If you’re an entrepreneur, you likely understand that to be successful and competitive in the marketplace, customer service needs to reach people “right here, right now.” People expect information in real time—with the click of a link or a touch on the screen. And they want it while they are waiting at their doctor’s office, walking down the street, or relaxing in their easy chair.
Archive for the ‘Marketing’ Category
Smart Businesses Connect with People on the Go
Monday, June 20th, 2011Dear Client: Why Your Logo Costs As Much As It Does
Friday, June 3rd, 2011
There have been times when we quoted the price of a logo design and the client was shocked. If you’ve been in sales for a while, you’ve surely seen this before: Their eyes open, lips shut, and they become very timid and reserved for the remainder of the meeting.
What went wrong?
Well, first of all, the price we were quoting was well within reasonable industry norms. In fact it was a bargain for the amount of time, effort and skill that goes into the proper design of a logo and supporting files and documentation.
But the client didn’t have the same expectations or experience, and that is totally understandable. They don’t work in our industry, have likely never had a logo designed before, and did not expect it to cost as much as it does. After all, how long does it take to sketch a couple of ideas, right?
Networking Secrets: Why Face Time Still Matters (Part 1)
Friday, March 4th, 2011
In an online world where with the click of mouse you can gain a friend, acquire a fan, or even get people to “like” you, it’s easy to forget the value of meeting in-person, face-to-face.
When staffing is tight—and often budgets and time as well—the convenience of sending a message through social media or by email (which is as easy as pushing “send”) might seem the sensible way to manage your schedule and resources.
Your Logo – What’s it worth?
Friday, January 7th, 2011
It takes work to keep a foothold above your competitors. You might have a great product, but success truly comes with leaving your customers with a good impression.
Reviewing your brand and making sure it keeps its appeal with your target audience is a sure way to help you accomplish this. While your logo is only one part of your overall brand, it is a key element, and one that packs a lot more punch than people often realize.
How to Be Heard Over the Holiday Buzz
Monday, December 6th, 2010
With thousands of promotional messages cluttering the marketplace, getting the consumer’s attention during this busy holiday season might seem daunting.
But findings of two studies looking at the likes and dislikes of shoppers really drive home the importance of advertising and promotions, whether you are trying to drive shoppers into your store or onto your website.
Are you guilty of obfuscation?
Friday, November 19th, 2010obfuscate: to make obscure or unclear; to muddle; confuse; bewilder
Potential consumers are busy and sophisticated. They are surrounded every day with thousands of messages and choices in the marketplace. Trying to impress them using fancy terms can not only cost you those customers, but can cost your business in lost sales and revenue.
You might think it makes your product or service sound more appealing when you use technical talk, but it won’t. It’s a turn-off. Even worse, the consumer won’t understand what you mean. You’ll make them feel dumb.
Does Your Website Speak to Your Customers’ Needs?
Tuesday, November 16th, 2010
Business owners know the importance of customer service. Most of you have likely spent significant resources training employees to be attentive to your customers’ needs.
Unfortunately, many companies forget that their website is the key link to serving their online customers. Even when you’re asleep, your website is at work. It has the ability to connect you with customers, provide them with information and ultimately increase sales.
World Domination… in a Box?
Friday, November 12th, 2010
As a branding agency, we encounter many business owners who come to us with their ideas for starting a small business. We get to see some pretty interesting and ambitious business plans. But what always raises a red flag for us is an idea that tries to go too big, too fast, without the proper planning and resources in place to see it through.
It’s difficult enough to run a small business that’s focused on doing one thing, let alone a business that tries to be everything to everybody. History has shown many examples of wars being lost by armies forced to fight on multiple fronts.
Too Small to Think About Branding? Think Again.
Monday, October 25th, 2010
Often we hear people talking about branding like it’s an esoteric voodoo thing that only Fortune 500 companies can afford to do. Or that small business owners should ignore branding because it costs a lot of money and they need to be focusing on sales and cash flow. Or that you need a big national advertising agency to create a successful brand.
This couldn’t any further from the truth.
If Your Brand Could Talk, What Would it Sound Like?
Thursday, October 14th, 2010
In our last post we talked in-depth about the importance of the visual elements of your brand. We hope that you took away some good information from that piece, and now want to introduce you to another important element: your brand’s voice.
By voice, we mean your written communication. And by written communication, we mean how you write and respond to customers via your email, website, blog and social media channels like Facebook & Twitter.
Just like with visuals, your company’s voice also needs to be consistent. And that means you have to be thoughtful about what you write and how you interact with customers online.
