As a marketer, you know how important this role is for your company to function. But what promotional marketing items are specifically contingent and crucial for achieving success? Well, we’ve gathered a list of essential marketing materials needed for every kind of business, no matter how large or small. But why take so much time out of your busy work schedule to work on basic marketing materials? Well Designz by jamz claims, “In today’s crowded business market, companies…are competing more than ever to deliver their message. As companies launch all kinds of advertising and marketing campaigns to lure consumers, it becomes more difficult for one message to stand out.”
So, here is your go-to essential marketing toolkit in regard to determining if your company is looking its best, whether you’re established in your job, starting a new marketing position, or thinking about creating your own business:
1. Logo
Nowadays, a company needs a logo to thrive. But why is this aspect of marketing so important? Logos give a glimpse into the company itself and provide an image for a consumer to look at and recognize. If your company is in need of a logo update, it may be time to suggest that. According to icatch, “You want consumers to see your image and immediately think of your company and services. Logos should be neat and simple, but also stand out from the competition.” A logo grounds a company in customer recognition.
2. One-pager
A one-pager of your company should provide a crisp overview of what the company does and highlight its viewpoints. With a polished one-pager, anyone at your company can provide a concise business pitch without hesitation. It serves as a tool to briefly and strongly articulate what your company does. Make sure yours is up to date, thorough (including the who, what where, when and why of a company), and distributed accordingly.
3. Presentation template
Like logos, a unification of a company’s presentation template is a key marketing tool. Regardless of what team or department is creating a presentation to share information about the company, they can use the crafted template to look professional and in-line with the overarching brand.
4. Social Media
A company without an updated and active social media presence is going to struggle in today’s technological era. Is your business on all major internet platforms, like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram? Even Snapchat? Is your website up to date and user-friendly? If you’re unsure, have a friend of yours (or someone completely unaware of your company’s branding) navigate your website and pages. Their outside eye will allow you to see if your company’s technical presence is as dynamic, visually pleasing, and easy to use as possible. On the flip side, if your company is not posting content regularly, having a social media presence would be less effective. Figure out if social media pages are the best fit for your company before signing up or disable accounts that are not being used.
5. Media Kit
There are so many other marketing materials that a company should utilize for branding purposes. For example, business cards, letterhead paper, posters, brochures, etc.. Each of these should showcase the company in the best light and have a look about them that suggests that company’s particular style. A marketer should put together a branding guideline kit so that there is a specification for these all promotional materials.
Marketing materials are crucial because, in many ways, they are the face of a company. People remember images and the way a business conducts itself on social media and in visual formats. It is important to look at the list above to assess your company’s branding. Each logo marking, business card, letterhead, and so on are touch points that establish a brand identity to consumers. Take a moment, determine what materials you have, what materials you may lack, and what materials need refreshing. Adjust accordingly. In doing so, you’ll set your company up for success.
