In Marriage

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

No one person fully understands why some marriages last while others don’t.  There are however some common elements that we see to why couples seek a divorce.  Some marriages fall apart because of a number of elements while others just seem to disintegrate for no reason at all.  The list below includes common elements divorce attorneys see in cases of divorce.  Knowing what causes a major to fail may help individuals avoid these failings when seeking a long term relationship in the future.

The most common reason men and women give that are looking to dissolve their marriage is unfaithfulness.  Infidelity causes approximately sixty five percent of all marriages to end.  The hurt that comes along with one spouse cheating on another is almost always a hurt that cannot be mended.  Marriages where infidelity occurs must take massive steps towards repair in order to survive.

Another common reason for divorce is financial disagreements.  Often one partner is a spender and one is a saver.  Instead of working together to determine an appropriate budget to meet both their needs the situation is often ignored.  This leads both partners to feel major resentment towards the other.  This cycle has many pitfalls that eventually lead to divorce.

Addiction is another main reason given as reason that individuals are seeking a divorce.  Addiction to sports, gambling, liquor, drugs or any other substance that causes one spouse to neglect another leaves one spouse feeling neglected and unloved.  In marriage neither partner wants to take a backseat in the others life.  When addiction occurs the person can no longer see the needs of his or her partner and therefore the downward spiral occurs. If you notice addictive tendencies in a person before you marry don’t think that just because they get married they will change. This simply does not occur.  It doesn’t matter what promises are made beforehand.

Physical attraction is most often the first thing that draws us into an attraction and therefore is one of the top reasons the attraction dissolves.  This sounds crazy to many of us however is a very legitimate reason involved in seeking a divorce.  One spouse may feel resentment towards the other if they have gained weight or their appearance has changed drastically.  This decrease in attraction can cause a lack of sexual interest both which result in a failed marriage.

Violence and physical abuse are also listed as top reasons marriages end in divorce.  If one spouse is verbally or physically abusive the marriage is doomed.  This behavior will become more and more violent especially if the abuser doesn’t recognize the issue at hand.  If one partner is unwilling to change a divorce is inevitable.

Immaturity is another common occurrence in marriage that leads one spouse to file for divorce.  Marriage is intended for two committed adults.  When one of these individuals fails to advance to the next level of maturity it can become too cumbersome a job for the other to take on.  Raising children on top of dealing with an immature spouse can become overwhelming.

Marriage is not to be entered into lightly and neither is divorce.  Divorce attorneys advise couples experiencing any type of conflict first meet with a counselor to seek out resolution before committing to a divorce.  After this process there will be clarity on whether a reconciliation can be worked towards or not.

Longton DM, a subsidiary of Longton Law Offices is a divorce attorney specializing in Women/Mom’s in divorce throughout Trenton and the surrounding Michigan areas. Find us at http://www.michigandivorcelawyerforwomen.com.

Longton Law

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Divorce Attorney Specializing In Men’s Well Being During and After Divorce

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Did you know that women file for divorce twice as often as men?  Any man that has gone through a divorce will tell you that the experience and effects it has on them is devastating.  It is important to make good choices before getting married.  Take into account the following information to help decrease the chances of experiencing any of these devastating outcomes.

Forty percent of marriages end in divorce.  This is an unfortunate statistic.  It becomes expected that people marry and therefore often occurs in haste.  Getting married is all too simple.  Perhaps if this process was more difficult fewer marriages would end in divorce.  Take time to really get to know an individual before you choose to get married.  Perhaps take marriage classes to better prepare you for spending your lifetime learning to compromise.  Marriage is a journey of two people learning to combine their lives into one.  If either person is not committed to this there will eventually be discourse.

With divorce as common as it is blended families are the new norm.  Sixty eight percent of children between the ages of fourteen and eighteen live in a blended family.  This may be the number one reasons that teen delinquency is on the rise.  Children in blended families often feel the effects of their parents’ divorce and suffer from ever feeling whole again.  They often feel that when their parents remarry they become less important.  New love takes over a parent’s attention which can cause children to feel neglected.

