How-to Manual

How-To Manual

Website Navigation: 
 
There are two main places where links can be found, on the banner and in the drop down tabs. The main sections of the website are located on the banner. The banner appears at the top of every page. Links to the main sections: Calendar, Arts & Crafts 101, Video Communications 102, and Survival Skills 103, are located to the left of the Sam's World University logo. As you rollover these links, red arrows will appear to the left of each word.

Calendar: 
 
The calendar is the most important section of the website. It provides a complete breakdown of important dates, laying out a complete campaign in stages from design through shooting. It is designed to ensure that you are always three months ahead of a marketing deadline. Using this system will guarantee that your marketing pieces are designed, printed, and ready to mail on time.

Each month you'll be able to download PSD files of a postcard and eblast, sample jpgs, campaign descriptions, and campaign protocol. From now on, you'll prepared for marketing months in advance. Simply drop in your own corresponding images, add contact information, and the marketing piece is good to go. You can create a new campaign with the same template, just add different images and change the title.

To use a campaign, click that particular link on the calendar page. On the campaign page, there is a brief description of the design stage the campaign is in. Depending on what stage the campaign is in, there will be corresponding downloads.

Stages and available downloads:
Design Stage: psd postcard files, psd eblast file, blog update, sample images, and campaign description, ad copy, and protocol.
Only full campaigns are available for complete download in the Design Stage.
Mailing Stage: Sample image and campaign description, ad copy, and protocol.
Final Proof and Print Stage: Sample image and campaign description, ad copy, and protocol.

Video Communications 102: 
 
Sam's shooting tips and tricks make your job easier. The video(s) change monthly and will range from lighting tips to video sessions. Video Communications 102 shows Sam in action with different ages and stages of clients. Learn her tricks, and see her tips as she interacts with clients during portrait sessions. 

Arts and Crafts 101: 
 
This department of SWU provides fresh and unique templates, brushes, album pages, borders, font lists, and cards you can download to perk up your art. The Arts & Crafts page corresponds to the marketing pieces that are in the design stage on the current month's calendar. Preview the available downloads with sample images. Please download all file attachments. All downloads are primarily for Photoshop, although embellishments and backgrounds can be used in other programs.

Survival Skills 103: 
 
This department changes monthly and may be any of the following: posing guides, QuickTime tutorials, or Photoshop tutorials. Posing guides will generally correspond with marketing campaigns in the design stage on the current month's marketing calendar. There are links to take you to an online posing guide or tutorial. 

Extra Credit:
 
The Extra Credit department is the place to visit to keep up with Sam's tour and speaking schedule as well as online webinars she hosts.  

Philanthropic Endeavors: 
 
Each month a different SWU member will be highlighted for their good deeds.

Student of the Month: 
 
Each month a student's greatest marketing idea will be shared for the benefit of the class.

Message Board: 
 
This virtual message board is filled with wonderful offers and discounts from industry vendors as well as tips and snippets of encouragement. 

Forum:
 
Come share your thoughts and ideas! There are seven rooms available. Create your account (included in the monthly price) and start sharing.

Rooms:
Orientation: Introduce yourself, and get to know other students.
Exchange: Share your great marketing ideas and how you make them happen.
On the Wall: Share your latest image ideas.
Making the grade: Have other pros provide input on your ideas.
Summer vacation: Take a break from marketing, and hang out with friends.
Library: Eager to share some great info you've discovered? Mention it here.
Arts and Crafts: Show off marketing pieces, templates, brushes, etc., (saved in layers).
Bulletin Board: Got something to sell or looking for a good buy? Check it out. 

Campus Store:
If you've ever attended one of Sam's presentations, you know the amount of information that bombards you. To help retain some of that information, visit the Campus Store where you can purchase Sam's educational products. These products reinforce the content covered in SWU and provide visual aids for future reference. These tried and tested materials have produced excellent results for her studio, let them work for you, too.