Saturday, January 24, 2009

Brand logos redesigned to reflect the recession

Auer Agency | Charlotte, NC | 704.236.0568 | 
mariellen@aueragency.com
Companies are suffering, but out of these sad times, some humor has developed as well. I have come across these very funny and accurately "reflective of our times" brand logos. Signifying a new trend perhaps in marketing?
This is another great example of branding. If someone took your logo and did a spin on it like this would people know it's still you? That's the power of branding. Contact me today to make your logo stand out from the crowd and for smart marketing initiatives to make your company recession proof.
Enjoy!
Mariellen Auer
www.aueragency.com

Thursday, January 22, 2009

NFL Patriots unveil 50th Anniversary logo

Auer Agency | Charlotte, NC | 704.236.0568 | mariellen@aueragency.com
Patriots decided to celebrate their 50th year with a new logo that instills their brand in a very traditional way. This logo is very simple because it will have to be applied to merchandise such as jerseys, t-shirts, hats, and in their marketing materials. But you could also very easily add a 3D effect that is so prominent lately.
The Patriot getting ready to hike the ball is pretty funny if you ask me.
Is your company getting ready to celebrate a milestone? Why not do something like this for the upcoming year on your website and business cards.  Hey even being around for a year is cause for a celebration in these times.
Contact me today to put a new mark on your company's logo and give it some buzz.

Wednesday, January 21, 2009

Custom Cycling Kits Trends

Auer Agency | Charlotte, NC | 704.236.0568 | mariellen@aueragency.com
I have been a custom apparel designer since 1996. I have seen trends come and go, colors, patterns, cuts and event no-stitch seams.
The latest 2009 trends in cycling kits include:
  • Latest colors: orange, teal and yellow combo see Lance's team's jerseys
  • Design trends: Main sponsor logo angled from shoulder to bottom of jersey instead of straight across chest
  • Attention to details: I like to put a saying inside the collar that is an inside joke to the team
  • "texture" graphics to unused areas, like along the sleeve under the arm, lower rear panel, logo placed just under back of collar.
  • Short run times. You can get it in less than 2 weeks
  • Small orders, Many companies are offering 1 custom jersey.
  • Printing on purchased jersey via bike store or online. I have worked with individual who want to add their own graphic or team name to existing white performance shirt.
  • Add individual last names to back of jersey
Contact the Auer Agency for jersey samples or for quote. It's not as expensive as you think.
Mariellen Auer, Owner and designer extraordinaire
 Auer Agency, LLC

Marketing Strategies to MIcro Target via Cell Phone

Auer Agency | Charlotte, NC | 704.236.0568 | mariellen@aueragency.com
Advertising on the Cell Phone has arrived, but sending a personal alert based on your buying habits is way uber cool!
I heard this scenario back in 2000 when I worked at Interactive Fun! which is now called Lodestone Digital. They said that we would receive coupons from a local grocery store on our cell phone as we are driving by. Or an alert about a new coffee at Starbucks when I walked in the door for a business meeting.
Last week I attended a 2009 Marketing Forecasting Meeting so when I heard this I wasn't surprised, but I also wasn't ready for it to be widely accepted.
Now that most cell phones have GPS functionality, they can find you anywhere. Of course, you would sign up for alerts from your favorite restuarants, grocery store, movie theater or coffee house. 
Contact me today to set up your company for mobile advertising, it's time to ramp up!
Mariellen Auer
Owner of Auer Agency , LLC

Saturday, January 10, 2009

Auerism - Google Alerts

Auer Agency | Charlotte, NC | 704.236.0568 | info@aueragency.com
So I had lunch with a client yesterday and I just had to share this nugget of information. She told me about Google Alerts.
Google Alerts.
It's so easy to set-up and Google will send you any information that pops up when you select keywords.
Basically I just typed in Google Alerts and it took me to the page.
I filled in the keyword or keywords and then entered the email address I want them to send it to and that's it.
For example, I typed in sports teams, sports event, sports marketing, hiring Charlotte (they are hiring they are growing and need marketing and ads), cycling, races well I'm sure you get my drift.
Start using it today and  you may find information on new companies that may need your services.
Have a great weekend and GO PANTHERS!!

