​Your business graphics tell a story. They also work towards attracting and resonating with a specific type of person – your target audience. I’m going to walk you through the ways of designing graphics for your business which get noticed, get remembered and create loyal followers.

What Are Business Graphics?
Before your graphics can be created, you will need to identify what you need. The most used business graphics include:

• Logos
• Business cards
• Brochures
• Social media graphics
• Packaging
• Advertising materials
• Apparel

It is vital that your graphics showcase your business in the best light possible, making that all important positive first impression. For this reason, it is strongly recommended that you work with a graphic designer on your branding – so call me!

Key Focus Points When it Comes to Designing Business Graphics
After my clients have given me their design brief, it’s up to me to create a brand which resonates with them and their target audience. If you don’t yet have a clear target audience, I recommended reading Spigot Digital’s article Your step-by-step Guide to Identifying Your Target Market to get this sorted. 
In creating graphics for my clients, I pull upon my years of experience and knowledge about business branding, and follow these key design points:

• Consistency – keeping the same colours, shapes and fonts throughout all of your business graphics helps develop brand recognition and ensure your brand is easily identifiable.
• Hierarchy – design hierarchy refers to the elements of a design which your brain sees as being the most to least important. It is used to help guide your eye to the right place and get messages across clearly.
• Colour and texture – colours help create emotions and showcase what is important. Together with texture, colours add depth and interest to a graphic.
• Size and shape – Size is used to show what is important, and with shape helps to create a design which is appealing and memorable.
• Space – space is used to group or separate information, along with guiding the eye to where you want it to go.
• Story – your branding needs to tell a story and get the right messages across to your target audience. It’s a combination of all the above points, along with the skills and experience a great graphic designer provides, like me!

Creating Your Business Graphics
Canva is often seen as a go-to for the creation of business graphics. Can you use it? Sure. Should you use it? Probably not. My article Why Using Canva May Not Be Your Best Option explains my thoughts on this. I, along with thousands of other business owners strongly recommend working with a professional graphic designer on developing your business branding. Look through my design portfolio and learn more about my services. Then when you are ready, get in touch and let’s get started. 

Many businesses are using Canva to help them create graphics for their website and social media platforms. Some even use it as a way to create documents such as flyers or posters for printing. As a graphic designer, I’ve got many clients who use Canva to edit the text and images of the Facebook or Instagram templates I’ve designed for them. It’s a very powerful tool and one I think is well worth using.

​But it has its limitations.

Recently I had a client come to me about a graphic they’d created using Canva. They’d spent a considerable amount of time organising and placing the content and were happy with the finished product. That is, until they tried to print it off.

Canva is great in that you can use all of the available features, upload and use graphics, change colours, choose fonts and edit text. In fact, you can create pretty much what you want and envision, within Canva’s limits.

Problem is, Canva isn’t a graphic designer.
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When using Canva, my client created their ideal graphic for their business. But not being a graphic designer, they didn’t know about needing to check font sizes, printing margins, pixel sizes and good colour choices. Canva by nature being software and not a graphic designer, didn’t provide any guidance to help.

End result was a design file which looked good on the screen when viewed using Canva but was unsuitable for printing or uploading to the web.

Canva Can Compliment but Not Replace Graphic Designers
I like to think of Canva as a useful tool, a bit like a fork. It is suitable for using with small pieces, but with the big ones, you need a better tool.

As a graphic designer, I use my years of experience and knowledge to produce graphics my clients can use anywhere. I understand where text is best positioned on a page, which colours work well together and which types of graphic file formats you’ll need. The work I design for you is fit for purpose and best of all, you don’t need to lift a finger.
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To learn more about my graphic design services or to discuss a custom design you need help with, please get in touch. I look forward to hearing from you.

Let me make business planning and goal setting for the New Year easy as for you! I’ll share what you need to include, give you some ideas to get started and even a free business template to use!
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If business planning doesn’t sound like your kind of fun, don’t worry. It isn’t for many other small to medium sized business owners either. That was until you started reading this, because boy, have I got the business planning help you need to get your business kicked off and sorted for the New Year.

