Some other things that may be of interest.

 

Packaging

Packaging design is often a determining factor in the purchasing decision. How often does one peruse the shelves looking for a certain product whilst undecided on a brand? Most times, there are two things that sway your decision: the price of a product and the appearance of a product. If it appeals to the eye,  and it’s considered affordable, it may well find its way into your shopping basket. Of course, packaging’s important whatever the product-type and wherever it may be found - in an upmarket hyper in the northern suburbs of Johannesburg or in a motor spares outlet in Middleburg. These days, packaging design is no longer the preserve of packaging design companies. Take me for example. I could help you. Irrespective of what type of packaging you’re after. Here’s some of our recent work in this area.

 

 

Signage and exhibition stands

Whilst not a key focus of mine, signage and exhibition stand design are things I can help you with. There is, to my mind, little difference between conceptualising and writing an advertisement and conceptualising and writing signage or an exhibition stand. Sure, the latter needs to be more succinct, but the process is the same - as is the objective. (Surely to capture the attention of passers-by). These days, exhibitions are big business and a lot of business can be done by getting people onto your stand. Good design, underpinned by strong conceptual thinking, can stop people in their tracks. If you consider that creative signage costs the same as boring signage, there’s not a lot to be said for boring signage – other than, why settle for it? Signage comes in all forms, from building wraps to stack signs to rubbish bins, and all of it lends itself to creativity. If you need my help, I’m but an email away. In the meantime, here’s some of my work in this area.

 

Brochures, folders, newsletters, annual reports and flyers

The importance of having brochures, folders, leaflets, annual reports and flyers carrying through the look of one's advertising cannot be underestimated. Whilst they form an integral function within the marketing mix, they often get relegated to the bottom of the heap by designers and ad agencies in favour of the more "glamorous" media types and as a result, get churned out as quickly as possible. Here, I give them the respect they deserve, and write and design them so that they work in the marketplace. It is an undeniable fact that a well-designed leaflet or brochure left on a potential customer's desk can bring him or her that much closer to picking up the phone or sending an email whilst a professional corporate folder can leave a lasting impression. Promotional and point-of-sale material comes in all shapes and forms and I can help you with all of them. Need them printed? I can see to that too, and work with quality printers who know their stuff (and meet my deadlines). Whilst on the point of PRINTING: if you're looking for quotes on anything, I'd be happy to oblige.

 

 

 

 

 

Street Pole Advertising

Street pole ads are everywhere, and there’s a reason for this. They work. By providing repetitive in-the-face exposure on high traffic volume routes, street pole advertisements can get your message across to motorists on a daily basis – whilst on their way to work in the mornings and on their return in the evenings. And not only motorists. Double-sided display panels allow for specific directional messaging to targeted commuter and pedestrian audiences too. If you’re considering outdoor advertising, don’t have the budget for large billboards and want to “own an area”, street pole ads are without doubt the way to go. The medium cries out for creativity, so the more creative you are, the better the result. If you would like to ascertain street pole availability in any particular area, I could arrange for someone to call you.

 

     

Promotional Gifts

As an agency, I’m often asked for ideas pertaining to corporate gifts. And whilst this is not an area I focus on, I have an informal working relationship with two women who go out of their way to source quality gift ideas that are different from the norm. So whilst they can help with the standard T-shirts, caps, pens and lanyards, they’re adept at putting different ideas on the table. Besides the sourcing and importing of products, they also provide a “finishing” service wherein if you had one gazillion items to be packaged, labelled and delivered, they could do this too. I’ll gladly put you in touch if you’re interested.

 

 

 

Company Watches

Corporate gifting plays an important part in marketing and is seen by companies as a way of thanking clients for business passed. Of course, there are many companies who like to reward their managers or staff for their efforts too. If you're looking to give something different from the norm (and have the budget available), a company watch may well fit the bill. Now available is a range of QUALITY watches which can be designed to your requirements. More than just having your company logo printed, you can now have your own corporate timepieces designed to incorporate your corporate identity, with for example, the face and strap of your choice. (Note: Minimum quantities. Eight week turnaround). As a corporate gift, corporate watches could play an important relationship-building role and may be worthy of consideration.

 

 

 

Magnetised Marketing Products

Magnetised marketing products in the way of fridge magnets, magnetised fridge calendars, magnetised licence disc holders etc are often popular with marketers and can work well in terms of keeping your brand uppermind. Informal research has shown that homeowners go to the fridge eight times a day. Not that they would necessarily look at the paraphernalia stuck to their fridge doors on every occasion but if you consider that a fridge magnet (or calendar or notepad) might be glanced at every few days, the effectiveness of such a low cost item over a year is there for all to see. Magnetised marketing products (fridge magnets in particular) are essentially a “reminder” medium but can be used successfully to launch a new product or service. Which is why they will always be widely used by estate agents, plumbers, electricians, car dealerships and the like. If you’re interested, I have a supplier whose pricing and quality is more than competitive.