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Customer Spotlight

findapainter.com

Initially Purchased a… Gold Package

findaprinter.com walked us through their logo design experience, what their thoughts were, and why they selected certain logos. We have included their initial concepts, revision rounds, and selected logos. Not all logo concepts or revision rounds have been included.

Initial Concepts:

Why did you select the initial design that you did?

As we looked at this we had two audiences, residential consumers and commercial projects that are relatively sophisticated purchasers.  So we were looking for something out of the gate that was very professional, clean and simple because that is usually what our painters are trying to achieve, and then we also wanted some colors because that is the world we work in.

The logos with the paintbrush, although immediately represent the industry, not all of our painters use paintbrushes.  So although easily recognizable to the consumer, the paintbrush might be too narrow a representation of the broader ray of work our contractors do.  The two that were attractive were the ones that had some color in them.

We grabbed the text we thought was clean and simple, but we thought we wanted something more recognizable with colors.

We left the brush icon and wanted to add some more color.

First and Second Revision Round:

We liked the colors but wanted to appeal to the masses and be unique. So we had the circles of color added. We were looking for something unique and modern and look good as we moved forward because we hoped to use this to impact our end user so they could recognize who were are. So we were looking for something unique with this color palette, and we were given several choices.

Third Revision Round:

As we looked at these, we were appreciative that the designers were prompting us to think a little bit more in detail about the look we were looking for. We didn’t even know where to start, but each time we went through the revision process we felt like we were presented with enough uniqueness and ideas that it spurred us to think more about the end result. Two things came out of it, we got to see some things that sparked our imagination, and the designers were able to focus us to know what it was we wanted to achieve and fine tune what we were looking for.

In the third revision round, the circles then started looking like they were looking into paint cans, which made us think, is there anything that could represent a paint can in a stylized manner. Which made us come back to what we had in the first go-around. We wanted to be able to tell people there was a story to this and thought put into this. Even though we didn’t talk verbally to the designers, it was obvious they were thinking along the lines we were- how to represent the painting industry in a clean and simple way. We could tell we were getting closer and closer.

Even though we went back to the original designs we had from the start, we could see what the designer wanted after seeing the other designs. We fell in love with the first one you showed us. We liked the original colors representing primary colors meaning any mix of those can represent any color. And we liked the cleanness of the style used, and that’s how we ended up with a logo that we think represents a paint can with the three colors that could be any color used on any particular project.

I feel like we were encouraged by the multiple designs and designers given by Logoworks. The total time was about 4 weeks with multiple revisions, but we felt like in a very short period of time, the designs provided by Logoworks were able to help us refine something that we are absolutely pleased with that represents the industry, is stylized, current, easy to remember, and has a story.

It was a simple email communication that allowed us to quickly use our brain power and the brain power of the designers to come up with something we are very happy with. Everybody loves it. It is so well received. We have t-shirts, bumper stickers, static clings, billboards in Atlanta. We have some pull-up banners, and our website.

Website launches July 31. www.findapainter.com

We started out with a logo, but you did such a good job, we are now creating letterhead as well.

Get to know findapainter.com…

1. What kind of business is findapainter.com?

findapainter.com is a customer lead generator for the PDCA (Painting and Decorating Contractors of America).  This is a national business association with over 2,000 member companies representing more than 15,000 painting craftsmen.  The findapainter.com site is a zip code locator for painters in geographical areas; the site includes advertising by companies like Sherwin-Williams, Benjamin Moore Paints, Wooster Brush Co., etc.

2. How long have you been in business?

PDCA has been in existence since 1884.  The findapainter.com site will be launched and subsequently promoted on July 31, 2010.

3. Are you a virtual company, or do you have a storefront?

As mentioned we are a national organization with store front offices in Saint Louis, Mo.  There are 115 local chapters spread across the country that will be promoting findapainter.com that are more virtual in nature.

4. What advice do you have for other business owners.

Success is dependent on the clarity and consistency of your message. We are pleased that Logoworks helped us achieve this end with our new findapainter.com logo.

5. How did the design process work out for you?

The design process was extremely easy, efficient, and more importantly allowed for the fine tuning to get the logo just right.  We purchased the unlimited designs and are very pleased with the process that took only about 14 days to get a final product that we are excited about and will draw the attention we want.