Let’s Get Your Business Planning & Goal Setting Sorted!
What do you want your business to achieve this year? Increased profits, new customers and a larger online presence? A business plan can help you nail down the specifics and requires you to:

• Analyse your performance for the past year
• Identify what is important for your business
• Create specific, measurable, achievable and realistic goals with specific timeframes.
• Create a step by step guide to achieve each of your goals
• Identify the support you will require to meet your goals and reach out to those professionals

​Then there’s the New Year’s resolutions or goals to consider. Now I’m not talking about the personal ones we all set and then forget about on the 2nd January though. Rather though the business resolutions we set and then follow through on throughout the year – and yes, they get followed through with!

To help you get started, here are a few you could use or tweak for your business:

• This year I will delegate or outsource my ____________ and instead focus on my __________.
• Each week on _________, I will revisit my business plan to double check I am staying on track.
• I will learn how to ________ so I can _______ which will benefit my business because _______.
• My business will give back to my community this year by _________. I will ensure this happens because I will _________.
• I will reflect on how my business is doing each month on _________. From this reflection, I will record the things that are working well and the things that aren’t, making changes accordingly. I will also resolve to drop the things that are not working and move on!
• I will remain focused on following as closely as possible what I have recorded on my business plan. However, I also acknowledge that my planning can be adapted and changed as it is a living document. 

Then finally, there is the recording of all of this information and yet again, I am here to help. You can email me to get a free copy of my generic business plan template, or I would love to create a custom designed business plan and goal setting template specifically for your business. Flick me an email with details of what you’d like included on the template, plus whether you’d like it editable or printable and I’ll get right onto it. 

 5 Key Steps in Starting a Business
Starting a business is a very exciting time. Whether you’re making it your full-time job or using it as a side business to complement your income, it’s important to get the basics sorted right from the start. To help you do this, I’m sharing these five key initial steps to help you get up and running.

1. Nail your business idea – whether you’re making products to sell or you can provide a service that others want to buy, identifying the specific niche for your business is important. This will involve you doing some research into what other businesses are doing that is similar to yours, if your product or service is something that customers will buy and identifying what sets your offerings apart from your competition. Talking with a business consultant such as AJ Pipe can help you with this.
2. Get your business name sorted – it is important to have a business name that is unique and memorable. Try out several ideas on friends and family and see what they think. Once you’ve got some possibilities, head over to ONECheck to make sure your name isn’t being used by someone else first. Then grab your domain name at Website World, as this will become a valuable asset for you moving forwards.
3. Organise your business logo and graphics – to make a positive first impression and demonstrate your business’ professionalism, you need to have a professionally designed business logo and associated graphic images. I can help you with this; check out my Design and Brand Packages, which include options for logo design, social media graphics, letterheads, website banner and branded videos. I also suggest you take a read of my article 5 Reasons to Invest in a Professional Logo Design.
4. Get your website and social media platforms sorted – identify which social media platforms your target audience are using, and set up accounts on them. If you are not sure about what to post, or would like help doing so, Spigot Digital can help you with this. There are a lot of website platforms you could use to build your website on, including WordPress, Wix, Shopify and the locally owned and operated Website World.
5. Create a marketing plan – your business is ready to start selling your products or services, but you will need to have a marketing plan in place to attract those customers. Within a marketing plan you’ll need to include details on how you will build your online presence, what you will post and frequency of posting on both your website and social media, plus any advertising you will pay for. There is a useful guide on these aspects on Business.govt.nz’s website which will walk you through doing this.

I’d love to know more about your business ideas. Let’s have a chat about how I can help you to present a positive and professional image to your customers. I look forward to hearing from you.

First impressions matter!
​A prospective customer or client will decide whether to use your business or not within the first two seconds, based upon what your business looks like. But why do people make that decision based upon what your business ‘looks like’ and not what it can do? Because our brains analyse visual information much easily than any other type. In fact, we process visual information 60,000 times faster than written text and around 90% of the communication within our brains is through visual impulses. This makes having great visual content for our businesses vital to achieve success.

