There’s been a lot of hubbub about ad blockers recently, with some sites even blocking users of ad blockers or displaying messages which attempt to shame or guilt them into unblocking their sites. Publishers gripe that, by using adblocking software, visitors are depriving them of revenue. While true – because online media is mostly dependent on ad revenue – it over simplifies the situation. »

Recently, when talking with a prospect starting a new business, they asked if they should invest in an 800 number. My quick answer, yes – unless you’re strictly serving your local community, an 800 number is an excellent option. It’s even better if you can customize it so it forms a catchy “tag line” such as 1-800-FLOWERS or similar. »

I’ll start this blog by giving my answer to this question, which is an emphatic “NO!” In my (humble) opinion, there is no good way to advertise to children because I think that the concept of marketing to kids is a bad one in general. »

I noticed early in my ad career that outside the owner’s offices there were very few older individuals in the agency business. But being young I never dwelt on it. But here I am 20+ years into my career and I notice the opposite - everyone is so young? »

In life – for people and businesses – first impressions are crucial. Studies repeatedly show people form positive or negative perceptions in mere milliseconds. So how your brand looks translates into how it’s perceived. Done well, your branding can give you a leg up; but done poorly and you’re doomed before you even start. »

Don’t listen to the naysayers: Direct Mail isn’t dead. It’s true that many are eschewing direct mail campaigns for less costly email campaigns and other forms of digital marketing, but direct mail still has its place – and you may be missing out. »

In most industries, technology has shortened the turnaround time – and the creative field is no exception. But in a recent clickz.com article by Anji Ismail, he explains the future is already rapidly materializing. What was a week timeline is now 48 hours. And what was 48 hours is now 24 hours. To address this, big agencies are already distributing their work forces globally so creative teams can pass projects around the world – so the agency is always on. »

There’s a peculiar phenomenon that occurs once you start marketing your business. Once prospects and customers become acclimated to seeing your marketing, if you stop, a negative perception will creep into their minds. That is, if you abruptly reduce or stop your marketing, it can affect how consumers regard your business. »

​Line extension or the addition of a completely new but related product to your product mix is a common occurrence. But it’s something you want to plan for and manage well so you get the most bang for your bucks. »

Some of my favorite design is done with blind spot coating. A blind spot coating is a process by which a design is made simply by printing contrasting clear coatings. It is a very elegant treatment that can make a bold statement. However over my years I have had a question eating at me. Can you do a vignette with the spot varnish? »