Our experience with Logoworks was simple, convenient, professional resulting in the perfect product for us.  Within two days of our online submission request we were able to view the first of several versions.  Over the next two weeks we were able to narrow our choices, review revisions, provide additional ideas, review more revisions, and make our final selection – all via the internet access and communications offered by Logoworks.  The process was dynamic, interactive, and very cost efficient for us in terms of time and money.

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Promotional Products 101

by Dan Vance, Logoworks by HP

You finally have your company logo designed and it is looking good.  Now you want to increase business. So what’s next? You’ve seen people handing out branded free promotional items, so you ask yourself, should I buy promotional products to advertise my business?

“It’s simple… promotional products are a great way to make your company more memorable and customers are more likely to remember your company when they receive a branded promotional product versus other forms of advertising (tv, radio, and print advertising). Customers are more likely to do business with someone they receive product from.”

“The average cost-per-impression of an advertising specialty item is $0.004, making it less expensive per impression than nearly any other media. (According to Nielsen Media data, the CPI for a national magazine ad is $0.033; a newspaper ad is $0.0129; a prime time TV ad is $0.019; a cable TV ad is $0.007; a syndicated TV ad is $0.006; and a spot radio ad is $0.005)” ( Advertising specialties impressions study USA, Henk Kroon)

Promotional items are a great way to get people to wake up and take notice of your company.  But what promotional items would work best for you?  These are some of the top selling promotional products:

1. Apparel – Custom t-shirts and hats are the most popular apparel items, accounting for 1/3 of all promotional products sales.  Your company will gain high visibility through branded apparel.  People tend to wear promotional t-shirts on weekends and around town.  Keep in mind that you’re essentially creating a moving billboard; t-shirts have a 17” x 12” imprint area, where you can print high resolution photos and graphics (see example shirt).
2. Pens — I call it “the traveler”.  Statistics show that during the lifespan of a promotional pen, it will pass through 8 different owners’ hands, which means high visibility.  Everyone will eventually need a writing instrument, so why not give them one with your logo!  Just ask your local bank…how many pens do customers take?! Pens are extremely affordable with pen prices starting as low as $0.30.
3. Bags – According to a study conducted by the Advertising Specialties Institute, they discovered that promotional bags produce 1,038 impressions (on average) per month; more than any other item.  Bags are high visibility items because they’re useful; varieties include tradeshow tote bags, backpacks, messenger bags, laptop bags and drawstring backpacks.(Top 10 Most Effective Promotional Products, )
4. Drinkware — Reusable drinkware items are especially relevant right now as more and more companies are becoming eco-friendly.  Promotional drinkware include ceramic mugs, polycarbonate bottles, and aluminum and stainless steel bottles.  Most drinkware are high visibility items; ceramic mugs in the break room or on the desk, coffee tumblers in the car, sports bottles at the gym and locker room.  Point of entry is very low- sports bottles start at less than $1.
5. Desk Decor — There are many different desk accessories to choose from, such as business card cases, unique paper clips and stress relievers (which are the most popular).  Stress relievers come in all shapes and sizes, and are sure to get your logo noticed.  Stress relievers have definitely lived up to their name in our office…they’re great projectiles and they’re relatively safe because they’re foam.  They will get noticed, whether you’re the one throwing it or the one taking the hit.

You may want to try the unbeaten path.  Here are some of the unique ideas I’ve come across that will really help your company stand out from the crowd:

1. Custom branded Energy Drinks (cans and shots)

In my experience with HP, custom energy drinks have been really effective with in-store employees and sales reps.  HP branded their drink as “HP HyperPunch” with the tagline “Declare Yourself Energized”…they delivered the drinks and pizza to sales reps, as a fun way to build energy and motivation to reach their goals.

2. Custom Pringles containers

These personal-sized Pringles cans are great for sporting and movie events.  We’ve used promotional Pringles cans as a unique advertisement for HP’s “Touch.Print.Go” printer campaign, along with a campaign for an NBA sweepstakes.

3. Gumvelope

The “Gumvelope” is proven to be a creative option to reach your target audience.  Using some creative advertising, HP handed these out to sales reps to serve as a reminder to upsell customers on every sale… printed on the back: “Missing a power cable? Chew on this…”

4. Poker chips

Poker chips can be used as custom business cards, giveaways and in gaming themed events, or contests.  One of the most creative alternatives for the typical business card is the poker chip.

