Corporate Image and Print Strategy
Here is an excerpt from a published article I wrote to help small business owners understand the strategy for printed marketing materials and your corporate image.
Understanding the purpose of your printed materials is the basis of my print strategy advice. The viewer's reaction to your corporate image in print is like having a silent salesperson 24/7. Marketing materials are not intended to close orders. They should stimulate interest based on a professional image. Don't overdo it or your efforts may backfire.
Business Card
Your business card is the introduction. That's all. A professional look and positive first impression may get you to the next step. If you attempt to sell your product or service on your card, it will most likely be too crowded and ruin the purpose. The back of your card should be used and include a small ad that goes beyond who you are, and briefly presents the benefits of what you do. Keep the design simple. Violate what I call My 5 Second Rule for Small Business Owners, and the card will be tossed.
Post Card or Flyer
A 4x6 or 5x7 flyer or post card is an introduction, also. However, with more space for creating a favorable first impression a design with less content is still more effective, and preferred. The purpose here is to impress the viewer and include a call to action which may be as simple as call us or visit our website. For example, I created full color artwork for a real estate post card that tells how effective the "less equals more" worked. The message was simply "If you are looking to sell, buy, or rent, please give me a call", and it worked wonders. The stunning graphics included a gorgeous background photo of Orlando and the real estate broker in the foreground. Again, you have 5 seconds to impress the viewer.
Trifold Brochure
Your 8-1/2 x 11 full color trifold brochure is the first opportunity to go overboard with photos and a more direct sales pitch with benefit statements and color photographs. The key turning point in the buyer-salesperson relationship is when the prospect reaches out and they contact YOU. Your trifold brochure's purpose is to go beyond the call to action as mentioned for your post card or flyer, and it needs to convince the buyer to make contact by presenting realistic benefits for what you offer. Brochures still cannot close orders. If there is a remote possibility that the viewer has a need, the positive first impression and list of benefit statements may make the difference between the brochure being saved or tossed. The lifespan is still 5 seconds if your printed piece is unprofessional.
TAGS: small business advice corporate image business cards post cards flyers trifold brochures
Understanding the purpose of your printed materials is the basis of my print strategy advice. The viewer's reaction to your corporate image in print is like having a silent salesperson 24/7. Marketing materials are not intended to close orders. They should stimulate interest based on a professional image. Don't overdo it or your efforts may backfire.
Business Card
Your business card is the introduction. That's all. A professional look and positive first impression may get you to the next step. If you attempt to sell your product or service on your card, it will most likely be too crowded and ruin the purpose. The back of your card should be used and include a small ad that goes beyond who you are, and briefly presents the benefits of what you do. Keep the design simple. Violate what I call My 5 Second Rule for Small Business Owners, and the card will be tossed.
Post Card or Flyer
A 4x6 or 5x7 flyer or post card is an introduction, also. However, with more space for creating a favorable first impression a design with less content is still more effective, and preferred. The purpose here is to impress the viewer and include a call to action which may be as simple as call us or visit our website. For example, I created full color artwork for a real estate post card that tells how effective the "less equals more" worked. The message was simply "If you are looking to sell, buy, or rent, please give me a call", and it worked wonders. The stunning graphics included a gorgeous background photo of Orlando and the real estate broker in the foreground. Again, you have 5 seconds to impress the viewer.
Trifold Brochure
Your 8-1/2 x 11 full color trifold brochure is the first opportunity to go overboard with photos and a more direct sales pitch with benefit statements and color photographs. The key turning point in the buyer-salesperson relationship is when the prospect reaches out and they contact YOU. Your trifold brochure's purpose is to go beyond the call to action as mentioned for your post card or flyer, and it needs to convince the buyer to make contact by presenting realistic benefits for what you offer. Brochures still cannot close orders. If there is a remote possibility that the viewer has a need, the positive first impression and list of benefit statements may make the difference between the brochure being saved or tossed. The lifespan is still 5 seconds if your printed piece is unprofessional.
TAGS: small business advice corporate image business cards post cards flyers trifold brochures
Jim Degerstrom 
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