Glossary of Terms & Definitions

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Algorithm:

A step-by-step problem-solving procedure, especially an established, recursive computational procedure for solving a problem in a finite number of steps. In our context, it refers to the formula search engines use to determine the order in which businesses appear on search result pages.

Cloisonné:

A method of producing lapel pins. Pins are die struck copper. A die is created to imprint the design into the metal. The outline of the pin and any cutouts are cut with another mold. Colors are hand-filled with a powdered glass-like mixture. Colors are fired one at a time at 1,700 degrees F. for up to four minutes. This process ensure there will be no bleeding of colors. Cloisonné lapel pins and trading pins are the highest quality pins available, with a jewelry quality finish.

CMYK:

The ink colors used in a four-color offset printing process – cyan, magenta, yellow and black. Reproduces the full color spectrum.

Content:

The data, images and text that appear on a Web site.

Debossed:

A wristband style in which the desired lettering is pressed into the silicone band, creating lettering below the surface. The most common, least expensive type of wristband.

Debossed Painted:

A debossed wristband in which the debossed lettering is filled in with colored ink. Makes the lettering or logo much more visible.

Embossed

A wristband style in which the lettering is raised above the surface of the band. The reverse of debossed.

HTML:

Abbreviation for HyperText Markup Language. The standard formatting language for Web pages.

Keyword(s):

A word or phrase of particular relevance to the main subject of a Web page. Used by search engine algorithms to rank pages, therefore a major part of SEO.

Metatag:

An HTML tag that contains descriptive information about a web page. Not visible when the page is viewed in a web browser, but plays a major role in page rankings and SEO.

Lanyard:

A narrow piece of material worn around the neck for holding small objects. Commonly used for holding I.D. badges, keycards and other small items. Can be configured to hold keys, water bottles and other items, too. Often imprinted with a custom message for use as a promotional product.

Offset Digital:

A printing method for lapel pins. The custom design is printed directly onto the brass pin, and a clear epoxy coating is applied to protect the image. Best for designs that require fine lines and details.

PMS:

Pantone Matching System – A standardized color matching system developed by Pantone Inc. to allow exact color matching in printing, paint, fabric and plastics. Because colors on a computer monitor can vary significantly between different machines, a specified PMS color allows both the customer and the supplier to identify an agreed-upon standard color for production.

Promotional Product:

Any product which can be customized with a name, logo or printed message to promote a business, organization or cause; for use in trade show events, direct mailers and other marketing programs.

Page RAnking:

Refers to the order in which businesses or organizations are listed on a search engine results page. A search often returns many pages of results. Few people look past the first two or three pages. Therefore, higher rankings are better. The purpose of SEO is to improve page ranking.

Photo Etched:

An "economy" lapel pin. The desired image is chemically etched into the metal of the pin, then the recessed areas are filled with soft enamel paint. Pins are fired and polished, then epoxy coated for durability. Because they are thinner than other types, photo etched lapel pins are not as durable.

RGB:

Red, Green, Blue – The colors a computer monitor uses to reproduce the color spectrum. RGB colors will reproduce differently than CMYK printing. PMS color is a way to standardize the appearance when ordering CMYK products that are being shown on an RGB monitor.

SEO:

Search Engine Optimization: The process of "tweaking" aspects of a Web site to encourage high placement in results of search engines such as Google, Bing and Yahoo. An easy term for a complex, multi-variable process that involves arranging keywords, metatags and content in an effort to fit the parameters defined by each search engine's secret algorithm.

Silk Screen:

A printing process used for T-shirts, wristbands, coffee mugs and lanyards. Screen printing uses a woven mesh to support a stencil. A roller or squeegee moves across the screen stencil, forcing ink through the threads of the mesh onto the material.

Trading Pin:

A type of lapel pin, usually a custom design, traded by sports fans, Disney aficionados and others. Trading pins are a HUGE part of Little League baseball and softball, and are becoming very popular in other youth sports as well. Teams have their own designs, which they trade with members of other teams at tournaments, and particularly at the Little League World Series.

Zed:

The way our Canadian and European friends pronounce what Americans call a "Zee."

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