Many companies in the service industry boast that they are a one-stop-shop, but this often means absolutely nothing. It doesn’t have to be this way though as a one-stop-shop can really add a lot of value in an industry with a diverse product offering – like branding.

In terms of branding, a one-stop-shop is a company that can place your logo and designs on anything you want it placed upon – and then supply all the branded items that are required, from printing to signage to clothing, gifting and so on. Few branding companies do this type of work, as most opt to specialise in one of these fields. Basically Branding has years of experience in all types of branding, which enables us to be a one-stop branding shop. Instead of having to deal with a different supplier for every aspect of your branding, we do it all.

 

Why Deal With a One-Stop Branding Shop

• We become the custodian of your brand.
• We are able to take your entire branding portfolio and deliver service, product and colour consistency throughout all aspects of your branding.
• We save you the hassle and stress of dealing with many different service providers.
• We have strong negotiating leverage, resulting in better pricing.
• We have knowledge of the latest trends and techniques in the branding industry, and can therefore advise and supply.

When you get in touch with Basically Branding, we first meet with you to discuss your needs. This is a crucial step in making sure that we supply you the best possible solution mix for your end application.

 

Industry Trends

At Basically Branding, we stay at the forefront of industry trends. With so much happening in the industry, we always have our ears to the ground when it comes to new technologies or products that become available. We are passionate about branding and constantly research, study, and attend industry events and manufacturer trainings to get the most from our equipment. It is our goal to deliver only the best quality service and products to our valued clients. What sets a one-stop-shop like Basically Branding apart from the competition, is the fact that we know exactly where to take your requirements, even if that's a service we don't yet offer.

We often receive fascinating and obscure requirements from ad agencies who come up with new concepts, and it is our job to then figure out how it can be done. It happens all the time, and we love the challenge. We are here to fulfill your concepts. However, we don't simply take on an obscure project, charge a small fortune and move on. If we feel that your idea is not viable, we will point it out.

People often think that opting for a smaller supplier will be cheaper, but the problem is that smaller suppliers often have not had the experience to handle many of the less common projects. They usually don't have the machines or the experience. Therefore, they have to outsource it to a third party supplier resulting in unnecessary markup. Large scale suppliers, such as Basically Branding, know exactly what to do with your order, and we have the experience and equipment to back it up.

We would like to encourage you to implement the guidelines in this article straight away. If you are not sure how to get started or how it best applies to your business, please contact us and we will be happy to share some further thoughts with you.

The lifespan of your signs and banners will depend on the way in which your banner is used and the material it is made of. While PVC is suitable for short term or temporary use, you should know that it is not intended to last forever. However, if your sign is intended for long-term use, you should opt for a more durable option, such as chromadek, which will not perish easily.

Fading Ink

While there is less wear and tear with a high quality material, there is still the risk of the ink fading from exposure to sun. However, when that happens, you can still save money by simply replacing the vinyl or the print, rather than having a new banner made.

Location is a factor in how long your sign or banner will last. Indoor banners generally last much longer, but if your outdoor banner is exposed to direct sunlight and other elements all the time, its lifespan will almost certainly be affected.

Let your branding company know beforehand if you're planning on placing the banner outside in the sunlight, so that they can add a special UV coat to it. A UV coat is an additional fee but this can increase the life of the print by up to 50%.

 

Caring for Your Signage

There are different ways to care for your signage:

Outdoor chromadek board signs need to be replaced when they become damaged, whereas event branding fabric can sometimes be machine-washed when it becomes dirty.

Do check with the manufacturers about care instructions first. If you want to wash your signage on a regular basis, it should be laminated. That way, you can simply wipe it off with a mild detergent from time to time.

Knowing where you plan to place your signs will enable us to advise you on the best type of material and coatings that will make it more durable:

• Plastics such as ABS tend to become brittle with time, especially outside but it is a good option for indoor signage and is more economical then chromadek.
• You will waste your money if you chose chromadek for indoor use as it is not necessary, there are better, more economical options for indoor applications.
• Perspex offers an aesthetically-pleasing, up-market signage option. It is not designed for long term outdoor signage use, but rather for reception areas or bathrooms.

