Latest News + Ideas

Viral Headlines

We Created Three Viral Headlines, and Frankly, We Were Surprised So Many Women Liked #2 January 26, 2015

The New Yorker magazine published a fascinating article last month about Emerson Spartz, the 27-year old Chicagoan who has made millions repackaging content to gain clicks on Facebook using viral headlines. 

Seoptimer: Building an Online Audience

To Build an Online Audience, Set a Low Bar January 16, 2015

We all know how difficult it can be to get people to find and view a website, Twitter feed, YouTube channel or Facebook page. Posting to social media can feel like a drop in a bucket (reservoir, really) unless you can create the mojo that makes a bit of content go viral—and anyone who’s tried knows what a challenge that can be.

Pinterest Logo

Quick Tips for Marketing on Pinterest January 2, 2015

We all know about promoting posts on Facebook and Twitter. Ever wonder why Pinterest hasn’t gotten in on this game? Turns out, they plan to launch a new Promoted Pins service soon (you can sign up ahead of time to get priority access when it's launched).

In the meantime, here’s a few tips to enhance marketing efforts on Pinterest.

Twitter Logo

Seasons Tweetings! Some Good Holiday Tweets From Brands December 24, 2014

What makes a good marketing message on Twitter during the holiday season? Like any marketing effort, it's important to be mindful of public sentiment and simple good taste when promoting yourself on Twitter. 

URugby Hashtag

The Fickle Hashtag: Best Practices for Use December 2, 2014

The hashtag — what we used to call a pound sign — is the trickster of the social media world. It’s supposed to bring order to chaos by providing a handy way for people to connect on a particular theme or subject, and it does—most of the time. But the hashtag can also unexpectedly be a source of chaos and confusion. 

Mark Zuckerberg

Holiday Promotion, Zuckerberg Style November 20, 2014

With the holidays fast approaching, Facebook has some posting advice for businesses. 

Google Responsive Design Icons

Perfecting Responsive Design on Mobile—and Beyond October 23, 2014

Here at 4x3, we’re always looking for ways to do things better. The conversation today revolved around making e-newsletters more responsive. Since so many people open emails on their phones, it makes sense to set best practices for design and content that optimizes the reading experience. 

Pick a Phrase, Any Single SEO Phrase

Pick a Phrase, Any Single SEO Phrase October 16, 2014

I think the best way to sort out the Search Engine Optimization (SEO) myths and mysteries is to use the logic we all possess. If you want someone to find your website, write about what they are searching for and they will find your page -- your single SEO phrase.

Landing Strip

Headed for a Clear Landing October 14, 2014

Piloting 101: Landing strips should be smooth, well-lit and free of debris; steer clear of the cracked, the weedy, the dark. It’s kinda the same thing with website landing pages. 

Tumblr Logo

Tumblr and Design Inspiration October 6, 2014

Amongst the many social media platforms out there, Tumblr is one of my personal favorites. As a designer, the creative community on Tumblr is defenitely one of my go to places to find inspiration for design and illustration.