Graphic Design, Brand Design & Website Design in Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire. Branding, Web Design, Print, Logos, brochures

	Brands don’t always get it right 11 May 2012 11:06
	Here are three funny examples… Kentucky Fried Chicken ran an advertising campaign in China that attempted to translate their famous slogan "Finger lickin’ good!" It failed miserably, as in Chinese it means - Eat your fingers off. Urban legend has it that the Chevrolet Nova car sold poorly in Latin America, because “no va” translates as “won’t go” in Spanish. Pepsi allegedly introduced their slogan into the Chinese market “Come alive with the Pepsi Generation” Unfortunately this translated into “Pepsi brings your ancestors back from the grave”. These are funny examples and it’s easy to laugh at their misfortune. But any business can fall foul to a misguided campaign or strategy and its no laughing matter. Vi works closely with clients to define brands and put in place a promotional action plan that delivers results. Here are five steps to getting it right. Interview staff - those who really know your brand. Survey customers - those who directly experience your brand. Research your market and competitors - those who affect your brand. Failed brand strategies affect customers loyalty. Knowing who your customers are, how they react and what they really want is critical. Your brand lives in the experience of your customer; and their experience of what they like and feel loyal to. This changes over time but the longer and stronger the connection, the more valuable the brand is to the customer. At VI we find creative ways to keep customers coming back. We do this by putting ourselves in your customer’s shoes and asking: "What is it that customers really want?" Contact us today to let us know "what you really want?"
	Its that time of year again – Time to SPRING in to action! 22 Mar 2012 10:59
	Here is our 5 point action plan: 1. Review your marketing activity and try something new for 2012 2. Review your marketing literature, make adjustments to improve 3. Review your brand, consider an update 4. Review your website, update the content 5. Review your agency and gain a new point of view Spring clean your brand and clean up in the process. Visual Identity is offering a FREE brand review. If your business is setting up a new brand or your current brand needs a market check. Contact Vi today 01908 665537. The digital brand specialists.
	The definition of branding, what is a brand and why is it important? 01 Mar 2012 11:48
	More than just a logo or a tag line... ...a strong brand is the most valuable asset of any successful organisation. The brand tells the world who and what you are. When reviewing your brand you need to consider the following, does your brand... • Catch the attention of your potential customer • Increase your integrity and credibility • Make a memorable impression • Help you stand out from your competitors • Communicate your messages • Meet customer expectations Brands are assets because, when properly managedthey: provide a secure stream of income for theorganisation; culminate shared beliefs; and communicate aconsistent message. Together these will make the brandcome alive and be meaningful to its audiences.
	China will be the world’s second largest consumer market by 2015. 17 Jan 2012 07:05
	Here are a few interesting facts... •Did you know Ice Cream was invented in China? So why then do we associate Ice Cream with the Italians? •We are sure you are familiar with the claim that the Great Wall of China is visible from space. Did you know this is simply not true? •It is fact that China has cultivated tea for over 2,000 yrs. But we the British have made it our own. Could this be due to branding? •Good branding can build an association with a service or product. •Branding is when an idea is so well marketed it becomes instantly recognizable by more and more people. •And of course its one of the best ways to build a good reputation. Your brand perception defines whether your customers choose you or your competitor. And that’s why your brand perception is so important. At Visual Identity our solutions not only look good, but sound good too. They are completely bespoke to our client’s requirements and they create a product that is so appealing it draws your customers to it. For the start of 2012 remember "You can not change the past, but the future is up for grabs.”
