Making "Unique" Maps With PowerPoint To Enhance Local Posts
Local posts are an important part of our blogging strategy. We believe the maps we develop for each subdivision we promote is one reason for our local blogs are so effective.
The most important feature of the process is to make a map with the basic information stored. Once you are "there" it is easy to "drop in" information for a specific map.
First, I purchase state maps with editable counties in PowerPoint format from BJDesign. There are many firms offering editable maps, but Bruce Jones was most helpful in showing me how to use the maps.
Second, I open the blank map in Power Point and using formatting tools I
- color the map,
- add basic highways coloring them to suit my preference,
The map below is my Prince William County "master" that was created using PowerPoint tools found in SHAPES. It is stored in PowerPoint format so I can add or delete features as necessary.
- The blue ouside the map represents the two rivers that border the county - the shape would overlay the map, but it is stored behind the map.
- All of the highways and roads were drawn using Shapes found in Format - they roughly conform to the layout of primary roads. Remember, these are not Google Maps - they are nothing more than relative place locators.
- The primary road names and state highway numbers were inserted using Text boxes.
- Note Some of the highway lines do not meet - they will be covered when I add logos - I'm something less than an artist
Third, I install
- logos and graphics as necessary
- Star locator, line and text box to show the general subdivision location
- my "business card" which was created in PowerPoint
- Note the logos cover those areas where my lines didn't meet
Fourth, I now
- Save as "Name" in PDF format.
- As soon as it appears on the screen I Save As "Name" in JPG format to the folder of my choice which in my case is MAPS
Fifth, I open the map in Picnik for cropping and resizing (Adobe PhotoShop features are overkill for these simple "pictures")
- "Crop" the map leaving a slight border so that text in the blog does not run right up to the map
- "Resize - I use 600 wide so it does not have blog text run up the side of the in the post
- "Sharpen" until the text becomes legible - downsizing a JPEG blurs text just as enlarging it does.
- Save the map and it is ready for your community profiles, market reports, etc
See the above map in our post ALL ABOUT LAKE RIDGE
If we can assist you in development of a map contact either Art or Karen Kruschka on AR
******************************************************************* The Kruschka Team has 33 years full time experience in the Northern Virginia area. We invite you to try our
and then contact Karen and Art by Email or call us at 703-690-6569. Put our record of customer service, real estate experience and state-of-the-art technology to work for you in Alexandria, Arlington County, Fairfax County, Prince William County, Stafford County or the entire Northern Virginia Area.
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