AMH Creative

AMH Creative (& it's blog) have moved!

2010-05-27T12:35:00.000-07:00

AMH Creative has become: Lucky 19.

We have a new website and blog so please visit us at:

http://www.lucky19branding.com

& http://www.lucky19branding.com/branding-graphic-web-design-blog/

You can find all of the posts from this blog on the new one! Convienient right? :D

So please make note because this blog will be going down soon.

Don't forget to friend us on facebook, twitter & the like:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/Lucky19brands
Twitter: www.twitter.com/Lucky_19
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/lucky19

Visions from the New California

2010-05-11T10:30:00.000-07:00

There are so many talented artists in Orange County (& California), but so many are still undiscovered. These artists make our lives more beautiful and they do it for the love of their craft. But wouldn't it be great if some of them could have, I don't know, say:

a one-month residency (at one of six AMAZING sites in California),
a $4000 fellowship,
and inclusion in a nationally distributed publication featuring the year's awardees?

Visions from the New California has, each year since 2003, done just! In fact, they award this fellowship to 6 visual artists each year.

Here's an excerpt of their vision (from their website): "Visions from the New California celebrates, supports, and promotes the work of outstanding California visual artists from diverse communities – artists whose work may still be unfamiliar but whose compelling visions will define California in its next decades."

The GREAT news is that there are 9 days left to apply for these fellowships! So what are you waiting for? Go apply or tell your artist friends. Like now... ;)

Here's the link: http://www.artistcommunities.org/CAvisions/index.html

You Know the Economy is Bad When...Target Makes Up a New Holiday

2010-02-23T22:00:00.000-08:00

Ok so I'm a little late getting this photo uploaded from my phone, but it still cracks me up. If you're anything like me and you found yourself shopping at Target in February (ok I'm there every week) you probably noticed this gem of marketing greet you as you walked in the door. Way to combine your marketing dollars, Target! ha ha

Andrea Recommends: Basecamp Online Project Management

2010-01-28T16:41:00.000-08:00

One of the most essential aspects of successful design/branding projects is project management. A few years back I discovered Basecamp, an online project management tool. I fell in love. I searched the internet pretty extensively looking for the right tool, but most were WAY out of my budget and didn't provide everything I needed. Basecamp is great because it's simple to use and there are tiered monthly plans so you can start at a price that fits your budget and then upgrade if you want more.

After I started using Basecamp I no longer had to track my projects through endless back and forth emails, revised versions of documents and designs and boy did that make me happy!

So in the interest of helping you out with your latest projects. Try Basecamp!

You will love it too! Messages, To Do Lists, Milestones, File Sharing, Revisions, etc. all in one place with all the people on your project. It will even send reminders and can track time. Hallelujah--that's what I say. :)

Plus the company (37 signals) is secure and here to stay. Incidentally they are a company to watch for emerging internet software technologies.

So try it out and let me know what you think (or let me know what you think anyway). I know my clients who collaborate with me on projects really appreciate the ease-of-use and organized approach to their projects.

Your Secret Weapon: The Insider Scoop on Your Target Market

2010-01-25T23:29:00.000-08:00

Just the other day I asked a friend, “So, who is the target market for this product?” They excitedly replied, “Everyone!” I can’t tell you how many times I’ve asked that question and received that same reply. The reality is that no product is for EVERYONE (no not even toilet paper, or there wouldn’t be different brands). So let’s go deeper and find out who your target market really is (it's a lot easier than you'd think).

Branding your product or service starts and ends with your target market. Many businesses only ask “Who” their market is, but you have a secret weapon because in just a few minutes of brainstorming, you can go the extra mile and gain the advantage. You can really tap into who they are, what they want and how they want it. I encourage you to take a moment today and really think about your target market, by asking yourself these questions (best guesses are ok):

1. Who are they? Age, sex, income, marital status, political affiliation/tendency, religious or not, etc.

2. What do they do? Deciphering the types of activities (i.e. golf, church, nightlife) they like to participate in can help you get a better idea of their true mindset.

3. Where do they go? Knowing what kinds of places they frequent could help you brainstorm a unique way to reach them that your competitors haven’t thought about.

