The Importance Of Branding

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pullWhen we meet someone new, within the first few seconds, we instinctively formulate assumptions about who he or she is, what he or she does, their personality, and so on. These assumptions are based on nothing but visual communication, this universal facet of human interaction holds true for the brands we interact with as well. Just as we analyze people’s hair, clothes and polka-dot socks; a brand’s corporate identity speaks volumes about the brand itself. A brand’s corporate identity is far more than a mere collection of colors, fonts and a logo. A brand’s corporate identity is in fact a promise, a promise to your audience. Communicating the brand’s attributes, beliefs and overall personality. The Googles and Coca Cola’s of this world understand that about their brands.

Brand Promise

A lot of time, money and design go into ensuring that when you pick up a Coke anywhere in the world, you do so with the promise of quality and refreshment. The red and white color pallet and iconic logo go beyond distinguishing the brand apart for the competition it also gives the audience a sense of the Coca Cola Company’s personality. Design professionals go to great lengths in creating exquisite corporate identities, which perfectly encapsulate a brand’s identity; every minute detail and design decision is carefully calculated, scrutinized and passed through a filter of expertise, talent and experience in the field of visual communication.

Consistency

The paramount importance of a brands corporate identity emphasizes the need for consistency in adhering to the brand’s identity guidelines. Once design professionals have meticulously executed a brand’s identity, it runs the risk of counting for nothing if implemented incorrectly.

Confusion is costly

Consider for a moment, that you visit a doctor, and you are diagnosed with a particular ailment, the next day you go back and you are diagnosed with a different ailment. The symptoms are the same but the diagnosis is wildly different, would this not cause you to lose confidence with your doctor? The same basic idea is applicable to the relationship between a brand and its audience. If a brands presence is not consistent across all platforms it results in doubt and confutation from your audience. If a brand uses a different hue of red in their stationary and their digital material or has varying types of fonts for their logo, the brands stands very little chance of establishing itself as a trusted/recognizable entity in its industry. It all boils down to the simple truth that people will not trust a brand if they do not understand what said brand stands for, what it believes and what it promises…Its Identity! 


Ready to start promote your business by website design? Get in touch with us via our Contact us!


About the Author: Quite simply a design Super Amadeus!
 

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Why Social Media Marketing?

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What is social media marketing?

Social media marketing is the process of gaining traffic or attention through social media sites. To some entrepreneurs social media is the next big thing! It is powerful if used correctly and must be taken advantage of for marketing social media platforms, which are new channels for your brand’s voice and content.

How does social media marketing work?

You can use social media to help reach several business objectives, but the best social media strategies are those that focus on a more narrow rationale for social. What do you want to use social media for? Awareness? Sales? Loyalty?

For social media to be successful, one needs to take into consideration key measures. Are you going to measure ROI? Who will you be interacting with? Who is the target market? What are their demographics? What are you about? Prove that you are more than just a product or a service; you deliver an experience when people engage with your brand. Lastly a content or a channel plan needs to come into action and be distinct.

How will social media marketing benefit a brand?

Your brand will be easier to access for new clients, it will also become more familiar and recognizable to existing clients, thus, brand loyalty will improve. A study published by Convince and Convert found that 53% of Americans who follow brands on social media are more loyal to that brand.

Social media is cost effective. Even the paid advertising through twitter and Facebook are relatively cheap depending whether you set budgets or not.
Every social media platform you exist on is another path leading back to your site. The quality of your content will determine the interest generated. More traffic creates more leads, resulting in more opportunities.

Every post made on a social media platform is an opportunity for clients to convert. Each post creates a chance for someone to react, every reaction may lead to a site visit, which could eventually lead to a conversation. This means conversation rates will become higher. Interacting in social media channels humanizes brands and this is important because people like doing work with other people not companies.

Interacting with your clients on a regular basis shows good faith. When people want to brag or compliment a company they turn to social media. Though this also applies for when they want to complain about a company, so it works both ways this depends on you. The more people that are talking about you on social media, the more valuable and credible your brand will seem to prospective clients. Every customer interaction online is a chance to demonstrate the level of customer service you provide. If a customer complains, you can apologize publicly, if a customer compliments your company you can thank and recommend more products. Personal experiences let them know you care.

With social media, you are able to gain valuable information regarding your target market and what they’re interested in. You will be able to monitor user comments to see what they think of your business, this will help to improve you marketing to them and will result in an increase of sales and new clients.

