Not long ago, when someone asked if you pinned it, you probably thought it was a reference to wrestling. Today, Pinterest has become a popular social media site where users can find great ideas. Anything from recipes, to home decor, DIY projects, and more. What does this mean for business owners wanting to expand their “social media marketing” horizon? It means Pinterest could be a powerful tool for your business.
First, it’s important to explain that Pinterest is more about “things” than other social networks popular today. In the study, the top keywords used are “DIY” and the symbol for heart (<3), along with “use, look, want, and need”. What this means is that Pinterest is about sharing your likes and dislikes. It is more about feeling than thinking. Twitter and Facebook users are generally having to “think” about content to post, but with Pinterest, it is quite the opposite. Users are “not prompted to think at all, they are prompted to feel” with the images they see and pin.
For industries that include do-it-yourself, crafts, hair and beauty, as well as designers, this may be a social media dream come true. The article goes on to highlight proper photo techniques that work best. Additionally, you learn why some images are pinned more successfully over others and demographics of Pinterest users. One statistic states that “customers spend more money when they convert from a Pinterest referral than any other social network.” Facebook comes in a close second.
Edwardsville, IL based Cork Tree Creative, Inc. has worked with many clients overseeing their social media program from start to finish. If you already have a social media presence but you think it may be time to enhance it, give us a call. We’d love to help make all of your social media marketing dreams come true! Illinois and St. Louis customers can call (618) 656-7333 for more information.
Email marketing may strike many as old-fashioned or outdated. However, sometimes the old ways are the best ways. Yes, popular social media sites and mobile marketing get a lot of attention. This doesn't mean that email marketing is a dead channel.
But what makes this marketing strategy effective?
This method can be done at a lower cost than other communications. Organizations don't need to pay for printing, postage, phone or high advertising rates.
It brings your organization’s messages directly to people versus a website where people have to look for the message.
Organizations can segment audiences and can send targeted marketing campaigns. This is proven to increase engagement in specific audiences.
This strategy offers organizations the advantage of real time. Since an email can be completed on the day of an event or announcement, organizations can send current messages to help them achieve their goals.
Print, television and radio advertising campaigns make it difficult to speak to your consumers in a personalized way. Having the ability to feed in personalized information to build rapport with your customers is crucial. Cork Tree Creative offers a wide range of public relations services including writing strategic messaging.
When organizations go virtual with their main communication method, you help save the planet by reducing the number of trees used for print marketing pieces.
When organizations use email marketing, they are using a proven channel to directly communicate with their customers. Email can improve sales, increase customer engagement and reduce your costs. Not bad for an “old-fashioned” marketing channel! If you are interested in updating or starting a marketing program at your business, Cork Tree Creative, Inc. can help. Give us a call at (618) 656-7333.
When you think of a brand, which companies are the first to come to mind? Do companies like Nike, Google and Target stand out? It’s obvious which logo designs are memorable, have instant recognition and stand the test of time – some are even noticed internationally. The key is that those viewing them know right away the business represented. And, each of these logos is memorable for their own reasons. The Nike “swoosh,” for example, is such a simple logo, yet it represents a huge company with affiliations with sporting events and charities all over the world.
The question is, as a business owner, would you know a great logo if you came across one? If you were an entrepreneur, starting your own business, what qualities would you think makes a great logo…uh, great? You know you want to accurately portray your organization’s basic principles, identity, heritage and core values while also having a logo that is functional, attractive and memorable. Cork Tree Creative’s graphic designers often confront the challenge of making great logos for our clients - and it always starts with research.
Since a logo is used to identify a company, it’s important that it’s not similar to its competitor’s logos. This can be difficult if you are running a dental office, for example. Take a moment and think of a dentist that doesn’t love the simplicity of using a “tooth” in their logo design. However, a great logo should distinguish your company from the competition, not remind them of it. The research continues when designers discover how the logo is going to be used. After finding out the history of the company and its competitors, designers then can create a logo that meshes with the company and represents everything that it should.
Not only should logos be simplistic in design, the best logos also have meaningful colors and fonts. People associate various colors with different feelings and sensations. Warm colors, like gold and brown, translate well when promoting furniture and goods associated with the home. The color green works well for outdoor themes and blues are often used in spa-like environments. Fonts also speak volumes evoking business personalities and how you want your customers to feel. This can be done by using bold, stark fonts that are more traditional and conservative show the playfulness of your company. Adding colors adds valuable visual effect. Think of the differences between logos for sporting goods stores and flower shops: completely different, yet distinctive and memorable.
Should you include a tag line or other elements? Our answer is no. Save them for use in letterhead, business cards, and other types of marketing materials but steer clear of adding them to the logo. Since logos are being used to identify your company, it’s best to make the logo immediately recognizable and that’s why keeping it simple is key.
Remember, a good logo identifies who you are, making you recognizable in the community and your consumers. Rarely is a logo a description of a business. Instead, it’s something that symbolizes it. Dig down and think outside-the-box and be flexible. This gives the designers and you the opportunity to create something that is one-of-a-kind and unequivocally amazing.
Visit our showcase to see some of the logo designs that we’ve created. Hopefully, it will get your wheels turning!
Not sure if your marketing is working the way it should? Our free marketing audit checklist gives you a quick, honest look at what’s aligned and what’s not. Download it and see where you stand.
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