A trend I’ve noticed in the last 6 months is a shift in the amount of print material being produced. It’s not necessarily the number of pieces designed but the quantity, more and more short digital runs. It must be a scary time for printers. Businesses are rediscovering the world wide web and, with technological advances, a drive towards a more social planet and an ability to control content from their own desktops. It’s amazing to be involved in an era of both economical and social change. This change means that more and more often, I’m being asked to consult and develop web sites and social media platforms.

Now I could have entitled this blog “Who has time to Twitter” or “Who has time to link in” just as easily. One of the first questions I ask a business when we discuss websites and social media is “How does it tie into your brand?”. Sometimes it surprises them. But blogs and Facebook are an extension of the business personalities we put out there. If it makes sense to share and engage your consumer in a public way (and all the transparencies that come from doing so) then I say go for it. Your online presence should be an extension of your business’ public face. WYSIWYG.

A question that comes soon after the brand extension conversation is in the form of a bit of a reality check. Do you have time to blog, Twitter, keep up your Facebook accounts, etc. Nothing is more frustrating, from a readers point of view, than going to a dead blog with a writer on hiatus, allowing them to make all kinds of scenarios in their heads.

I write this blog now because I’ve had a busy couple of weeks and can totally relate to having a hard time finding time – but in my opinion, it’s totally worth it.