Catalog Critique: Making the most of QR codes

Almost every marketer introduced a QR code, or at least toyed with the idea, in 2011. But have these two-dimensional Quick Response codes really moved the needle in terms of customer engage­ment? They are certainly easy and inexpensive to cre­ate, but merchants—in their rush to adopt the newest tactic—may be missing opportunities to acquire new […]

Catalog Design 2.0

Catalogs today are about much more than selling products in print. They need to be compelling engagement tools that reinforce the brand, build customer relationships, stimulate desire and solve problems. A great catalog creates a “desire dance” — that stirring of interest that leads the reader deeper into the brand and down the path to […]

The Simple Math of Branding: How adding and subtracting products and multiplying unique experiences can strengthen your brand

The art of brand building still remains a mystery to many companies. During these tough economic times, business leaders are searching for ways to grow their brands, expand their reach and influence their bottom lines. Retailers need to reach more people with more products, more often. Human nature tells us the best way to grow […]

How the Catalog Has Become a Multichannel Vehicle

Ever since the first order came over the Internet, people have been predicting the eventual death of the print catalog. Yet for many multichannel merchants, especially those brands that began as catalogs, this predictable and proven tactic continues to generate sales. It’s also key to file retention. In fact, several noncatalog brands are beginning to […]

Direct Selling: Hero Worship

Products and services. That’s what we sell. Every company has something to offer, whether it’s a tangible good, training, technology, or financial products and services. As marketers, we are in the business of selling “things.” But some of these products stand out because they provide the solutions to problems people need answered. They are your […]