 

Get the Right Signs From the Outset

When you work with Basically Branding, we will discuss the pros and cons of the various signage materials and your preferred applications. Some products have shorter lifespans, no matter who manufactures them. For instance, when you look at the longevity of a sign, large signs such as billboards or PVC stretch signs are not intended to last forever. However, they are inexpensive to replace on a fairly regular basis. By simply replacing the PVC panel every two years, you will always have good-looking signs.

Although a UV coat helps with fading, some materials such as contravision look messy when they are UV-coated - there is too much surface area around each hole or edging. Therefore, the product has a shorter lifespan. Contravision panels are a great option for shop windows, as it allows people on the inside to see out, but people from outside can't see in. It is worthwhile noting however that it will have to be replaced in a year's time.

When it comes to signage please try and remember that branding companies are used to taking instructions, and will give you what you ask for, unless you ask for suggestions that will be more practical for your application. If you want to ensure that you get the best value for your money, Basically Branding recommends that you be open to suggestions from your signage company and that you ask for alternative options. In many cases, alternative options might look exactly the same, but they could also be much more cost-effective.

We would like to encourage you to implement the guidelines in this article straight away. If you are not sure how to get started or how it best applies to your business, please contact us and we will be happy to share some further thoughts with you.

Graphic design is taking your image or logo and making it visually appealing to your audience. A complicated process, graphic design involves resizing, enhancing and tweaking an image, wrapping text around it, cropping it and incorporating it with other elements to make it just so. It is an art form that takes time, patience and high levels of skill. In business, it is a type of art that can help you sell. Unless you're prepared to invest in design, you will be wasting your money on paying for brochures or branding.

Many times, people with Photoshop or other design programs, think that they can do their own designs. These designs might look great in theory, but in practice, they usually don't work, resulting in deliverables that reflect badly on the branding company. It usually requires much time from the graphic designer to edit images to ensure that they are print-ready. It is usually better to simply give your designer a list of ideas and leave him/her to get on with it. Companies that are faithful to their brands are prepared to spend money on them - their company image is at stake here.

Qualified designers know the latest trends, ink colours, end application, DPI of images, and what is appealing to your target audience. Just because you like a specific design, does not mean it will work in practice. That's why, for best results, you should rely on a qualified graphic designer, who will take the necessary steps to ensure that you get the best result.

Some of the other mistakes people make are:

• Taking any image of the internet, which is plagiarism.
• Using a low resolution image.

Using Stock Images

Qualified designers use stock images, however, clients are not always prepared to pay for them. Stock images are better than simple snapshots; they are taken by professional photographers who know what they are doing. Stock images are also not as expensive as you may think, we use sites which have great images for $10 each.

Working with a qualified designer also means that they are building a brand for you - not just an image or a brochure. Your company emerges with a better identity.

The end application determines the size and resolution used. While you can put a smaller, lower quality image on a coaster or flyer, you need a much better quality image for a billboard. Certain images work in certain applications, for instance indoors or outdoors, on a vehicle or on a wall. This does not only apply to image size and quality, but also to the theme of the images you plan on using.

Differences Between RGB Images and CMYK Images

RGB stands for Red, Green, Blue, and it is a computer screen colour.

CMYK stands for Cyan, Magenta, Yellow and Key (which is black). CMYK mixes ink, which is seen on a white background, whereas RGB inserts light. When the colours mix, you get white and where there are no colours, you get black.

Due to these different colour standards between a computer screen and printed image, the colours will not be the same.

If you have a picture taken of a cellphone, it is in RBG format. We convert it into CMYK, and the colours change completely. It is therefore important, when supplying a document, to convert all the images into CMYK. It takes us as long to rework and repair artwork as it would to simply let us handle all of it on your behalf. Therefore, you are incurring additional costs and end up with an inferior product. The image printed on your desktop printer will never match the design you are trying to achieve. It requires a professional setup.

Not only is there a difference between the inks and the colours, but also between the different types of printers, namely inkjet, laser, litho and digital.

Don't waste your time trying to design images. Rather speak to your graphic designer right from the start, and if you are particular about your colours, make sure that your designer gives you colour references, namely pantone and CMYK breakdowns. That way, you know which colours you are supposed to get. The pantone colours are vital when you want a specific colour, and you should ensure that you get the right colour across your brand.

Bonus Tip: It would be worth investing in a one-colour version of your logo in addition to the full-colour version. While the full-colour version is important for your website, etc., you should have a one colour version for your corporate gifts.