When men divorce the hardest adjustment for them to make is the one with their children.  It is an adjustment when they no longer see their children on a daily basis.  For divorced dads it is important for them to focus on their children and becoming involved in their lives.  It is crucial that they seek a parenting arrangement that allows equal parenting time.  This will help secure the bond he has with his children.  The worst thing a divorced dad can do is to think that visiting his children every other weekend is acceptable.  Children will come to resent a father that sends a check each week but only chooses to be a part of his children’s lives on the weekend.

Another difficultly in divorce is splitting friends.  Couples are often made to choose sides when their friends divorce.  Many times women end up coming out on top with the friends they made as a couple.  This leaves newly divorced men seeking new connections or lonely.  If the man is fortunate he will have remained in touch with his guys friends pre-marriage and they will become more important as he reenters life as a single man.

The list of undesirable outcomes goes on and on for men devastated by divorce.  Divorce is never the end we look at when entering into marriage however as statics show it is become increasingly common.  Before you look into marriage it is crucial that you are aware of the devastation that can occur for a man if a divorce becomes inevitable.  Divorce attorneys are often quoted saying that more devastation occurs for a man when going through a divorce.  Women often seek out support where as men do not thus leaving them alone to navigate newly charted water.

Longton DM, a subsidiary of Longton Law Offices is a divorce attorney specializing in Men/Dad’s in divorce.  For experienced representation throughout the divorce process in Trenton, Michigan and the surrounding area you can find more information at http://www.michigandivorcelawyerfordad.com.

Longton Law

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Creating A Presence For Your Business Online With Search Engine Optimization

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

The aim for business owners when developing a website and online presence is to show up at the top of internet search engines.  The goal is to standout above the competition whether you are online or in person.  To do this your business must include search engine optimization in their website design and marketing plan.  Search engine optimization, otherwise known as SEO, is the process of promoting your website to search engines in order to achieve higher rankings.  Different companies offer their own distinct methods to do this for customers.  Below are some powerful SEO strategies to consider and others to avoid when looking to increase your search engine rankings.

Your site must be optimized properly to engage your target market.  Bringing visitors to your site that are not your intended market is of no use to you as a business owner.  Your SEO must optimize your site to create traffic from your desired target.  Your content is what will help bring the traffic to your site if properly optimized; the graphic design and layout will keep them there.

Not only does the sites content need to be optimized the site itself should be built and coded in a manner that search engines can clearly identify what your business offers.  It is crucial that your site is optimized for several keywords and their variations.  Search engines analyze your site metatags in order to determine what your site offers.

When creating your sites backend metatags don’t keyword stuff or over optimize key phrases.  This is seen as a black hat technique and many search engines will black list your website until they see vast improvements.  Natural use of keywords within your site metatags is the best option to appease search engines.  Consider using several variations of your keyword throughout the backend of the site.  Analysis of your website should be conducted to ensure that your keywords and variations don’t comprise more than twenty percent of the sites content for optimum results.

When choosing a url be aware that this is also an integral part in SEO.  Your site url and page names should not only be relevant to the site content but also memorable.  When choosing a url for your site avoid the use of special characters as these make it more difficult for users to remember.   Add keywords and their variations to the sites many different pages. For instance a contact us page can turn into contact our search engine optimization experts.  Your base url needs to be simple and easy to remember.  Side page urls need to be site descriptive and optimized to bring the best search engine results.

SEO is an ever changing process.  Work with professionals in the search engine marketing process that understand they must adjust the techniques they employ as time progresses.  Using SEO techniques that worked last year is not a guarantee for success this year.  You must work with an expert that understands the ever changing ways search engines are looking for when ranking websites.

Computers Plus Service, in Brighton Michigan, provides a wide range of valuable services for residential computer repair as well as a variety of commercial computer services and SEO serivces to the entire Livingston County area including Howell, Brighton and the surrounding areas.  You can find out more about the services offered by CPS at http://www.cpsmi.com.

Creative Programs and Systems

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