So, I've been so busy working on projects I've been delinquent on updating my website and portfolio! One thing I wanted to share is how an ad campaign has been evolving for one of my clients, the Allegan Community Federal Credit Union... Basically, I'd like to show the consistency, theme, and repetition... We've created a brand - "Discover the Difference!" This is what marketing and advertising is all about!
I simply can't explain the amazingness of seeing an idea come to life... Something that starts out as a little idea, becoming a big reality!
Congratulations MACD on your new website and marketing tools... I've had fun working on it with you, and plan on having more fun soon.
If great design and fun marketing ideas get you all in a tizzy as they do me, you will probably enjoy this link:
The 75 Hottest Business Card Designs You've Ever Seen!
Thanks to my creative genius friend, Ali, for the head's up on this one. The inspiration around us never ends!
Owners Jerry and Sandy Hartman have recently announced that Allegan U-Stor has launched a new company website detailing their storage facility, new quick copy center and shipping services.
Allegan U-Stor, located in the Allegan Highland Business Park, has become recognized over the years for its storage units and truck and trailer rental service. Now, in addition to storage and truck rentals, the business has expanded its services to include office services such as copying, laminating, scanning, faxing, and shredding. Other new services include private mailboxes, professional packaging, and three carrier choices for shipping including FedEx, DHL, and U.S. Mail.
“We realized that there was a need for these types of services in the Allegan area,” explained Michelle Crane, Storage Consultant and Manager of Allegan U-Stor.
“Offering a larger variety of products and services to the public seemed like a sensible, natural next step. People want convenience, so we put in a drive-thru window… now, Moms with small kids in the car or other less-mobile people have an alternative to parking and walking into the post office for stamps or to send a package.”
Along with a new website, the business has adopted an updated logo in an effort to roll out a new image, and plans for new signage for the facility are currently in the works.
For more information regarding Allegan U-Stor’s products and services, you may visit the main office located at 690 Airway Drive from Monday – Friday 9am to 6pm, Saturday 9am to 1pm, call the office at 269-673-5929, email info@alleganu-stor.com,or visit the new website at www.alleganu-stor.com
...and these guys are looking good, if I do say so myself.
Below are three examples of how you can brand yourself and get noticed. It starts with a look. Then you stick with that look. Whether you create a business card, a postcard, a ad, a sign, a billboard - consistency is the key. Before you know it, you're recognized (by the voters) and you've won your seat.
Whether you're an organization, a business, or an individual, professionalism is the key. Nicely designed marketing and communication materials will set you apart every time.
Here we have an example of the beginnings of a marketing project for an "individual"... Meaning, you don't have to be a giant corporation to market yourself. Getting your business noticed can start as simple as starting with a fun, professionally created logo, and beginning to work on your brand, as you can see in the business cards, front, back, below.
Namaste. Breathe. Oooooommmmmmm...
The Allegan Community Federal Credit Union is a new client of mine - and they have a few different marketing needs... but first thing's first: their newsletter needed a makeover. Richmond Creative gave it a fresh, new, look without recreating it entirely - and from now on will help assist them with writing the content, layout, design, scheduling of getting it printed and mailed, you name it. 
Starting a business is downright frightening. The idea of being your own boss begins as a simple thought - and before you know it, there you are, handing out your new business card. I am happy to report that this last week has been a bit of a whirlwind - phone calls, meeting, proposal-writing - good stuff. And good signs, I'd say.
The ball seems to be rolling. Business seems to be starting. My dreams of running my own business seem to be coming true.
To everyone out there who has dreamed of owning their own business, but is afraid to take that first step, I'd like to say, just do it. You only live once. And you'll never know how successful you could be until you try.
All businesses and organizations have a message that they want to send, and I am continually fascinated by the act of putting out a message to the masses and watching people respond to that message. I love crafting a brand, an image, an identity, then marketing that brand's product or service, and seeing a brand come to life.
I believe the way we communicate is changing. "Marketing" as it was twenty years ago is very different than Marketing as it is today. The internet, web logs, and podcasting, for example, have transformed the way information is dispersed and how it is received.
My parent's generation depended on the local newspaper for their news and information; they watched prime time television and purchased their music at a record store. (Sadly), I almost never read the newspaper. I find TV quite boring and can't find much that interests me; instead I subscribe to Netflix; and listen to music streaming live on internet radio stations or download it from iTunes.
As one might gather - marketers and advertisers have become a bit perplexed, and are finding ways to evolve as media does the same... myself included.
Stay tuned for future thoughts on business, marketing, media, design, and technology here at the Richmond Creative Blog. Guest writers are always welcome to contribute if they have something interesting to say, let me know if you might be interested - and of course I welcome feedback and would love to hear from you. Drop me a line, shoot me an email, mail me a letter, send me an owl...