4. How do they usually come across new products or services? If you know how they find out about new things you may be able to reach them in a way you didn’t think about before.

5. What problems do they face? If you know some of the “problems” they grapple with you can be their knight-in-shining armor, offering up just the right solutions!

And, if you really want to delve into their psyche further you could even ask them to tell you how they feel through surveys or contests—but that of course would depend on whether your target market likes surveys or contests.

Good luck on figuring out your target market. After you’ve figured out some answers to these questions start brainstorming how you can use this treasure trove of information to reach your market in new, meaningful ways. If you need some help let us know.

P.S. If you get stumped when you’re answering these questions, search online. Check out informational websites in your industry and/or start typing in some key phrases about your type of product or service. The internet is a wealth of information.

Green "branding" in a whole new light...

2009-05-27T09:29:00.000-07:00

Who said graffiti can't be stylin'? Check out this story about "green" graffiti art. Some very cool stuff!

Top 5 "Recession-Time" Marketing Tips to Help Your Business Thrive!

2009-01-27T22:52:00.000-08:00

Right now is a great time to reassess your marketing plan--what worked and what didn’t and where to go from here. In business the landscape is always changing. It's especially important to tighten up your marketing plan when the economy is only puttering along. So how do you weather the storm and even THRIVE during a recession?

I have to admit that it’s taken the effects of a recession to really make me realize where AMH has become complacent in our marketing. How does the saying go? You know the one about the cobbler’s shoes! Now that the economy has slowed things down a bit I’ve realized that we've been slacking on keeping in touch with you. So I’m going to make it up to you!

I’m going to share with you my Top 5 Marketing Tips that BRING RESULTS. They’re relatively easy, very rewarding and I’ve seen them work first hand for my own businesses and my clients' businesses.

1. Email Marketing. Staying in front of your customers is one of the most important elements of what I like to call "relationship marketing" (a.k.a. building lasting relationships with your customers). Let’s face it, you offer something valuable, something your customers need. But you know how busy life can be—sometimes its hard to find the time to even go get a haircut for instance. It's no different for your customers. So be there for them, remind them why your service or product is worth their time. The more often you’re “there” the more likely the moment will be right for them to buy. Sometimes they just need a friendly reminder or even a coupon to take action. Click Here to Get Started with Email Marketing in minutes >>

2. Blogging. Ok. I know many of you have perhaps been reluctant to jump on board with the blogging craze, but boy are you missing out! I have seen first hand how a well done blog can:

Demonstrate your expertise

Provide real value to customers

Increase web traffic

Boost your visability

Create a media buzz

Skyrocket your sales

Having a blog has proven to be an invaluable asset for my companies. If you’re ready to learn more about quickly getting a blog up and running and working for you, click here for our quick start guide.

3. Snail Mail. Here’s an area where I’ve really been slacking—I’ll admit it. Sorry about that. The fact is people still love to get REAL mail. A hand-written note can really brighten someone’s day and show them how much you really appreciate their business! So you decide why you’d like to send notes/cards—maybe for a birthday, at the finish of a project, after the purchase of a product, etc. The point is, this little gesture goes a long way. So go set some Outlook reminders and start sending some notes—you’ll definitely see results.

4. Consistent Branding. This doesn’t just mean paste your logo on everything. Think about this one. Does your logo really reflect the image you want to portray? Are you attracting the kind of clients/customers you really want? Here’s the real kicker: does your business image reflect the value you provide?

Let’s face it, if you have the choice between two companies who offer the same service, are you going to pick the one with the professional image or the one that looks like they haven’t thought about their image since the seventies?

Your brand is your beacon—it proclaims why people should care about what you offer. There’s a reason big companies spend millions on their image—because the return is exponential! The good news is that you can get a professional image that draws in your ideal clients, just like the big guys, but with a small business price tag!

5. Get Involved. This one is one of my favorites! Pick a favorite hobby or cause and spend some time (or money) making a difference in the lives of others. There are many ways to be involved in your community—volunteering, serving on the board of a charity, tutoring, sponsoring events or even donating a portion of your proceeds to a non-profit.

The best part about this practice is that you are not only expanding your sphere of influence, but you’re also making a difference in the community at the same time. It’s win-win!

