Google search is favoring mobile friendly websites soon!

Did You Know?

Effective April 21st, Google will be changing its SEO algorithm to favor mobile friendly websites over other websites. According to Google, “We see these labels as a first step in helping mobile users to have a better mobile web experience. We are also experimenting with using the mobile-friendly criteria as a ranking signal.”

Google states that the change will have a “significant impact” on all mobile searches in all languages worldwide, and according to Google users will find higher quality results. Google began highlighting mobile friendly websites in search results last year.

Companies who wish to compete within the top ranked sites will have to ensure their websites are mobile-friendly in keeping with Google’s ranking standards. To achieve the mobile-friendly ranking, your site must:

• Avoid software that is not common on mobile devices, like Flash
• Use text that is readable without zooming
• Size content to the screen so users don't have to scroll horizontally or zoom
• Places links far enough apart so that the correct one can be easily tapped

For further information, you can read Google’s announcement regarding the change at

Google Webmasters Blog.

Is Your Site Mobile Friendly?

You can check to see if your current website is mobile friendly by using Google’s Mobile-Friendly Website Test.

If your current SEO provider did not update you on this information, maybe it’s time to switch to PAR Global Resources powered by WebMasters LLC and take advantage of our proactive customer service. It’s our job to make sure you are ahead of the curve! If your website is not currently mobile friendly, give PAR/Webmasters a call today for a free quote on a mobile friendly website redesign.

PAR Global Resources Receives 2015 Best of Santa Clara Award

Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

PAR Global Resources Receives 2015 Best of Santa Clara Award

Santa Clara Award Program Honors the Achievement

SANTA CLARA March 4, 2015 - PAR Global Resources has been selected for the 2015 Best of Santa Clara Award in the Printing & Packaging category by the Santa Clara Award Program.

Each year, the Santa Clara Award Program identifies companies that we believe have achieved exceptional marketing success in their local community and business category. These are local companies that enhance the positive image of small business through service to their customers and our community. These exceptional companies help make the Santa Clara area a great place to live, work and play.

Various sources of information were gathered and analyzed to choose the winners in each category. The 2015 Santa Clara Award Program focuses on quality, not quantity. Winners are determined based on the information gathered both internally by the Santa Clara Award Program and data provided by third parties.

About PAR Global Resources

PAR Global Resources, Inc. has been providing innovative and cost effective print, packaging, and digital marketing services to customers worldwide for over 30 years. PAR Global’s mission is to consistently deliver the finest quality marketing solutions that meet the unique needs and expectations of each of our clients. This philosophy allows us to grow our companies together through superior Customer Service, Innovation, Quality and Commitment.

More information about PAR Global is available online at http://www.par-global.com

About Santa Clara Award Program

The Santa Clara Award Program is an annual awards program honoring the achievements and accomplishments of local businesses throughout the Santa Clara area. Recognition is given to those companies that have shown the ability to use their best practices and implemented programs to generate competitive advantages and long-term value.

The Santa Clara Award Program was established to recognize the best of local businesses in our community. Our organization works exclusively with local business owners, trade groups, professional associations and other business advertising and marketing groups. Our mission is to recognize the small business community's contributions to the U.S. economy.

SOURCE: Santa Clara Award Program

CONTACT:Santa Clara Award Program
Email: PublicRelations@awardsystem.org
URL: http://www.awardsystem.org

Various paper coatings and their uses

Overprint Varnish

Applying varnish is an inexpensive way to add gloss to your printed materials. Although not as hard as other coatings, varnish does offer some protection; mainly resistance to dirt, smearing, and water.

Varnish can be applied in two ways. Overprint/flood which is applied over the entire printed surface for protection and Spot/Pattern which is applied to select elements for emphasis. Varnish can also be color tinted.

Gloss varnish reflects more light and adds to the sharpness and saturation of images while matte or dull varnish increases readability by diffusing light and reducing glare.

This economical coating provides a mild shine and protection but can yellow paper over time.

Advantages

* Economical
* Resistant to dirt, smearing and water
* Can be spot applied for content emphasis

Disadvantages

* Not as hard as other coatings
* Paper can yellow over time

---

Aqueous Coating

Aqueous coatings are fast-drying, water based, protective sealants particularly resistant to smudges and fingerprints. Aqueous formulations afford greater protection than varnish and have gloss characteristics that fall between varnish and UV coatings.

A high gloss finish has less rub resistance and conversely, a greater rub resistance reduces the gloss. They are not water/liquid resistant because the cured coating does inhibit complete drying of the inks on the printed surface.

Advantages

* Higher gloss and clarity than varnish
* Resistant to smudges/fingerprints
* Fast drying
* Paper does not yellow over time
* Environmentally friendly (water-based)
* Allows for a glossier finish on lesser grade papers

Disadvantages

* Rub resistance varies from gloss to matte finishes
* Not water/liquid resistant.

---

Laminate

Film-based laminate consists of a clear plastic film laid down over the sheet of paper. Laminates protect the sheet from water, are slow to apply and costly; but provide a strong, washable surface.

Film lamination features high gloss with a very smooth, tough finish. This durable plastic film has advantages over liquid coating at a slightly higher cost. Film lamination will not yellow with age, flake off, and is scratch resistant. In addition, the ink is protected from cracking and provides an odorless/wipeable surface.

Advantages

* Waterproof
* Strong, washable surface
* Paper will not yellow with age
* Ink protected from cracking

Disadvantages

* Expensive
* Slow to apply

---

UV Coating

UV coating is a liquid based, protective coating which is applied and cured by ultraviolet lamps leaving an extremely high gloss hard finish that is chemical and abrasion resistant. UV coatings are solvent free and emit little VOCs (volatile organic compounds). A gallon of conventional ink will contain anywhere from 300 to 450 grams of VOC while UV inks carry between 20 to 40 grams of VOC based on pigment. It is more difficult to recycle than other coatings.

Drying is instantaneous with exposure to ultraviolet radiation. Spot cover, raised effects and a very heavy coating for extra shine and protection are possible.

Printing must be done with UV inks or inks that do not contain micro crystalline wax (also called wax-free). Pigments must be heat and chemical resistant. If nonresistant colors are used, the color may fade, change or bleed into unprinted areas.

UV inks do not have the problem of cracking when bending or scoring as long as you choose the correct Overprint Clear. An Overprint Clear with the correct Monomer Package will avoid this problem.

Advantages

* Highest gloss
* Better clarity
* Chemical and abrasion resistant
* Spot cover and raised effects possible

Disadvantages

* Requires special inks
* Difficult to recycle
* May crack when folded or scored

---

Other considerations

You will often find different manufacturers have different coating preferences and opinions as it relates to printed materials. Typically these are based on in-house equipment availability, operator experience, and personal aesthetic preferences. While all four press coatings mentioned have advantages and disadvantages, there are situations where each shine.

This nugget of knowledge was brought to you by PAR Global Resources. We provide innovative and cost effective print and web marketing solutions.

Find out more at: PAR Global Resources