| The Daytona Beach News-Journal
If you’ve ever taken a second look at some of the area’s most eye-catching business marketing materials, you’ve probably seen the work of Kim Fitzgerald. A proponent of the “Buy Local” initiative, the laid-back graphic designer has created everything from small business logos to extensive marketing campaigns across Flagler County. Recognized in 2013 as one of the “Influential Women in Business” by the Volusia/Flagler Business Report, Fitzgerald knows a thing or two about the importance of branding and the personalized business experience.
Tell readers a bit about your background and why you started CurleyTail Design.
My family relocated here to Palm Coast almost 42 years ago. Having grown up here, I made many lasting personal and business relationships that led me to believe I could create a sustainable business of my own.
So I took a leap of faith, left the corporate world and started my own advertising agency here in Flagler County. It was the right decision as we are about to celebrate our 24th anniversary, with 17 of these years being Voted the Reader’s Choice Best Around Advertising Agency by the Flagler/Palm Coast News-Tribune.
Why is having branded swag an essential part of marketing a business?
Personalized promotional items are useful and appreciated by customers, they are retained and used, repeating the personalized message over and over again.
According to PPAI (Promotional Products Association International), 81% of people keep promotional products for more than a year. 83% of people are more likely to do business with the company after receiving a promo.
By these incredible stats, you can see why many businesses include promotional items in their marketing plans.
During the holidays, it’s important for business owners and managers to express appreciation for their staff and clients. How can specialty branded items help convey the message of gratitude?
It is always important to thank your staff and customers during the holidays. A personalized item can show this appreciation throughout the entire year if you choose an item that has meaning and is functional.
The reason for giving out a promotional item is not only to show appreciation for their business, but it’s also an important part of your marketing strategy. So the item you choose should be something that your customers will use and see throughout the year, not just during the holidays.
How important is it to send out holiday cards and thank-you notes to clients as a business owner versus the generic email?
As we all know, it’s a digital world now and one also can’t deny the cost savings in sending a bulk email holiday blast to convey a Season’s Greeting. But you might consider taking the time to send out a holiday card with a hand-written message. It shows you care and your heartfelt message will stand out against the hundreds or even thousands of messages that every person is bombarded with over this busy holiday season.