​Getting Your Business Noticed Visually
 
To get your business noticed, it needs to present an attractive appearance to the world. The best way to do this is to utilise the skills of a professional graphic designer. They will ensure all your design work is:

• Branded for your business – a business name without a graphic is simply a piece of easily forgotten text. It is when you turn your business name into a logo that it becomes far more memorable. A graphic designer will work with you to create a visual marketing package for your brand which incorporates the colours and images which both of you feel represents your business. The branding created for your business must be unique, clearly identifiable and professional in appearance to make that vital positive first impression.
• Uniform – all your business marketing resources needs to be uniform, regardless of where they are found. That means the fonts, colours, logo and graphics used on these materials need to remain the same. Customers and clients are more likely to recognise your brand over another if you keep all the visual aspects the same. It may sound strange, but when things remain constant over a variety of mediums, customer loyalty is also increased.
• Professional – your business’ credibility is essential for you to gain more customers and grow. Therefore, all your graphic work must look professional and the best way to achieve that is by hiring a graphic designer. Research has shown that of the ten most critical factors people use when determining the perceived credibility of a business is, the sixth most important was a professional looking and well-presented website. A graphic designer can help you achieve this by creating headers or banners, suggesting which text type, colour and size to use, as well as creating a logo which personifies your business.

​How One Bite Graphic Design Can Help You Get Noticed
 
Helen can help you with creating professionally designed logos, business cards, Facebook covers, social media graphics and website graphics for your business. She will work with you to alter your existing branding or create new from scratch. Having had over two decades of experience in the graphic design industry, Helen knows exactly how to create memorable and attention grabbing visual content so important to get noticed and grow your business.
 
Contact Helen today to discuss the ways she can help improve the visual appearance of your business and get it noticed! 

Changing Your Branding: A Beginner’s Guide 101
When you rebrand, it can be a partial or complete rebranding. You can choose between:

• Replacing the logo, but keeping everything else
• Changing the colours and font, but keeping the logo
• Adding phrases to your logo
•  Expanding your branding with additional colours and graphics
• Editing the logo​​
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In the end though, your new branding still needs to reflect your business, in that it must:

• Be consistent
• Focus on your ideal customer or client
• Be unique
• Reflect your brand’s personality
• Be easily recognisable
• Tells your business’ story
• Can be used in many places and in many ways

Pros and Cons of Rebranding
When you alter your branding, you’re doing it with the desire to grow your business. In order to make the right decision, you need to weigh up the pros and cons.

The pros of rebranding include:

• Get new customers
• Increased engagement on social media
• Meet new goals
• You get to start again!

The cons of rebranding include:

• You can lose customers
• You’re no longer instantly identifiable
• It takes time to rebuild your business’ recognition
• ​It can be very costly

A great way to promote your business, rebranded or not, is to list it in a directory. Business Networking NZ offers a free NZ business directory listing and it’s a great way to increase your online presence. Come and add your details today!

When you decide to start a business you don't always realise that you are beginning a story as well. Often you get started because you have a skill or something you love to do, and then it evolves.

You are no longer starting a business, but instead you are building a brand. Laying the foundations of your brand is like writing the first chapter of your story.

So, how did your brand come to be? Do you have a story behind it? I'd love to tell you my story...

The Elephant In The Room
You will probably notice that my elephant is a large part of my branding. He is actually where my story starts...

Years ago when I was at school, I would often get overwhelmed by my workload. My dad is a very wise man and he used to say something back then that has stuck with me through the years. Probably because he still says it now!

He said...

‘Helen, how do you eat an elephant? One Bite at a time.’

His wise approach allowed me to focus on one small task at a time and gradually work my way through my massive to do list.

This is a motto that I live my life by now. Life has a habit of getting very busy, with a business to run, house to maintain, three amazing children to raise and an equally amazing husband. We get through the busy times One Bite at a time, often achieving more than we thought we could with this tactic!

So when it came to choosing a name for my business, One Bite was the obvious option. I also knew that I had to have an elephant as part of my brand. Even my elephant is an embodiment of the motto. You will notice that it is sectioned into smaller pieces to symbolise the ‘bites’.

