Comparing apples

Who’s Comparing? Benchmarking Library Performance

07.23.18
Benchmarking is a comparison of performance measures between similar entities against recognized standards. Library benchmarks are typically comparisons of numerical statistics such as circulation, visits, …
Computer with speech bubble saying "feed me"

Prefab vs. Custom Solutions for Social Media Feeds

05.22.18
If your site has social media icons linking to the social platforms, you may be just fine as-is. However, if there is content on your social media platforms that would complement the site’s content, consider adding a new display section to your website.
Xacto Knife Blades

Good Design Matters: Bad Design Hurts

05.03.18
Good design produces brand recognition and loyalty. It can lead to sales and community integration. But what about bad design?
404

4 Tips for a Better 404 Error Page

04.10.18
If done well, a 404 page shows your commitment to a positive user experience, retains the user, and puts a smile on their face.
Marketing You Can Believe In blog

Marketing You Can Believe In

03.20.18
We know that we have used our marketing superpowers for good. And that’s a day’s work you can believe in.

Charlottesville Marketing and Design Agencies

09.05.17
Often, we are reminded of how fortunate we are to be working in Charlottesville, Virginia. Marketing firms in this part of the world set a …
Personal photos and selfies vs professional business photography

Good Design Matters: The Benefits of Hiring a Professional Photographer

08.17.17
Custom, professional photographs are the foundation of good design. Without them, marketing is lifeless. Do yourself a favor: hire a professional photographer.
Ivy Group's logo leaf icon 3D printed

3D Printing (for Free) at Your Library

08.01.17
Several years ago, the idea of printing objects seemed extraordinary. Now, it’s more mainstream and available to the public, particularly through libraries. Curious to experience 3D printing firsthand, Ivy Group programmer Landon Dorrier popped over to a local Charlottesville library to get hands-on experience.
Picture frames with Ivy leaves

How to Get the Most Out of Your Content

07.20.17
Content marketing is an investment of time, effort, and money—make sure you get the most out of it with the three “re”s: repackage, reframe, and repost.
Library card design for Ypsilanti District Library

Why Give a Public Library a Tagline?

06.22.17
Support advocacy efforts. It's no secret that over the past twenty-five years, public libraries, alongside schools and other services, have felt the pinch of straitened municipal …

SSL: What is it? And do I need it?

06.06.17
What is an SSL Certificate? An SSL certificate establishes a secure connection on your website that is more resistant to hackers. In a nutshell, it is …
Good Design Matters: The value of logos

Good Design Matters: Avoiding the $1 Logo Trap

05.09.17
Do you know what you have to lose by trying out those $1 sites?
Good Design Matters

Good Design Matters: The Basics

04.04.17
Have you ever been approached by an offer to design your website, flyer, or logo? Did you think “why pay someone else to do it when I can do it for free?”
high five between client and agency

Agency-Client Relationships

02.14.17
Put a ring on it: 4 tips for successful agency-client relationships Becoming the agency of record for a company can feel a lot like getting married. …
I Resolve sign

I Resolve To…

01.03.17
How are your New Year’s Resolutions going? Take a look at The Ivy Group’s I Resolve project! To kick off his resolution, senior graphic designer Stephen stepped …