	There are many ways to destroy your brand… 13 Jan 2012 10:10
	I am sure you all remember the Hoover free flights promotion of 1992 in which Hoover UK promised free airline tickets to customers who purchased their products. What Hoover did not anticipate was the huge numbers of uptake. The company was overwhelmed by the demand. The fiasco cost Hoover almost 50 million and was subsequently sold to Candy. Ok this is an extreme example of brand damage but there are many ways to destroy your brand. Here are some of the obvious ones to avoid committing brand suicide. 1. Inconsistency is self-sabotage. Customers expect a certain level of quality, anything less spells trouble. 2. Short term thinking is a sure way to long-term retirement. 3. Lack of brand focus will send your customers mixed signals. 4. Lack of input always rewards weak results. 5. Behavior that doesn’t match your promise destroys customer trust. So what’s the lesson for your brand? Protect your customer promise. In this world of excessive competition, Vi will help retain your focus, because the stronger your focus on your primary brand promise, the more successful your business will be.
	Make your own luck 10 Jan 2012 04:57
	We all rely on an element of luck to get by... but have you ever considered where luck comes from? At VI we believe luck is something you make happen – not just by chance or just due to being in the right place at the right time. Business is something you make happen and in times like these the last thing we should do is to stop listening or talking. Therefore, if there is ever a time to step up your communication, this is it. Brands have to be clear in their communication. Great communications are based around clever ideas. And these unique ideas are essential for marketing and branding effectiveness. VI is a creative agency built around developing strong brands. At VI we have found luck is what happens when you plan your communication strategy, develop your long-term messages and deliver outstanding, brand communications that makes your brand standout. We are great believers in luck and have found that the more we make it happen, the more our clients have of it!
	New Year Resolutions 03 Jan 2012 11:36
	New Year Resolutions should not just be personal; they are just as relevant for business. Although most are forgotten by Easter, the power of them to make big changes in quality of your business life can often make a yearlong change. So if you make only one for your business this 2012, make it to – Promote More! Promoting a business, service or product often slips to the bottom of the to-do list because so many other things can get in the way. But if you want to attract new customers, create more awareness or sell more products, then you must make promotion a top priority. Why not make it a New Year's resolution to create a plan for 2012. Meantime, here are our three best suggestions: 1. Review your brand and make it consistent 2. Use social media and ensure your company is remembered 3. Review your website and make it more visible Despite numerous gloomy predictions and another spell of wet and windy weather, if you decide to Promote More hope and optimism will never be far away. At VI we offer: brand reviews, e-mail campaigns and SEO, contact us today. Happy New Year from the VI Team
	Get your Christmas facts right 22 Dec 2011 10:13
	At Vi we have noticed an increase in clients asking for research to reshape brands and make them even more effective. So today we offer you some vital research... how to avoid giving gifts that could cause disappointment this Christmas. Sadly when surveyed 72 % of participants revealed that gifts received last Christmas were below expectation. And the gifts that can pretty much guarantee a negative reaction were books, dressing gowns, lingerie, photo frames, socks and bath gels. Topping the list of worst gift-givers were grandparents at 37%, followed by mothers at 20% with fathers only coming in third at 14%. But don't despair the best gifts were revealed as perfume for women and electronic gadgets for men... giving you now just two days to get it right. So remember.... customers aren't just for Christmas. Happy Christmas from all at Vi
	Did you know - good ideas are back in fashion? 28 Nov 2011 07:08
	Research has shown that design is a significant source of competitive advantage. Companies that invest in their design and develop a reputation for innovation can avoid competing on price alone. Research has proven that 84 per cent of businesses where design is integral to operations have increased their competitiveness in the recession years. At VI we are passionate about using design to tackle clients big issues and at the same time help companies to use innovative ideas to make their services or products 'market beating'. Think about it... only one brand can be the cheapest. The rest have to do something different. Do you really want to compete in a space that has zero margins? In which case, you have to do something that's unique. Design is creativity deployed to a specific end. It shapes ideas to become attractive propositions to customers. Innovation and good design can make you money and differentiate your brand.
