Why people should feature in your company’s social media content.
If you’re trying to increase your companies reach and engagement on social media but it’s just not happening, we’ve got an idea for you to try out.
As a social media management agency in Leicester, we have run accounts for a bunch of businesses in an array of industries, and between them they all share one common theme. Whenever we publish a post for them that features a person, whether that be a photo or a video, it performs considerably better than any other type of post.
The proof is in the pudding
This is even the case with our own posts. For example, within the same week, we posted a text-based carousel and a video featuring a member of our team out and about. The post featuring the person reached 138% more impressions and 333% more accounts engaged compared to the text-based post. The proof really is in the pudding!
Emotion = Engagement
If you think about it, which of the following posts would you feel more inclined to engage with – a static post with some text on it announcing a company achievement, or a video of the team happy and celebrating their big achievement? Probably the video, right? There are so many ways this type of personal content can improve your brand appearance and performance; maybe you become a familiar face to your audience, you come across as more relatable, or people just like to hear about your opinions or experience.
It’s undoubtedly that personal element; it causes you to form an emotional connection and provokes more of a response than a text-based visual. You can help develop more of a brand personality this way too.
So don’t be shy. In the name of higher social media reach and engagement, it’s time to get in front of the camera! Need a hand? We offer content creation and social media management services to businesses across Leicester and beyond, helping you build a consistent and engaging online presence. We’d love to help, get in touch today.
Why a strong brand identity is the heart of your business.
In a recent post, I explained what a creative design agency is in response to a colleague’s question. The article highlighted five key aspects. This is the first of five follow-up posts highlighting each of those key aspects.
Where competition is fierce, and consumer attention is fleeting, having a strong brand identity is more crucial than ever. A well-defined brand identity goes beyond just a visually appealing logo or a catchy tagline; it’s the emotional and psychological connection your customers form with your brand. This connection is the lifeblood of your business, and at Creative62, we understand its importance like no other creative design agency.
As an established creative design agency, we understand a brand’s identity should reflect its core values, mission, and unique selling proposition. This isn’t just about aesthetics—though that’s certainly part of it—it’s about crafting a narrative that resonates with your audience on a deeper level. Our approach to brand identity starts with understanding your business inside and out. We dive deep into your company’s ethos, goals, and market position to create a brand that not only looks good but also tells a compelling story. Our approach and ability have resulted in receiving comments like ‘I have been blown away. They created something special which reflects me and what we are going to do to help people. I am so pleased to have met them. I have felt heard, listened to and completely understood by Creative62 all the way through’.
A strong brand identity helps to differentiate you from competitors, making your business instantly recognisable. It’s the difference between a brand that’s easily forgotten and one that leaves a lasting impression. With Creative62 as your creative design agency, you’re not just getting a design; you’re getting a strategic partner who will work with you to create an identity that stands the test of time.
Our team at Creative62 is composed of experts in various fields—design, marketing, and strategy—who collaborate to build a brand identity that is cohesive and aligned with your business objectives. We ensure that every element, from your logo to your website design, reflects your brand’s personality and speaks to your target audience in a language they understand.
In a world full of choices, having a strong brand identity is more important than ever. It’s your key to staying relevant, memorable, and at the heart of your customers’ minds. A great brand will keep people coming back again and again. If you want to truly connect with your audience, trust Creative62. We’re a creative design agency that’s dedicated to your brand’s long-term success, building a powerful, authentic identity that sets you apart.
What is a creative design agency?
Every now and again, I get asked a question I’m not expecting. Often, my conversations revolve around business plans, growth, marketing activities, idea development, and doubtless the troubles of social media. Recently, someone asked me what a creative design agency actually does. This isn’t something I generally get asked, so I wanted to outline some points to help those wondering what working with a creative design agency can be like.
A creative design agency is a company that provides a wide range of services to help businesses establish and enhance their brand identity, communicate effectively with their audience, and achieve their marketing objectives. These services typically include graphic design, branding, web design, advertising, social media management, and more. Creative design agencies like Creative62 create teams of talented professionals such as graphic designers, copywriters, marketing strategists, photographers and digital experts who work collaboratively to create visually appealing and strategically sound marketing materials with your business and goals in mind.
