by Janeen | Aug 7, 2013 | small business branding
At 3 years old, Jon & Jeremy Perrelle “helped” their dad build their family home. Although the young boys probably did more harm than good, a passion for hard work, creativity and fine craftsmanship was born during those early years. Their story is told on the back cover of their print design brochure for their new product.
The boys spent many hours in dad’s shop designing and building with dad’s tools. Now, 25 years later, grown and with tools of their own, the young men have joined with their father to design and manufacture Letter Lamps, custom crafted decorative lamps, personalized with your initials or icons. (more…)
by Janeen | Aug 3, 2013 | Website Graphics
Website graphics present a challenge for graphic designers and business owners alike. In design school, I was taught to communicate visually and clearly. As a business owner, you want your customer to buy your product and stay on your website long enough to count for the search engines. How to accomplish both of these tasks is the question. (more…)
by Janeen | Jul 27, 2013 | Facebook Business
I recently read that 91 percent of local searchers use Facebook Mobile to find local businesses online. How does that affect you? That tells me that many people are searching Facebook for your product or service on their smartphone. This is great news if you have a Facebook Business page. If you don’t, read on.
I have sat with several clients lately that shake their head when I asked them “Are you interested in a social media presence?” Not everyone is on board yet, but understanding their customer, and where they shop might help to win them over.
Every day, millions of your potential clients are using Facebook to check out businesses and products. They are using search engines, typing in keywords. They are opening up your business page and also checking out your competitors right there on their mobile device.
Be where they are.
I often tell my clients “This is where your customer shops”… online and on Facebook Mobile Business pages. Taking advantage of this useful tool will not only bring new customers to you, but also engage your current customer in a contemporary way, proving to them that you are relevant in today’s ever-changing marketing landscape.
I have understood people to shy away from Facebook because it is just a personal diary. Not so. Facebook is a terrific opportunity to showcase your business, keep customers informed of your product offering, let them in on your latest deals and just engage them in a way you never could before.
Stay Current.
Being there when your customer searches for you on their mobile device is key.
“Facebook Pages Manager” is a free app you can download from iTunes Store. It helps you check on your page activity, and respond to your audience from your mobile device
Make sure all of your information is up to date including your hours of operation, and your map location.
Look Good on Mobile.
Make sure your brand is consistent across all of your platforms. Design a Facebook Business cover page that reflects your brand identity. Use your cover photo as a large billboard to display your product or the end benefit of using your service. You can either upload an awesome picture for your cover photo, or design a collage of several photos.
You will notice that your Facebook Mobile page does not appear the same on your mobile device. Facebook adjusts your imagery to fit the mobile screen. Be aware of this when you design your Facebook cover photo on your desktop.
Always display that logo
Facebook cover photo is a great way to display your branding
We like to create a logo “stamp” for our customers to be used on all of their social media platforms. In this way we take their logo and simplify it for use as their “profile picture” which displays each time they post a comment or blog.
We offer a Social Media Jump-Start package that creates a unified “look & feel” across all of your platforms. Contact us to discuss your social media footprint.
by Janeen | Jul 25, 2013 | Branding
Is your business branding for you product or service solving your customer’s problem? If not, they will be buying from someone else. Your brand has to be the only answer to your customer’s pain.
Does your customer know immediately what you stand for? Is your logo design clearly stating the essence of your business brand? Does your tagline give your customer that extra “ah ha” moment where they pick up the phone and give you a call?
Your Business Brand’s First Impression
What is your customer’s first impression of your business brand? Communicating who you are through your graphic representation of your company is your big chance to attract business and ensure repeat customers. Today’s consumer is savvy. They know whether you chose to hire a professional or do-it-yourself. It’s very apparent in the visual environment we live in.
Storefront signage is a great example of my point. There are many “sign-guys” out there that promise a beautiful curb-appeal sign for your storefront. The only problem is, they are not professional graphic designers. They don’t have the experience in visual communication that a logo design specialist would have. So, you wind up with a generic looking sign, nothing special.nothing unique. You’ve missed a golden opportunity to tell the world that your business brand is the answer to their need.
Relevancy
Social media, email marketing, website design are tools you can use and update yourself to make your brand relevant and cutting edge in today’s competitive marketplace. Remember to think about where your customer is spending their time..chances are they are browsing the web for their next purchase.
As author Joseph Parker states in his article, The Dark Knight’s Philosophy of Branding, http://www.business2community.com/branding/the-dark-knights-philosophy-of-branding-0559020 finding the “why” of your brand is the essence. Why should I buy from you? What is your unique selling feature? When you answer this question in your brand story, you win your customer.
Notice the branding for On Track Garage Doors below. We designed a brand program that stands out, gets noticed and solves the need of their client, like the guy whose garage door never worked properly.
At Hudson Valley Graphic Design we help our clients determine how to solve their client’s needs by using their business branding. Contact us for a consultation. (914) 582-9353
by Janeen | Jul 20, 2013 | store signage
Storefront signage is the “curb-appeal” of your business. Having a unique and inviting storefront presence is essential for the success of your retail establishment.
Be Consistent
Brand consistency plays a major role here. If your customer has done their research, perhaps finding you on-line using a search engine, they will expect to see the same “look & feel” on your sign as they pull up to your store…so don’t forget to implement good graphics on your storefront signage, especially if you are on a major strip or a high traffic area.
Be Visible
Make sure your sign is visible from the most important angles. Place you sign in an ideal place for maximum viewing for passers-by. Consider a lighted sign or illuminated sign for nighttime vision.
Be Attractive
If you are trying to win your customers business, be attractive. People respond positively to good graphics. They will be more likely to walk into your store if your sign is attractive.
Be Informative
Make sure your key information is clear on your sign, mainly your name and phone number
We recently visited Ellicottville NY and strolled down their lovely main street. I was impressed by the storefront signage displayed up and down the avenue. Here are some samples:
Storefront signage from Ellicotville, NY
Notice the “before & after” image of NAPPY Automotive’s storefront signage below…It is clear to see the power of graphics in this case…which auto shop would you trust your car to?
We can Design a Logo for you and a brand program that sells
