Today, digital marketers use Google Analytics to keep track of their marketing campaigns, observe traffic and understand user behavior. Yet, Google Analytics offers so much data that it can be overwhelming to understand what to look for when keeping track. Make data interpretation seamless by using Google Analytics API. Find out what this tool is and how you can leverage it for better marketing outcomes. 

What Is Google Analytics API?

Google Analytics API is a tool that allows businesses to access the data they’ve collected on Google Analytics in a more customized way. Instead of viewing the reports Google gives you on its analytics dashboard, the API lets you create applications tailored to your needs. Or, it integrates the data into other systems. In other words, Google Analytics API acts like a connection between two software applications for each to communicate with one another.

The tool itself is valuable for marketers. It lets them dig deep into the data, pull out specific insights and use them to craft better marketing strategies. Instead of a one-size-fits-all approach, marketers can now design data-driven campaigns. In turn, they get to target specific audiences with higher precision. 

When using this API tool, businesses can ensure their marketing efforts are intuitive and backed by concrete data. This leads to better results and, eventually, a higher ROI.

How to Set Up Google Analytics API

Now that you know Google Analytics API may serve your marketing efforts much better than utilizing the regular version, here is a step-by-step guide for setting it up.

Step 1: Start a New Project in the Google Cloud Console

The first move to getting Google Analytics API is to start a new project. To do this, go to the Google Cloud Console site and sign in with your Google account. 

Once signed in, you’ll land on your dashboard that shows all existing projects. In your dashboard, locate and click on the ‘Project” dropdown menu at the top right. A panel will slide down from here. On the top right of this panel, there’s a ‘New Project’ button for you to click on.

A page will open asking for project details, so be sure to give your project a name. Then, set the location by choosing a folder. Once you’ve filled everything, you can hit the ‘Create’ button. 

Step 2: Enable the Google Analytics API

Once you’ve started a new project in the Google Cloud Console, enabling the Google Analytics API is the next crucial step. First, access your project in the Google Cloud Console at the top of the page, where your project name is displayed. 

On the left side of the screen, you’ll see a hamburger icon. Click on this to open the menu and click ‘API & Services .’ This will lead you to a dashboard where you can manage and enable various Google APIs. Go to the top center of the page and click ‘ENABLE APIS AND SERVICES.’

Search “Google Analytics,” and a list of related APIs will appear. Look for “Google Analytics Reporting API,” and click on the first one you see. From there, a detailed page about the API will pop up, where you’ll click on a button labeled ‘Enable.’

Once you enable it, you can move forward with setting up credentials.

Step 3: Create Credentials

You’ve enabled your Google Analytics API. Now, you can create the necessary credentials to authenticate and connect your application. To do so, ensure you’re on the overview page of the API you enabled. On the left sidebar, click on the ‘Credentials’ tab and click ‘Create Credentials.’

From the dropdown menu, you’ll most commonly select ‘OAuth 2.0 Client ID.’ This type of credential is designed for applications that require access to a user’s Google Analytics data. Before creating the OAuth 2.0 Client ID, you may need to configure the OAuth consent screen. 

This screen informs the users about who is requesting access to their data and for what purpose. Fill in the required fields. After this, you’ll choose an application for creating your credentials. Choose one that matches your use case. Then, fill in the necessary fields, click ‘Create,’ and save your details.

Step 4: Use the Client ID and Client Secret to Access the API

The details you’ve saved will have your Client ID and Client Secret. You’ll use these credentials to access your Google Analytics API keys. These keys allow your software to authorize access to Google Analytics. To permit access, users will need you to grant permission and fill in their authorization code.

Using Google Analytics API for Marketing

Now that you have Google Analytics API set up, make the most use of it by following these tips for better outcomes.

Custom Data Integration

One of the major advantages of the API is the ability to integrate your analytics data with other business platforms and databases. This means you can combine insights from different sources, offering a further view of your customers. For example, connecting your sales data with website traffic lets you see which marketing channels are most profitable and optimize accordingly.

Automate and Customize Reporting

Rather than manually pulling data, use the API to automate daily or weekly reports created for your specific needs. That way, you ensure you’re always tracking the metrics most crucial to your marketing goals. From there, you can make adjustments and thoughtful decisions to help you reach your objectives.

Uncover Deep Behavioral Insights

The API provides a deeper look into user behavior beyond a standard dashboard. With it, you can analyze detailed behavior flow and segment users based on various criteria. Doing so enables you to understand user journeys and improve certain areas of your website. For instance, suppose your goal is to gain more website traffic. You can create content strategies and use the data from Google Analytics API to keep track of this. 

The Do’s and Don’ts of Using Google Analytics API

When using Google Analytics API, you must be careful about leveraging it. Here are a few do’s and don’ts to keep in mind.

Do’s

• Have a clear goal: There should be a purpose in using Google Analytics API. Ask yourself what you need to accomplish, then let that guide your decision on which metrics to follow.
• Keep your API keys secure: The credentials you set up contain sensitive information. Always keep them safe.
• Use the Google Data and Feeds API: The API consists of two feeds of information. Use the Google Feeds API to obtain information about your website visitors, such as the search engine they used to visit your site.

Don’ts

• Make things complicated: The API does give you access to large amounts of information. However, you should only request the data that aligns with your marketing goals.
• Overlook testing: It’s always better to test your implementation of Google Analytics API to ensure you’re capturing the correct information.
• Ignore documentation: Google gives you documentation for your API. Use this to understand your API better and familiarize yourself with how to use it.

Achieving Marketing Success With Google Analytics API

Google Analytics API is an essential tool for marketers to achieve higher outcomes. With it, you can gain access to data in a more organized manner and craft strategies based on customized reports. Use it to move from broad approaches to more precise targeted campaigns. This tool is your stepping stone to marketing success through data.

The post How to Leverage Google Analytics API for Better Marketing Outcomes appeared first on Designerly.

With technology constantly evolving, there are more tools and programs that can help businesses with their daily tasks. One of these tools is a Learning Management System (LMS). An LMS has many benefits and could be a valuable asset to an organization.

However, not every LMS is created equal and some of them might not make sense for a small business. With so many different Learning Management Systems available, it is essential you pick the one that best fits your business needs. Here is everything you need to know about an LMS and the best ones for small businesses.

What Is an LMS?

A Learning Management System is a tool that helps organizations build training courses and provides access to these courses to the intended users — employees, partners or customers. A company can use an LMS for training its employees, onboarding new staff, training customers on new products or retaining knowledge for employees.

An LMS has two different interfaces — one for employees and one for administrators of the organization. The user interface is where learners — staff, business partners or customers — access all the courses and training information. On the other side, the admin interface is where a business can plan training modules, monitor learner progress and add more users.

Different Types of Learning Management Systems

A business LMS differs from an LMS used by educational institutes. The difference between the two is the features available and the maintenance of the system itself. A school’s LMS usually receives fewer updates and changes in features.

A business LMS on the other hand could receive frequent changes and updates that improve the experience for learners and admin users. These tools are also available as either cloud-based or self-hosted systems.

In a self-hosted system, the organization installs the LMS software directly on its hardware. This option is less popular but in some cases, specific industry legislation could prohibit businesses from using the alternative.

A cloud-based system is where the tool is accessed online. Most LMSs available are cloud-based and provide users with the option to access them from anywhere. This option is the obvious choice for most businesses.

The Criteria That Make an LMS Great For Small Businesses

While each LMS will have its own set of features, they need to meet specific criteria to make them usable for a small business. Here are four criteria this LMS list is based upon.