Friday, January 9, 2009

Launch of Charlotte Sports Network

Auer Agency | Charlotte, NC | 704.236.0568 | info@aueragency.com
After several years in the business and many successful sports socials the last few years, I decided to officially launch a networking group geared just for professionals working in the sports industry in Charlotte, NC. With so many major sports in our city, Super bowl bound Carolina Panthers, Bobcats, NASCAR, Charlotte Knights as well as a host of major league sporting events such as the Wachovia Championship, Bank of America Criterium, Coca-Cola 600, 24 Hours of Booty and others.
Not only will you finally be connected to Charlotte's elite business leaders in the sports, but build and grow your own business by making key connections. I plan to host a social in the spring, so stay tuned.
We invite anyone that is connected with sports in a professional setting such as
  • sports community leaders/team owners
  • sporting events
  • sports related products and services
  • sports event planners, coaches
  • sports media
  • advertising/marketing
  • athletes/retired pro athletes
  • agents
  • retail shop owners
  • club organizers
  • facilities/venues
  • Pro or semi-pro teams
Our passion is to create business connections, increase doing business and build awareness for the sports community in Charlotte.
Click on the LinkedIn link above to join the group. 
We look forward to 2009 and watching this group grow.

Sunday, January 4, 2009

Marketing Tips: What Makes a Good Website

Dear Mariellen, I was laid off a year ago and while it initially was a big blow, after a couple months of trying to find the "perfect fit" and then trying to figure out if I could settle, I finally took a leap and started my own business. I am 6 months in and have hired my first part-time employee. I really want to put up a website to sell some of our products. But before I start thinking about design or costs, I wanted to know if you could give me a few pointers about what makes a good website. I really am not computer-savvy and have had to learn so many things about technology in the last few months as my business has gotten off the ground. I appreciate your answers and look forward to reading them! Suzanne K. Dear Suzanne, Congratulations on your new business and best of luck. I would be happy to share with you a little about what makes a good website and welcome any other questions that you may have. 1. Readability: This means the text should be clear, a contrasting color and good font size. Also, the graphics should not make reading the site difficult. Do not use all CAPS throughout the site (it looks like you are yelling) and keep the formatting simple. 2. Navigation: Work with your designer to use a consistent link color (and font) and make the buttons that link to other parts in the site clear and easy to read. Text or buttons that are links should look different than other text and graphics in the site. Make the navigation clear so that visitors can easily navigate. 3. Think about SEO: If you put up a site, there is no guarantee that anyone will come and see it. You should work with a web company that specializes in Search Engine Optimization so that your site draws potential customers and traffic. Everything from site design to content, to links to the site can affect the rankings on the search engines so make sure this is addressed from the start. 4. It is all in a name: Once you have chosen a domain name, make sure that you include it on all business cards, folders, brochures, invoices, letterhead, etc. People will want to know that they can find out information about your company by simply going to the web. 5. Include contact information: Make sure that all contact information is readily available and up-to-date -- this includes the physical address, telephone numbers, fax numbers, and email address. You want the visitors to feel comfortable contacting you with any questions. 6. Have consistent branding: Your web page layout and design should be consistent throughout the site, and consistent with your other marketing materials, (letterhead, brochures, signage, logo). This is your brand - how you will be recognized and it is important to keep it easily recognizable and professional. 7. Make it quick: The attention span and patience of an online visitor is super-short. Make sure your site is quick to download and doesn't have graphics or applications that slow it down so much that the average user will click away before they get the opportunity to learn about you and your business. (If you are showing art/graphics that need high-resolution and longer load times to really show the quality of your work, make sure to put a note at the top of the page so the visitor knows to wait a couple seconds). I hope this helps get you started. I would be happy to discuss your site and marketing your new business with you if you would be interested. My number is below. Best personal regards, Mariellen Auer Auer Agency: Charlotte
Auer Agency Charlotte, NC 704.236.0568 info@aueragency.com