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When starting a new business, it can be hectic trying to get business marketing materials together, coming up with a marketing plan, and generally getting everything in order so you can actually run your business efficiently and gain business effectively. The general consensus is that print marketing is not necessary, but this couldn't be farther from the truth.

Print Marketing is very much needed for networking, client meetings, seminars and even when interviewing employees. Having a business card on hand can mean the difference between a sale and nothing. But besides the necessities, what does a new business, or even a business trying to reinvent themselves, need in terms of print marketing? Here's a laundry list of print marketing materials and why you need them.

• Business Cards

  This is obligatory, but you'd be surprised how many people thing they can do without them. There are several reasons you need a business card including: Physical business cards are a powerful touchpoint that amplifies the first impression. Business cards are harder to forget and can continue to make an impact long after that first initial meeting. A great custom designed business card can be a powerful part of your brand that engages the recipient and makes them want to learn more about you. It provides all your most important contact information and will drive people to your website to learn more about you. Still think you don't need a business card?

• Letterheads

  While letterheads are used less frequently than business cards, it's still an important piece of your business's marketing materials set. These pieces are branded with your business's logo, and contact information, and can be used for anything from an employee acceptance letter to thank you letters to clients.

• Brochures

  A brochure is a sales tool that can be looked at immediately. It's a natural action for someone to open or read something right away that's either just been handed to them, they have received in the mail, or has caught their eye that they have picked up. Whatever you are selling or promoting, a brochure or flyer gives you something tangible that puts your business into the hands of a potential or existing client whether you are promoting an existing/new product or service. What's more; in many cases the response to a well designed and executed flyer or brochure can be instantaneous.

• Print Vs. Electronic Media

  Print and electronic marketing work together; well designed print materials have the potential to hang around someone's home or work place for a long time. Remember, many people may print off information from your web site, but will often do this in black and white ~ not bright, vivid, eye-catching color. What's more they can easily click away from a website but a brochure can always be left lying around, meaning your potential client may be staring at your business unconsciously for quite some time, and when the time comes to use your product or service, they will know exactly where to find you. That is the power of print.

• The Importance of Branding

  A good brand is essential for business success. Most logos or marketing campaigns are good for around 5 to 10 years. After this time, the market changes and businesses need to change in order to keep up with a more modern image and newer company ideas. Evolving is necessary to keep up with the competition, meet consumers ever-changing preferences and, as they say, 'Keep up with the Jones'. An ever evolving brand identity is the best way to stay relevant and fresh in an ever evolving market place. If you look at a company's brand history, most major brands have gone through a metamorphosis. It is essential to compete in this time. Coca-Cola now is very different from the Coca-Cola of the 1950s. They have kept the same principles of their brand, but their image is constantly evolving to keep up with their target market. Apple is another brand that has changed drastically over the years. If you looked at the original Apple logo today, you wouldn't know what you were looking at. It's archaic by today's logo and design standards. For them, it was absolutely necessary to rebrand in order to stay relevant and in keeping with their message of revolutionary technology.

For more information on Brand Identity Solutions, Print Marketing and Website Design & Marketing, give us a call at 847.537.0067 or Toll free at 888.528.3699 for more information on how we can get your new or existing business up to par in 2012!

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