We produce a quarterly newsletter called The Bulletin. Featuring articles on using printed marketing materials and your website or blog to promote your business. We help small and medium sized businesses with promotion so we always write from experience. Here’s a taster of The Bulletin from Issue 1:

Rebranded for success

Back in 2009 Create Design Studio was born, previously we were I to Eye. If you are thinking of rebranding your business we have provided some tips below, drawn from our own experience.

Why you may want to rebrand your company
• Your company image looks tired or out of date
• Your image does not refl ect what you do anymore
• The sector in which you work in has changed
• Your company pursues different work to that which it did in the past
• You wish to change the direction of the business and have decided to break with the old image.

What is the right name for your business?
Often business names are based on the name of the person or people who started the company or a spin on what the company does or produces. It is helpful to name your company so that when it is mentioned to someone who has never come across you before they can make an accurate guess at your area of business just from your name. This can also help you online with search engine optimisation.

What will need to be redesigned?
Here is a checklist of things that your organisation may need re-designed if you rebrand it:

Business cards
Business Stationery, branded Folders, Notepads and Pens
Website
Blog
E-newsletter
Brochure
Flyers
Adverts
Clothing
Company Signage
Exhibition banner and Name Badges
Vehicle graphics

Rebranding can help to refocus what your business does and gives you an opportunity for a fresh start on your marketing and promotion. It can help you to move into areas of business that you haven’t tackled before or leave behind an outdated service you no longer provide.

Create Design Studio provide graphic design and website services, we also set up blogs and make great PowerPoint presentations. If you’d like us to help you with your next project please call David on 01420 549637. If you would like to receive a copy of The Bulletin please visit our Contact Us page and fill in the form, add ‘The Bulletin’ and your address to the enquiry field and we will post a copy to you.

Your business probably already sends out paperwork to clients every day that could become part of your marketing strategy and because it’s already being sent your costs remain unaffected.

Business cards should have all the traditional contact details on them but many have blank areas or the rear left blank when it could be used to promote your business. Use the space on the back of your business cards to display product photos, show client testimonials, list your services, detail special offers, link to your email newsletter or write a short description of what your business can do for your customers.

When you have the details of your customer to send them information directly, writing to them on letterheaded paper is a great way to get your company branding noticed. Include all your contact details on the letterhead in a prominent place and if you have space in the letter include a testimonial, promote your website or your email newsletter and include a special offer to tempt the customer into making contact again. Include a business card with your letter or include some other promotional literature. The envelope you send the letter in can also be used to carry your logo, your company strap-line and other information like your opening hours, your website address and your phone number.

Compliments slips are ideal for inclusion with customer orders, letters and invoices. Include all your contact details and links to your website and blog to keep these details at the fingertips of your customers. Including a handwritten message that is personally addressed to your customer will help to show them that their custom is appreciated.

Once a customer has made a successful purchase from you they are more likely to make a repeat purchase. Online retailers often send order conformation emails to customers showcasing other items they might like to purchase next time or including a special offer they can use with their next order. Invoices on paper can be used for promotion of your website, blog or to include special offers for a customer’s next purchase. Try these ideas on your next set of invoices.

This blogpost is an exerpt from the first Create Design Studio book on creating websites. If you would like to read more visit our website at: www.iwanttobeawebdesigner.com and download a chapter from the book FREE!

Create Design Studio provide graphic design and website services, we also set up blogs and make great PowerPoint presentations. If you’d like us to help you with your next project please call David on 01420 549637.