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"Marketing 101"

This is a simple compilation of a few useful tips gathered... For specific help with marketing campaigns or company image, contact us.

Business Cards:

Give them away 2 at a time - this gives the recipient a copy to keep and one to give as a referral.
Keep cards with you at ALL times.
Present them when asked or when introduced, if the setting is right.
Offer them with a hand-shake and a smile.
Make eye contact!
Make sure the information on the card is current and tells the recipient what you do and how to contact you.
Order replacements before you run out! On average, allow one week for printing and shipping.

The best logos don't always "tell a story." Don't fall into the trap of trying to show your vision, mission and history in your logo. The most effective logos are often very iconic (think "golden arches") and something you can be easily reproduce in many sizes, colors and printing formats (ink, vinyl, screening, embroidery)
Consider the number of colors you use. The more colors, the higher the cost for production in certain forms: (esp. screening and embroidery)
Have a black and white version and a simpler color version if possible.
Consider layouts: you may want both a vertical and a horizontal layout of your logo and company name to allow for easy use in different applications.
Be sure your logo is in Vector Art - scalable and digital. This gives you the most flexibility.
Need ideas or a digital redrawing? Contact us at 910-938-4319 for help.

Shorter is usually better. (Avoid: www.thisisthedomainIalwayswantedtohave.com; instead try a brief version: www.domainIwanted.com)
Use your company name, if possible and practical.
Make it easy to spell and easy to remember.
Put your web address everywhere you put your phone number... on pens, cards, letterhead, doors, signs, magnets, brochures, mailers... everywhere!
Create at LEAST one email account on your domain (sales@mycompany.com)
Create a digital signature in your e-mail client (such as Outlook) that includes your web address.
If you're interested in "owning" your name online, buy multiple extensions and point them all to your company site. (.com, .net, .org, .biz)
We can research domain availability for you and register your domain, notifying you when it requires renewal. Deal with a live & local person for simplicity and convenience!

Smile! Sell yourself right along with your product or service.
Try to keep relations positive and if something unexpected happens, make it right. -- A happy customer will tell two or three people about you, but an angry customer will tell at least 9 or 10.
Avoid Costly Image Mistakes! Download "10 Common Image Mistakes" from our Resources Page and side-step some pitfalls that many businesses slip into.
Ok, I'll say it... dress for success! Depending on your industry, the way you dress may make a huge difference in whether or not you are taken seriously and whether or not you are considered for the job!
The average business garners somewhere between 50-70% of it's business from word of mouth advertising... make sure you and your customers have something positive to say about you!
A happy customer will tell 2-3 people about you. An unhappy customer will tell 8-10 (or worse!). Do your best to make happy customers.

Know your target market.
Be aware of your environment: competition, traffic patterns, planned changes, local business community climate and trends.
Utilize local (or regional/national) resources: Small Business Centers, Chambers of Commerce, Colleges, SBA, and other offices that offer information, resources and advice from experienced professionals.
Choose the advertising mediums that works best for your budget, your product/service and your clientele. (Research!)
Make your decisions on solid data coupled with personal preferences.
Develop your Brand. Remember this takes planning, effort and time!

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