SMART Advertising

Joan Romph — Fri, 23 Apr 2010 14:39:30 +0000

Advertising is vital for the health of all businesses – but how can you tell if the advertising method you are using is working?

Here are some easy ways to test your ads:

Advertise just one item in an ad, but don’t display the item at your business for a set amount of time. Then count the calls that come in for that item. If customers can’t see the item on display, they will be less likely to ask about it, so you will be able to tell how many sales have resulted fro your ad.
Run the same ad with a different-colored coupon in 2 different publications. Ask customers to bring in the coupon to redeem the savings. This will let you know which publication reached the right audience and is worth your advertising dollars.
Switch advertising mediums and watch any change in sales.
Ask new customer how they heard about your business, and use this information to make future advertising decisions.

www.ParagonPress.net – #1 in Shreveport, LA for printing, direct mail, graphic design, marketing services – 318.868.3351

The Risk of Over Designing

Joan Romph — Wed, 31 Mar 2010 13:04:30 +0000

Simplicity is often seen, but it s a concept that is not easily explained. For some graphic designers, it’s second nature. For others, it involves much forethought. Today’s designers are trending toward more simple, clutter-free designs, as they return to simplicity. Here are some examples of how the traditional theme of less is more is used:

Advertising

Not only can simple ads grab attention, but their short and to the point messages are also easier to comprehend. The concept of “less is more” is especially effective when writing ad copy.

Catalogs and Brochures

Catalogs and brochures are expected to be a vast source of information, yet readers appreciate when they are simplified, organized, and easy to read and comprehend. Simplicity is often its own reward since it encourages increased use.

Packaging

Like a poster, a package needs to attract the eye within seconds of its initial viewing. In recent years, shelves have been jammed with products whose designers have attempted to out-design one another. This gives simple package designs featuring primary colors, bold copy, white space, and clean design the ability to effectively break through the clutter.

Identity

Not only do logos convey the personality of a company, but they also offer a memorable impression. Simple designs that incorporate a company’s complex ideas are the root of a logo’s power.

One of the perks of being a designer is the ability to develop a personality or character for a company or product. For designers, simplicity means a return to basics, but not at the expense of creative design.

www.ParagonPress.net – #1 in Shreveport, LA for printing, direct mail, graphic design, marketing – 318.868.3351

Paragon Press Shreveport » advertising

SMART Advertising

The Risk of Over Designing