Why working with a creative design agency is a good idea for ambitious businesses
Creative design agencies offer a wealth of experience and specialised knowledge, providing tailored solutions for businesses. Here are some key benefits:
1. Strong Brand Identity: A creative design agency helps establish a consistent and strong brand identity. They ensure all marketing materials, from logos to social media content, reflect your brand’s values and personality.
2. Efficiency: Developing high-quality marketing materials in-house can be time-consuming. Outsourcing to a creative design agency allows your business to focus on core activities while benefiting from professional design and marketing services.
3. Fresh Perspectives: Agencies bring an outsider’s perspective, offering fresh ideas and innovative solutions. This can help your business stand out in a crowded marketplace and attract your target audience’s attention.
4. Comprehensive Services: Whether you need rebranding, a new website, or a targeted advertising campaign, a creative design agency provides a one-stop shop for all your needs. This ensures consistency and quality across all marketing efforts.
5. Scalability: As your business grows, your marketing needs will evolve. Creative design agencies can scale their services to match your changing requirements, providing flexible solutions that grow with your business.
6. Return on Investment: Professional agencies like Creative62 focus on ensuring that your marketing spend results in a positive return on investment.
In conclusion, partnering with a creative design agency is a strategic move for businesses looking to grow and succeed. Agencies like Creative62 offer the expertise, innovation, and comprehensive services needed to elevate your brand, engage your audience, and achieve your marketing goals. By leveraging their skills and resources, your business can stand out in the competitive market and make a lasting impact.
Supporting the Cosby Yarn Bomb for our fourth year.
One of our favourite events of the summer is the Cosby Yarn Bomb, an annual street art festival run by Community Interest Company, Gather Create Grow. This three-week exhibition celebrates creativity, community togetherness and well-being as over 50 incredible textile art installations created by the community for the community are showcased throughout the village of Cosby, Leicestershire.
We are proud to have supported the Yarn Bomb for a fourth consecutive year with our designs helping to bring this much-loved event to life. This year we created a cross-folded map which was developed from a handmade client prototype. The idea was to enhance the current playful and colourful style with a sense of discovery for the reader. To accompany the maps, we created a set of informative roller banners which were dotted around the village, welcoming visitors and signposting them to check in, purchase a map, and make a voluntary donation to the organisation.
We received such lovely words from Mel at Gather Create Grow:
“Creative62 are a dream to work with, generous with their time, flexible with deadlines and always creating fantastic designs. They always treat us like valued clients, despite helping us for free. Thank you so much to the brilliant team!”.
Our Creative Director, Andy Rudkin, shared his thoughts:
“It’s always a pleasure to support Mel and Nat in their efforts to pull together the Cosby Yarn Bomb. Having strong personal ties to the village makes accepting the call a no-brainer, and I’m extremely proud of the small part we play!”
We love doing our bit for the local community and supporting an initiative that champions creativity, community togetherness and well-being makes getting involved with the Cosby Yarn Bomb each year a very easy decision.
Graphic design is the silent maestro of brand.
Don’t underestimate the importance and power of graphic design in your business. Graphic design is a silent maestro, orchestrating a symphony of visual elements to create a cohesive and impactful brand identity. At its essence, graphic design is the unifying force that binds together the diverse facets of a brand, offering a visual language that resonates with audiences.
The concept of recognition
Central to the graphic design narrative is the concept of recognition. A well-crafted logo, consistently deployed across various platforms, becomes a powerful emblem consumers associate with a particular brand. This visual shorthand cultivates instant recognition, fostering a sense of familiarity and trust. Here, the artistry of graphic design goes beyond aesthetics; it becomes a strategic tool for carving a distinct niche in the market.
Clever designs evoke emotion
Graphic design, as the visual storyteller of a brand, also plays a pivotal role in conveying its personality and values. Through thoughtful choices in colour palettes, typography, and imagery, designers can evoke specific emotions, establishing a deeper connection with the target audience. It transforms a brand from a mere entity into a relatable persona, creating resonance in the minds of consumers.
Consistency is crucial
Consistency is the heartbeat of successful graphic design. A cohesive visual identity, maintained across diverse touchpoints, is not just a matter of aesthetics; it’s a deliberate strategy. Consistency instils trust in consumers, conveying a brand’s dedication to quality and excellence. In this dance of visuals and messaging, graphic design emerges as the guardian of a brand’s integrity.
