Are business cards still necessary?

Integraphix, the premier Chicago Marketing Company

In the era of BlackBerrys, instant contact lists, and online marketing techniques, the paper business card can be seen by a newer generation as little more than archaic. Are you hopelessly behind the times by carrying them around?

The answer is no. In a world where most communication between business and clients is electronic, the more personable business card is a tangible and powerful way to marketing yourself in person. The key to effectively using a business card is to have one that people remember. It should be informative but contain elements of your brand and sum it up at a glance.

Social Media gets most of the 'press hype' these days, but the real truth is that the vast majority of business interaction in the United States takes place face to face! Most (small) business owners still communicate with customers and partners personally at networking events, clubs or other social events.

In every circumstance, exchanging a business card remains a formal and primary way of interacting in a business setting. It also enabled the person you were speaking with to remember you, the name of your business, and can often seal the deal. How often have you been introduced to a prospective lead and forgot their name within minutes? It is important that have that connection in order to keep the contacts you get.

Getting to the fun part of this post: How do you make your business card memorable? Business cards are a tried-and-true method of marketing, but they've changed drastically since our mothers and fathers handed out their 2x3.5 black on white business card. There are infinite possibilities and stylishly creative examples of business cards (here are examples of amazing business cards) that you can choose from that would make your prospective client's eyes pop out of their head. In the end they'll probably choose you because of your business card.

In comparison to the edgy and 'pushing the envelope' type of business cards are the simple, two color business cards that say 'We are classic and professional'. Even so, the card should include modern methods of contacting you including email and website if applicable. A good Graphic Designer can integrate that information with your logo design and other details to make sure your card showcases to the best it can in such a small space.

It is incredibly cool to have a 3x3 square business card with die-cuts and shiny metallics, but please make sure your clients can fit them into their wallets or business card cases with ease or they may get lost or worse, thrown out. Also try to avoid glossy finishes as it is difficult to write notes on.

Lastly, don't horde your cards! Pass them out and get in the habit of handing them out liberally. They don't do you any good hiding in your desk drawer.

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Integraphix is a Chicago Marketing Company that provides the best in Graphic Design, Web Design, Brand Identity, and Search Engine Optimization in Chicago.

11 Logo Mistakes You Need to Avoid!

Most designers design logos with intense concentration and put all their creativity into the final product. Sometimes the awful result of a logo design is that the results don't turn out to be amazing and cutting edge. The competition to be the best is tight and each logo design needs to be perfected due to the growing logo design awareness in the general public. There is no room for mistakes baby! Here at Integraphix, a Chicago Marketing Company, we're pretty sure almost every designer can relate to this situation. We'll be humble say 'Yes, it's happened to us." Now that we've learned from our mistakes being in the field of graphic design in Chicago, we are going to share with you. This list will most definitely help you come up with better results.

1. Do NOT adhere to logo design trends. Your designs should be able to stand the test of times.

2. Your logo design should be able to switch mediums - print, web, embroidery, etc. 

3. Avoid designing busy logos - remember: the most memorable logos are always the simplest.

4. Don't stick to design software right off the bat - sketch your ideas out first!

5. Take your time when making final touches, it will make all the difference.

6. Never make the mistake of designing a logo in Photoshop. Always use vector or you'll never be able to resize your logo.

7. Never use stock images in a logo design. It's ugly and noticable.

8. Only use readable fonts - don't overuse Helvetica anymore than it already has been though. Too much of a good thing can be a bad thing.

9. Never think a super colorful logo is best. Sometimes it's just gaudy.

10. If your logo design fails in black and white - don't even bother adding color to it. Redesign.

11. Don't be a copy-cat. Be inspired by successful logo design, but never, ever copy.

Cheers!

- Integraphix, a Chicago Marketing Company and Chicago Graphic Design Firm

I just need a logo

"I want you to design a brand for my business - all I need is a logo." This is a common phrase uttered by some of our Integraphix clients, and it is a misconception in the minds of many business men and woman who are looking to brand their business. They misunderstand that a brand is not merely a symbol, logo or 'mark' used on a sign outside their doorstep. The reality is something more. The logo design is just one part of a larger branding process. A brand is what huge corporate giants from smaller competitors. The problem that faces most graphic designers and chicago marketing company studios these days is clients with almost no knowledge of what a brand is. Sometimes the graphic designer creates a logo design for a client that may fail to establish its presence, but this is hardly the fault of the designer. The client, perhaps, didn't want to pay for the full branding process and therefore the designer was not allowed to fully develop the brand for the client. It was not the failure of the logo, but the failure of the brand to be designed.

Think of this scenario…you have never heard of Apple or before (just assume for a moment). You are unaware of the corporation and what it has to offer to you. Now imagine… if you pass by a someone on an Apple laptop sporting the logo or drive by an Apple billboard, would you be amazed by it?… Probably not. It's just the silhouette of an apple.  Back to reality!  Famous brands like Apple have actively marketed their logo and established its connection with the company, which is why you have a strong awareness about it. That strong association created in the minds of customers is the brand that has been established and is a large part of why the company has had the success it has. Why buy a computer that costs $2000 rather than a computer you can get for $500? Granted Apple has quality on their side too, but it's also the stigma of having a Mac on your lap rather than an HP.

This is the biggest downfall of branding decisions made by many business owners and entrepreneurs. A brand is not just a mark or a symbol that you put on your company sign board. On the contrary, a brand leaves a mark on your customer that is long lasting. Another major distinction between a logo and a brand is their focus span. Logos illustrates what a company stands for, what it has to offer and what is its purpose of existence. In contrast, a brand has strategic focus. It depicts a vision of the firm as to what the brand will be and what it promises to its customers in the future.

A logo design is a visual representation of any company or business. It projects the image of the company existence in the industry. A brand goes one giant step further in PROTECTING the image of the firm. Whatever you establish through your logo design is inevitably protected by your brand.

Think of the Gap fiasco. The company unfortunately decided to redesign their logo. This attempt failed horribly at the mercy of their customers. But their longstanding BRAND power protected them from any serious damage.  

Wrapping it up, logos lay the foundation of a brand but are not sufficient to establish their presence. Brand Marketing does not end with a logo. They must be communicated through a brand in order to be recognized. Think about it next time you ask your marketing company for a logo - perhaps invest in the whole package!

Integraphix, a Chicago Marketing Company