Virtual Assistant Extraordinaire Blog

When creating a logo for your business it is important to make sure it is clear, concise and viewers will be able to gleam what it is you do if more artistic in nature. The logo is what you will be remembered for on paper and online as time goes by. I have been told more than once by customers and business associates that they knew it was me when they saw the target, the main and only image I use in my business logo. Simple and too the point.

Using Text In your Logo

It is wonderful to use verbiage as part of your logo, and sometimes the easiest way to get to the point based on the business name. The issues I have come across with customers and just reading others logos is the use of a font that is to small, scripty or too ingrained in an image. Watch the blend of color to make sure the words will stand out enough as well.

Using Images in Your Logo

Images are powerful and can speak more than words at times, but they can also be confusing. For standard services such as hair cutting a black and white version of scissors and hair may be enough, but if your service or product is more complex it is hard to relay in one picture. If you decide to use your product as part of your logo make sure the picture is generic enough that if you change the product just a bit it will not require the redo of the logo. If at any time you do need to redo the logo try to reuse a good portion of the image so that those that know you will still recognize it by sight.

What to Tell the Person Creating Your Logo

Choosing the logo for your business is the most difficult decision I have found my customers needing to make. It is important to properly relay your color preferences, any images or other logos that you already like the format of and the clear purpose you want the logo to portray. If  you don’t have this information upfront for the designer there could be multiple edits and a heftier cost to creating the logo itself.

The summer is quickly approaching and opportunity to get out summer deals to prospective and returning customers is dwindling down. You should have already had at least a 2 month start in getting everything prepared for release or worked up to let it loose by the end of this month depending on the type of services or products you provide. Why do I say this?

The average buyer takes several times to see the product or deal before they will act on the offer. If they don’t see the tantalizing deal at least once every week or two you will miss the small window of opportunity for your product or service to be picked above others.

Keeping that in mind here are some quick ways to get into the thoughts and minds of your perspective customers that you can easily  incorporate TODAY:

• Start (or input into your existing newsletter) preview deals for the summer months.
• Review your contact list and put it in a format that is easily accessible for your or staff to do a mass email or phone calls. (Make sure to personalize anything sent out with a direct persons contact for added effect.)
• Utilize any social media available to you (i.e. Facebook, Twitter) to start inputting extra information about your services and products. If it is a product give suggested uses for it that consumers may not think of.

***No matter what methods you choose to reach your potential and existing customers make sure you have their needs in mind. Marketing materials and advertisements need to clearly reflect this!

The first challenge to transition from an idea to a successful product or service that people want and need is finding your niche market. There are many people with great startup ideas and thoughts on how to market what they want to provide, but their downfall comes in finding the attention of their target audience for an initial success. In order to do this it is important to ask yourself the following questions.

What is it I am trying to provide to my customers?

This requires a written plan of products and services that will be provided or will be revamped if already existing. Having clear verbiage and definition of your service and product is essential upfront. If you are “just seeing what sticks” it may take time to find your focus, and makes it impossible to have any success in direct marketing.

What needs am I satisfying for my customers?

If you don’t know the need of your customers beyond a general statement more research is needed. For each need you identify in detail the who, what, when, where, why and how upfront. This information will be very helpful not only to you as part of the description of your services or products in promotional materials, but it will allow you to speak with better incite to your customers when the time comes.

How many people do I need to connect with successfully?

When creating marketing materials and advertisements you can never touch on everyone’s needs at once. If you tried you would be exhausted and unsuccessful. Identify what is needed to make you initially successful and have a plan for the number of people to be reached. You can expand your target goals as time moves on, but a successful base start must be developed first.

Where can I find these customers?

The correct placement of information about your product or service can immediately put you in high demand, and the incorrect placement can leave you in the cold and discouraged. Look at the mediums available to you and see what it is your target customers use most. Start small and focused, with the goal of building out from there.  I always say be patient and give it some time to work. It is rare that something newly marketed gets instantaneous results, but some are lucky that way. Remember that no marketing plan is full proof and will need to be tweaked and adjusted accordingly along the way.

Identifying benchmark dates for a business is  necessary in order to develop an effective marketing strategy. New businesses will have a different set of benchmark dates than an  established business.

 New Business Benchmarks

• Identify and Get Startup Funding
• Develop An Ongoing Financial Strategy
• Basic Marketing Concept Identified and Initially Developed
• Solidify and Focus Offered Services and   Products
• Join Local Business Associations
• Get Media Coverage
• Develop a Full Marketing Strategy
• Partner Up With Established Businesses

 Existing Business Benchmarks

• Review Your Current Financial Strategy
• Review Your Marketing Strategy
• Create a New Twist on Existing Products and Services (If Needed)
• Keep Up With Your Existing Contacts and Consistently Develop New Ones
• Identify and Capitalize on Known Anniversary Dates

It is important to keep up consistent marketing, even if your service industry is experiencing economic difficulties.  Many businesses are tempted to cut back on marketing as a first line of financial recovery, but should reconsider this as a first cost cutting category.  Marketing is not only a great way to attract new customers, but to gain the continued following of previous customers.

If your business is considering cutting back the marketing budget make sure you keep the best media’s that show sales results or brand recognition upfront. Look for free places to list your business as well. Marketing is not an option it is a necessity!

Don’t have time to search out these opportunities…..send the request to your trusted Virtual Assistant to pre-search internet sites and databases you want to list and get marketing today!