Those who care about environmental matters must be jumping for joy as `generation wireless` continues to show an increased preference for electronic data delivery. As well as mass buzz over the debatable usefulness of the Ipad rather than handwritten memos.
Handwritten letters are now considered ‘snail-mail’, over flowing paper-trays are being replaced by overfull email Inboxes and with the Payments council in serious discussions, even the 350 year old cheque’s disappearance seems inevitable.
Easy access from anywhere in the world, information sent quickly on templates already devised for the consumer. What is there to moan about you ask?
However it’s the age of impersonal communication which lacks in individuality, which is producing problems for many businesses in the creative industry. All of whom, by tradition, place great importance on original thought, design and innovation.
Recent research conducted by a Cornish-based Graphic design company, Design Thoughts, has revealed a sharp decrease in the number of requests for business card design since 2009. Some designers have reported a 25% drop in the development of corporate stationary packs which include letter headed paper, compliment slips and the once must have of corporate life, the business card.
Liz May, Company Director for Design Thoughts said: “I have spoken too many of my clients regarding business stationary and the answer is almost always the same, the internet means they don’t feel business cards are a must have anymore.”
At the same time Web Designers have reported a definite increase in calls to build more interactive websites, blogs and email brand signatures for a variety of businesses. Currently, over 75% of UK businesses have some kind of online presence.
Research suggests that more and more people are directing potential clients to their Facebook pages as way of communication, rather than spending time developing brand stationary and using Twitter to promote their business voice. All of this could be a real wake up call that business cards are fast becoming a thing of the past.
The research also revealed that 13% of UK businesses conduct business relationships via the internet, 8% of these people have never even made a phone call to their clients or sent paper correspondence.
While many businesses are rapidly halting marketing and advertising spending during the economic downturn, many graphic designers are actively encouraging clients to see the potential in creative brand stationary to promote business.
Liz says: “It may seem an obvious move for designers such as myself to be promoting design, but I truly believe that businesses that put effort into their brand identity stand out from the crowd as businesses with creative spirit and who care about their reputation; business stationary is merely a continuance of this spirit
In a world that relies heavily on emails and impersonal contact, clients who put effort into the design of their identity have a unique edge. Business cards in particular are a powerful tool when used correctly.”
It would be naive to suggest that a pretty design is the answer to your business prayers, it takes far more than creative brand design to win over potential clients. However, while so many people are choosing to become social media sheep what harm can there be in choosing to boost your company credibility with powerful thought provoking design. After all as the age old proverb says, a picture speaks a thousand words.
No comments:
Post a Comment