See Your Name in Print
Josiah Martin • May 5, 2020
There are more ways of getting your message out than ever before. Advertising is found on every medium you can think of, in fact, it cannot be avoided. Marketers have always utilized newspapers, radio and television; however, since the advent of the internet new channels of advertising have opened. Nearly every surface of the internet is plastered with ads of one kind or another. You can even find ads for popular products in video games and nearly every app on your smartphone. The advantage of digital advertising is undeniable, it is by far the easiest to see real time results of ad campaigns. It is also one of the most inexpensive.
So, is print advertising still relevant? Since you are reading this, you know my answer is a resounding YES! The ‘why’ it is still relevant is extremely telling and not altogether obvious. There are three main reasons why you should make print advertising part of your marketing campaigns: Legitimacy, Higher Level Interaction, and Call-to-Action.
Legitimacy:
The digital landscape is crowded. Without properly calibrated ads getting your message out digitally can be very difficult. There are many online tools that can help the do-it-yourself crowd, but unless you are particularly savvy crafting a compelling digital ad is very difficult. Studies show that people trust print ads more than online ads.
Not only are print ads the most trusted, they also get a boost in trust based on the publication in which they appear. So, if the you create an ad for a trusted newspaper or magazine you get a share of that trust because your ad is there. The reverse is unfortunately true for a lot of digital ads. Because there is so much phony information online, digital ads will suffer from the lack of credibility associated with that medium. You can read about the breakdown of trust here.
Higher Level Interaction:
While digital media still dominates our attention, most people make it a point to unplug occasionally. When they do unplug, they turn to print media for news, entertainment or distraction. Statistically speaking, readers are far more engaged in what they are consuming than when they are online. An online user tends to multitask often with multiple windows open and a television on in the background. Retention is much higher for print readers; they are much more focused on the publication they are reading and that means your ad gets increased attention as well.
Print has a tactile presence. You can hold it in your hand, write notes on it, and carry it with you. Tangible objects are harder to ignore than any other media, because they take up a physical presence that you must interact with; either to discard or investigate the company.
Call-to-Action:
As mentioned above, engagement is far higher with print than online. The exciting part is that since people trust print more and are more focused on what they are reading, it leads to conversions. This is not the same as driving past a billboard at 55 mph, while that kind of advertising has a purpose, you do not get the level of engagement described. Rather, this is newspaper or magazine ads, inserts, and in publication flyers. If someone saw your billboard on the way home, and an ad for your product or company on their Facebook feed they will be more likely to take a thoughtful look at your magazine ad. Keeping in front of your audience makes it more likely you will have meaningful interactions. Which means those interactions are more likely to turn into actual sales.
Adding print to your marketing strategy can produce some tremendous results. Keep in mind that relying on only one way of reaching your audience will limit your success. Contact Crossbridge or your marketing company of choice and ask about a comprehensive marketing strategy that will broaden your reach and ultimately create a deeper connection with customers.
For small business owners and non-profit organization members, understanding the difference between marketing and advertising is crucial for effective outreach and growth. While often used interchangeably, these terms represent distinct but interconnected concepts. Both are essential, and knowing how to use them effectively can significantly impact your success in reaching your goals. Let's break it down in simple terms. What is Marketing? Marketing is the broader picture. It's the overall process of creating, communicating, and delivering value to your customers. Think of it as the strategy and plan for getting your message to your audience. Marketing involves: Market Research: Understanding your target audience, their needs, and your competition. Branding: Developing your organization's identity, including your logo, messaging, and values. Product/Service Development: Creating offerings that meet the needs of your target audience. Pricing: Determining the optimal price for your products or services. Distribution: Figuring out how to get your offerings to your customers. Customer Relationship Management (CRM): Building and maintaining relationships with your customers. Digital Marketing Services are a key part of modern marketing. This includes using online channels like websites, social media, and email to reach your audience. What is Advertising? Advertising is a component of marketing. It's the paid promotion of your products, services, or organization to a specific audience. Advertising is a way to get your message in front of your ideal customer. It's a specific tool within your marketing plan. Examples of advertising include: Internet Advertising : Paid ads on search engines (like Google Ads) and social media platforms. Print ads in newspapers or magazines. Radio and television commercials. Online banner ads. How Marketing and Advertising Work Together Marketing sets the stage, and advertising operates for you on that stage. Your marketing plan guides your advertising efforts. For example, your marketing strategy might identify your target audience and your key messaging. Your advertising then uses that information to create effective ads that reach that audience and deliver that message. Using Marketing and Advertising for Your Goals Both marketing and advertising are essential for success. Effective marketing builds a strong foundation, while effective advertising drives awareness and action. For small businesses and non-profits, a well-defined marketing plan combined with strategic advertising can: Reach a wider audience. Increase awareness of your organization. Drive engagement and support. Increase conversions Ultimately, achieve your goals. Let Crossbridge Help You Need help with your marketing and internet advertising efforts? Crossbridge offers comprehensive digital marketing services to help grow your business or organization. We can develop a tailored strategy that combines effective marketing with targeted advertising to maximize your impact. Ready to get started? Contact Crossbridge today for your digital marketing and advertising needs.
