While we are all taught not to judge a book by its cover, let’s get real. I’ve bought books, magazines, scented lotions, household cleaners (how can you resist Method’s packaging?) and yes, wine based solely on how the label looks. I’m a marketing groupie. I admit it. I’m a sucker for cute, clever or crisp packaging. As a former wine writer and still-active wine lover, I know that some gems … [Read more...]
How to build an effective website and look like a million bucks: A chat with Nancy Owyang
How can small business owners with shoestring budgets and even less time create a powerful and professional looking visual web presence for their brand? While your website is only one brand facet, it's an important one. I work with clients on their brand story and messaging but how can they communicate that brand online? Nancy Owyang, Creative Director and Owner of Eye 2 Eye Graphics, is a … [Read more...]
What your website says about your brand (and how to make sure it’s telling the right story)
Guest post by Seth Leonard who trains and mentors people who want to build dynamic, successful websites. Human beings spend their days sizing things up. Think of the last time you looked for a place to eat along a street lined with restaurants.Whether it was the well-positioned outdoor seating of a cafe or the use of neon by a deli, you probably formed almost immediate opinions about where you … [Read more...]
Open letter to all business owners and entrepreneurs
Dear ambitious friend, It pains me to see the money that you are wasting, not to mention the time lost and stress created, by turning to the wrong people for your marketing and branding needs. Just yesterday, I heard another tale from a friend whose client is taking branding advice from a website programmer. And it’s bad advice that will cost her way more money in the long run. Think of your … [Read more...]
Why saving money on branding can cost you
We’ve all seen it – and maybe done it. We spend money on lawyers or accountants to build our business the right way, but when it comes to something like a logo or a website, we think, “Why, my neighbor’s teenage niece knows how to use Illustrator! Maybe she can do my logo for free.” Or, “I just need to get a simple website up. Let me just slap together a DIY template and get the page up and … [Read more...]
