The Brochure - Still the Marketing Standard-Bearer

Author: Nick James

Brochure Design is surely the forgotten standard-bearer in the world of marketing and advertising.

In this day and age of worldwide webs and information superhighways, where websites, e-marketing, and TV are seen as the sure-fire methods of getting your message out there, it's easy to forget how effective the humble brochure can still be.

Once the lynchpin of a corporate marketing campaign, recent years have seen the brochure passed over in favour of internet marketing and websites.

But ask yourself this: Is a website really the path my company wants to go down?

If you're serious about having a website to promote your company then before you make any commitment you should be aware of the maintenance and upkeep that it will need, as well as the internet marketing required to promote it. It's never a case of simply publishing a website and expecting the traffic to find you. Add to this the fact that a decent website with a good design and sleek programming won't come cheap, and you've really got to be serious about ongoing promotion if you want a reasonable ROI.

Brochures, however, are relatively cheaper to get designed, printed, and distributed, offering a far greater cost-efficiency.

It can be said that they offer the purest form of advertising away from the billboard, as they are generally succinct in their use of words, yet always eye-catching in the brochure design. This draws a potential customer or client directly to the message you're looking to convey without diluting it or allowing them to become lost amongst the assorted pages of a similarly targeted website.

The brochure is also far easier to market than a website, at a fraction of the cost. They can be handed out, left with clients, laid out for passing trade to pick up and browse, and there's no fear of the less than tech-savvy encountering problems.

Everybody knows how to operate a leaflet or brochure.

At the end of the day it is still true that the greater proportion of people out there like something they can get their hands on. Something they can leaf through at their leisure whilst waiting for a bus, sitting in a cafe, enjoying a well-deserved break, or at home lying in bed. The brochure offers the ultimate ease of accessibility and its success in connecting the right sort of customer (the one ready to spend money) with the products or services your company offers has been proven throughout the history of marketing.

Obviously the final call comes down to the individual needs and budget of a company. But in these modern times when everybody is looking to the internet for their marketing campaign, it always pays to consider the cheaper alternatives out there that still do the business. It is these often dismissed standard-bearers, such as the brochure, that have the track record ready to back-up the results.

About the Author:

Nick James writes for Essence Design, a UK web and graphic design agency that specialises in brochure design, web design and web development.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - The Brochure - Still the Marketing Standard-Bearer

With Advertising Funds Freezing Up - Packaging Picks Up

Author: Chris London

With Advertising Funds Freezing Up - Packaging Picks Up.

By Pixel Productions Inc.

You may have noticed many businesses are rethinking how they allocate their budgets especially where advertising is concerned. In fact, with economic downturn, people are tightening their wallets and this means spending less on advertising. But advertising comes in many forms and methods of media. Package design seems to be one area that is driving increased attention and funds.

Wondering why? Well, America may be leaning toward more conservative views where spending is concerned, but shopping is still a favorite pastime for many. With so many of todays youth plugged in and online the advertising we have known is coming to an end. However, consumerism continues to flourish and with it the need to attract and engage buyers. Hence, packaging design and development.

Investing in packaging is where many find a necessary shift in their advertising budget must be made. For many, consumer packaging may be the only opportunity to really reach their audience. The container that holds your product is just as important as the contents - often more so. The package is the first thing your customer will see and we all know you don't have long to engage and draw a prospective buyer in. Bottom line, packaging that works equals much more than just a return on investment.

With millions of products in the marketplace all claiming to be the best value for the money and each touting its own brand values, how can your product stand out among the clutter? A company called Pixel Productions Inc. has spent many years researching answers to this very question. The answer is powerful product branding. "Every product or service created, modified or revitalized today faces this question." And every year, new powerful brands emerge in the marketplace to capture strong sales and customer loyalty.

Now Ask yourself; What are my product brands associated with? What images do people associate with my products in their advertising?
Is my packaging doing what it's supposed to?

There's a battle for retail positioning and package design may be the only opportunity to secure the almighty sale. Retail sales are a challenge for all, so those not wishing to get lost in the retail jungle are looking to secure a brand identity or package design that's not only "pretty" but effective.

Paul Quinn and Chris London are the owners of Pixel Productions Inc., one of the leading brand design agencies for consumer product companies. Pixel Productions Inc., has been behind the scenes designing, developing and producing some of the most successfully retailing board games as well as retail products ranging from giftware to packaging for cosmetic and electronics. You have probably seen many of their products in stores like Hallmark, Target, and Michaels. Pixel Productions helps companies design, develop and market brands that connect with consumers and deliver results.

You can contact Pixel Productions Inc. by calling 877-386-2290 or by visiting their website: www.pixelproductionsinc.com

About the Author:

We pride ourselves on taking a thoughtful, fresh approach to each and every design solution. Whether it's creative graphic design for print media or website development, our design process allows us to provide meaningful and practical solutions that get results! We invite you to look through our site and various design portfolios and hope you are inspired to let us put our experience to work for you.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - With Advertising Funds Freezing Up - Packaging Picks Up