What a week! We've launched blogs, ad campaigns and sponsored some amazing parties.

Hope your holiday planning is pleasant and organized.
( I know that's my goal.)

Merry Linking!
helenjane@maplevine.com

23 Actionable Lessons from Eye-Tracking Studies

One of my favorite parts of web research is that it puts a lot of silly internal arguments to rest.

Does your Creative Director want to use only Flash and images instead of text? It's easy to look at the data on SEO and images and find a quick solution.

This data-filled article gets to the heart of some user-generated data. How you use it for your next design project is up to you.

I found the following tip the most interesting:

Clean, clear faces in images attract more eye fixation. While they might look good with your design, abstract and artsy photos aren’t going to garner much reader attention. If you’re using photos with people in them, make sure they are clear, easy to read shots. It should also be noted that photos with "real"people, not models, perform better.

http://tinyurl.com/yrhydu

10 blogging tips from 10 bloggers

After speaking at the Napa Valley Vintners two weeks ago about blogging, I've sensed a few of you are launching some business blogs. This link grabs some great tips from experienced folks.

I love what they have to say about outlining your plan ahead of time.

• What goals do you want to accomplish by blogging?
• How much time and money will it require?
• What do you want to write about?
• What information do you want to share apart from the content (e.g. links, business profiles or resumes on personal blogs)?
• What technology do you want to use?
• How should the design reflect your company/people?
• How should you promote this site?

http://tinyurl.com/25cugk

Cyber Monday is a real shopping holiday now

Not as much as that last shipping day before Christmas, but Cyber Monday does have increased email activity. How will Cyber Monday fit in to next year's plans?

http://tinyurl.com/yoso53

 

Making money off your hard-earned PDF files

Adobe PDF is allowing you the ability to run advertising in your white papers and downloads.
(Just in case you wanted to monetize them.)

Are you currently running internal ads in your white papers and downloads?
If not, why not?

http://tinyurl.com/29do9s

Zippo Memory

Zippo's memory game is fun, addictive and comes with a
mighty tempting offer. It might have you playing all day long. might have you playing all day long.

http://tinyurl.com/ynsxfm