Graphic design in the digital landscape
Enter the digital landscape, where graphic design seamlessly transitions into User Interface (UI) and User Experience (UX) design. In this dynamic realm, the role of graphic design extends beyond static elements to shape interactive and engaging digital experiences. As brands navigate the online landscape, the prowess of graphic design becomes instrumental in creating interfaces that are not only functional but also visually captivating.
In this symphony of visual communication, Creative62 emerges as a beacon, offering itself as a creative partner capable of navigating the intricate nuances of graphic design. As a seasoned player in the field, Creative62 possesses the expertise to transform conceptual visions into compelling visual narratives. Whether it’s crafting a unique logo, designing a user-friendly website, or curating a captivating digital presence, Creative62 stands ready to meet the diverse needs of its clients.
In conclusion, graphic design is the unsung hero of brand development, breathing life into visual identities and shaping consumer perceptions. It is the language that speaks to the hearts and minds of audiences, and with Creative62 as a trusted creative partner, brands can confidently embark on a journey of visual storytelling and brand elevation.
Web & UI design trends for 2024.
Hello design enthusiasts…. 2024 is here and you don’t want to be stuck in the past. So, I would like to share my 5 design trend predictions for 2024. Lets jump straight into it!
Layering
This trend has been hot in the previous year and I feel its still going to be a hot trend for 2024. Its all about adding depth with layering element on top of each other. This could be text overlapping on images or even shapes overlapping over sections. I would say this trend is like a scrapbook style with elements scattered to bring the design to life.
Grids
Apple popularised the grid design and they are here to stay in 2024! The use of grids in design has become a timeless approach and offers a clean and refined feel to a design.
Dark Mode
As many websites and apps switch from light-mode to dark-mode depending on the time of day; now dark mode is no longer an option – its an essential. Get comfortable with seeing dark colours across digital designs.
Gradients and Bright Colours
Step aside neutral colours! 2024 is all about boosts of colours and gradients. Think of it like playful and fun colour combinations even with the added textures. Gradients will be everywhere, from websites to mobile apps. – Take our website as an example, we have added gradients and complimented these with pops of colour… We love bright colours!
BIG Typography
Stand out from the crowd with large typography on both web and mobile. Think interesting things like offset or offscreen typography. This trend is all about experimentation and breaking the mould with playful huge fonts.
The power of consistency in branding.
Why is consistency so crucial to brand development? From the first glimpse of a company logo to its seamless integration across all marketing activities, consistency plays a pivotal role in capturing the hearts and minds of your target audience. So, let’s explore the critical aspects that achieve branding excellence!
The Initial Logo: A Strong Foundation
Imagine driving through a busy city and catching a glimpse of a distinctive company logo on a billboard. That represents more than just a visual symbol; it’s the face of a brand. Consistency in a company logo design sets the stage for brand recognition and creates a lasting impression on an audience. Maintaining a consistency over time and materials establishes familiarity, trust, and professionalism, forming the basis for a long-term relationship with a target audience.
Visual Cohesion: The Key to Memorable Experiences
Consistency extends beyond the a company logo. It encompasses the overall visual brand identity. The colour palette, typography, and design elements used across various marketing materials should harmonise seamlessly, creating a visual language that speaks directly to an audience. This consistency in design communication visuals enhances brand recall and helps differentiate a business from competitors, ensuring that customers can quickly identify and connect with a brand at a glance.
Brand Messaging: Speaking a Common Language
In addition to visual consistency, maintaining a consistent brand voice and messaging is essential. A brand’s tone, values, and personality should be consistently communicated across all touchpoints. Whether it’s a website, social media platforms, or customer service interactions, the voice and messaging should resonate with a target audience. Consistency in brand messaging builds familiarity and trust, allowing customers to feel a sense of reliability and reliability in their relationship with a brand.
Building Loyalty: Trust and Authenticity
Consistency breeds trust. When customers experience a brand that is consistent in its visual and verbal communication, they perceive it as reliable and authentic. This trust forms the foundation of loyalty, as customers feel confident in choosing a brand over others. By consistently delivering on promises, meeting customer expectations, and reinforcing a brand’s values through every interaction, it strengthens the bond with an audience and cultivates a loyal customer base.
Engaging the Target Audience: Recognition and Connection
Consistency plays a significant role in captivating a target audience’s attention and keeping it. When customers see a familiar logo, visual identity, or brand message, it triggers recognition and encourages engagement. Consistently delivering a cohesive brand experience creates a sense of belonging and familiarity that resonates with an audience. This connection facilitates better customer engagement, increased brand recall, and higher conversion rates.