5. Hand sanitizer

This is a great unique giveaway.  With viruses such as H1N1 and the annoying cold, more and more people like to keep sanitizer within arm’s length.  This has been especially popular with sales personnel who shake a lot of hands throughout the work day.

We have all faced tough economic conditions, but by using your logo on inexpensive but highly effective promotional products, you can increase your exposure.  Promotional products are an over 18 billion dollar business.  The big companies use promotional items as free gifts and to bolster ad campaigns.  You may say “yeah that’s the big company”, but you don’t have to come in and buy the biggest and brightest; you can start small and be creative.  Starting out with pens is a great place to begin, knowing they will pass through many hands during their lifetime.  T-shirts are another great start, as they will continually provide exposure to your brand.

Can you afford to not promote your business with promotional items?  Whether you are an online company or a small retailer, there is a promotional item that will benefit your company.  You are only limited by your own creativity.

Dan Vance has increased visibility via promotional products for Logoworks since 2004. He’s worked with businesses of all sizes, from the small home based business to corporations like Hewlett-Packard. Currently Dan consults for Hewlett-Packard and AdVance Promo. He believes that creative promotional products will leave a lasting impression on your customers, attract new customers, and do wonders for employee satisfaction. Dan earned his degree in Business Management with and emphasis in marketing from Utah Valley University.

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You Have Your Logo Design. Now What?

by Laura Palmatier, Logoworks by HP

Our clients are small to medium sized business owners with a passion – a passion for their new product or service!  However some clients we encounter have not given much thought to their own business as a brand.  Your brand is the personality of your business.  Your logo is the visual representation of your brand.  Now that you have your logo, what are you going to do with it?

Because the design of the logo is done, you have entered into the implementation phase in this process of starting your own business.  Implementation in this context means, essentially, where are you going to use the logo?  Below are some examples of commonly used Printed mediums where a business might place their logo:

Consistency is the main rule of thumb when establishing your business’ identity.  You must keep in mind that every place the public can see the logo becomes an opportunity to engrain your logo into memory.  That being said, the logo should be displayed prominently, but wisely.  Haphazardly sticking the logo everywhere becomes a distraction and it takes away from a professional first impression.  Wisely using the logo means keeping the usage of the logo consistent, clean, uncluttered, and in the most effective places for your clientele.  One strategy that will help your logo retain its power is basic, but often overlooked:   Always remember to communicate clearly!

Some things that can get in the way of communicating clearly are:

• Visibility –can your logo be seen where it is at?  Is there a chance it can be blocked from view?



• The Holistic Approach – “treat the whole picture”.  Your business’ identity will have much more impact if consistency is maintained wherever you are putting your logo.  Your vehicles should portray the same message as your letterhead!



• Space – don’t bury your logo. Instead surround it with a lot of white space to help it stand out.  Keep the extraneous frills out in an effort to keep the important part in your client’s memory – your business name.



• Materials – keep in mind how the materials you are using will stand up to time and weather.  Ask yourself these questions: “How will my business name be displayed, and how do the materials I want affect how well the name is read?”  (The Power of Logos, Harper & Haig, 1997)

Printing your logo in various forms is one way you are going to use thelogo.  Other ways our clients have been putting their logo to use are trademarking the logo, website  / e-Commerce,  apparel, and promotional items.   The beauty of owning your own logo is that you can use it however you want to promote your business.  You may want to start with basic items like business cards, stationery, and a store sign.  Or, you may want to begin with marketing items – advertisements and billboards, for instance.  Then you can move onto promotional products, like pens and hats.

Branding and design can be daunting, especially when your focus is on your business (as it should be!). The project managers here at Logoworks are a resource for you, and can help you when you have design questions.  Let’s talk about how you want to use that new logo!

Laura is a Team Lead in the Customer Solutions Group.  For the past four years she has been passionate about helping her customers have a great experience with Logoworks, and in helping small businesses develop their brand.  She believes that excellent customer service paves the path to excellent customer experience.

Thank you to Nexus Title & Escrow, find them at www.nexustitle.com or contact them at info@nexustitle.com.

To learn more read “The Power of Logos”, by William Haig and Laurel Harper (1997).

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