Volume 1, Issue 1


Dear Friends,

Get ready to THRIVE! Welcome to the first issue of ARCHETYPE's free bimonthly e-bulletin. Successful business people and nonprofit managers know that their marketing decisions can make the difference between success or failure. We hope that you enjoy reading the marketing tips presented here and find them helpful as you promote your business or nonprofit.

This e-bulletin is designed very simply so that it can be read regardless of the age of your browser. To see a more complex example of our design for the web, you can check out our web site (see the link below). Our web site is also available in a version suitable for older browsers by clicking on the same link. We would appreciate hearing from you if you have comments or questions or would like for us to send THRIVE to a colleague.

We are interested in marketing strategies you have found to be successful for your nonprofit or business. E-mail us with the details, and we'll feature you in THRIVE. If you do not wish to receive this e-bulletin, simply e-mail us, and we will take you off of our list. We do not share our e-mailing list with anyone, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Take care and happy marketing!
Tom and Elizabeth Forsythe, Owners

ARCHETYPE GRAPHIC DESIGN & WRITING SERVICES
"A great place to start when you want to make a lasting impression"

Click here to visit ou website: archetype-usa.com



To Market, To Market:
Survival and Growth in Today's Economy

Whether you're running a small business, a multimillion-dollar corporation, or a nonprofit, marketing is essential to your survival and growth in an increasingly competitive marketplace. The simple truth is that people don't become customers or get involved with your organization unless they've heard about you. And, what they see and hear must speak directly to their needs as well as presenting you in the best possible light.

It's all about getting noticed, and great graphics and writing can get you the attention you want from your target audience so that a relationship can begin. Quality printed materials imply high quality products and services and inspire confidence in your organization or business. Unfortunately, the reverse is also true. With a little help from ARCHETYPE, you can implement an effective and affordable marketing program, even if you don't have a staff person whose position is devoted to marketing.

The power of your image
Loosely defined, marketing is everything that you do to promote your business or nonprofit. Your marketing efforts include your business cards and brochures, the way you present yourself, the attitude of your staff, and the quality of your service. Your marketing materials should be designed to project credibility and professionalism—so that you look as good as you actually are. What are your current materials saying about you?

If you're like most of us, you decide which businesses to patronize and which organizations to support based largely on visibility and reputation. Organizations become visible through their various marketing efforts, which over time help them build a positive image in the community. If you're ready to have the professionally designed and written marketing materials that are so crucial to making a lasting impression, ARCHETYPE is here to help!

Tips for creating an
effective marketing piece

Before starting a newsletter, brochure,
or other project, ask yourself:

1. Who is the intended audience?

2. What is the basic message I'm trying to communicate?

3. What is the most effective format? (bookmark, brochure, etc.)

4. What similar messages have my readers encountered from other sources or competitors?

5. How does this publication relate to my other activities?

6. What type of image am I trying to build in the community?

7. How much can I afford to spend?

Your target audience
You must identify your target markets or audience and tailor your marketing activities to them. Ask yourself: What barriers do I face in reaching this audience and what can I do to remove them? Who are my competitors? What type of demand already exists for our products and services? Your goal is to identify the needs of supporters, clients, and customers and satisfy those needs with your service, product, or program.

One way to identify the needs of your target audience is through market research that uses surveys and interviews. You can do some informal research by asking 10 clients or supporters to briefly describe your organization. What do their answers reveal about the direction you need to go in? At the same time that you are analyzing their responses, ask your employees to describe your organization in a simple statement of less than 45 words. This statement will help guide you as you decide what your marketing strategies will be.

There will be more information about developing your marketing strategies in each issue of THRIVE.

TECHNICAL stuff

It helps to know the lingo when dealing with graphic design, copy editing, and printing. Below are some commonly used terms:

1. blueline: This is the last proof that you typically receive before your job goes to press; changes at this stage are expensive, so you'll want to avoid them. The proof is called a blueline because your graphic elements and copy are light blue regardless of the actual colors used in your piece.

2. copy: Simply refers to the words that appear in your brochure, ad, newsletter, or web site. Usually copy should be put in final form before providing it to the designer.

3. four-color: Simply means full-color, like most magazines. The four basic colors of cyan (blue), magenta (red), yellow, and black are mixed to create the entire range of colors.

4. PMS (Pantone Matching System) colors: These are not cranky colors; this term refers to the international system of numbering and matching colors so that printers and designers everywhere are on the same page.

5. reverse type: printing light-colored type in a dark background; should be used sparingly because it makes long blocks of copy hard to read.

6. sans serif typeface: used mainly for headings and subheadings; letters lack "feet;" ex: Arial.

7. serif typeface: generally recommended for body copy; each letter has little "feet" that make the type easier to read; ex. Times.

8. jumplines: inform readers when articles are continued from one page to another; ex: "Continued on page 2."

9. orphan:
an isolated word at the top of a column or page; should be avoided.

10. widow: very short ending lines at the bottom or top of a column or page; should be avoided.

15 Types of Promotional Literature
to Help You Get Your Message Out

1. Identity Package (also known as a Corporate ID Package)—generally includes your business cards, letterhead, and business (#10) envelope; may also include mail labels, note cards, memo pads, and other items. All items typically incorporate your logo, signature colors, and tagline.

2. Brochure/pamphlet—is unbound, should be persuasive, explains how a product, program, or service works; sells to readers by highlighting the benefits to them.

3. Booklet—a small bound book which is held together with staples, glue, or stitching; provides more substantial information than a brochure.

4. Case History—tells a product or client success story. The customer/client does the selling for you through testimonials. You present some facts as well.

5. Catalogue or Program/Services Guide—comprehensive directory of all your products or other offerings.

6. Circular—used by those selling a product or service to announce sales and specials; often contains coupons.

7. Data sheet/fact sheet—answers to basic questions in Q&A format or as a list of facts; usually is 8 1/2" x 11".

8. Flyer—piece of promotional literature with light copy and usually line art printed or photocopied on one side of an 8 1/2" x 11" sheet.

9. Invoice stuffer—a pamphlet or flyer sent with an invoice.

10. Newsletter—a publication sent on a regular basis to keep your name in front of a select group of people and build your image.

11. Posters—vary in size; usually used to promote an event.

12. Annual Report—summarizes the performance of a business or nonprofit for the past year and promises great things for the year ahead; gives your story in narrative form; has financial info; does not have to be glossy.

13. Pocket Folder—paper is heavy so that you can fill the pockets with inserts; great for media kits, volunteer orientations, employee trainings, etc.

14. Invitations/Programs for Special Events—invitations vary greatly in tone and expense depending on the event and are an important tool for encouraging people to attend; programs may be distributed at an event to list speakers, thank sponsors, etc.

15. Exhibit (also called a Display or Display Board)—should be eye-catching to draw people to your table or booth at conferences, trade shows, and community events.

Coming in the Next Issue of THRIVE

Tips on Creating Effective Sales Letters and Fundraising Appeals

• 20 Marketing Strategies that Get Results (and don't cost a fortune!)


About the Owners of ARCHETYPE
Tom Forsythe is a graphic designer, and Elizabeth Forsythe is a writer and project manager. Together we have over 15 years of experience in marketing communications. Since 1998, we have worked with nonprofits and businesses of all sizes in the Triangle, and we would like to add you to our list of happy clients. For more information please visit our web site.

Contact information:

Click here to go to our web site
www.archetype-usa.com

ph. 919.835.0450
fax 919.835.9760

Elizabeth's e-mail: ewfx@mindspring.com
Tom's e-mail: tjfx@mindspring.com

1615 Sunrise Ave.
Raleigh, NC 27608