North Coast Media, LLC

5 website mistakes to fix in the new year

By Diane Sofranec, Managing Editor

What is your New Year’s resolution? If it’s to have the best year ever, why not start by making your company’s website the best it can be? Your website gives the world a glimpse of your company; does it leave a good impression?

Take a long, hard look, and keep an eye open for mistakes. If you find any, be sure to correct them right away. Here are five common errors that may seem small, but could alter the perception the public has of your company.

1. Wrong copyright date.

On Jan. 1, be sure the copyright date on your website reflects the new year. Not only will the correct date protect you from visitors who think they can steal your content, it will give the impression that the information posted there is current and regularly updated.

2. Misspellings.

You probably have read the words on your homepage so many times you’ve practically memorized them. But that’s precisely why you may have overlooked a spelling error or two. Ask a trusted colleague to give it a once over. Be sure to pay particular attention to proper names and places, and correct whatever is wrong. An error-free website puts forth a professional appearance.

3. Outdated information.

Scan your website for such information as expired offers, reminders about events that have already taken place, and bios for staff that are no longer with the company. Pay particular attention to your “Contact Us” and “Events” pages, and watch out for phrases like “coming soon” or “register now.” Also, make sure your list of products and services is comprehensive, and add whatever is missing. Correct mistakes that give visitors the impression you never look at your own website.

4. Same old story.

If your “About Us” page has not been updated since your website went live, now is the time to make it current. If your company has since won an award, received good press, or relocated to a bigger office, add a sentence or two that shows how it is evolving and growing.

5. Nothing new.

When your homepage looks the same every day of the year, visitors may mistakenly believe your company is stuck in a rut. Start off the new year by showcasing something different. This time of year, many companies are reflecting on how their industry is changing and whether they are meeting their customers’ needs, so put this information to good use. A simple change now may give your business a boost.

Resolve to make your company’s website the best it can be. It’s a sure way to get the year off to a great start.

Friday Favorites: Pest Management Professional

Best of 2015, as picked by the editors

The issue: Pest Management Professional, August 2015

Selected by: Editor Heather Gooch

When I was asked to choose my favorite PMP cover story from 2015, my initial thought was, “How can I choose? I love them all!”

I’m still quite proud of all the work we’ve done throughout the year, but I do have a favorite: the August issue.

“The Buzz on Pollinator Policy” takes an in-depth look at how the Screen Shot 2015-12-17 at 2.44.23 PM White House Pollinator Plan, issued May 19, directly affects the professional pest management industry. We interviewed associations, consultants, business owners and technical directors, and we did a timeline of the history of bee colony disorders. For example, did you know that the phenomenon now known as Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD) was first documented in 1869? It’s not as new of a problem as one might think.

Our coverage was a team effort, from Senior Editor Will Nepper and Editorial Director Marty Whitford to now-Managing Editor Diane Sofranec and myself. We uncovered so much information, in fact, that the topic spawned a follow-up story in our October issue, where we rounded up reaction and insights from six major manufacturers affected by the policy.

In 2016, our first priority will continue to be to our readers — as it has been since our founding as Exterminators Log in 1933. We will continue to break down the issues that affect the industry, and help put them into context.

Craig MacGregor named Associate Publisher of Landscape Management

CLEVELAND, Ohio — December 17, 2015 — North Coast Media is happy to announce the promotion of Craig MacGregor to the position of Associate Publisher for Landscape Management.

MacGregor joined LM in January 2012 and has doubled his annual LM sales from 2012 to 2015. In that same time, MacGregor has excelled on the digital media side, working with the digital team to pioneer the concept of the platinum digital sponsorship. He has grown his annual digital sales from $18,000 to nearly a quarter million dollars in 2015.

Beyond the numbers, MacGregor has played an integral role in the revitalization of the LM brand—enthusiastically getting the word out about the rebranding/redesign; always coming up with new ideas and opportunities to help his clients grow their businesses; and demonstrating a true team-player attitude.

MacGregor’s office is located in North Coast Media headquarters at 1360 East 9^th Street, Suite 1070, Cleveland, OH 44114. He can be reached at 216-706-3787 or cmacgregor@northcoastmedia.net.

Inside the GPS World redesign with VP of Design Pete Seltzer

Pete Seltzer has more than 20 years of experience as an art director and has spearheaded dozens of magazine and brand redesigns since he began working in publishing. He sits down with NCM Insights’ Bethany Chambers to talk about his latest project, the redesign of GPS World magazine and related properties, which launched last month.

Q: Before you get started on a redesign, where do you look for inspiration?

A: We base our redesigns on reader and advertiser research. Using the research results in combination with industry expertise provided by our staff, we affirm the brand essence. The brand essence identifies the audience, their key need, our value proposition, proof of that value proposition and the personality of the brand. Visual cues reference all of these aspects. Additionally, one of the questions we ask readers is what consumer magazines do you read on a regular basis.

Q: Why do you ask this, and what did you find out?

A: This gives us a feel for what they like, both from a content standpoint and an aesthetic one. GPS World readers also read Scientific American, Popular Mechanics and The Atlantic.

Q: Once you have inspiration, which elements do you start with for a redesign?

A: Creation of the logo is the cornerstone for the redesign. It should project the brand essence, personality and tone for the overall redesign.