I hope you’ve enjoyed my TOP 5 tips for marketing success. Like I said, I have personally seen these practices produce amazing results. I look forward to hearing how they help your business thrive—even during a recession.

Please contact us if you'd like further information on any of these tips! That's what we're here for--to help your business grow!

Real Brand Value

2008-11-17T21:23:00.000-08:00

I just returned from a trip to Belize & Guatemala and took with me a valuable lesson, not only for life, but for your brand. The people of these countries live such simple lives (when compared to the US) and they are so happy. When they meet you they don't ask "What do you do?" Or "what car do you drive?" And yet these are some of the most friendly, genuine, and peaceful people I've ever met. We Americans live such complicated lives in comparison to much of the world. Sure, we are "wealthy" compared to 99% of the world's population, but we also seem to be a very unhappy nation.

We crowd our waking hours with task upon task and seemingly "important" things to do and see and buy. In the end it seems we are more about these "things" and we're left with a void when it comes to who we are inside.

So what does this have to do with your business image--your brand? Well, a business is a reflection of the people who build it. If your organization is constantly grasping at the next big thing instead of focusing on building its core, it will, in the end have no leg to stand on.

It's human nature to be hedonistic and constantly feed the pleasure centers of our brain. Our pop culture is built on this pleasure-seeking mentality. And yet, we see with some brands/companies a different draw. They appeal to the "deeper" feel good side of us--our morals, ethics, and values. Companies like Newman's Own, Harpo, and New Belgium Brewing Co. are not just selling us a product, they are selling us something that taps into our values.

Of course, I don't doubt that this interpretation is somewhat shallow in that ultimately we're still talking about consumerism, but someone has to make the clothes, the food, the things we need. So why can't it be a company that reminds us of the really important things in life? If I have the choice between a Newman's Own cookie and another brand, I'll choose the Newman, because not only does it taste great (brand integrity) but a large portion of my purchase goes directly to charity.

I encourage you (as I will be too) re-examine what your company's real purpose is. What value are you bringing to the table? Are you making this world a better place or simply bumping along on the ride of life?

If all of the sudden all of the distractions of this "American life" dissappeared, would there be a void or peace?

That's it for my "business therapy" today. Just had to share what's on my mind.
-andrea

Beware of Domain Name Scams!

2008-10-08T09:44:00.000-07:00

In our current world of endless scams, here's another important one to look out for: domain name scams.
I have personally seem numerous versions of domain name scams in two formats:

1. You get a notice in the mail, saying that your domain name needs to be renewed or transferred. (One of the most common sources is Domain Registry of America).

2. You get an email stating that you need to "unlock" your domain name, in order to allow your domain to be transferred.

These scams are just dubious because if you fall for them your website could end up in someone else's hands, costing you time and money!

Follow these tips to protect your domain names:

1. Try to only use one registration service. If you decide to switch to another one, move all of your domains to that one. I recommend Surfsidedomains.com or Godaddy.com

2. If you MUST keep some of your domains with another service--make note of all your user names and passwords and setup all of your accounts to "auto-renew" so that you will receive notification, but will not need to take action when your domains come up from renewal.

3. Never email these scammers back or visit their websites! There are so many viruses that can infect your computer just by visiting a shady website.

4. When in doubt, login to your registrar's site to see if there are any notifications for you. (They usually have all notifications available in your account). Or even better, call your registrar and ask if they sent you anything.

5. Avoid any domain name pre-registration service that guarantees particular top level domain names or preferential treatment in the assignment of new top level domain names.

Here is an example of what one of these SCAM emails looks like:

Protect your assets!

More info: http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2003/12/domainreg.shtm

Branding Your Business Effectively

2008-09-18T18:00:00.000-07:00

"A great brand raises the bar -- it adds a greater sense of purpose to the experience, whether it's the challenge to do your best in sports and fitness, or the affirmation that the cup of coffee you're drinking really matters."
- Howard Shultz (head of marketing for Starbucks and formerly Nike)

Your brand tells the world who you are. But, if you're not explicitly defining your brand, it will end up defining you. We've all heard so much lately about the importance of “building your brand.” To many of us, the concept of branding can be rather vague. Simply put, branding is the impression people have of your business. It is the face of your business and will say things about you whether or not you are paying attention to it.