	The core of viral marketing 25 Nov 2011 10:23
	An Apple fan, Jonathan Mak, China, created a unique tribute to Steve Jobs, co-founder of Apple. As the photo shows, Mak revised the Apple logo, to include the silhouette of Steve Jobs’ head, and added the years, 1955-2011. Mak's design idea symbolized the innovator's lasting presence he had left at the core of the company. Like so many unofficial Apple spin-offs in China, the design looks genuine and is the kind of tribute that many iPhone and Apple users would like. The design went viral, leading to a job offer and, according to reports, a host of commemorative merchandise featuring the logo. Already, hundreds of thousands of posts have been made on the Web – and even commemorative caps and T-shirts, featuring the design, have reportedly sold on eBay. Viral marketing campaigns are an amazing way to generate a huge amount of buzz and brand awareness. There are two types of viral marketing campaigns, those, which are planned and targeted, and those that happen by accident. Clearly this is a great example as it shows that viral marketing, when correctly planned or by accident, can instantly put your name or your business on the map in your industry globally.
	Those who have Identity have Dignity 17 Nov 2011 15:52
	We have been asked recently - do you think people really understand what branding is? A brand goes much deeper than just your company logo. Here are our top three favorite definitions. 1. Branding is the art of aligning what you want people to think about your company with what people actually do think about your company. 2. A brand is the reason your customers choose to buy, sign up or associate with. 3. The power of a brand is a simple visual that instantaneously communicates what your business is about. Every business wants to be a customer's first choice. Building and managing a brand can play a significant part in making that happen. Unfortunately there are a great many companies that look tired, out-of-date, misunderstood or just have a misfit brand. Let's face it - you know who they are, when you see them?
	Are anti-brand values killing consumerism? 31 Oct 2011 10:02
	It is increasingly true that you are what you wear, eat or drive. It is now fact - your choice of brand defines who you are. Therefore, is it right we should begin to question the brand process? In the past, it was considered that advertising might brainwash us in an effort to make us buy more. These days when everything is conceived as a brand in order to make it more purchasable, its not surprising therefore that there has been much opposition to the concept that big brands can define our values along with the style of our jeans. Therefore, it is only right that we should begin to question the brand process. Does the brand of running shoes really make a difference to our personality or self esteem? Should we really judge others so harshly by their choice of mobile phone? The shop-till-you-drop age of consumption is over. The recession has bought a more conscious consumer, shy of status and indulgence, looking for basic needs not bling. On the road to recovery, business' success will depend on recognising that shoppers remember the effect of the recession. Impulse shopping will cease to exist and we will spend with more consideration. Therefore brands that add value to our lives or those that recognise their responsibilities will win over their audiences and gain the loyalty they seek.
	A great Job, well done. 06 Oct 2011 15:13
	Today the world's press reported the sad death of Apple Co-Founder, Steve Jobs. Steve Jobs changed the face of technology and, in particular, the creative industries, with technologies that make our work easier. Steve Jobs was not a fan of market research, it was his creative approach that had the biggest impact. He famously said - You can�t just ask customers what they want, because by the time you get it built, they'll want something new. Instead, he relied on his instinct developing new products and packaging them in a way that people would want to use. One of his most influential mantras was to focus on simplicity. We know you have to work hard to make design simple! Steve Jobs was quoted as saying... Remembering that I'll be dead soon is the most important tool I've ever encountered. It's a reminder to us all, Time is limited, so don�t waste it�. That's why at Vi we know that through Apple - our work has become play and our play is our career.
	Is branding relevant to small business? 30 Sep 2011 15:23
	Most small businesses would probably agree that developing a brand that stands out is essential for corporates and large companies. Unfortunately many would also add that branding is not that important for small business as they see it only as an unnecessary expense. In fact, people make their mind up about your business in the first seven seconds, therefore developing a meaningful brand is just as critical for small as it is for large business. And, properly executed, it can actually be your most powerful advantage. A brand is more than just a visual symbol - it defines your company, builds recognition and invokes recall. These factors help your business to stand out from its competitors. It's fact - most small businesses have weak branding, therefore, by developing an effective brand you can position your company ahead of your competitors. Remember its hearts and minds that sell products and services - not bottom line or unit price. We are Visual Identity and we campaign for what you believe in.