In today's visually-driven world, a strong brand identity is essential for any organization to stand out from the crowd. Whether you're a startup company, a new non-profit, or an established business looking to refresh your image, logo design and graphic design services play a crucial role in creating a memorable and impactful brand presence. At Crossbridge, we offer professional logo design services and custom graphic design services for marketing materials that help you build brand recognition, connect with your target audience, and achieve your marketing goals. Why Invest in Professional Logo Design and Graphic Design? Your logo is the visual cornerstone of your brand identity. It's the symbol that represents your organization, communicates your values, and makes a lasting impression on your audience. Coupled with strong graphic design across your marketing materials, you create a cohesive and impactful brand experience. Here's how professional logo design and graphic design services can benefit your organization: Brand Recognition: A unique and memorable logo helps people instantly recognize and remember your brand. Professionalism and Credibility: High-quality design conveys professionalism and builds trust with your audience. Consistency: Consistent use of your logo and brand elements across all platforms creates a cohesive brand identity. Emotional Connection: A well-designed logo and visual identity can evoke emotions and connect with your target audience on a deeper level. Marketing Effectiveness: Strong visuals enhance the impact of your marketing materials, whether it's brochures, website graphics, or social media posts. Crossbridge's Design Services: Creating a Visual Identity that Shines At Crossbridge, our team of talented designers combines creativity and strategic thinking to craft visual identities that stand the test of time. We offer a comprehensive range of design services, including: Custom Logo Design: We'll work closely with you to create a unique and memorable logo that reflects your brand's essence. Brand Style Guide Development: We'll create a guide that outlines the rules for using your logo and brand elements, ensuring consistency across all platforms. Marketing Material Design: We'll design eye-catching brochures, flyers, social media graphics, and other marketing materials that align with your brand identity. Website Design: We'll create a visually appealing and user-friendly website that complements your brand and drives conversions. Partner with Crossbridge for Design Excellence Whether you're a startup looking to establish your brand identity or an established organization seeking a refresh, Crossbridge is your trusted partner for professional logo design services and custom graphic design services for marketing materials. We're passionate about helping organizations of all sizes create a visual identity that makes a lasting impression and drives success. Let’s have a conversation today!
Have you ever searched for something online using just your voice? With the rise of smart speakers, virtual assistants, and voice-activated search on our phones, voice search optimization is no longer a futuristic concept – it's a must-have for businesses that want to stay ahead of the curve. At Crossbridge, we help you optimize your website for voice search, ensuring your business is found wherever, however, and whenever your audience is searching. Why is Voice Search Optimization Important? Voice search is changing the way people find information online. Instead of typing keywords into a search bar, people are now using natural language and conversational phrases to ask questions and find what they need. This shift in search behavior requires a new approach to SEO. Here's why voice search optimization matters: Growing Popularity: More and more people are using voice search every day. Mobile-First Indexing: Google prioritizes mobile-friendly websites, and voice search is primarily conducted on mobile devices. Featured Snippets: Voice search often pulls answers from "featured snippets" at the top of search results, making it crucial to optimize your content for these coveted spots. Local Search Dominance: Voice search is often used for "near me" searches, making local SEO even more critical. How Crossbridge Optimizes Your Website for Voice Search Our team at Crossbridge understands the significance of voice search and implements strategies to ensure your website is easily discoverable by voice assistants: Conversational Keyword Research: We identify the long-tail keywords and natural language phrases people use in voice search. Content Optimization: We create content that answers common questions and provides valuable information in a conversational tone. Schema Markup Implementation: We use schema markup to help search engines understand the context of your content, making it easier for them to deliver relevant results for voice search queries. Mobile Optimization: We ensure your website is mobile-friendly and loads quickly, which is crucial for voice search rankings. Local SEO: We optimize your Google My Business profile and other local citations to ensure your business appears in "near me" voice searches. The Future of Search is Voice-Activated Voice search is here to stay, and its influence will only continue to grow. By formulating your website for voice search optimization now, you're ensuring your business is visible to a growing audience and ready for the future of search. Ready to embrace the power of voice search? Contact Crossbridge today and let our SEO experts, content creators, and web developers help you optimize your website for voice-activated search, because when you win, so do we.