In all I am able to say that social media has become a platform that has increased communication for companies and creates strong brand awareness, which improves customer service. Additionally, social media serves as a relatively inexpensive platform for organizations to implement marketing campaigns and I would highly recommend becoming part of this movement.



Ready to start promote your business by Social Media? Get in touch with us via our Contact us!
 

About Author:
Veronique is a young strategy driven Account Manager with a Graphic Design degree as well as an Honours in Brand Leadership.  

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Animated video | A science well worth it

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I am sure if you’ve ever considered having an animated film; Web Video or video produced, your first reaction to the price was to have your jaw drop just shy of the floor, followed by an experience similar to a cardiac arrest. After you’ve come to, you politely refuse, only to be confronted with a heftier price-tag when you seek out a ‘second opinion’ of sorts. The question then arises in the back of your mind, “Why is it so expensive, and is it even worth it?”. The answer to the latter part of that question is yes, it is well worth it to produce an animated video. The former, however, is a bit more complicated and requires a bit more explanation as to why it is worth it to pay an arm and a leg to have an animated video.

WEB VIDEO IMPROVES YOUR BRAND RECOGNITION

Video is a very memorable medium when used in conjunction with sound as it stimulates the audience in ways which standard print media does not. It also allows one the opportunity to make use of catchy gimmicks and jingles to improve the overall impact further. Furthermore, because Web Video is a visceral and audible medium, it creates an opportunity for what I like to call associative encoding, or ‘brainwashing’; and while it sounds horrible, associative encoding is a powerful marketing tool to facilitate the recall phase of memory. It is the reason for when we hear or see the term ‘Running,’ that we immediately think of the Nike brand and their range of athletic footwear.

WEB VIDEO STRENGTHENS YOUR ONLINE PRESENCE

SEO is heavily reliant on content. Images reign supreme as the best tool for reaching audiences on social media platforms such as Facebook, twitter and linkedIn; among others. It remains to be said the supplementing these images with video will improve not only the ranking of your images and content, or the visibility of your online profile, but also diversify your content marketing portfolio – which, in turn, keeps your audience interested in the content you provide online.

WEB VIDEO BOLSTERS THE SIZE OF YOUR ORGANISATION

I believe that if used correctly, Web Video could give smaller companies a greater competitive edge over their larger, financially strapped competitors. If the capacity to do the work is available, small enterprises could attract much larger clients. Breaking even to justify the cost of the Web Video or the work force is much lower in this instance, and thus, turning over a profit also become easier.

WEB VIDEO IMPROVES YOUR STATUS

There is a certain status that comes along with having an animated video. In my experience, when dealing with the average consumer, as well as other small businesses, Web Video often prompts for a “wow, that’s fancy,” type response. It is probably because only the larger organizations would have had access to animated projects in the past due to the extremely high costs involved with the new technology back then. With the reduction in production costs by over 380% since the advent of the animation industry and the less complicated nature of the programs and software, even the most technologically challenged consumer could have an Web Video produced at a fraction of the cost.

WEB VIDEO REDUCES TIME SPENT ON SUPPORT

There are a thousand other things that animation could be beneficial for, but I believe that this is one of the most-important benefits of animation. As service-centric companies, time is our most-valuable commodity. When we spend most of that time supporting and providing information about a product that is relatively unknown to the consumer market, other areas in our businesses start to suffer – which is never a good thing.
As a firm believer in business automation, animation allows us to automate a segment of our business that is very difficult to replicate without the actual use of a person on the other end of the line. by automating support, we not only tailor content so that the product or service is understood exactly as it was intended to be used, but also it allows us to step away from supporting the product or service, but focus on selling it.
Animation allows us to create fancy looking tutorials or screen casts with step-by-step information, guiding our clients and customers through processes without having to get involved in the support process.

WHERE TO FROM HERE?

In my next article, I will be delving in a bit deeper and explaining what the actual process behind animation is and how we can use that to our advantage. In the meantime though, consider the benefits of animation, and if it is in line with what you’re going for, then I seriously recommend having an Web Video produced. it would be a step in the right direction. Your business and your bank account will thank you for it. If you enjoyed this article or would like to share your experience with animation, please do so in the comments section below, and don’t forget, share this with your friends and family using the social links below.


Ready to start promote your business by Web video? Get in touch with us via our Contact us!
 

Author by: Kyle bridges a gap between a deep understanding of visual and auditory communication, creative processes and business.