1. The cost: Is it affordable? An LMS should be affordable for the business and not a financial burden. Many available systems charge per user, but there are some LMS platforms that charge a monthly fee regardless of the number of overall users.
2. User-friendly: A system that is hard to understand or use will benefit no one and is counterproductive. The interface needs to be easy to understand and not confuse its users. Look for systems that provide a great experience while also presenting the training materials in a way that is fun and beneficial for the learners.
3. Different learning groups: Different roles require different training materials. Ensure you can create groups for distinct employee roles. This will increase the user experience and allow staff only to learn what is necessary for their position.
4. Integrations: When choosing an LMS, ensure it works with the software your business already uses. Consider making a list of the applications your business utilizes and when selecting an LMS ensure it has the necessary integrations you require. This will allow you to automate repetitive tasks and apply focus to other tasks that need your attention.

Benefits of Utilizing an LMS

A learning management system provides many benefits for employees and the business. In addition to all the other software a business utilizes, an effective LMS works with your business and its tools, not against them. Here are a few of the benefits:

• More time efficient: Traditional onsite training takes a lot of planning and time. With an LMS an employee can access the training courses whenever needed. One of the main advantages of an LMS is the learners can set their own learning pace that works best for them.
• Reduce costs: Onsite training is expensive with all the events needed — the presentations, conferences and training exercises. With an LMS all of this is taken care of for you.
• Easily change learning materials: After time things change and become outdated. Learners will no longer need to use books or videos — as learning materials — that have become irrelevant as time passes. With an LMS you can easily keep your courses up-to-date with new information.
• Improves the learning experience: With an LMS, everything is made easy for learners. All the information and learning materials are in one place which they can access whenever needed.
• Better management capabilities: Most LMS software allows businesses to automate repetitive tasks. Administrators can easily monitor when employees log onto the courses and track their progress. This helps managers efficiently support their employees, customers or business partners throughout the learning process.
• Access from anywhere: In addition to learning at their own pace, employees can also learn from anywhere. If they have free time on their morning commute, they can access the training courses or simply study in the comfort of their homes. In the past, remote employees still needed to come into the office to receive training, but with an LMS, remote employees can receive their training online.

The 3 Best LMS for Small Businesses

There are many different LMS software available, but not all of them make sense for medium-sized companies or businesses just starting out. Here are the three best LMS software for small business owners.

1. LearnUpon

LearnUpon is a great cloud-based LMS that is suitable for small and large businesses. It offers many features and also has the option to create groups for different employee roles. LearnUpon also has e-commerce features and allows companies to sell their courses online.

Features:

• E-commerce features
• Ability to sell courses online
• Customizable options — create groups for different roles and employees
• Certification options available
• Engagement features — earning points and badges
• Many integrations available

Benefits:

• Mobile app
• Has features that can motivate users
• Create custom learning paths
• Well-designed interface
• Many customizable options available

Drawbacks:

• Often overwhelming for new users
• Offline learning is not available with the mobile app
• No authoring toolkit
• Can only make limited changes to published courses

2. TalentLMS

TalentLMS has many features that make this an excellent choice for small businesses. They also have a store where you can purchase different courses — you need to upgrade your plan to unlock this feature. This LMS has a low learning curve and the interface supports over 30 languages.

Features:

• E-commerce features
• Different integrations available — Zapier, Salesforce and Zoom
• Engagement and gamifying features to motivate users
• Create courses with a drag-and-drop builder
• Custom reporting options

Benefits:

• Has a free plan available
• Has a mobile app — offline learning available
• Supports over 30 languages
• Engagement features
• Many integrations available
• Custom reporting
• Option to buy courses from the store

Drawbacks:

• Themes are basic
• Reports are limited
• Can’t export content to SCORM
• Customer support needs work

3. iSpring Learn

This LMS is straightforward to use and provides you with many customizable options. It provides a great user experience and has gamified features that encourage learners. It offers detailed reports to businesses and learners can learn offline thanks to the easy-to-use mobile app.

Features:

• Mobile app with offline learning
• Gamified features
• Advanced reporting
• Integrates with many core business software
• News feature available for employees
• 360-Degree Performance Appraisal module

Benefits:

• Has a 30-day free trial available
• It has a detailed authoring tool
• Provides technical support
• Interface is customizable
• Easy-to-use interface with a low learning curve
• Offers engagement features

Drawbacks:

• No e-commerce features available
• No xAPI, PENS and LTI support.
• Limit chat options — no discussion board
• Can’t sell courses

The Best LMS for Your Business

With so many learning systems available, it is essential you choose one that effectively aligns itself with your business needs. An LMS should integrate with your business and avoid creating new obstacles to overcome. Remember, the best LMS is the one that works for you, your employees and business.

The post The 3 Best LMS For Small Businesses appeared first on Designerly.

Let’s say you’ve started creating a website using a premade template or surfed around the internet, accidentally stumbling upon unfinished website shells. The text filler phrase “lorem ipsum” juts out at you like it’s familiar. Why?

It’s time to explore the world of filler text and why it is an essential part of design, although lorem ipsum and its variants read like gibberish. 

What Is Lorem Ipsum?

Lorem ipsum is a text filler known as a dummy or placeholder text. It is pre-populated text to assist designers in visualizing how large quantities of text will interact with their design elements. Using nonsense fillers like this is also called “greeking.”

The phrase “lorem ipsum” came from the Roman philosopher Cicero. He wrote a text entitled “De finibus bonorum et malorum,” where the term “dolorem ipsum” appeared. Sound familiar? The phrase was eventually shortened to “lorem ipsum,” mulling its original meaning, as it roughly translates to “pain itself.” Typesetters began using text filler in the 1960s for physical media, which inspired digital media to implement it in the 1980s.

More extended versions of lorem ipsum are still pulled from the original Cicero, but they are snippets and phrases from sentences rather than full excerpts. Translations of dummy text will yield somewhat readable, but mostly nonsense, ideas. Designers needed mindless text they wouldn’t get distracted by, hence using the distorted Latin.

How Text Filler Informs Design Choices

A well-placed lorem ipsum has a more considerable impact on design choices than you may realize. It reinforces other principles of website design you may follow. Eventually, what is written on the site may later influence design. At this stage, artists can move forward without concerning themselves with how the meaning of the content impacts practicality, user experience, and user interface.

Because of the amount of text, it is an opportune time to experiment with typefaces without needing all of the specific copy at the ready. Therefore, you can provide a client with a website design, and they can give feedback without feeling pressured to have pages and pages worth of content at their disposal. 

It could inform design changes once you finalize the templates and populate the actual copy onto the site. Perhaps a text box doesn’t need to be as large if there aren’t enough words to fill the space. 

How does that interact with images on side banners or navigation? It is not usually an overhaul, but professionals should consider this potential to avoid getting too attached to what they have created. A worst-case scenario could lead to a total or multiple designs. However, the possibility is unique to the designer’s existing process and the client’s needs — it may not be due to the text filler alone.

Additionally, text changes will require constant minor manipulations of the aesthetics and functionality of a website. And using text filler in different degrees will allow workers to visualize variations of the bones of their design.

How Dummy Text Influences Design Priorities

Lorem ipsum and other text fillers have recently become more prominent in conversations because they alter designers’ mindsets. Some argue that relying on dummy texts forces designers to assume that copy is secondary to design — which is not valid. They synergize and rely on each other to shine. Excellent design does not make up for poor copy, and engaging writing does not make up for old-fashioned aesthetics and UI.

