Never underestimate the value of a first impression. Websites introduce you to potential customers and establish your brand. They lend credibility and distinguish you from your competitors. This is your chance to share your personality and elaborate on details.

Email blasts have become the way to communicate with existing customers and those potential customers with whom you have established a relationship. They are affordable and fast, but must be appropriate and relevant, not to mention enticing enough to open and read.

There is still a place for traditional ads — whether newspaper, magazine, outdoor or web. As always, advertisements must grab attention and tell your story... quickly and succinctly. They can create awareness, solidify your brand, promote a special offer or simply ask for the order.

There’s nothing like touching a solid, printed piece physically delivered into your personal mailbox. No delete button or scrolling. Direct mail often gets read, set aside and read again. While not the answer for every marketing challenge, target audience or product, direct mail still has its place.

Specialty advertising items can be nearly limitless. There are all kinds of creative and effective ways to get your special message to your target audience. Like all advertising, it needs to fit the situation and be appealing enough to garner attention.

A sign doesn’t simply display your logo and company information. It must take into consideration the environment in which it sits (landscape, weather, etc.) and how it will be viewed (speed, distance, angle, etc.). A sign can be the first line of branding and will present your corporate personality in a flash.