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Creative Design Easy Process

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http://www.bwd.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/1.png1 Brief:  Meetings to discuss the project in detail and clarify any technical issues including objectives, budget, timetable and corporate identity guidelines.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
http://www.bwd.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/2.png2 Research: Information gathering phase. Research client offering(s) market and competitive landscape. Analysis of goals and objectives of client offering(s) to deliver design and content in an effective campaign.

http://www.bwd.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/3.png
3 Visualize:  Critical thinking phase. Develop conceptual strategy and approach using analysis and conclusions of data gathered. Conceptualize visual presentation methods based upon strengths of client offering(s).
 
 
 
 
http://www.bwd.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/4.png 
 
4.Design: Articulation phase. Create the visual architecture of the conceptual approach. Explore / develop color, type treatment, look and feel of the design. Present comps and sketches for client review and discussion.
 
 
 

http://www.bwd.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/5.png5 Create: Production phase. Designs created in final format for print production and / or media outputs, online integration or media presentation as needed. Production and delivery of deliverables.








Ready to start promote your business by Creative Design? Get in touch with us via our Contact us!



 

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Project Plan for Website Design

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Average Completion time = 10 working days

1.
Client quotation acceptance (Receive 50% deposit)
2. Five working days for website design concept to be presented to client
3. Receive website text and pictures from the client. Five working days
(this can run parallel with task number two)
4. After website concept and content approval, it would take an average of
5 working days to populate the website with content.
5. Go-live with the new website will take 1 day
6. Final Payment
7. Content Management Training 4 hours
8. Free telephonic and email support for 1 month
 
Ready to start promote your business by website design? Get in touch with us via our Contact us!
 
 

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Explainer Animations Make Great Advertising | 5 Reason

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Explainer animations are making waves in the world of advertising.
Businesses are increasingly using explainer animations to advertise their products and services, and here are our five reasons why:

1. Explainer Animations are Web Savvy

A quick search on any major online video platform (e.g., YouTube, Vimeo, Daily Motion, etc.) will give you an idea of how popular and in-demand explainer animations are.
Extensive research conducted in recent years indicates that more and more Internet users spend a significant amount of their time online watching videos. These could be for entertainment, education, business interests, general knowledge or interviews.
Let’s take a look at some recent figures:
  • In 2012, video was the fastest growing format of advertising.
  • 90 percent of users say that seeing a video about a product is helpful in the decision process.
  • 65 percent of executives visit the marketer’s website after viewing a video.
You may ask: Why is this so?
Well, videos can more easily explain concepts in a lively and vibrant manner than reams of copious text.
For this reason, explainer animations can have a significant effect on conversion rates. According to comScore, 45.4 percent of users viewed at least one video online per month, and the average user spends at least 16 minutes per month watching advertisements online.

2. Explainer Animations Engage

Imagine you come across a shop, and you like what is displayed in the windows. You walk in, look around and find items that catch your eye, but you don’t see anybody in the shop to assist you. What would you do then? Would you wait around, or would you walk out?
An explainer video can sit on the landing page of your website and be that virtual shop assistant to guide visitors around the website, informing them what they can expect to find.
Research conducted by eMarketer suggests that around 65 percent of U.S. marketers plan to increase their mobile advertising budget to incorporate video marketing strategies. This is probably to incorporate explainer videos that enhance online customer service.

3. Explainer Animations Work Hard

Technology is a boon for us mere mortals in that it can continue to work hard when we need to recharge ourselves.
So, while we are catching some shut-eye time, explainer animations — when positioned online — can continue to advertise your products and services to audiences the world over. We like to call them our “silent sellers” for this reason.
Is it any surprise, then, that (according to Outbrain) 80 percent of online marketers use video as their tool?

4. Explainer Animations are Easy to Understand

A good explainer animation will have a clear and comprehensible script so that it engages, informs, educates and entertains your audience. It’s all about giving something of value to your audience so they feel valued, and in return, they trust your business more.
A good script would be suitably worded with the appropriate pitch and intonations to create the relevant feel for the audience.
If the language and words used in a video ticks all these boxes then, yes, we can possibly believe it when the Online Publishers Association states that 46 percent of viewers take an action after watching an online video advertisement.