Controversies and nuanced questioning like this spark alternative dummy text templates to arise. The world doesn’t need more filler text, but some value participating in expanding its potential to overcome these mental divides between designers and writers.

Why More Text Fillers Exist

Only some people like lorem ipsum. Despite the advantages it can provide designers without getting distracted, you might experience the opposite effect. You could argue the appearance or hilarity of the nonsense disrupts the flow and hinders productivity. 

It is especially true for designers who have the fear in the back of their minds that they will forget to remove portions of the text filler when they publish the final site. Many finished products still have lorem ipsum text floating around, which reduces brand credibility and designer reputation. It also hurts SEO. When Google crawlers stalk around looking for duplicate text — which could resemble plagiarism — repeated lorem ipsum text boxes might hurt ranking.

Another consideration is overreliance on lorem ipsum. Despite its spliced origins, it provides a balanced appearance to copy. Inputting live copy may leave designers and clients underwhelmed because lorem ipsum guided too many of their decisions. 

Text filler is meant to keep web developers from being distracted by the meaning of the text. It doesn’t prevent them from being subconsciously guided by how it looks. Therefore, text filler has the potential to be deceptive, which is why people have made alternatives.

What Alternative Text Fillers Do That Lorem Ipsum Can’t

People have created hilarious yet practical alternatives to lorem ipsum. Though it may decrease productivity from the start, the benefits of using other text fillers might refine designers earlier in their development rather than in revisions.

Hipsum, standing for hipster ipsum, is a dummy text generator that uses modern slang with an option to combine it with some Latin. Once you click “Beer me,” it presents you with an entertaining lorem ipsum alternative. The benefit of hipsum is it uses numbers, all caps, and special characters, showing a greater variety of how text can look and feel on the page. Writing a website in English also helps to have words closer to what will be on the site versus the unfortunate babble of a dead language.

Catipsum, inspired by your furry friends, is another quirky version of a text filler. It has a similar benefit to hipsum. You can visualize more relevant words but it also includes stylistic and potentially grammatically incorrect aspects. A lowercase “i” in the middle of a sentence might appear, or a hilarious “zooooom.” These silly incorporations may not seem helpful, but it depends on the website’s brand voice. You can start your generated dummy copy with “Cat ipsum dolor” as a funny nod to the classic.

Here are some other amusing ones to try if you’re feeling inspired to see how they influence your workflow:

• Fillerama, including text from TV shows
• British ipsum, for an English twist
• Legal ipsum, for legal-adjacent language
• Sagan and deGrasse Ipsum, with language inspired by these scientific greats
• Monocle ipsum, for high-brow diction — sometimes in a different language

Text Filler as a Necessary Element of Design

You may have dismissed the power of text fillers in your design process in the past, but take a step back to consider how it could have made your design what it is today. Do you have a positive relationship with lorem ipsum? Or are you on the side of the argument that denotes a time for change?

Regardless, clever employment of text filler can make or break the beginning stages of website design. They provide concrete evidence of how a website will look for clients when it’s fleshed out. They inspire you to rearrange or adjust your typeface. The possibilities are endless if you embrace its utility and manipulate it to your needs.

The post Text Filler: How Gibberish Provides Value appeared first on Designerly.

Your dashboard’s design elements should be understandable at a glance, look visually appealing, and fit within the bounds of a mobile device’s screen. Making everything work together can feel challenging, but it’s much easier when you have help. Here’s how you can elevate your dashboard with mobile design tips.

1. Understand Your Objectives

Before creating your dashboard’s mobile design, you need to determine your objectives. The purpose of data aggregation and visualization determines the dashboard’s overall appearance. First, you must decide if yours is operational or analytical. 

An operational dashboard focuses on quickly delivering as much relevant information as possible. For example, if you were displaying information on stocks or traffic, you’d want the UI to be simple and easy to understand because the situations are time-sensitive.

On the other hand, an analytical dashboard provides an overview of the most critical information available. This kind includes things like marketing trends or key performance indicators. The data you display and its purpose will determine which type you should use. Consider who your audience will be and how they need to be able to view it.

2. Prioritize Your Data

A mobile user should be able to view everything important right when they open the dashboard. Since you likely can’t fit everything on the first screen, you must choose only relevant information and prioritize your findings. Everything should have a clear purpose and connect to your objective.

For example, if you were designing your dashboard to display audience statistics, it would be more important to include demographic data over the number of premium subscriptions they’ve bought. Even if the information seems important to you, it might not be relevant to the dashboard or your audience’s objectives.

Consider what’s most important to your users, then incorporate it. Your aim shouldn’t be just to include the most critical data right away since everything should connect. Think about how everything relates to each other before you settle on something.

3. Choose Relevant Visuals

There are dozens of kinds of tables, charts, and graphs, so you need to determine which fits best in a dashboard with a mobile design. For example, while a pie chart and bar graph could both display demographic data, the first option is the clear choice. On top of being more visually appealing, it’s much easier to read.

However, you’re not bound to charts and graphs. Although they are a great way to deliver information, sometimes simplicity is key. For instance, if you had a statistic as simple as new users, you could just display the number on its own. 

You can get as creative as you want as long as your objective and design elements remain clear. That being said, it’s best to stick to the classic mobile design rules. Keep things simple, flat, and easily translatable. Users should be able to instantly recognize what your graphics mean and how to read them.

4. Determine the Layout

When making a dashboard with a mobile design focus, the right layout is critical. It’s one of the most essential parts because it determines many other visual decisions. Even after determining which data you’ll prioritize, you must still choose how to display everything. 

Most people block each statistic into separate spaces to make things easier to navigate and read. While you could technically put anything anywhere, your dashboard will be much more effective if it is cohesive. Users should be able to see the relationship between data points at a glance. 

The size and spacing of each design element affect how users view and interpret the data. Since visual hierarchy simplifies navigation and information absorption, it’s crucial to consider it when constructing your dashboard’s layout. The best approach is to draw up multiple layouts to compare which ones work best.

5. Figure out Your Design

The color, contrast, and saturation of your dashboard in a mobile design can make or break it. Unappealing visuals can throw users off, even if you have a solid layout and easy-to-understand statistics. Try to make your design elements look simple and appealing.

The regular graphic design rules bend at this point since you’re dealing with data visualization. While a purple monochromatic chart may look great, it makes the information more confusing to the user. You have to use unique colors that contrast well so they can immediately see the distinction between data points.

Design elements and graphs should be consistent with one another. If everything looks visually connected, the user understands the UI better and can adapt faster. For example, if you expand a chart when they tap on it, they’ll expect other things to behave the same way. It’s important to understand their expectation and design your dashboard accordingly.

6. Incorporate White Space

Although it’s good to show the user as much relevant information as possible when they first open the dashboard, filling all of the available room clutters it. Even if you have white space between each design element, the charts and graphs can get confusing to interpret if they don’t have enough.

Make sure you include plenty of empty space throughout your dashboard. Finding the best balance on mobile can be challenging when you have so much information to display, but it’s necessary. Even if you can’t fit everything where you want it, the user won’t mind scrolling down to see the rest.

7. Include Supporting Design Elements

Tooltips display relevant information to help users. If you include them in your dashboard’s mobile design, they can elevate it. The ability to have hidden clarifying details is vital when you’re working with limited space. Since they only appear when a user interacts with something directly, they’re a fantastic workaround to clutter and blocking. 

Although dashboards are for showing the maximum amount of relevant information as quickly as possible, some users might want to immerse themselves more. For this reason, it’s a good idea to include tooltips to give them the option.