What's In A Name?
I suddenly realised that after 3 years working alongside my elephant, he didn't have a name! As soon as my realisation hit, I knew what his name had to be.

So, I would like to introduce to you... Petros

This name is perfect for 3 reasons...

1.  My Dad’s name is Peter and he suggested the name One Bite when I was looking for a name for my business 
2. He actually gave me my first ‘real’ job and supported me by sharing his knowledge and putting me through training courses on graphic design programmes. 
3. Petros is Greek for Peter, it also means rock. My Dad has always been my rock. It also embodies the strength that great branding can give your business.

I am really excited to be on this journey with Petros and I can't wait to see what the next chapters have in store for One Bite!

​It's amazing to think that when I wrote this blog I had just started my third year in business, offering my professional Graphic Design services to the public through One Bite Design. It's been a 'one bite' at a time learning process with some things certainly learnt the hard way. Not everything has been plain sailing but important lessons have certainly been learned and both myself and One Bite Design are in a much better position now than what I was those years ago when I began.
 
With more than three years under the belt I thought it would only be fitting to share three things that I have learnt.

There Will Always Be Something To Do On Your Business:
I’ve heard it said that a business is like a new born child, you need to constantly care for it and feed it and the work you put in over the early years will shape the business well into the future. The thing is, there is always something to do. This is especially true in the first few years as you develop your systems and find your own feet and direction. It's in these first years where passion can meet head first with the annoying reality of tax and accounts and invoicing. It’s easy to get consumed by all the things to do.
 
What I’ve learnt is that you need to be intentional about taking a break and stepping outside of your business from time to time. Whether that is turning your phone and computer off and going for a walk or an actual holiday, taking time out to recharge your own batteries is an important way of ensuring that you keep that passion which got you going in the first place burning bright.


Comparing Yourself To Others:
Starting out in a new business is a scary and at times nerve wracking thing to do. It's only natural to want to know what other people in your industry are doing. The problem is that it becomes very difficult to not compare your fledgling business with those potentially more established operations already out there doing it. What’s worse is that if you're not careful you may even start to copy what these other guys are doing whether consciously or not.
 
Then there’s the pressure of trying to match the offerings of others! That’s not what you started your business to do. Like me you most probably started your own business because there was something special that you love to do, something that you’re passionate about. Stick to it. Perfect your passion and don’t be swayed by others!
 
 
Accept The Appreciation:  
Having happy clients is what's really rewarding and provides the energy which enables us to continue to do this thing that we love. Learn to enjoy the appreciation of a job well done. You can see some of my testimonials here.
 
This is something that I’ve learnt slowly, not being a person who naturally accepts compliments well. A big turning point for me was learning to not be ashamed or embarrassed to ask my clients for a review of One Bite Graphic Design after completing a job. Getting these positive reviews not only helps in business promotion, but more importantly they help to reinforce to ourselves that yes, we are doing a good job. Yes people do see the value in what we do, and yes, our efforts are making a difference!

Have you recently started your own business? 

Are you passionate about your business succeeding?

Does your business need a fresh, inspiring and professional new look?

Let One Bite Design assist you in developing a brand that you are proud of and that does it’s job in attracting people to do business with you. Get in touch TODAY!

Is it beginning to feel a lot Christmas at your house? 

Is the weather warming up and are Christmas products and Christmas music filling your local shops?  Maybe it’s not in full swing yet, but now is a great time to plan ahead so that at least your valued client base hear from you as you add your personal touch to your business relationship.
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Christmas is an amazing time where you can tell people that you are thinking of them, that you are grateful for them and that you wish them a happy and safe holiday season. I have a great offer which I will tell you about later on in this blog, but for now lets talk about the importance of ongoing client relationships.

The Benefits of Valuing Your Business Clients & Colleagues 
As a small business owner I know how valuable my clients and colleagues are to the success of my business and to the process of moving forward. I would not be where I am today in my business and personally without the amazing people in my life including clients and colleagues. Owning your own business is not for the faint hearted and support is crucial, so it is equally important to support and encourage those who stand by you. 

