The dictionary defines marketing as 1. the act of buying or selling in a market, and, 2. the total of activities involved in the transfer of goods from the producer or seller to the consumer or buyer, including advertising, shipping, storing, and selling. That definition only tells a small part of the story, because truly successful marketing demands these things and so much more. At Zebra Custom Designs, we are experienced marketers of all sorts of products and services. Our marketing personnel can help you answer some very important questions that can determine the success or failure of your efforts, such as. What group(s) is going to purchase your goods or use your services? To whom should your advertising appeal? Don’t be embarrassed if you aren’t sure of the answer to these questions. Many established companies don’t have a good handle on exactly who needs or wants their services. Are you getting those “target” people to your business? If not, do you know why not? If you are getting them, how much do you want to grow this segment and what is your time frame for doing so? Are there other groups you want to add to your market? Do you have a marketing and advertising plan and budget? Do you think it is working, and if not, do you know why not? What is your ultimate goal (i.e. how you will measure progress or success)--more people, more sales, more what? Once we have the answers to these questions, we can help you formulate a marketing plan that will be your blueprint to success. Advertising Once you have a marketing plan, you will want to subject your current advertising efforts to the same sort of scrutiny as you applied to your target market. Ask yourself: 1. Does your current advertising reflect who you REALLY are or what you are offering? In other words, are you comfortable with the image that is projected? If not, we can help you formulate that image with logo design, stationary and image packaging, advertising and signage. We will work to see that your advertising and marketing efforts all send the message you want and that the message is consistent throughout all media. 2. If parts of your advertising work well and others don’t, what needs to change? We can guide you in that direction because we have years of buying local, regional and national media. We can help you choose the most efficient and appropriate vehicles for your message and then execute the advertising itself. At Zebra Custom Designs, we do graphic design for all print and electronic media; build and install almost every type of signage and graphics; design and maintain websites; and excel in providing you with sales aids, promotional items, company imaging products and more. At Zebra Custom Designs, we can help start from scratch with your marketing and advertising or help you enhance and refine what you already have. And, because we are a fairly small business too, we know how to stay within your budget. At Zebra Custom Designs, we’re here to help with your marketing, advertising and promotions. Contact us for all your marketing and advertising needs or call 803-775-7680.