Additionally, it’s wise to include small, subtle graphics to help the user understand the visuals better. While a bar graph counting new customers normally takes a second to interpret, a small arrow representing gains or losses makes it understandable at a glance. Feel free to experiment with icons, animations, and graphics until you find something useful.

8. Implement Tactile Feedback

As of 2021, over 63% of people use their mobile devices to go online. Most have grown to expect standard features like tactile feedback, meaning you should implement it in your mobile design. You can integrate it with tooltips for a more engaging experience.

Even if you don’t want to create custom visuals or animations, you can still slightly darken what they engage with or vibrate their device. If they know the dashboard recognizes their input, they’ll feel much more involved. This feature aims to make the user feel like their interactions matter and they’re being heard.

No matter what approach you take, every button or interactable design element should be large enough so the user can read it properly. Additionally, their placement should reflect how mobile focuses on actions like swiping and tapping.

Enhance Your Dashboard Design

A dashboard has to simplify complex information to be easily understandable by everyone. It’s a big ask, but it gets much easier once you know the right tips and tricks. People will appreciate additions like tooltips or tactile feedback since they improve the user experience.

The post How to Impress Users with Your Dashboard Mobile Design appeared first on Designerly.

Website backgrounds are something that many people don’t think about when it comes to design. Typically, they pay more attention to other website components to ensure they’re usable, on brand and look great. Though background designs don’t always get as much attention as other parts of a site, they are just as important. 

Backgrounds on a website were plain in the beginning. Yet, now they have a more engaging effect to keep users attracted to the look of your site. From colors to images, a perfect background makes all the difference in a visitor’s experience. However, designers must use the right techniques to keep site users returning for more.

The Importance of a Strong Background Design

A good background design is crucial for several reasons. For one, they enhance the navigability of the website. Backgrounds with strategic creations help users know where to look and what to do on a site. When a website guides visitors, they stay longer — which is great for SEO and retaining users. 

Another reason that backgrounds are important is that brands need to enhance their awareness. Companies need to have a distinct look online. With all of the similar products and services offered on the internet, it can be challenging to stand out. However, branding attracts the right people — certain aesthetics or colors can serve this purpose. 

Plus, different businesses need special backgrounds. An e-commerce clothing store for young girls would choose fun and colorful backgrounds. On the other hand, a bank would have something simple and professional.

Moreover, this piece of your website tells part of your brand’s story and who you are as a company. When visitors first land on the homepage, they can immediately understand what your company is all about. So, choosing the right background is essential for any business.

Different Background Design Techniques to Try

Website background designs can come in many variations. However, the one you use will depend on your business and audience needs. 

1. Try a Hero Image Background

A hero image background is a large, eye-catching photo or graphic covering a website’s top part. It’s often the first thing people see when they visit a site. When people land on the homepage, the image of the background sets the mood, grabbing the attention of visitors and telling them a little about the business or website. 

It’s like the cover of a book where it gives you a quick idea of the story inside. Hero image backgrounds are useful, as they effectively engage the visitor and make your site bold and beautiful. 

When using a hero image, make sure it’s high quality and relates to your site’s main idea. You want to be sure you’re depicting the site’s main message clearly so you immediately show visitors who you serve. 

Additionally, the image should be clean and simple. Any text or buttons should contrast well with the background. In other words, be sure the hero image complements instead of competes with your site’s content.

2. Use Gradients

A gradient background is when one color smoothly changes to another color. It could be something like the sky at sunset, where blue transitions into pink. However, you can use any color combination you desire. 

Designers use gradients because they can give a website a modern, sophisticated look. They’re also useful in guiding a visitor’s eyes to important site elements, such as a sign-up button or special message. Therefore, they’re great for creating focal points for the audience. 

Gradient backgrounds are great for capturing your audience’s attention, but choose colors wisely. Be sure to choose ones that go well together and fit your website’s mood. A sudden change from bright green to dark blue could be too jarring. 

Yet, you also want the background to be subtle. If it’s too bright or bold, the look can distract visitors, so it’s important to let your design breathe. 

3. Consider Patterns

Pattern background designs are repeating shapes. The pattern could be geometric, where shapes with different angles and lines fall seamlessly in a symmetrical line. The way the pattern looks is up to you. However, many site owners use this look because it adds depth, personality and a specific feel.

It can make a site seem elegant and fun or simple and professional. Either way, the consistency of a repeating pattern looks aesthetically pleasing to the eye. 

If you choose to go with a pattern, make sure it’s simple enough that it doesn’t take the visitor away from the site’s main purpose. It’s a good idea to choose muted colors and subtle looks. 

Also, it’s important that you ensure the text is easy to read. It can easily overwhelm the user if the overall design is unbalanced.

4. Bring Your Website to Life With Animation

Website backgrounds with animation are fun. They bring parts of a website to life with movement. These types of background designs make your website attractive and high-quality looking. They can make for a great user experience, too. 

That’s why animated backgrounds are useful. They grab attention and make a website feel dynamic. When done right, you can immerse the visitors and make them feel like they’re stepping into a live story.

Plus, motion graphics are on trend, and they can immediately tell visitors about your brand in a captivating way. 

When using animation, ensure it plays in the background smoothly. A slow-moving video provides a pleasant experience. Yet, before you launch your site, make sure you check to see how it looks and functions on different devices. Doing so ensures it works properly and creates a great user experience for everyone. 

5. Go Simple With a Solid Background

A solid background is always a go-to design choice. It uses only one color without any patterns, textures or animations. 

Solid background designs make an excellent choice because they’re simple, clean and direct focus. Such backgrounds ensure the site’s message or products stand out clearly without distractions. They guarantee your website’s content is legible and the contrast has the right balance.

When choosing a color for your solid background, consider the emotions or feelings you want to convey. For instance, blue can feel calm and trustworthy, while red may be bold and energetic. 

Always use a color that complements the overall design and branding. You want to ensure the user can see the other site pieces clearly but still create an impression you want to give.

The Website Background Design Choice Is Yours

These website background design techniques are the most popular choices you’ll see today. However, various other options live in the design world. When creating your website, choose one that helps you stand out. Doing so will differentiate your platform from others and make it more memorable. Yet, it should also align with your brand’s aesthetics and make sense for your business goals.

The post Boost Your Website’s Look With 5 Background Design Techniques appeared first on Designerly.

Adobe InDesign has long been the go-to software for graphic designers. It provides some of the best tools for layout and publication design. It has always had a great reputation but is one of many choices. 

Some designers opt for alternatives to save money or prefer a simpler interface. Others may choose InDesign alternatives due to certain features it may not offer. For instance, you may seek software that caters specifically to your industry. 

While InDesign offers many features, you may seek something more flexible or specialized. If Adobe’s offer does not fit your needs, there are better alternatives to consider.

1. Microsoft Publisher

Microsoft Publisher has a user-friendly layout designer with a wide user base and simplified features. As part of Microsoft’s Office suite, it sits comfortably alongside Word, Excel and PowerPoint. For those that know Microsoft’s systems, Publisher provides a familiar touch. It has an easy-to-use interface like Microsoft’s other applications.

However, when compared to Adobe InDesign, Publisher’s toolkit appears somewhat limited. You may find it’s missing extensive typography options and color management tools. Yet, Microsoft 

Publisher still makes a great choice for small businesses and beginning designers. Its simple nature ensures even those with limited design background can easily use it. If a straightforward design experience is what you’re after, Publisher delivers.