In conclusion, visual consistency is the secret sauce that brings a brand to life. From the initial company logo design to its incorporation across various marketing activities, consistency builds trust, loyalty, and recognition among a target audience. Ensuring visual cohesion, consistent messaging, and a reliable brand experience establishes your brand’s authenticity, thereby forging long-lasting connections with customers. So, remember, consistency isn’t just a buzzword; it’s the driving force behind successful branding that leaves a lasting impression.
Creative62 is a creative brand agency and we have a fundamental understanding of graphic design. We understand the importance of a company logo, the advantages of a well-crafted brand identity, and the necessity of consistency across ALL brand and marketing activities.
For support on obtaining consistency within your brand activity, reach out to our team of professional graphic designers and brand experts on 0116 275 2831.
Top 5 branding trend predictions for 2024.
As 2024 gets into full swing, I thought I would share some ideas and thoughts around design trends and predictions for the coming months. Let’s get into it!
The Increasing Rise in AI... Obviously
Get ready for an exciting shift in the design world in 2024, as Artificial Intelligence (AI) takes centre stage!
This year AI will cease to be a ‘buzzword’ and become a game-changer for every industry. It’s offering some new and exciting ways to think about and tackle our work.
Creators are getting to grips with improved software to produce some mind-blowing results.
Those who fear the end of humanity may have some cause for concern and it’s up to governments and tech leaders to define the boundaries, but for us regular folk, there’s an opportunity this year to learn, play and figure out what to keep.
Pretty in Pink
Incoming curveball prediction for 2024… thanks to last year’s Barbie movie, we are going to see an increase in the use of the colour pink. The iconic doll, with her signature pink everything, will inspire a new wave of creativity and design trends. From fashion to interiors and marketing campaigns to branding, pink is set to steal the spotlight.
Whether it’s a soft pastel blush or a bold magenta, pink is the colour of choice for those who dare to be different in 2024… just make sure you consult an expert before changing your brand colour palette!?
Hand-Drawn Illustration in Design
In an increasingly digital world, the allure of hand-drawn illustration is experiencing somewhat of a renaissance. As technology continues to dominate creative processes, the warmth and authenticity of hand-drawn brand assets can be quite appealing.
I welcome the idea that clients are looking for ways to connect with their audiences on a more human level. Hand-drawn illustrations evoke nostalgia, emotion, and individuality, resonating deeply with audiences.
Embrace The Third Dimension
…and in complete contrast to what I just wrote, I can also see more brands looking to 3D as a way to capture their audience’s attention. One trend that has been steadily gaining momentum is the use of 3D illustrative elements in marketing campaigns. Dynamic, three-dimensional visuals can add a touch of magic to otherwise flat designs.
3D has been used for years in video game development and packaging design, but we are now starting to see marketers tapping into 3D’s power to engage and immerse consumers.
Everything Will Be Wrapped
In the ever-evolving world of marketing, trends come and go and some will always hit deeper than others. The Spotify Wrapped concept, inspired by the annual personalised music insights offered by the streaming giant, is starting to gain traction, and by the end of 2024, I think we’ll be at critical mass!
For the 18 people who have never used Spotify, the idea is that data from your year’s listening habits are married with eye-catching visuals to create a unique and engaging highlights experience for users.
At the end of 2023, following the delivery of Spotify Wrapped, companies of all shapes and sizes seized the opportunity to do similar with their highlights. It’s a great idea and something that I am sure predates even the Spotify campaign, but there’s a tendency to share anything and everything. My advice for any marketer who thinks they’ll get presented with the task from the CEO in November would be to start collating data now. What are you going to share, how are you going to present the information and when are you going to brief the agency (the answer to the last question is September BTW)?
…and that is a wrap!
I’m looking forward to seeing whether any of this comes to fruition and to seeing what other surprises the design world throws up in 2024.
Imagining a world without graphic design.
Imagining a world without graphic design is daunting. It’s hard to imagine a landscape stripped of logos, advertisements, and even our smartphones’ interface layout. It’s a world where communication is limited to mere words, and aesthetics are non-existent.