Branding your company is much more than just a logo or website—it is the connection you make with your customers. Here's a great definition from Wikipedia:
“A brand is a symbolic embodiment of all the information connected to a company, product or service.” Your brand is the overall message(s) that your company displays to the public.

Your brand is communicated visually AND experientially:

-Your Identity/Logo

-Your Image
(website, ads, etc.)

-Product or Service
(how it looks/feels/works)

-Customer Service
(your people/staff)

If you're NOT paying attention to all of these elements, your customer will NOT conceive of your brand in the way you want them to! Your result, your brand, becomes a vague notion or worse, a negative concept. How will you attract the customers you want if they can't “read your message” properly? It is important to think of your branding as more than just your “make-up;” it is the entire image your company, product or service portrays.

Why is Branding Important?

If you don't read anything else in this article, remember this: your brand is of the utmost importance because it simply IS the opinion that people have of your business. Even if you aren't actively thinking about your company's branding—you're still branding your business every day. HOW it is branded is up to you.

Why your brand is important:

-Your potential customer has two possible avenues to get to you: visual perception (ads, brochures, business cards, website, etc.) and by referral. Branding encompasses both.

-Your current client has the power to stay or leave. Your brand (good or bad) is what guides their decision.

-Your current clients, affiliates, employees and vendors can recommend you to their contacts or advise potential clients to steer clear. Your brand guides this decision as well.

-No one will really know your advantages, skills and benefits unless you tell them in a way they can understand. You guessed it—branding tells them.

So, let’s delve into the Essential Elements of Branding Your Business:
By the way, this will also help you with your marketing plan!

Step 1: Who are you?

The first step in branding is to examine the essence of your company. How do you operate? What are the values of the company? What is your business style--laid-back or all-business? Is customer service paramount? Or perhaps, product pricing is. Whatever your unique perspective is---identifying it is the first step in branding.

Step 2: Where do you want to go?

The second step is to decide where you want it to go. This is exciting. Where do you want to go? Do you want to end up the next Microsoft or perhaps a solid, neighborhood business? Either way branding is extremely important, but your brand will take different shapes depending on how “big” you want to be.

Step 3: What makes you special?

What makes your service or product unique? What is your advantage over your competitors? Decide on your top five qualities and then whittle it down to the one overall impression you’d like people to have of your business.

Step 4: How do people perceive you?

How do you want people to remember you? Let’s say people can only remember one thing about your company—which, in many cases, is actually true. If they could only take away one lasting impression of the essence of your company; what would it be? What one simple concept what would it be? "They have best customer service in town." "They have the cheapest tires." "They provide excellent service and really great products." "They really have great products I was surprised because their ad looked so 'cookie-cutter.'” "They have great service and they are really professional." And on and on—you get the idea. People are emotional beings and your goal is to make sure they have good feelings about your business.

Imagine two people are discussing their experience with your business—how do you want them to FEEL about your business? You want the entire experience to be top-notch—don’t give them a reason to rethink using your service or buying from you. Give them reasons to feel good about your business and a desire to come back.

Step 5: Your Crew and Your Public: Learn how to relate to the people that make your company work.

This element of developing your brand is two fold; there are two types of people that make your business work: Your Public (your customers) and Your Crew (your employees, freelancers, vendors, and self).

Branding to Your Crew and Your Public is much like a see-saw—you really can’t have one without the other—if you lose one, the other will fall off.

Your brand must be obvious not only to your customers but also to your “Crew.”

An obvious example of this element of branding is Starbucks®. Regardless of your personal opinion of the company with a coffee shop on every corner, you’ve got to admit, from a branding perspective, they’ve done something right. Now, of course, they’ve branded their company in a memorable way, but not just to the public—they also brand themselves to their employees as well. Their baristas know the products, are usually friendly and have many industry perks. The result: the Starbucks® “crew” actually believes in the brand and they embody an essential element of Starbucks branding—good coffee, good people.

What do your employees, vendors, contractors say about you?