	Ding Dong - Avon Calling! 21 Sep 2011 22:54
	Every second of every day, Avon sells four lipsticks and two mascara's around the world. This month saw the Avon brand celebrated its 125th anniversary. So how has the Avon brand remained at the top? 34 years before women in the United States won the right to vote - Avon's heritage and belief to empower women, remains core to its values. True to its roots - Avon is the world's largest supporter of women's charities. This has kept the brand consistent. Avon has brand value through its first-to-market innovative products. Its R&D team have led the industry with breakthrough products. Its not surprising that two out of five women worldwide purchased an Avon product last year - this has made the brand a knowledgeable source. The brand's recent re-invention, has seen Avon tap into a younger generation. Avon has been expanding their roots to the youth market with their new brand 'Mark'. 'Mark' Girls can advertise their products on their Facebook profiles, this functionality gives the brand presence where people hang out online - this has kept the brand contemporary. You can learn from these lessons by keeping your brand consistent, knowledgeable and contemporary. And at VI we can add face value to your brand. x
	Website Launched 26 Jul 2011 14:09
	Today, we launched our brand new website, after months of development work, we have now added the finishing touches. The main purpose is to provide you with information about Visual Identity, our beliefs, services and work. This shop window features recently completed projects, photography and testimonials, as well as, company news and articles. We believe our work is a presentation of our actions and this website illustrates our capability. Please contact us with your enquires. We would love to answer any questions. We hope you enjoy our new site.
	Its a well known expression sex sells - but does it? 16 Jul 2011 14:12
	In the late 80's one percent of advertising contained explicit sexual imagery but now, decades later, using sex as an attempt to gain customer attention has risen to astronomical proportions. Research suggests that sex doesn't help brands sell. When men see ads with sexy women they focus on the breasts not the brand name. Interestingly the more provocative the women portrayed in an ad, the more disinterested female shoppers are. Therefore it's fact. Sex doesn't sell brands - it just sells sex. This got us thinking about brands. Surely their primary mission is for their customers to fall in love with them. People love their iPads because of image. They're small, sexy and cute. For those of us who love Marmite, we don't love it because it tastes great, we love it because it evokes memories and feelings. Customers act on what they feel, not what they think. By satisfying their emotional needs you will reach into their hearts and develop a loyal, long term relationship. This may be a leading question but please call us if you'd like to hear more about our company and services.
	A shot of creativity 14 Jul 2011 14:37
	A great brand is like a really good cup of coffee. For millions of people around the world, the first thing they do when they wake up is reach for their preferred variety of coffee. It stimulates their senses, it keeps them focused and they want to drink it through to the last drop. Just like coffee, brands come in many varieties. They are presented in many different ways and appeal to many different audiences. If you think of your brand as cup of coffee - what would it be? An espresso - strong, snappy and continental A latte - sweet, soft and frothy Or cheap instant - bland and lacking in any characteristics A well designed, maintained and thought out brand can be just like the best coffees on the market. If you want your customers to be loyal to your brand, then for the time it takes to drink a cup of coffee, chat to us - coffee connoisseurs, but more importantly brand experts.
	Five top reasons to overhaul your brand 14 Jul 2011 14:16
	Whenever there are major changes in your company, it's time to re-evaluate your brand. Here are the five top reasons: Your customer base has changed - If your brand doesn't speak to your audience then your business will suffer. You have a dated look - Some brands are simply unable to withstand the test of time. Rebranding can take the best elements of your existing brand and repackage it to attract new customers. Your product or service has changed - This may require a different brand as well as a different marketing strategy. You have moved location - You need to update your stationery, this may be the opportunity you need to relook at your brand. You have expanded your business - A brand that was good enough for you as a small company often doesn't have the elements it takes to be effective on a much larger scale. These reasons don't always mean rebranding completely, but rather tweaking elements or adjusting your logo to reflect your current business. Brands communicate key information about your company. It makes sense for your brand to evolve as your company does. If any of the above are relevant to your company then please give us a call so that we can discuss your requirements.