blog
Marketing with A Creative Strategy
Recently I attended two conferences, HOWDesign Live in Boston and WordCamp Chicago. Conferences are a good way to learn about current trends in my industry, changes in design tools, and they offer opportunities for collaboration and networking within the larger design community. Investing in a conference improves the value and quality of the services provided by my business, Resolution Creative. An eye-opening session I attended at HOWLive was about creative strategy. My clients’ goals are always a consideration in creating marketing...
read moreHealthcare Marketing Award
Resolution Creative, Batavia, has received a 2014 Gold Aster Award for the multilingual advertising designed for VNA Health Care, Aurora. The Aster Awards, one of the largest national competitions of its kind, is hosted by Marketing Healthcare Today Magazine and Creative Images, Inc.. This elite program recognizes outstanding healthcare professionals for excellence in their advertising/marketing efforts for the calendar year 2013. Entries must score in the top 5% to receive a Gold award. Judging criteria includes creativity, layout and...
read moreWhy put a photo on your business card?
Do you ever wonder why certain professions feature a photograph of the business person on the card? I certainly have. Seeing someone’s face doesn’t make me want to buy insurance. But according to an article in online news source Patch, in some businesses your personality is your selling point. You should have a photo on your business card if you are in real estate, consulting, etc. Other tips offered include placing a special offer or coupon on the card, listing areas of expertise, and including your social media links. However, the 5 for 5...
read moreImage Awards Logo Design
Client: Image Awards Engraving and Creative Keepsakes, Inc. Industry: Retail Project: Logo Design Image Awards Engraving and Creative Keepsakes, Inc. is a retail business based in Geneva, Illinois. A successful business, providing trophies, corporate awards, and personalized gifts. All engraving and color imprinting is done onsite. The successful business is owned by Patty Donohue who was recently featured in “Building Your Business the Right Brain Way” by Jennifer Lee. As the twentieth anniversary for the business approached, Patty decided...
read moreMultilingual Marketing
Should You Be Creating Multilingual Marketing? Who is your target customer? In today’s diverse cultural, you might often be marketing to a multilingual audience. You might be losing customers if you do not present information in the language in which the reader is comfortable. A recent article by the Harvard Business Review addressed the question, “Will Spanish Help You Reach the U.S. Hispanic Market?” Citing the National Hispanic Consumer Study, “advertising in Spanish can boost both advertising effectiveness and customer loyalty.” If...
read moreWhat is a resolution?
You’ve probably heard the term “transitional” person. Typically this term is used to refer to the next person someone becomes involved with after the ending of a long relationship. That person might help you move on, but is usually not part of a permanent relationship. Now, have you ever heard of a transitional business name? I recently found myself in this situation. After years working as Lisa Smith Youngdahl Graphic Design, I changed my business to ImageSmith Creative. As you can see, I was reluctant to completely let go of the Smith,...
read moreUse Door Hangers in your Marketing
Marketing with Door Hangers Have you thought about going old school with your marketing and adding door hangers to the mix? A door hanger guarantees interaction with your audience; it has to be noticed if it’s hanging from your doorknob. Resolution Creative recently created a series of door hangers for VNA Health Care. Amy Downing, VNA’s director of Marketing, uses door hangers because “door hangers are a cost effective alternative to direct mail. I like that I have more control over when the door hangers deliver and I can cover a...
read moreShould you use Stock Photos or Custom Photography?
When I first began working as a designer, I’d often work with photographers to create a specific image or photograph a product or display for use in advertising or packaging. I would sketch out my concept, and the photographer would create an image to meet my specifications, often improving my original concept with his or her own artistry. Occasionally I would purchase stock photos, usually for something not easily accessible, such as the flag waving over the Capitol. Stock images were selected by looking through print catalogs of images, or...
read moreIs Print Part of Your Marketing Mix?
Digital marketing and print marketing – it shouldn’t be an either / or choice. When both media are used, your brand and overall campaign are stronger. The highest consumer response comes form cross media campaigns. Creating a printed piece that is visually appealing attract your audience, and may be the first step in gaining new customers. Using Every Door Direct Mail by the US Postal Service is a simple way to get the message to your targeted local community. Add a call-to-action on your printed piece. This can include a URL, or QR...
read moreMarketing Resolutions
It’s the end of January. Have you already failed at your resolutions, or did you even make any? It’s still early in the year, it’s not too late to get started. How about some marketing resolutions that will help grow your business? Keep in mind it is easier to keep resolutions if the goals are specific. Last year I wrote about 13 Marketing Musts for 2013 from Small Business Trends. This list may help you get started in making improvements to your 2014 marketing. Remember to keep your goals specific. Instead of making a vague promise to...
read more