The second part of this branding element is Your Public (your customers). I can’t emphasize it enough—get to know them. Who are they: age, marital status, sex, family status, buying habits, color and style preferences, level of technology savvy, leisure preferences, education level, etc., etc? As you really get to know your consumer always ask yourself—how does this apply to my business? How can I get through to them and spark their interest in my business? How could my business benefit them -- from their perspective? To learn more about “Your Public” you may need to enlist the help of some resources: demographic data sources, designers, marketing experts, advertising agencies, etc.

Step 6: Decide how you want your business to be perceived.

Now that you know your business better and who makes it work, you must decide how you want the business to be perceived. It’s time to narrow down what elements “embody the essence” of your company. It’s time to decide on your “brand.” Using all of the elements above you have several options depending on your unique goals.

Resources for different stages of business:

Startup:

In this beginning phase of your business while you’re building your client base, it is important to start building the “Brand” that you want. It’s a learning period, but crucial to finding out what works and doesn’t and how to make the most of your talents! Keep in mind the brand message you are sending out—even in this early stage. This may be a very hard time to plan for the future, but it is essential to not only put together a solid business plan, but a marketing and branding plan as well. Creat the map for the future of your company!

Growth:

Well, you know you’re doing something right since you have a growing customer base and stronger profits. Now is the time to really beef up your branding focus and efforts. It’s time to really nail down the concepts and boundaries of your brand and put them into action.

Established/Expansion:

At this stage of the game your business has grown into a thriving entity. Perhaps your growth has become more routine. This is the perfect time to revitalize your branding image and continue to retain your loyal customers while expressing more freedom within your brand. (Think Coca Cola)

Whatever branding stage you are in, we are poised to help create innovative visuals that build your brand loyalty. We can help with branding, marketing, advertising, promotional materials and more. If you need some fresh ideas or have a few of your own give us a call. We would be thrilled to help.

Recommended Resources:

StartupNation.com

SCORE

Books:

Built to Last

Entrepreneur Magazine's Ulitmate Small Business Marketing Guide

Good to Great

The Tipping Point

Sources: Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brand

Logo Development Tips

2008-09-12T14:47:00.000-07:00

If you want a logo that effectively demonstrates the essence of your business, this is a great place to start. Logos, in one form or another, have been around for thousands of years. As businesses and brands have evolved so have logos. In our current business environment it is essential to have a solid, exquisitely designed identity (or logo).

In order to facilitate the process of designing your exceptional logo, we've developed a few tips to help you start brainstorming. When you are ready to have your logo/identity designed you will be adequately prepared. The decisions you make here will help us capture your philosophies and translate them into an identity/logo that you will be thrilled with.

Decide who your target audience is. Really try to nail down who your "ideal" client or customer is. Many business owners, when asked who their target audience is, say "anyone" or some other broad description. This is their first mistake. Even a company with as wide a reach as Coca Cola can't make that kind of claim. So, decide who your target audience is by answering two questions: Who do you WANT to work with or sell to? What kind of people/businesses are attracted to your service or product? Think age, gender, location, income level, education level, special interests...
Decide what message you'd like your company's identity/logo to convey. Do you need a logo that displays your casual nature or fun of your products or do you want your logo to represent solidarity or trust or perhaps, flexibility? Think about your marketing message.
Is there a special inspiration or philosophy that helps give an insight into how you do business? This may come from a personal experience or preferences or possibly a mission statement. Do you want your logo to express any of these elements?

Take note of your preferences. Start keeping an eye out for the logos all around and also in your specific industry. Take note of the ones you like and those you don't and why. Some elements to make a note of are: colors, form, simplicity, smooth lines, images, rough edges, etc. Are there specific colors, styles you like or definitely want to stay away from?
Notice your competitors. As you look at their identities/logos and graphical communications, take note of what you like and dislike. What do you think works well for them? Is there something your designer could do better? This step also helps you avoid a logo that would be too similar to your competitors.
Last, but not least, come up with 5-10 quick words and/or phrases that describe your business or product(s).

We hope that hese tips are a good starting point for you. Congratulations, you're on the road to an effective logo/identity that portrays your company's image.

If you follow these steps, before having your logo designed, you will probably find that the results will exceed your expectations. Have fun and let us know when you're ready to have your logo designed.