During the current economic downturn, you have an incredible opportunity to INCREASE SALES and BUILD MARKET SHARE. But don’t take my word for it – here’s some proof:

1940’s, 50’s, 60’s – Buchen Advertising tracked advertising dollars vs. sales trends for the recessions of 1949, 1954, 1958 and 1961. They found that sales and profits dropped at companies that cut back on advertising and, after the recession had ended, those same companies lagged behind the ones that maintained their ad budgets.

1970’s – An American Business Press study showed that companies who advertise and market aggressively can maintain and increase sales during a recession and in the following years.

1980’s – McGraw-Hill Research analyzed 600 B2B companies and found that those who maintained or increased advertising grew significantlyñboth during the recession and the following three years. In fact, by 1985, sales of companies that advertised aggressively had grown 275% over those that didn’t.

1990’s – A MarketSense study concluded the best strategy for coping with a recession is balancing long-term branding with promotions for short-term sales. The study shows brands like Jif and Kraft Salad Dressing experienced sales growth of 57% and 70% respectively after increasing their advertising during the recession.

2009 into 2010 – The results are up to you!

Here’s why promotional products deliver the best return on investment in an unsettled economy and why they should be a vital part of your marketing mix.
- Increased sales. 62% of customers do business with the company after receiving the promotional product.
- Brand awareness. 84% of customers remember the business that provided them with the promotional product.
- Return on investment. At $.004/ impression promotional products have the best CPI of popular advertising media.
- Improved relations. 42% of customers view the business more favorably after receiving the item and virtually none indicate a negative feeling.
- Frequency and repetition. A key to advertising, promotional products are kept on average for 7 months and many are used every business day!

1. To look “bigger” and “established.” Home-printed business cards or cards printed with Microsoft clipart scream “small-time vendor” to your potential clients – and that is how they will want to compensate you.

2. To increase your chance of earning venture capital or of selling a business. A well-rounded business package that includes marketing materials and graphics makes your business look more complete.

3. To attract more clients. Clients look for a well-defined company, and appearance may be a major criteria in making a purchasing decision.

4. To brand yourself. If you are a consultant, you need a logo in order to build an image and a brand that is greater than your individual identity.

5. To convey that you are reputable. A logo and professionally-printed materials show that you are committed to both your business and to your clients.

6. To project a sense of stability. You may not have been in business “since 1910,” but if you have created a solid identity, you are more likely to be viewed this way by your customers. This goes a long way toward building that all-important confidence in your abilities.

7. To be more memorable. At least forty percent of the population are visual learners. Having consistent graphics associated with your company makes you more likely to be “the one” in potential clients’ minds when they need your goods or services.

8. To explain an unusual line of business. If your business is nontraditional or in a hard-to-explain industry, a logo can help to clarify exactly what it is that you do.

9. To set you apart from your competition. A well-designed logo can have many subtle meanings and can begin to communicate the unique things about your company that make you better than the competition.

10. To stand out in your field. A well-designed logo and an identity system can position you far above the competition, especially when paired with a strong marketing program.

Packaging for frozen food product line; this label depicts the sons of the company’s owner, who are the inspiration behind the brand.

T-shirt design for Ford part distributor in Gresham, Oregon.

Label and apparel design for bottled water brand, Gresham, Oregon

Four color process T-shirt design for men’s church retreat, Lebanon, Oregon

Concert promotions T-shirt design printed using 4 spot colors for The Kingsmen, of “Louie Louie” fame. Portland, Oregon