2. Postudio

Postudio offers a refreshing approach to design, as you can use it as an on-demand creative studio entirely in the cloud. This platform has a suite of post-production tools, ensuring creators have access to their projects anytime. 

What sets Postudio apart is its pay-as-you-go model. Whether editing for two hours or twenty, you’re billed solely for the time you spend. It eliminates hefty upfront fees and only charges for actual usage.

From intricate color grading tasks to animation and editing, Postudio has lots to offer. The platform’s flexibility allows for seamless tool switching as required. Moreover, Postudio offers collaboration and security. Teams can work in real-time with live collaboration features through a centralized storage system. This ensures assets are easily accessible and modifiable by permitted users.

3. Affinity Publisher

Without hesitation, Affinity Publisher makes a strong contender against InDesign. Launched in 2018 as the third in Affinity’s suite, its experience feels similar to InDesign. Affinity Publisher provides numerous layout tools for print and digital media. You can even import InDesign files, including raster and vector files. Plus, it has a pre-flight checking system to ensure your designs remain error-free.

However, Affinity Publisher is exclusively for PC and Mac users. Although, it integrates seamlessly with its sibling apps, Affinity Designer and Affinity Photo. While an iPad version is yet to be released, users can still interact with Publisher files through the iPad versions of Designer and Photo. Overall, it has a mix of user-friendly features and affordability, making it a top alternative to InDesign.

4. Scribus

Scribus is an open-source InDesign alternative for those seeking a budget-friendly design tool. As a free desktop publishing software, it compares well to its pricier counterparts. While it may not match InDesign’s full depth, Scribus packs a punch with various features. It has color management abilities, such as color separations, color blindness separations and CMYK. 

Additionally, its PDF support and ability to edit vector illustrations make it versatile. Scribus’s interface also mimics InDesign. Although, mastering its tools may require some time. As a beginner, you’ll appreciate the template options available to help you get started. Plus, Scribus has frequent updates and dedicated support. 

Scribus is ideal for making magazines, brochures and much more. However, its biggest limitation is the inability to import files from other programs like InDesign. 

5. QuarkXPress

QuarkXpress makes a great InDesign alternative. Though Adobe InDesign frequently takes the spotlight, QuarkXpress has a great toolkit and a large following. It has a strong offering of typographic controls, layout and color handling. 

Another thing is the option to buy QuarkXpress outright instead of paying for a subscription model in the Adobe plan. You can purchase it up front, but it has a $299 maintenance renewal plan you must pay to support updates. 

The platform is easy to transition to if you’re an InDesign user since it supports its file imports and offers integration with other design tools. However, you might find it to be a slight learning curve as a first-time user. 

When compared to Adobe InDesign, you’ll also find it rich in features but not as vast as its counterpart’s plugins and resources. Still, it supports web content creation, built-in image editing and illustration. Though they’re somewhat basic, you get the consolidation of tasks within a single platform.

6. Swift Publisher

For those seeking publishing software that’s easy to use and affordable, Swift Publisher makes a great alternative to InDesign. With an intuitive interface, Swift Publisher simplifies your design processes. Users can dive into its library of templates, graphics and layouts for various projects, including newsletters, business cards and flyers.

One standout feature is its clipart and image library, offering numerous quality visuals to enhance your designs. While it may not have as intricate typography or features as InDesign, its cost-effectiveness makes it valuable. 

Swift Publisher suits those on a budget or in small business. Its one-time purchase model makes it a practical choice without compromising design quality.

7. Marq

Marq — formerly Lucidpress — is great for beginners and those desiring a user-friendly alternative to InDesign. This platform has a drag-and-drop interface and offers a large amount of free and paid templates. Therefore, you can ensure you’re creating content efficiently, whether digital or print. 

Marq integrates with Google Docs, Dropbox, YouTube and more for content import and publishing. While it may not be as feature-rich as InDesign, its ease of use makes it an ideal starting point for beginner designers. Plus, the platform’s access from any device sets it apart from tools like Swift Publisher. The free version offers a taste, but a $10 monthly subscription becomes essential to access its full potential.

Making an InDesign Alternative Choice

You can see there are plenty of InDesign alternatives to choose from, but the final choice comes down to your needs and budget. Are you looking for something in-depth or basic and affordable? Consider reviewing the highlights of each publishing software to narrow your options. Take advantage of the free trials and test a few to see which of these you like most. The top selection will come down to your budget, skillset and feature preferences.

The post The Best InDesign Alternatives: A Breakdown of Top Design Tools appeared first on Designerly.

One of the best ways to incorporate good vibes and nostalgia into a design is using an 8-bit font. They evoke whimsy and fun that sans and serif will never be able to compete with. Despite 8-bit’s apparent rigidity, they’re wonderfully versatile and distinct. These are some of the best 8-bit fonts on the market with varying price ranges. Challenge yourself to incorporate them into your designs and advertisements — even if it isn’t for a video game or arcade.

1. Daydream

The font looks like what it claims — it doesn’t have the stark angles of traditional video games but rounded edges that look like a video game daydream. The softer edges combined with the identifiable square edges resemble Nintendo clouds. It’s an ideal option if you’re looking for something more lighthearted, whether for a book jacket or banner ad.

Cost: Free

2. Early GameBoy

Nintendo fans would recognize these pixels immediately. As the name suggests, the font replicates the style of the original GameBoy from Nintendo. Even if you never played one yourself, the quintessential thin and thick weighted letters are easy to read yet playful. It includes an entire number set with limited special characters, but it’s enough for more minimal designs.

Cost: Free

3. Pixtile

This font marries a few classic hobbies — video gaming and sewing. The shapes resemble old cross-stitching and textile patterns, which gives it its punny name. It is more malleable to a wide range of design intents because it isn’t inherently associated with video games and merely consists of pixelated squares. 

Cost: Free

4. 8-Bit Arcade

The name of this one hints more about its on-the-nose inspiration. You could see this appear on 80’s video game cabinets in retro films or at your nearest barcade. The 8-bit arcade-style is a dream for aspiring video game designers trying to keep the classic style alive and well. It maintains a strictly uppercase lineup with bold, wide shapes that work well for outlining or jazzing up with color.

Cost: Free

5. Retro Kiddo

Imagine you blended 80’s video games with a 90’s aesthetic — in that beautiful stylistic medium, you get Retro Kiddo. The kit comes with multiple color variants in eye-catching color palettes. One is seafoam letters with yellow and purple outline detailing, and the other is yellow letters with more blurred pink and purple outlines. Designers have all the vectors they need to craft a perfect t-shirt or social media banner.

Cost: $15 for desktop

6. Birch Leaf

Imagine you put in a floppy disk or CD-ROM, depending on your age. You open a fantasy game that starts in a tavern, and it regales you about your adventure. This is the font that represents that energy. The designer of Birch Leaf wanted to exude that vintage charm with its 8-bit style and curly accents. This font contains upper and lowercase letters. The flourish is mainly in the capitals, allowing more outstanding readability. 

Cost: Free

7. Wayfarer’s Toy Box

Wayfarer’s Toy Box has enough intrigue to separate it from other 8-bit fonts. Its interesting angles and unintuitive directions make it unique while still being approachable. The modern style makes it feel old and new at the same time, a perfect bridge for designers who want the aesthetic without going too classic.

Cost: Free for personal, subscription-based pricing for obtaining a commercial license 

8. Vermin Vibes 1989

Vermin Vibes 1989 has an edginess other 8-bit fonts just don’t have. The sleek angles give designers more options on how to angle it. You could make the font look good horizontally or turn it against triangle vectors for an even cooler appearance. The sharpness of the letters makes almost any orientation feel intentional. The white space in the E’s and R’s make it easier on the eyes, especially with the font’s thickness. 