We would like to encourage you to implement the guidelines in this article straight away. If you are not sure how to get started or how it best applies to your business, please contact us and we will be happy to share some further thoughts with you.

A branding brokerage is a company with an extensive network of players in the branding industry. It is not a single factory that encompasses all types of branding, as that would be too big a range. The key for the client is to find a company that can offer a wide range of services and in doing so, you will not find a company looking to push a product on you that they create in house to keep the costs down. Instead, you will find a company that will sell you the product that is best suited to your specific needs. Whether it is printing, laser engraving, embroidery, screen printing or whatever your needs, they have an established supplier base and buying power to back that up. They have the ability to negotiate better prices and deadlines, as well as savings that they can pass on to you, the client.

It is often cheaper to deal with a broker than dealing with the supplier directly, as you don't have the relationship that the broker has with the supplier.

The branding broker will generally get everything print-ready for the supplier, which eliminates additional costs you might have incurred by going directly to the supplier. Knowing that the broker supplies the artwork in the right print-ready format, means that the factory is happy to give them a good price which is invariably passed on to you.

Therefore, the print broker acts as a custodian of your brand, rather than passing the buck. He knows what the designs and colours must look like and he will often reject the job before you even know that something is wrong with it. He will know what went wrong too, so the factory can't pull the wool over his eyes.

Brokers Can Negotiate the Best Prices and Turnaround Times

Sometimes, the broker would work with up to 30 suppliers on a single project, ensuring that the job is done to your satisfaction and at the best price. In working regularly with all these suppliers, there is an established relationship and workflow infrastructure. This saves you, the client, a lot of time that you would otherwise have to find to fulfill your project on your own. But it also saves you from excessive markups. By splitting elements of the job amongst different suppliers, your branding broker is able to get far better prices on each element. Invariably, each factory does outsource some parts of their work as it is not part of their core business. Therefore, it is better for the broker to simply broker it to the appropriate factories from the outset. The bottom line is that in the long term, a broker works out cheaper and deliverables are generally of better quality.

Brokers Understand Industry Challenges

In rare situations, there may be national or international shortage of ink, or other elements. A broker is very hands on and will generally know about this sooner than some of the printing companies. This is an added advantage of using a broker over going direct. He can also advise you correctly on product design, optimal material cut and other issues that may help you save on materials, and therefore, on money. Manufacturers charge the full price for materials, while using the off-cuts for another client and they pocket the difference.

The wealth of experience and industry knowledge that a branding broker brings to the table is extremely valuable to tap into, especially when you want to get the most for your investment.

Ad agencies often use print brokers to sort out their artwork. If you took your artwork to a factory and they are up to capacity, they will simply add your project to the queue, whereas a print broker will move on to the next factory that has availability. He has an established relationship and a price arrangement with the factory. Many factories are also not geared for customer service, as they are in production, not sales.

Branding brokers are important middlemen who offer a valuable service. They can save you time, ensure that your artwork is in order, negotiate on your behalf, and often save you money at the same time.

We would like to encourage you to implement the guidelines in this article straight away. If you are not sure how to get started or how it best applies to your business, please contact us and we will be happy to share some further thoughts with you.

A personalised gift is a gift targeted to a person by including his name, or a gift that is specially picked based on his tastes or interests. It is fun, as it puts a smile on your customer's face. Knowing that you thought of them specifically, and went out of your way to find something so meaningful, will put you at the top of their mind always. It takes corporate gifting to the next level.

Most items can be personalised and a gift with your name on it will never go in the bin. While it is more expensive than other options, it is certainly a most effective marketing strategy. It is ideal for more valuable gifts, such as picnic hampers or diaries. Let's face it, everyone receives several diaries every year and they are more likely to keep the one with their name on it.

Dome decals can be placed on many types of gifts, as many now include recesses. These gifts use a different process, which does not involve creating a special plate and it can be done digitally, so it is not as expensive. Of course, you won't be doing thousands of these gifts, but only some for your best clients.

Engraving is another option, and it is a lot more subtly branded, but it is valuable because people keep it.

Some of the other gifts that work well with personalisation, include gift hampers to top directors, which could include their names on a brass plaque. Each gift could constitute a high monetary value, but the value of your client’s name on the plaque is worth a lot more.

