5 times for great design

One of the most common questions I get from clients is:

“How can better design benefit my business?”

And honestly, it’s a pretty good one. Outside of the mystery and magic that is WordArt, drop shadows, 3D effects and more, what is it that really makes the key difference for investing in your brand’s image that otherwise couldn’t be achieved without it? I mean, customers are still going to buy your product no matter what it looks like, right?

Wrong. Well, kind of.

Us humans are strange, emotional beings who tend to quickly make judgments based on our first impressions.

This, coupled with battling in an expanding ocean of competing brands, makes being seen correctly all the more important. Visual design can seriously help when it comes to building the association of quality, reputation, value and reliability… Basically, all those bits you need to be successful.

So, without further ado, let’s explore 5 quick and easy ways that using good design investment can help develop your brand image for your customers today!

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1. It’s hip to be square

One of the most iconic moments in film has to be the business card scene from American Psycho. Now, in no way or form do you need to be a psycho to enjoy a good business card - at least, as far as I know - but, small details really can make a difference, no matter how subtle they may initially seem.

Everything from the type of paper you use, card shape (standard, or a custom shape), colouration, font choice, embossed type, or even illustration and iconography are extremely important factors to consider when creating or updating your cards. Imagine them as the face of your business: is it welcoming and rosy-cheeked, or the cold hand that gets things done? If you don’t immediately impress, you’re likely headed for a one-way trip to the recycling bin.

Ask yourself, how many times have you held onto a beautifully detailed business card in your wallet or phone, even for services you have no intention of contacting? Getting that representation right is all it takes to catch the exact interest your business needs.

“Oh my God, it even has a watermark…”

Consider this:

A non-standard cut with a minimal, but striking design!

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2. Recognition, review & results

In a similar vein to business cards, an often overlooked tool at your disposal is the humble Thank You card. Getting a steady amount of sales, but a sad lack of sharing? This is your chance to deliver a personal touch with your items, continuing the conversation with a dash of added value.

One of the central benefits to including a Thank You card in your marketing deck is its ability to create the appearance of care: your brand is willing to go that extra step to make sure quality service is being achieved. It also provides a perfect opportunity to showcase those all-important social media and shop links, attracting follows, mentions and reactions to where it really matters. Think of it as your business card-lite, or a friendly nudge. It performs a similar function, just without the workplace formalities!

Already putting money into printed promotional slips, leaflets or banners? You could even cut those costs by leaving a space for discount codes, web portals or other preferred routes on the reverse side... Perfect.

Consider this:

A packaging insert Thank You card, giving customers a small discount on future orders if shared in a photo next to their item!

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3. Get on the grid

Ever find yourself marvelling at those beautifully constructed profiles on Instagram, with instantly recognisable posts and styles? Or even across Facebook, or LinkedIn; how you’re always able to identify who you’re dealing with at first glance? It’s simple: you need to build up your brand’s style and get your arse on that grid.

Social Media is increasingly becoming our first point of call when looking for a whole range of gifts and services. Even your local plumber has already built themselves a following with photos of their bearded dragon in renaissance outfits... It might not be strictly relevant to how good they are as a plumber, but I’ll be damned if it makes them memorable! Be it from stumbling across related interests, or directly looking up a company we’ve been recommended by a friend of a friend of a friend, creating visual interest with interactive posts is a major step in kickstarting your customer engagement.

Think about the businesses you follow personally. What makes their content compelling, or satisfying to keep in your daily feed? Do they ask fun questions, or provide interesting facts that keep you thinking about their brand? Don’t despair, as your business could soon be on its way to building that same response from your future customers (lizard optional!)

Consider this:

A clean, simple layout that’s connected by well-organised posts, making a profile that’s truly shareable!

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4. Stay in the spotlight

You’ve got your website, social accounts and more set up, now you just need to get noticed... But, how?

Using sponsored banners, adverts and video posts, you can fast-track your brand straight to the eyeballs of your target audience. With flexible prices that are completely dependent on how long (or strong) you want your spotlight to last, using many services’ promotion tools can be a great way to quickly build your brand, or highlight key events or sales.

Here’s a quick one: you’ve just invented the banana (nice!) It’s a versatile fruit, highly recognisable by its shape and features (sometimes to your dismay), but you can’t seem to get people to actually buy the damn thing. It’s odd and yellow - plus, it has that highly recognisable shape (definitely to your dismay). Solution? Launch a mini ad campaign and turn those concerns into considerations!

Don’t waste the opportunity. Make sure you have only the most impactful posts at hand to really sell your business in that 15 minutes of fame. Sometimes, it’s all you’re gonna get.

Consider this:

A small, looping video spot, letting eco-interested users know about your planet-friendly packaging values!

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5. News of the world

Nobody loves your brand more than you do. Unfortunately, that enthusiasm isn’t always immediately shared. If you have a business that would benefit from being spotted as an industry expert, local champion, or a treasured oddity, it’s time to get in touch with the media!

Despite the doomsaying of ‘traditional news is dead’, print and online news sources can still be a powerful point of contact for your potential audience. Gaining inclusion in a leading article, or becoming part of a wider discussion, is a confirmed shortcut to getting your brand rooted inside organic conversation. Therefore, what you have to offer better be worth talking about!

Creating an appealing information pack, visual aids and infographics can help streamline interest in your proposition, turning wordy, complicated values into accessible, bitesize factoids. Identify where your target audience is: maybe it’s a small, local newsletter? Initiate contact and supply them with all the material they need to create a compelling story for their readers. After all, it’s a win-win situation for your business and their platform.

Consider this:

Have you discovered something interesting about your line of industry, or a trendy stat that proves your brand’s value? Say it with something visual and catchy copy that’s sure to get the interest flowing!