Cost: Free for personal, subscription-based pricing for obtaining a commercial license 

9. Johto

Named after the original location of Pokémon, the Johto font resembles the old games while being simplistic enough not to put itself into a box. Avid gamers will recognize the indiscriminate pixels by their width and shape, but for regular observers, it is a simplistic 8-bit font that’s easy to manipulate. The font family has several variants, including Mono and Sans Regular, if you’re curious how it looks with different spacing and height.

Cost: $21 per style

10. 04b_30

Meet the brainchild of bubble letters and 8-bit. It has similar roundness to Daydream, but 04b_30 is straighter and has details that make it appear like the bubble shapes have a reflection for more personality. The font shows off its quirky numbers and how they differ in size from the letters. Its peculiar proportions add pizzazz to any design, immediately making it memorable to any viewer.

Cost: Free

11. Pixel 2

Pixel 2 is a highly customizable font, which lends itself to be slightly more restrictive. It is a scalable vector graphics (SVG) font. 

SVGs are only compatible with particular versions of Photoshop and some Mac computers, so check these specs against your preferred machine and tools first before downloading. Despite the limitations, the format allows for more creative edits in its grid-style letters. Add gradients for compelling branding and drop shadow accents to make it stand out on any background.

Cost: Requires subscription to download

12. Minecraft

It is another font that speaks for itself — the famous font used in Minecraft. Just because it is for a specific game doesn’t mean you can’t find creative ways to employ it in a design. If anything, it will make game-savvy customers attach themselves to art because of the association. Much like a few other fonts on this list, it is plain enough to where it doesn’t impact the viewer’s experience of the font if they don’t know where it is from. It has more memorable characters than other 8-bit fonts, so if you need that, this is the font for you.

Cost: Free

13. Crang

The left-justified lines of Crang give it structure and flair. Similar to Vermin Vibes 1989, it leverages angles to give it character. However, this font is thinner. It doesn’t take up as much space on the page as other 8-bit font styles. It has a whopping 693 characters, including every accent and symbol you could ever want.

Cost: Free

14. Pixel Bit

Pixel Bit gives an airy, sci-fi twist to the 8-bit structure. It blends thick, black lines with extra pixels that make the letters look like they are dissolving. They are spaced far enough apart to where the stylistic choice doesn’t detract from its clarity. The package includes the option to make the extra pixels come from any direction. It is perfect for merchandise, or even light animations that could make the pixels look like they’re floating. It is an innovative version of 8-bit fonts designers could have a lot of fun with, especially with personalizing the floating pixels.

Cost: Requires subscription to download

Get Retro With a Nostalgic 8-Bit Font

8-bit fonts are not exclusive to video games but give that comforting atmosphere. It also encompasses more than squares and sharp edges, though these are trademarks. Modern reimaginings give this style new life for designers inside and outside the gaming industry for never-before-seen interpretations of the classic style. How creative can you be?

The post 14 8-Bit Fonts for Classic Video Game Aesthetics appeared first on Designerly.

With the introduction of ChatGPT, many people are trying to understand more about artificial intelligence. They are interested in knowing how it functions and how it is connected to machine learning (ML). Here is a deep dive into AI models and how they work.

What Is an AI Model and Why Is It Important?

Artificial intelligence generally refers to a machine or program that can replicate human intelligence. All of this happens in real-time. An AI model is a program that can analyze data to identify patterns it can use to make decisions and predictions.

Naturally, if the model has more data, the accuracy of the predictions is better. While AI has undoubtedly advanced in recent years, true artificial intelligence has not been created yet.

AI models are important because they help people or organizations solve problems. Many models can automate tedious, time-consuming or dangerous tasks and allow humans to focus on other essential operations.

These models can solve intensely complex problems if they have access to large data sets. To aid with identifying patterns to form assumptions, AI models use different technologies such as machine learning, computer vision and natural language processing.

Is an AI Model and a Machine Learning Model the Same?

An AI model and a Machine learning model are not the same. ML is an area within artificial intelligence. As mentioned, an AI model is a program that analyzes a database to form predictions. As the name would suggest, ML is a series of algorithms with the ability to teach itself.

In other words, one is a machine that replicates human intelligence behaviors and the other one is a machine with the ability to teach themselves how to learn and operate. The difference between these two is very important.

A vital concept to understand is that all ML models are artificial intelligence, but not all AI is machine learning. To make this easier to understand, try to think of it in terms of vehicles. For example, all cars are vehicles, but not all vehicles are cars — trains, bicycles, motorbikes, tractors and buses.

When ML is added to AI, the machine becomes inherently smarter. It now possesses the ability to learn for itself. Machine learning is not a program but a series of algorithms that work together.

A machine with an ML model will learn from past experiences and decisions. This allows it to increase its intelligence the more it learns from data and these experiences.

4 Different Types of ML Models

Knowing the various machine learning types is essential to understand the different AI models. Many AI systems are based on these ML models.

1. Unsupervised Learning

Unlike other machine learning models, this one does not require people to train it. Instead, it uses software. The machine or algorithm seeks to identify patterns in data to learn from. This learning type is excellent for discovering patterns and using data to form conclusions or decisions.

2. Supervised Learning

This learning model is not trained on its own but through a human who teaches it what to look for. This model gets its name from someone supplying the algorithm with data — meaning it is supervised.

This learning type is frequently used for predictive analytics. This a popular model and many algorithms use it, such as linear regression and decision trees.

3. Semi-Supervised Learning

This model combines the two learning methods discussed above. A human trains the algorithm and then software takes over. The software continues from where the person stops. In general, this learning model is suited for descriptive and analysis operations.

4. Reinforcement Learning

In this learning type, the algorithm learns by interacting with its environment. Based on this process, it will receive either a positive or negative reward. This model requires more computing power and is not as frequently utilized as the others.

6 Different Types of AI Models

There are many various AI models. While some of these share similarities, they are not the same. All of them have their unique advantages and disadvantages. While there are many models, here are the six most common ones.

1. Deep Neural Networks

As machine learning is a part of AI, deep neural networks (DNN) are a part of ML. DNN closely resembles a human brain with its neural network. This model has multiple layers where it assesses various variables.

DNN utilizes these layers to combine the variables to form a single conclusion or value. Deep neural networks are one of the most popular models within AI and ML.

It is responsible for making AI technology more intelligent. DNN is also the leading candidate for getting humans closer to developing true AI.

Deep neural networks are particularly good at solving complex problems. They can provide excellent performance in the applications they work with. For example, DNNs can provide great value in mobile development in terms of speech recognition and image classification.

There are also three types of deep neural networks.

• Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN)
• Multi-Layer Perceptrons (MLP)
• Recurrent Neural Networks (RNN)

2. Linear Regression

Linear regression is another popular AI model that seeks to find a connection between input and output variables. Data scientists frequently use this model. This is because linear regression is suited perfectly for work with statistics.

Linear regression utilizes independent variables to calculate the value of dependent variables. The dependent changeable is the response variable and the other is the explanatory variable.

Linear regressions follow the supervised learning model. Many sectors, such as banking, health care and insurance, utilize this model.

3. Logistic Regression

This model is similar to linear regression but has some notable differences. Logistic regression is also used for finding a connection between dependent and independent variables.

However, what sets it apart from linear regression is that it makes assumptions around categorical variables instead of continuous ones. This model is primarily used in solving classification-based problems.