Q: The new GPS World logo is drastically different. What stands out about it to you, and how many iterations were there in the redesign process?

A: What’s key about this is how we arrived here. Typically a tagline is something that is added after the logo development and is not necessarily essential to the logo itself. The tagline in the GPS World logo is not a tagline really; it’s part of the logo. It’s the brand guideline to never use the logo without it. These are the key sections we cover.

Q: So to say there were more iterations than usual would be correct?

A: Absolutely.

Q: How do you pick colors/themes for the design?

A: Creation of color palette and themes are born out of the editorial strategy for a brand redesign. Colors/themes should support and reinforce editorial approach, as well as personality of the brand. Special consideration should be made for the audience demographics.

Q: The new color palate of GPS World has earthier tones as opposed to the previous bolder, more saturated colors. What does the new color palette say about the brand and the audience?

A: I would describe the colors as more muted but still masculine because a good portion of our audience is male. This is more sophisticated and reinforces the technical feel of the brand.

Q: What would you say is the most important element of a redesign project?

A: I would rate selection of fonts as one of the most important elements. Ease of readability is a core function, while finding the right combination of display and text font families that work well together is also key. The fonts’ secondary purpose is to further reinforce the personality of the redesign.

Q: What stands out to you about the new GPS World fonts?

A: The display type has a technical flair and the body copy has an ease of readability.

Q: What makes this design more effective than the previous design?

A: By definition, a redesign updates the presentation of the brand—that in and of itself is window dressing. However, by also conducting research and re-examining the brand essence in an effort to serve our audience (which is readers and advertisers both) to the best of our ability, we are confidently providing a more effective design presentation.

How to make a good impression at your office party

By Diane Sofranec | Managing Editor, Pest Management Professional

Office parties offer a unique opportunity to make a good impression. If you look and act professional, your colleagues and managers will see you as an asset to the company.

Too often, employees ruin their reputations at office parties. These tips will ensure your coworkers never discover you can’t hold your liquor, you like to dress like a tramp, or you think your boss is hot.

Behave yourself. Conduct yourself like the valued employee you are. Don’t even think about telling offensive jokes, puking all over the place, or hooking up with your office crush in the bathroom. Engage in polite conversation, avoiding politics and religion. Ask about holiday plans, keeping in mind people celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanza. And don’t complain about work; this is the one time of the year your coworkers will want to skip the subject.

Be friendly. Make an effort to chat with coworkers you see regularly but are too busy to get to know. Better yet, introduce yourself to colleagues you haven’t yet met. Cultivating new contacts now may make it easier for you to advance your career later.

Don’t overindulge. Although your company is picking up the tab, an office party is not the place to drink and eat as though you’ve just ended a hunger strike. Go easy on the food and especially, the booze.

Dress appropriately. By all means get festive, but don’t go overboard. Keep it tasteful and classy. Wear clothes that are suitable for a work event because that’s what an office party is.

Give thanks. Take a moment to personally thank your boss and/or the owner of your company — for a great year, for throwing a holiday party, for the holiday bonus if you’re lucky enough to get one. Don’t put it off; do it just as the party gets underway. You may miss your chance if they duck out early or are deep in conversation.

Don’t miss out. Maybe you would rather spend the evening with your cat and the latest issue of People magazine, but those in charge of the party will notice you’re not there — and that won’t be good for your career. Make an appearance and stay long enough to ensure your coworkers see you there.

Attending your office party can be fun if you think of it as a way to give your reputation a boost. Be professional and maintain your composure at all times. If clients are invited too, that’s all the more reason to keep your behavior businesslike.

Friday Favorites: LP Gas

Best of 2015, as picked by the editors

The issue: LP Gas, August 2015

Selected by: Editor-in-Chief Brian Richesson

Looking back on the past year and thinking about the work we did at LP Gas magazine, I’d have to pick August as my favorite issue.

And that’s not just because we featured my waist on the cover, with a handgun holstered to my belt. It’s because we took a controversial topic suggested by a reader and turned it into a successful cover story. For that, I credit Megan Wilkinson, our associate editor, who surveyed our readers, conducted interviews and assembled a comprehensive package on whether retail propane operations have concealed-carry policies in the workplace.

Turns out, about 25 percent of propane retailers we surveyed have an official policy. Whether that’s for or against allowing employees to carry during work hours, for or against allowing weapons on company property, these retail propane operations have a policy in place for their employees and/or customers. The article helped answer the questions: Why did some retailers choose to implement a policy? If they don’t have a policy, would they consider one? We’d love for you to take a few minutes and read the article. Let us know what you think, and let us know what other key business topics we can explore in our pages.

This August issue was a team effort. LP Gas Managing Editor Kevin Yanik organized the photo shoot and also modeled the guns on his waist and ankles; photographer Martin Eisert made these pictures shine; and our design team, led by Kim Traum, put all of the pieces together. I also can’t forget Ryan Bockmuller, business development manager for North Coast Media, who allowed us to use his guns for the photo shoot. Bockmuller helped those of us less knowledgeable about the weapons to strap them correctly to our waists and ankles. It’s also worth noting that he stressed safety throughout the entire process.

This August issue preparation really was a memorable experience. I wonder what 2016 will bring.