A good strategy for personal gifting, is to take your top 200 clients, and personalise only the top 10% of those people's gifts. The rest can receive regular gifts. This will give you some powerful options and will be sensitive to the overall budget as well.

If you take an interest in your top clients, remember their family, too. This takes personalised gifts to the next level, and it will ensure that they continue supporting your business.

Ask your branding company for help in drafting a gifting strategy for your business. They would have many years experience in what works and what doesn’t and would be in a perfect position to identify gifts that can be appropriately personalised.

We would like to encourage you to implement the guidelines in this article straight away. If you are not sure how to get started or how it best applies to your business, please contact us and we will be happy to share some further thoughts with you.

There are so many things that requires your attention if you are involved in an event, especially if it is outdoors. Banners, flags, gazebos and the like should not be part of it. Sadly, these practical matters often take the attention away from the real reason for the event and vital sales opportunities are lost.

There are many good reasons to involve your branding company in the activation process rather than handling it yourself.

Depending on the type of event you're hosting, your branding needs will differ. Typically, outdoor events or promos will use sharkfin banners, popup banners, gazebos and other items that can be:

• Easily setup
• Easily moved
• Packed up quickly

Perimeter branding is commonly used for sports fixtures, while fence wraps are used for any outdoors expos, trade shows or flea markets.

Much of the event branding materials are directional signage that show patrons where to park, where to walk, where to find the stage, or the facilities. The idea behind branding an event is to carry your branding across the whole event in order to attain maximum visibility and impact.

Setting Up Your Event Branding

It is always best to leave the setup to the professionals, so when you hire us, Basically Branding will set up your event branding on your behalf.

If you don't have the right tools and expertise, you may damage your branded goods. We have seen clients' staff who have no experience with marketing materials, tend to force items to breaking point, when all that was needed was to simply unclip it.

Basically Branding will sit down with you and discuss your branding needs. For instance, if you're hosting a golf day, we will discuss how many shark fin banners you want at each hole, and where you want all the other branding elements to be placed.

Our team will do a site visit before we start production on your branding to ensure that we know where it is and so that we are aware of any special circumstances. For example, if we create standard popup banners with a ground spike, without a prior site visit, we may arrive on the day of the event to find that the surface is hard or unsuitable for a ground spike. Last minute change to sandbags will delay your display installation and detract from the aesthetics and professionalism of your branding.

Another factor that we consider during the site visit, is maximum impact. Arriving at the event with 100 banners can be overwhelming. You don't just want to scatter them anywhere – there needs to be a plan that suits the venue, the event and your pocket.\

We will come to the venue early on the day of the event and set it all up for you. The team has the required expertise and the right tools to make the most of your branding setup, leaving you and your staff free to focus on the attendees and visitors at the event. This is a no-hassle option for you, our valued customer.

Caring for Your Branding Elements

Unfortunately, outdoor branding tends to take a beating from the elements. Wind, dust, harsh sunlight and rain can all damage the items over time. However, provided you take care of the structures, they should last a long time - even if the sun eventually fades the printed elements, which are then inexpensive to replace.

When setting up branding, you may assume that it is fine, as it is not raining and the wind is not blowing. However, a storm can happen at any time, blowing the banners around, tearing them and so forth. Not only could this destroy your branding investment, but could cause some serious damage and even injury, leaving you with insurance claims or worse...

The Basically Branding team is highly experienced at placing branding in such a way that it will create the highest impact, while being aware of obstacles. For instance, banners won't be placed where cars are likely to knock them over. When we deactivate the branding at the end of the event, we check for damage from wear and tear, or malicious damage.

Setting up the branding should ideally take place on the day of the event to prevent as much damage as possible. Damage or theft usually occurs at night, so we prefer to activate it in the early hours of the morning. Knowing the size of the event, we can send in the right team to take care of the activation. Deactivation should take place immediately after the event so that it is not exposed to the elements. When you get Basically Branding to do your branding setup and removal, you free up your staff to take care of all the other tasks that an event demands, such as sales efforts.

We would like to encourage you to implement the guidelines in this article straight away. If you are not sure how to get started or how it best applies to your business, please contact us and we will be happy to share some further thoughts with you.