4. Decision Trees

This model gets its name due to the way data is categorized. The divided data resembles the outline of a tree, hence the name. Decision trees are a very common AI model and follow a simplistic process.

Decision trees form predictions based on the data on it’s previous decisions. This model starts with a root node and then, with the help of branches, forms other decision/internal nodes. Decision tree models are great for solving classification-based or regression problems.

5. Random Forest

The best way to describe this model is to envision multiple decision trees within each other. A random forest model creates various decision trees. Each tree is made up of its own data it trains itself on and then combines all of them to arrive at a calculated conclusion.

In other words, it considers all the trees to form decisions and predictions. Like regular decision trees, this model solves regression and classification-based problems.

6. Naive Bayes

This AI model is based on a mathematical formula from the 18th-century — Bayes Theorem. It is named after the mathematician Thomas Bayes. The formula is for calculating conditional probability — the chance of an outcome occurring based on past events under the same circumstances.

The Naive Bayes AI model follows this principle to a certain extent. For example, it assumes that the appearance of one feature does not affect the presence of another one. In other words, the model thinks all predictors are independent.

This is why the model is called naive because most of the assumptions are almost always false. Hence the name. The Naive Bayes is simplistic and particularly good for solving classification problems.

The Power of AI Models

AI models assist humans in solving tasks. They make life easier for us and can help to solve complex problems. As this technology advances, it will become more widely implemented in industries.

The post A Deep Dive Into What an AI Model Is appeared first on Designerly.

Advertising and marketing expand to more physical and digital regions yearly. A new social network or innovation in billboard marketing reminds small and large businesses to recognize what is new and trending. Technology advances, forging new opportunities for corporations to connect constantly, and crafting high-quality B2B marketing channels is the best way to establish brand reputation and long-standing relationships.

What Are B2B Marketing Channels?

Business-to-business (B2B) marketing channels are all avenues companies leverage to connect with corporate clients. They encompass on- and offline marketing strategies. The objective of B2B marketing channels is to diversify your advertising portfolios. Having a beautiful website is not enough anymore, despite how much helpful information it contains. Consider radio advertisements or a social media plan too.

Diversification and extended reach are the most prominent benefits, but high-quality channels demonstrate thought leadership and authoritativeness. It also improves the customer journey through omnichannel marketing.

You may have seen a social media post for a promising startup that could have been an ideal collaboration. Going to the “About” section of their Facebook does not include a website link, and digging through old posts and photos makes it hard to find consistent contact info. Roadblocks prevent customer engagement and discourage lead generation. 

Omnichannel marketing, which prioritizes analysis of all consumer touchpoints, fills the gaps that would otherwise present as obstacles. Decreasing resistance for B2B partners streamlines their experience while providing peace of mind to marketers. 

The 14 Life-Changing B2B Marketing Channels

Remember — the goal is to have plenty of quality B2B marketing channels, not necessarily possess every single one. Understand how your customers engage through their journey before determining which channels are the most important to them and perfect these first. So, which channels are the most profitable and tempting for B2B clients?

1. In-Person Events

Face-to-face interactivity between other leaders in the sector is the most impactful way to make an impression. Conferences, field marketing, and trade shows are more valuable than a follow-for-follow strategy on LinkedIn. In-person events forge meaningful connections and allow hands-on demonstrations and personalities to shine when pitching your ideas.

2. Search Engine Optimization

Find your way to the top of search engines with SEO. Strategies include writing user intent-focused content and providing helpful resources through smart keyword implementation. SEO strategies are data-driven, so execution can only happen with reliable analytics in your toolkit. Additionally, SEO changes all the time — you must stay on top of changes in the meta to stay relevant with B2B channels.

3. Word-of-Mouth and Community Engagement

In-person events provide a catalyst for community building. However, the difference in this B2B marketing channel is how it thrives. Community engagement leads to word-of-mouth, which only occurs if B2B consumers stay engaged and feel a part of the brand’s development. You want to create a family atmosphere despite the corporate language and desire for profit — it’s where the most successful and meaningful marketing channels flourish.

4. Account-Based Marketing

A marketing campaign can be too generalized, even if you research a target audience or base it on geography. Account-based marketing selects a few B2B prospects and designs marketing campaigns personalized to those top-tier accounts. They feel they receive more attention, which engages the marketer more with learning about the client.

5. Retargeting and Remarketing

These terms have coinciding goals, but the execution is unique. Retargeting focuses on placing advertisements in front of eyes that are familiar with your product but never turned into a lead. The retarget adjusts the ad based on customer interactivity. Remarketing attempts to reconvert and upsell prospective or interested customers, for example, through email marketing. The two work well together but have subtle differences that make them equally important.

6. Research and Case Studies

Collaborate with a research firm to perform some groundbreaking research. Filling a knowledge gap in your sector’s niche makes headlines and impresses B2B partners with your initiative. Undergo case studies, publish results in e-books, and work on whitepapers to spread the word about what you’re trying to unpack. The benefits are increasing publicity, continued relevance, better SEO through backlinking, and internal inspiration to keep working to unravel the mysteries of your industry.

7. Conversion Rate Optimization

CRO focuses on directing leads to act, such as signing up for a mailing list or adding something to their cart. Ultimately, guiding customers to do these actions increases the likelihood of lead generation. Designers and marketers make this successful with process improvement, website enhancements and testing workflow.

8. Pay-Per-Click

This is when advertisers only pay when prospective leads click on something. PPC is a cost-effective way to only pay for what you get in B2B marketing channels. Shelling out countless dollars for ads people block with extensions feels defeating, but with PPC, there is a certainty you only pay for a potential lead.

9. Mail

Whether email marketing or using direct mail, sending a letter digitally or physically never gets old. In 2021, direct mail earned almost $10 billion in revenue alone in the United States, asserting its continued value in the face of email trends.

10. Content Marketing

Online content is a great way to strut knowledge and participate in industry conversations. Blog writing, for example, can respond to B2B leads, suggest innovations, connect thought leaders, and boost reputations in Google while you’re at it. In content, you can blend other B2B marketing channels, like affiliate or video marketing, to maximize its value.

11. Social Media Marketing

It is the most classic B2B marketing channel nowadays — most businesses cannot survive without some form of online presence on social media. You don’t have to create a profile on every single one, but dedicating an entire team to this would not be a bad idea, especially when sliding into B2B DMs.

12. Online Events

In-person events are one thing, but COVID-19 normalized and popularized online webinars and digital workshops. It is an inexpensive way to connect with more individuals more sustainably and flexibly, especially when the aim is to gain more global B2B consumers.

13. Sponsored Content With Entertainment

YouTube and TikTok videos, podcasts, and all influencer marketing avenues are a prime opportunity for sponsored content within the lens of entertainment. Marketing segmentation helps with this because you understand what kind of content your B2B friends consume. 

14. Guerilla Marketing

This type of marketing incorporates the element of surprise. It is meant to induce shock or exhilaration, such as a random art installation or underground party. It is a way to share more interests and intrigue beyond what your brand does or sells. It is a conversation starter as new friends attempt to find where their Venn diagrams overlap.

Experiment With These Top B2B Marketing Channels

It is time to go outside of your marketing box. Every technique here has the potential to drive leads if they attach to your customers’ experiences and preferences. Becoming more familiar with them and testing the channels will lead to numerous insights over time — results are not immediate. 

However, they reward savvy companies in myriad ways as they hone in on what matters. Businesses cannot flourish without organizational partnerships — authentic, customer-focused B2B marketing channels make those connections impenetrable.

