In an effort to rid the Internet  of outdated, inefficient, bandwith-guzzling websites, we have launched an ambitious program at CSD called Cash for Web Clunkers. Spinning off of President Obama’s successful Cash for Clunkers program, which expired August 23rd, where owners were able to trade in their old “clunker” for a generous $3,500 or $4,500 towards the purchase of a new fuel-efficient car.

We are offering three enticing incentives to encourage owners of websites that are in serious need of an upgrade. 1) A 20% discount of our normally competitive pricing 2) Free Web Hosting for 1 year and 3) Up to 80 % financing at 0% interest for 1 year to qualified upgraders. Read more »

Tags: Branding, cash for web clunkers, design, internet, Marketing, search engine optimization, signage, small business websites, social media, social networking, web design, websites

There are many ways to promote your start-up company. Whether it’s with a well placed ad in the newspaper or magazine, a commercial on TV or radio, or an email blast, all of these come short from what a promotional gift can do. Simply because a promotional gift is something that they can use and enjoy as well. And it reminds them about your business every time they use it. Read more »

Tags: conference, free gift, hamburger phone, Juno, magic eight ball, promotion, promotional item, special event, trade show

As a trained designer I am always partial to exceptional design and design is always at the forefront of how I view the world.

I recently hooked up with an old college mate in LinkedIn who has his own design agency. His website was designed in Flash. The site was gorgeous, well designed, clean, simple, great typography and showcased his product offering elegantly. BUT, there was not a hint of optimization to be found. Read more »

Tags: design, search engine optimization, SEO, social media, typography

Like 99.9% of people, I like cookies. But nothing leaves a worse taste than cookie cutter designs made from cheap templates. All those boring templates for websites and clip art for logos offered for pennies on the Internet. But they’re so cheap, you say! I know, I know, but isn’t the point to set your brand apart? With those over-used template-based designs, it’s really not possible to have a custom logo or a custom small business website or custom, unique-to-your-brand anything.

Those templates and clip art-font combos are easy to purchase, by you and then anyone after you, as many people as they can sell ‘em to. A hundred companies could pretty much have your same logo. That’s hardly what we call a custom logo. Here’s the thing: ideas for a business may not be as unique as you think, but your brand can be.

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Tags: Branding, custom logos, logo design, small business websites, templates, website design

The Entrepreneur Resource Center (ERC) website portal provides helpful information to future entrepreneurs. The URL is: http://www.csdesignworks.com/startyourbusiness/.

“Even in these tough economic times, we think there will be a proliferation of new startups,” says Nick Chiechi, President of Manhattan-based CS Designworks. The firm has launched the Entrepreneur Resource Center to help.

The Entrepreneur Resource Center provides relevant and useful content for new businesses in three key areas: 1) Getting Started – all about logistics, 2) Establishing a Brand – creating a professional visual presence, 3) Getting the Word Out – how to promote a new business. The Entrepreneur Resource Center has organized all of the above in one easy-to-use place. In addition, The ERC has great links, ask an expert, fun polls and a blog called BizBlog.

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