Good branding takes time, and that's why we at Basically Branding recommend that you get in touch with your branding company well in advance. Too often, people deal with designers who don't have the skills or the equipment to fulfill complex branding requirements. Instead of saying so, they would sit on the brief for weeks until it is a last minute rush. The problem with rush jobs, is that they are rarely done properly, and often have to be redone resulting in the client having to pay more than they need to, as there is overtime and other additional costs. Proper planning is the most critical aspect of a successful branding job.

To avoid these problems, here are some of the questions you should ask while assessing branding companies:

Are all branding companies the same?

The branding industry has all sorts of suppliers. Most of them meet deadlines, but it happens that they sometimes don't - to their own detriment. In terms of big branding, you need to select a dependable supplier, who can, if need be, make a change on site or do whatever you need, when you need it. An industry that is easy to enter, many inexperienced individuals start up small businesses and tarnish the industry with bad service.

A true branding company's experience shines through only on delivery. The only way for a client to know that he is dealing with a reputable, experienced company, is not by price, but rather by track record. It would be well worth your time to find out who the branding company works for and what type of work they do.

Consider how long they have been around, and find out whether they have won any awards. Testimonials are helpful in letting you know how past clients feel about the level of service and quality they have received. If they deal with repeat orders from big corporates, they will most ikely be able to handle whatever you need.

How do I vet a branding company?

Quality branding companies belong to industry bodies such as Printing Industries Federation of South Africa (PIFSA) for printing and Resellers of South Africa (ROSA) for corporate gifts. These organisations ensure that their members uphold certain industry standards, which ultimately is in the best interest of the client. As a downside of the industry, other aspects, such as branding, are not regulated. Reputable companies would happily become affiliated with these industry bodies, as it is a way to show that they provide a high service and quality level, making it a good way for clients to find quality suppliers. Another good way for clients to look for a good branding company, is through the local chambers of commerce.

How do I avoid unsavoury branding companies?

Unsavory practices tend to infiltrate just about any industry, and branding is not free from its own share of underhanded schemes. Clients would do well to look out for hidden fees and undisclosed charges. Be sure to find a company that is transparent and includes everything in their fee. Reputable companies, such as Basically Branding, will include everything in your fee, and clearly specify anything that may not be included. Another issue is suppliers not sticking to their quotes and cut corners to increase their profits. Short deliveries and giving their clients less than what they paid for, is another problem that tarnishes the industry. Find a company who delivers what they promise.

How will the company deal with delays?

Before placing your order, be sure to ask what your recourse and/or backup plan is, should the company fail to deliver on your expectations. South Africa is facing load shedding and strikes at the moment, so you have to be sure that the company that handles your order has a backup plan in place in order to avoid delays.

What about guarantees?

Basically Branding stands by their work and will replace anything that is faulty or of inferior quality. However, we don't offer guarantees, as once an item leaves our premises, it is out of our control. One instance in which we have no control, is when your vigorous car washer pulls off your vehicle branding.

Are all corporate gifts made in China?

Many of them are, but in recent years, China has been steadily improving on the quality of goods it delivers. Most top brands get all their goods from China these days. Even computer and car parts from major brands come from China. At the end of the day, you get what you pay for, and we can cater to all your different needs. Depending on the type of gift and the size of the order, we are happy to take you, to our suppliers' showrooms where you can view the items. You can also go through the online catalogue to see what you like.

You also want to find out the process that will be used on the product before you place your order. When you deal with a reputable company, you can rest assured that they know what they are doing.

We would like to encourage you to implement the guidelines in this article straight away. If you are not sure how to get started or how it best applies to your business, please contact us and we will be happy to share some further thoughts with you.

Smaller companies are starting to realise the benefits of corporate clothing, which is not limited to major corporations with large staff complements. When your few staff members are dressed in corporate wear, it makes your small company appear bigger. Clients start to take notice of the company and assume it is bigger than it really is.

Professional Recognition

Corporate clothing is a fantastic tool for creating a specific brand image and to increase the professionalism of your company. It creates a united front amongst team members working in different departments and those working out in the field. If you're working on site and your workers are wearing corporate clothing, it is easy to tell your team apart from other teams of contractors - much like a rugby or cricket team. Clients are happy because they can see the professionalism, and from knowing what your brand looks like, they are able to tell apart your employees. Brand recognition helps clients to feel comfortable with your employees and they can work with them.