There are many ways to do this. Let’s take a look at a few ways you can foster these relationships and I’ve added one special, meaningful thing you can do as we approach the holiday season. Read on….

Connecting Personally when making a Phone call or Email: 
Be personable and friendly in your contact. It takes no extra effort to ask how someone is, if they had a good weekend, what their plans / hopes are for their business futures. Make a brief note if relevant information is given. For example if they respond “Had a great weekend thanks, went fishing and caught plenty.’ Next time there’s contact ask if they’ve been fishing again. This demonstrates personal interest and your recall of the conversation. 

Maintain the Connection even when there is no ongoing business happening:
Check in on your clients briefly, but again in a friendly and personable way. “Is there anything I can help you with?” “Thought of you as I launching this new product and I feel it would really benefit your business. Have you got a few moments to hear about it?” This reinforces a 'caring connection' which follows through into helping them achieve their business aspirations by their connection to you and your business.

Follow your clients on social media:
We all know how great it is to get a reaction and/or comment on our social media posts so why not do that for your clients. For example follow them on Facebook and interact with what is going on in their business, such a quick simple thing to do but could mean a lot for a small business. Make sure that when people respond to something of yours on social media that you reply to it. It is not only polite but it also puts your business name and brand in front of them again.

Randomly send cards and/or gifts:
I love receiving things in the mail or by courier do you? How about sending something special to those that you do business with and for? You could even go a step further and purchase gifts to send from other small businesses. How impacting it is when your gifts are branded in your colours, with your website and logo?

Now let’s talk about this offer I have for you!
​I am getting all organised and sorted for Christmas and I can help you get ready too! One Bite Design has a range of Christmas card designs pre-formatted for Vista Print. I will include your unique business logo, brand colours and website to enable you to not only thank your clients and impress your prospects, but also ensure that your brand remains top of their mind during this busy season. Vista print has a 50% off greeting cards at the moment! Get your personalised branded holiday cards ordered NOW in time for Christmas!  

Remember that a personal, friendly connection is always appreciated. There’s an old saying “A smile is a curve that puts a lot of things straight!’ so send a smile to your clients this Christmas season.
 
Email [email protected] and view the card options at www.onebitedesign.co.nz NOW!

I bet, just like me, your Facebook feed is full of visual marketing designs which all look the same. The same font, colours, images and even words. It’s incredibly boring and off putting to look at the same graphic designs again and again. So rather than copying what has worked for others, it’s time to make people stop and notice your business through awesome visual marketing designs!

Using Unique Visual Marketing to Get Your Business Noticed
As a graphic designer, it makes sense that I notice the logos, colours, fonts and images owners use to brand their business. Of course, everyone else notices them too. But there is one big difference: I don’t copy them. I can understand why owners think, “Hey, I like this logo, this colour and these images. Come to think of it, I love the design they used too. I think I’ll use them for my business.” The problem is, if they are not 100% unique, your business ends up looking like someone else’s. That’s incredibly bad for your business branding. Not only do people confuse your business with another, they can also become bored with seeing the same thing. This leads to a quick scroll onto the next image and the next business!

The key to getting your business’ visual marketing noticed is to be 100% unique when it comes to design. This just isn’t possible when using in the box predesigned graphic design templates. You may have changed the colours, tweaked the font and used a different image, but if the design is the same, it’s an automatic fail in my book. I’m never going to remember it as being unique to your business and most probably see you as being a copycat.

Visual content is processed by our brains 60,000 times faster than words.
Having unique professionally designed visual content to market your business helps you:

• Get more engagement from those who matter, in some case 120% -180% more!
• Get more social sharing. People like creative and new ways of looking at something and are more likely to stop, read and share your content
• Be remembered. 65% of visual information is remembered, compared with 10% when hearing it
• Build trust. Trust is one of the most valuable assets a business can have. Strong, unique visual images help build trust with your followers, leading to more sales and more attention
  
  

Now is the time to organise your visual branding using professionally designed Social Media Templates. I can create for you 100% unique, attention grabbing and highly sharable templates for your business. Head over to book your spot now and start enjoying getting noticed by those who matter!