The post The 14 Best Lead-Generating B2B Marketing Channels appeared first on Designerly.

Finding a free Illustrator alternative similar to the original is surprisingly easy. There are plenty of great options with better features and usability at no cost, making Illustrator obsolete. Here are some of the best tools available.

1. Vectr

If you’re looking for an intuitive, free Illustrator alternative, look no further than Vectr. This vector design tool is web-based, so users can use layers, elements, shapes, brushes, images, snapping, and alignment tools from the comfort of their browsers. 

Here’s what it does best and what it could do better:

• Strengths: Amazingly, it has generative artificial intelligence tools to streamline the creative process. Its powerful features include a chat function for collaborative work, tutorials for beginners, and dozens of practical templates. 

• Weaknesses: Vectr is only available with an internet connection. Also, it locks certain features and shows ads to people without a premium subscription. It only costs $10 per year, but most looking for a free Illustrator alternative don’t want to spend anything.

This design and editing software is simple but gets the job done. However, having features locked behind a paywall can frustrate those who want to escape subscription-based services. Users can access Vectr on its website since it’s a web-based tool.

2. SVG-Edit

SVG-edit is a web-based design and editing tool. It’s simple, intuitive, and great for beginners. Users can use the brush, shape, text, image, grid, layers, covert to path, and duplicate tools.

Here’s what it does best and what it could do better:

• Strengths: It is intuitive, easy to learn, and offers all of the standard tools. 

• Weaknesses: SVG-edit is bare-bones compared to some of its competitors. While the user interface looks slightly outdated, the icons are recognizable to those who used Illustrator. 

To get ahold of this free Illustrator alternative, simply go to the SVG-edit website and use it. There’s no need to log in or create an account, but the creators encourage users to do so since it lets them save their progress and work.

3. Adobe Express

Surprisingly, Adobe created a rival to its own software. It might seem odd that it offers a free Illustrator alternative, but there’s no need to question a good thing. It has generative AI tools to create images or custom fonts. On top of that, it offers thousands of professional templates, stock images, collaboration capabilities, and customizable brand kits.

Here’s what it does best and what it could do better:

• Strengths: Its powerful AI, real-time collaboration tool, and ease-of-life features make it a powerhouse software. Since Adobe is behind it, it has a dedicated tech support team.

• Weaknesses: The UI is overly simple, seemingly because the brand is targeting a younger audience. Also, many features are stuck behind a paywall — a classic Adobe move.

Adobe Express is a great tool for those familiar with the company’s UI, but it lacks many of the more advanced tools they’re likely used to. It has a sign-up page since it requires account creation. Unless users already have an Adobe ID, they can use their Google, Facebook or Apple account to make one.  

4. Inkscape

Inkscape is a free, cross-platform creation and editing tool. Like Illustrator, it utilizes vectors to ensure graphics are scalable and look clean. Its tools include brushes, transformations, alignment, gradients, text, and grouping. Users can easily create logos or illustrations — engineering, marketing, and web design professionals regularly use it.

Here’s what it does best and what it could do better:

• Strengths: Inkscape gets frequent updates to keep it secure and fresh. Also, it supports uncommon file formats and all color models and has advanced tools like bitmap tracing, node editing, and boolean operations. For beginners, it has in-depth tutorials.

• Weaknesses: It is open-source software, so no dedicated tech support or customer service team exists. However, there are community-driven help pages on the official website.

It might be the best free Illustrator alternative because it’s so in-depth. Although users have to download Inkscape to use it, sacrificing some storage space is worth having such a powerful tool. As of August 2023, Inkscape 1.3 is the latest version. However, it’s possible to download earlier versions to be compatible with specific plugins.

5. GIMP

The GNU Image Manipulation Program (GIMP) is an open-source, free alternative to Adobe Illustrator. People knowledgeable enough can develop new code to customize their interface. Aside from the personalization features, it has multi-device support and supports many uncommon file formats.

Here’s what it does best and what it could do better:

• Strengths: It has all the standard tools like layers, painting, text, masking, selection, and brushes. For more advanced professionals, it provides thousands of plugins to add new ones and personalize the experience. For beginners, it has in-depth tutorials.

• Weaknesses: Volunteers created GIMP, so even though there are dedicated forums, there’s no tech support or customer service team to contact. Also, it’s not very beginner friendly. However, some reviewers claim the single-window mode update makes using it much easier than before. 

Even though GIMP requires a download, users don’t need to enter their personal information to use it. There are separate installation options for Linux, macOS, and Windows, so virtually everyone with a computer can get it.

6. Krita

Krita is a vector-based design tool with a heavy emphasis on illustration and creation. Although people commonly use it to create digital art, its massive array of tools makes it stand out as an alternative to Adobe Illustrator. It’s open-source with a published source code, so users can adapt it to their needs. 

Here’s what it does best and what it could do better:

• Strengths: Krita has dozens of plugins, themes, brush packs, illustrative assistants, and transformation tools. It also offers many color models, supports uncommon file formats, has tutorials, and supports uncommon file formats. 

• Weaknesses: The UI is somewhat cluttered and the tools can be fussy — user input can take a second or two to register. 

Users can download Krita on the official website for free — this is important to note, as the Windows, Steam, and Epic stores require payment. It’s set up this way so people who want to support the developers can. Linux, Windows, and macOS versions are available. 

7. Figma

The free version of Figma has mobile support and lets users have unlimited personal files, collaborators, and plugins. The UI is clear and attractive, which is a bonus. Overall, it’s like the Google Docs of the graphic design world.

Here’s what it does best and what it could do better:

• Strengths: Figma allows unlimited contributors to collaborate on a design. It also provides plugins, reusable assets, templates, and product integrations. It’s an amazing choice for professionals working on a team.

• Weaknesses: It locks team libraries, prototyping unlimited version history, design analytics, private plugins, dedicated workspaces, and cybersecurity tools behind a paywall. Many fantastic web-design tools are only available with a subscription.

The sign-up page for Figma shows four pricing options for people who want additional features. Those looking for a free alternative to Adobe Illustrator only need to click “Choose Starter” under the “Free Forever” version to get started.

8. DesignEvo

DesignEvo is a free web-based logo maker. Although it lacks many of Illustrator’s features, it is still a powerful graphic design tool. Users can create their designs from scratch or use one of the free templates. 

Here’s what it does best and what it could do better:

• Strengths: DesignEvo has millions of icons — clicking one of the 42 options on the initial list opens up thousands more. It also has over 10,000 templates to streamline the creative process. The customer support and preview option are useful.

• Weaknesses: The features are lacking — it’s a self-described logo maker, not a comprehensive Illustrator alternative. In fairness, it does exactly what it says it can.

DesignEvo is great for professionals who design simple graphics or logos. Although it offers a sign-up option, people can use the tool on the website without creating an account. 

Why Use an Illustrator Alternative?

People should consider using an Illustrator alternative because most tools offer the same service for free. It first came out in 1987 and has remained among the most popular computer design programs since. However, the subscription model can feel predatory and confining. 

Many people are joining their fellow graphic designers, marketers, and illustrators and getting a free alternative. Most of the options on this list offer plugins, collaboration, or rich community spaces to elevate the experience — there’s no need to stick with Illustrator when they exist.

Enjoy a Free Illustrator Alternative

Finding an adequate alternative to Adobe Illustrator can seem tricky to people who are so used to its features and UI, but getting the hang of these options is easy. Multiple web-based and downloadable versions exist, so there’s a perfect fit for everyone.

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