Employees

Corporate clothing also helps to neaten up employees. By getting your corporate uniform right, you can provide clothing that is comfortable, yet smart. Wearing a golf shirt when working outside, is much more comfortable than a dress shirt. However, if you're wearing an unbranded golf shirt, it almost looks too casual. When your team is wearing a nice-looking, professional-quality golf shirt, it is comfortable enough to work in, but it also looks good. Corporate wear also subliminally encourages employees to behave more appropriately in front of clients due to the fact that they are more recognisable as part of the team.

When it comes to more up-market uniforms for your office staff, you want something that is a bit smarter since these employees interact with clients. Here you want to go for a more subtle branding. We recommend going for a smarter button shirt in your company colours, with a tone-on-tone branding. This creates consistency when your clients enter the office and see everyone dressed the same. Clients appreciate the professional image that corporate clothing conveys.

Staff appreciate it when employees provide corporate wear, because:

• They don't have to buy their own expensive clothes that are professional enough for work.
• They don't have to worry about what to wear.
• They feel that they belong to a team.

Since staff have less to worry about, and since they feel like a part of the team, it should enhance team spirit and therefore increase productivity.

Clients

Branded corporate clothing can also be given to clients at events or promotions, such as golf days. However, if you want them to wear it, you need to keep the branding subtle. Making it too promotional will prevent them from wearing it again. By making the branding more subtle, it can be a very presentable gift which clients will appreciate. Avoid the temptation to splash your branding all over the garment, as that will have the opposite effect to what you were looking for.

While corporate clothing does not seem to yield direct profitability, it certainly makes an impact on your company's image and on the attitude of the staff who wear it.

We would like to encourage you to implement the guidelines in this article straight away. If you are not sure how to get started or how it best applies to your business, please contact us and we will be happy to share some further thoughts with you.

The fun factor is definitely making waves in the interior design world, and with that in mind, more graphic design companies are seizing the opportunity to provide clients with inexpensive ways to transform their work- and living spaces. Basically Branding does just that. We’ve been involved in some exciting projects lately, as you will see below.

Indoor branding has become very popular, both for brands that want to stand out for the fun-factor and more conservative brands alike.

Customised branding allows you to:

• Show your personality through your decor
• Promote your business brand
• Indicate areas you want to highlight
• Add fun to the home or workplace
• Transform your space in a cost-effective way
• Create the right atmosphere

 

Branding Elements to Transform Your Space

Printed branding allows you to completely transform your space without the need to hire an interior designer and buying expensive furnishings. Let’s take a look at some of the elements that can temporarily or permanently add a unique appearance to your home, office or store.

 

1. Custom Wallpaper

One of the best corporate branding elements with the most impact, is custom-printed wallpaper. Any image can be blown up and printed onto wallpaper to suit your environment. While corporate clients usually opt for more clean-cut metals and other solid colours, you can also have fun with it, for example:

• City skylines in regional restaurants, hotels or in offices that serve the city.
• Car parts in a spares shop.
• Superheroes on your little boy’s bedroom wall.
• A lavender field feature wall for your beauty-shop or a white lounge.

Basically Branding can also add 3D elements to the image to make it pop more.

 

2. Cut-Out Decals

No doubt you have seen these around - they are all over social media. We’re talking about those cut-out stickers on walls and stairs - “In this house we…”. Now you can have your very own, custom designed or stock cut-out decals that suit your home or office. Ideal for temporary branding, cut-out decals are often used on bus stops or in sponsored sports stadium boxes and public toilets.

But it goes even further. You can add non-slip cut-out decals to your floors as direction indicators, to highlight promotions, or simply for fun. Imagine adding a “sinkhole” in the middle of the floor!

Let your creativity go wild with cut-out decals!

 

3. Branded Wrapping

Looking for a budget-friendly method to redecorate your entire office space? We can create custom wrapping for your desks, chairs and whatever else you want to brand.

 

4. Sandblast Vinyl

Sandblasting your logo onto windows looks extremely elegant, but of course, it can’t always be used in rented premises. Try sandblast-effect vinyl. It is much more budget-friendly and it can be removed when you move out of the premises. It is ideal for reception areas, boardrooms and canteens.

