As we’ve discussed in previous blogs, choosing a graphic designer to create your logo and other company visuals is an excellent investment. They understand the dos and don’ts of creating an image for your company, and give you an excellent base from which to grow your brand. 

Does your business have a brand? Okay, so you might have a logo, you might even have theme throughout your company materials, but do you really have a clear and consistent brand identity which ties your company personality to your product, and through to your customer services? It’s an easy and effective way to boost your company image, and promote customer loyalty; we’ve some tips for how you can get that consistent brand image.

Small Businesses can always use a cash injection, especially when awaiting payments from clients, or just after that big invoice has left your account.

We’ve put together a list of ideas for ways in which you can give your monthly income a boost, whilst also raising your profile. All it takes is some creativity, and a little effort.

It’s common for companies’ branding to be crying out for a facelift after the first couple of years. It’s also understandable. After concentrating so hard on getting things going, and the day-to-day running of the business, it can be a couple of years before you’ve chance to take stock. 

Although the internet is slowly becoming the essential marketing tool of the 21st Century, it’s important to remember that sometimes the old ways are still the best ways. As of 2012, three quarters of advertising budgets are still spent off-line.

Physical forms of marketing can have an influential effect on business and one of the best ways is still the traditional banner display. It’s a very simple and effective method which gets results and increases revenue, as well as awareness of a brand. So how and why do banners do this? Let’s take a look....

Some businesses only have one or two employees. This means that news about your company can be told mouth to mouth. It’s quick, effective and efficient.

Now what if your business has 10 people? Easy. An internal email with some of the key highlights can be sent.

Now what about 50 people? 100? 200?

Then it gets a little more complicated when you want to communicate internally with every single person under your roof.

For the new business owner, there are many important things to think about constantly; revenue stream, stockholder meetings, accounts....the list is endless.

So considering what type of stationery you want probably isn’t on the list of top priorities.

However, it should be given a good deal of thought, because your stationery is actually a potential little money earner for your business. It can help increase sales and aid in your brand recognition.

Marketing is a large arena. And there are many places to pitch your tent. Many businesses are realising that going online is     pretty much a necessity these days.

However, it’s important to realise that there’s still room for the more traditional methods of marketing. Take leaflets for example.

They are still highly effective tools for conveying your message....if done right. If not, then they are simply an expensive waste of paper, money and time.

Business cards have been around for at least 100 years. In all that time, the basic principle has remained the same; they are a tool for providing people with information about your goods, business or service. Contact information is almost always present, but these days it seems it is not enough to just have a business card.

Today, it’s important to have a card that stays in the memory for a very different reason. So here are ten examples of some truly remarkable and creative business card designs....

When it comes to getting value out of a purchase there’s a saying that goes:
‘buy it cheap, and you’ll buy it twice’
With most consumer products this is mostly true. This generally means that there’s a trade off between quality, longevity, and brand values to buy such items at a lower purchase price.
When it comes to promoting your business, however, you have to go back to marketing basics to see that this doesn't have to necessarilly be true.

Mostly, because with advertising and marketing if you buy it once and it doesn’t work it’s because you’ve made the wrong choice. Value can only be achieved through reaching the right people for your product in a way that gives you the best possible return, either in direct sales or brand gains.

In these days of accountability, analytics and transparency in cost per acquisition every decision is scrutinised so it’s important that you get it right. Not all costs are as up front as they seem either.

So, let’s say that you want a direct mail or leaflet campaign. What represents the best value for you, your business and most importantly your gaffer?