The Silent Language of Design
In a world without graphic design, a powerful means of communication is lost. Think about the countless signs and symbols that guide us through our daily lives: road signs, public transportation schedules, and even the labels on food products. Graphic design transforms these functional elements into an intuitive visual language that transcends linguistic barriers. A world without it would leave us disoriented, struggling to navigate and make sense of our surroundings.
The Art of Expression
Consider the absence of album covers that convey the mood of the music, movie posters that evoke anticipation, and book covers that hint at the worlds within. Graphic design is an art form that allows creators to express ideas, emotions, and narratives visually. Without this artistic outlet, the world would lose a vibrant storytelling and cultural expression medium.
Business and Identity Loss
Businesses thrive on recognition, and graphic design is the cornerstone of their identity. Imagine walking into a store and being unable to distinguish one brand from another due to the absence of logos, packaging design, and consistent visual elements. In a world without graphic design, businesses would struggle to establish a unique presence, leading to confusion and diminished customer loyalty.
Information Overload
Our digital world thrives on visual content. Imagine scrolling through a social media feed without captivating images or striking graphics – the monotony would be overwhelming. Graphic design plays a pivotal role in grabbing our attention amidst the deluge of information. Without it, our online experiences would be dull and uninspiring, making it challenging to connect with others and stay engaged.
Innovation and Progress
Think of the technology we interact with daily: smartphones, computers, and websites. These interfaces are carefully designed to be user-friendly, efficient, and visually pleasing. Graphic design guides our interactions, making technology accessible and enjoyable. This design expertise is necessary for innovation and technological progress to be stifled, limiting the potential for human advancement.
Aesthetic Void
Above all, a world without graphic design would be aesthetically barren. The beauty of a well-composed photograph, the intrigue of a thoughtfully designed poster, and the elegance of a sleek website layout – all of these moments of visual delight would cease to exist. Graphic design adds colour, vibrancy, and richness to our lives, elevating even the most mundane experiences.
Conclusion: The Unseen Foundation
Graphic design is the invisible thread that weaves through our world, enriching our experiences, guiding our choices, and shaping our perceptions. While often taken for granted, its absence unveils its crucial role in our daily lives. Imagining a world without graphic design underscores its immense impact on communication, culture, business, and our collective visual journey. It’s a reminder of the silent yet profound influence that design exerts, making us appreciate its presence all the more.
As we ponder this imaginary world, we realise that graphic design is more than just aesthetics – it’s a universal language that speaks to the essence of human connection, expression, and progress. It’s the artistry that turns the ordinary into the extraordinary.
How celebrating wins boosts your brand.
In the fast-paced business world, it’s easy to overlook the significance of celebrating your wins. However, taking the time to acknowledge and appreciate achievements can profoundly impact your brand. As a branding agency, we encourage our clients to shout about their wins, no matter how big or small, as part of their marketing activity. In this article, we’ll explore why companies should prioritise celebrating wins and the invaluable benefits it brings to their brand image. Whether you’re celebrating a company anniversary, new client, client work anniversary or a successful collaboration, there are so many wins we can overlook when we are busy. It’s time to change this!
Fostering a Positive Work Culture
Celebrating wins cultivates a positive work culture where employees feel valued and appreciated. By recognising your team’s hard work and dedication, you create an environment that encourages motivation, engagement, and job satisfaction. This contagious positive atmosphere contributes to a strong employer brand, helping you to attract top talent and foster employee retention.
Showcasing Success and Credibility
Celebrating wins provides an opportunity to showcase your company’s success and credibility. Whether securing a new contract, winning a prestigious award, or reaching a significant milestone, publicising these achievements enhances your brand’s reputation. It demonstrates to clients, partners, and stakeholders that your company has a proven track record of success, establishing you as a reliable and trustworthy organisation.
Building Customer Loyalty
Celebrating wins even strengthens internal relationships and enhances your connection with customers too. When customers witness your company’s success and feel a sense of pride in being associated with your brand, their loyalty deepens. Celebrating milestones together fosters a strong emotional bond with your customers, resulting in repeat business, positive word-of-mouth, and increased brand advocacy. And isn’t that the result every company hopes for?
Enhancing Brand Perception
So, take the time to acknowledge and celebrate your big and small victories, and shout about how great you are. Your employees will feel appreciated, your customers will feel connected, and your brand will flourish, establishing itself as a force to be reckoned with in the market.