 

5. Fabric Frames

Fabric frames are an aluminium extrusion with a fabric print. The frame is pressed onto the print and can be used in different ways:

• Pressed to the wall,
• Freestanding,
• or Mounted.

 

Place it between workspaces to create more privacy for employees, or as a room divider in your home. What makes the fabric frame so cost-effective is that you can easily change the image. The new, relatively inexpensive print is simply clipped into place on the frame when you want to switch it - and it takes only a matter of minutes. Fabric frame branding is a leading trend as it brings the fun factor into any office space.

These are just some of the products we manufacture at Basically Branding. The sky’s the limit when it comes to choosing products to transform your home or office.

We would like to encourage you to implement the ideas in this article straight away. If you are not sure how to get started or how it best applies to your business, please contact us and we will be happy to share some further thoughts with you.

When preparing for an expo, companies spend a lot of money, firstly on their stand space and then on travel expenses and accommodation if it is in a different city. In addition to this there are corporate gifts and branding to take care of.

We have found that many companies don't budget sufficiently for their expo branding, and in an attempt to compensate for that, they opt for the most expensive branding elements. Unfortunately, this backfires on them, as it still looks cheap and is often useless to their marketing efforts. In this post, we're going to discuss some of the branding mistakes clients make and ways in which they can reduce their expenses while still creating a high impact.

 

Backdrops

Many clients waste money on custom built stands, which is often totally unnecessary. Firstly, it uses up a lot of space in an already limited area. To save money, you could wrap the walls entirely, or you could fabric the back wall. Fabric wrap is reusable, as it is hooked into the corners.

Handouts

Most companies hand out stacks of flyers and brochures at expos. You want to hand out something that is memorable, so let that be your focus, rather than how fancy your stand is. People don't remember the strength of your counter or the comfort of your chairs - they remember what you gave them, if it was something useful. Instead of spending a fortune on buying a luxurious stand, rather get something nice and use clever branding elements to make it stand out. Also, be sure that the handouts match the stand. People are visual, so they will remember your stand if the brochure matches it.

Staff Appearance

Ensuring that your staff look sharp is key to encouraging the public to interact with them. Invest in corporate clothing, even if it is as simple as a nice, professional-looking branded golf shirt and jeans. It doesn't have to be expensive, but it should match the stand.

 

How to Make Your Stand Memorable

If you're investing in an expo stand, you want to be sure that it stands out from the other stands. You should not just see it as a marketing exercise, but also as an opportunity to build your brand image. Therefore, it is important to create impact with your stand. You can do this by making sure that your stand is unique, instead of a copy of every other stand. Make it as spacious as you can - nothing is worse than a cluttered stand. Use your branding properly to ensure that it is visually appealing.

Money spent on artwork is always well spent. Opt for strong, vibrant colours that make it stand out.

Instead of spending a fortune on fancy gimmicks, sculptures and expensive technology for your stand, rather invest in high-quality signage and branding elements. You will save money by investing in unique backdrops that sets your stand aside from all the others. By letting your branding company know what your expectations are, they will work with you to create a branding package that may be reused in part or in full. If you attend regular expos, it would be worthwhile investing in fabric backgrounds rather than vinyl, as the fabric is more durable. However, if it's a once off or once-a-year event, PVC will be cheaper.

Ultimately, the two most important aspects to the client's role in creating a high impact expo stand on a tight budget, are:

• A clear brief - By giving your branding company a clear brief about your branding needs, and asking for their recommendations, they can offer suggestions on cost-effective branding that will go a long way.
• A clear budget - When working with a reputable branding company, their aim is to give you the best value for your money, and not to exploit you for every last cent.

 

Playing open cards with your branding company will ensure that you get the best results from your corporate branding.

There are many inexpensive ways to make a high impact with your stand. Some companies play games for small prizes with their stand visitors and this has a memorable impact.

It is important to involve your branding company as soon as you have booked your expo stand, and well in advance of the event. Rushing to get last-minute branding and artwork completed can lead to mistakes on your part in choosing the right materials for your needs, and good branding companies are often busy, which means that they have a long lead time. Don't cause yourself unnecessary stress. With proper planning, there is more time to work out exactly what you need to create a high impact expo stand within your budget.

We would like to encourage you to implement the guidelines in this article straight away. If you are not sure how to get started or how it best applies to your business, please contact us and we will be happy to share some further thoughts with you.