5. Explainer Animations are Popular!

According to a study conducted by the Online Publishers Association, 80 percent of Internet users can recall an online video advertisement that they have seen in the past month, while 75 percent of online video viewers have interacted with online video advertisements.
Most of these videos are made using explainer animations, which can cut the boredom and tedium right out. They can encourage, inspire and impress with the way they mesh creative technology into advertising strategies, thus, making them lively, vibrant and immensely popular.
So, if 32.3 percent of videos are being exposed to the average Internet user (another comScore statistic), then your video should be a part of this figure. Using an explainer animation could get you there.

Ready to start promote your business by Explainer Video Animation? Get in touch with us via our Contact us!

 

Author by: Dr. Manroop Takhar is the Managing Director of Qudos Animations

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Explainer Video Animation Process

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1. Receive brief from client which should include a context for the animation.

2. Idea Generation – Together with the client we draft a ‘content’ document. We also start to draft the storyboards.

3. Storyboards, characters and backtracks are given to the client for approval.

4. Writing of voice over script according to content received. Client approves VO script and chooses from the VO options we would have provided. 

5. Writing of Action script, which details animations and transitions specifically based on the voice over script, storyboards and brainstorming between the team. the client is to approve the script.

6.  Animating begins and all the elements are put together.

7. The client reviews animation and suggests any revisions. Otherwise, if the client is satisfied, the client approves and we continue with the final phase.

8. The final video is put on disc for the client to collect.


Ready to start promote your business by Explainer Video Animation? Get in touch with us via our Contact us!

Explainer animations are making waves in the world of advertising.
Businesses are increasingly using explainer animations to advertise their products and services, and here are our five reasons why:

1. Explainer Animations are Web Savvy

A quick search on any major online video platform (e.g., YouTube, Vimeo, Daily Motion, etc.) will give you an idea of how popular and in-demand explainer animations are.
Extensive research conducted in recent years indicates that more and more Internet users spend a significant amount of their time online watching videos. These could be for entertainment, education, business interests, general knowledge or interviews.
Let’s take a look at some recent figures:
  • In 2012, video was the fastest growing format of advertising.
  • 90 percent of users say that seeing a video about a product is helpful in the decision process.
  • 65 percent of executives visit the marketer’s website after viewing a video.
You may ask: Why is this so?
Well, videos can more easily explain concepts in a lively and vibrant manner than reams of copious text.
For this reason, explainer animations can have a significant effect on conversion rates. According to comScore, 45.4 percent of users viewed at least one video online per month, and the average user spends at least 16 minutes per month watching advertisements online.

2. Explainer Animations Engage

Imagine you come across a shop, and you like what is displayed in the windows. You walk in, look around and find items that catch your eye, but you don’t see anybody in the shop to assist you. What would you do then? Would you wait around, or would you walk out?
An explainer video can sit on the landing page of your website and be that virtual shop assistant to guide visitors around the website, informing them what they can expect to find.
Research conducted by eMarketer suggests that around 65 percent of U.S. marketers plan to increase their mobile advertising budget to incorporate video marketing strategies. This is probably to incorporate explainer videos that enhance online customer service.

3. Explainer Animations Work Hard

Technology is a boon for us mere mortals in that it can continue to work hard when we need to recharge ourselves.
So, while we are catching some shut-eye time, explainer animations — when positioned online — can continue to advertise your products and services to audiences the world over. We like to call them our “silent sellers” for this reason.
Is it any surprise, then, that (according to Outbrain) 80 percent of online marketers use video as their tool?

4. Explainer Animations are Easy to Understand

A good explainer animation will have a clear and comprehensible script so that it engages, informs, educates and entertains your audience. It’s all about giving something of value to your audience so they feel valued, and in return, they trust your business more.
A good script would be suitably worded with the appropriate pitch and intonations to create the relevant feel for the audience.
If the language and words used in a video ticks all these boxes then, yes, we can possibly believe it when the Online Publishers Association states that 46 percent of viewers take an action after watching an online video advertisement.

5. Explainer Animations are Popular!

According to a study conducted by the Online Publishers Association, 80 percent of Internet users can recall an online video advertisement that they have seen in the past month, while 75 percent of online video viewers have interacted with online video advertisements.
Most of these videos are made using explainer animations, which can cut the boredom and tedium right out. They can encourage, inspire and impress with the way they mesh creative technology into advertising strategies, thus, making them lively, vibrant and immensely popular.
So, if 32.3 percent of videos are being exposed to the average Internet user (another comScore statistic), then your video should be a part of this figure. Using an explainer animation could get you there.
- See more at: http://www.agencypost.com/5-reasons-explainer-animations-make-great-advertising/#sthash.UTPk1IPz.dpuf

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