Success stories
We refer to them as case studies but really they're real-world examples of how we've helped our clients successfully launch products, connect with their target market or improve their image in the marketplace.
Direct mail package a hit with customers
Situation : : Renewable Choice Energy was planning a second direct mail campaign to welcome new customers who had signed up for their residential wind power subscription plans. For this new welcome packet, RCE had decided on a reduce, reuse, recycle concept where customers would be asked to return portions of the kit once they were finished with them so that they could be reused for other customers. RCE was hoping for strong customer participation and a high response rate.
Solution : : We developed custom illustrations to create a unique look that would give the kit a very friendly, refreshing appeal and incite recipients to interact with the contents. Because the idea of returning portions of the kit was new for customers, we created instructional illustrations to demonstrate the process in a simple, easy-to-understand way. We also designed a special “recycle” logo to go on the pieces that were to be returned so it was clear which portions of the kit should be sent back.
Results : : RCE saw a 40% response rate compared with the national average response rate for direct mail of 2-3%. In addition, RCE experienced an increase in opportunities in its B-to-B sector as the success of the new welcome kit further proved RCE’s ability to actively engage and support its customers.
Client impressions : : “We were extremely pleased with the response to the welcome kit. It was better than we had expected. We loved the imagery and illustrations Blue Marble created so much that we had them evolve the look into a comprehensive brand identity for our residential business.”
– Holly Stewart, Creative Director, Renewable Choice Energy
Designed publications establish a new revenue stream
Situation : : The International Association for K-12 Online Learning (iNACOL) had a series of reports and documents that they offered as free downloads from their website. The documents were content-rich sources of information for iNACOLs members and constituents but they lacked branding, uniformity and a professional look as befitting of the organization.
Solution : : We began with creating overall identity that would bring all the documents under a unifying look and feel and clearly brand them as iNACOL material. We included elements of their logo and images of people and scenes relevent to their services and market to add warmth and personality to the content. We developed a master template for the layout and formatting so that subsequent publications would look consistent and could be produced quickly and at minimal cost.
Results : : The publication design has helped to solidify iNACOL's brand identity and their brand recognition in the marketplace has increased. Additionally, now that their publications are professionally designed, they receive many more requests to purchase them so that recipients can archive a hard-copy. This has allowed for a new revenue stream that iNACOL previously did not have.
Client impressions : : "Blue Marble has helped design a simple, professional look and feel for all of our publications and marketing materials over the past year. It is clean, concise and consistent across all materials. This was extremely important to us as we expanded our membership and our reach internationally. Our materials reflect upon the organization, and we are more than satisfied now that our collateral and publications accurately reflect the integrity of our association."
– Wendy Fleming, Associate Director of Communications, iNACOL
Uniquely designed labels save thousands of dollars
Situation : : Bathed & Infused had purchased an online store selling personal care products and were planning to revamp the entire store and product offering. They needed a business identity and new packaging that reflected the quality of the products they were selling.
B&I offers 700 different scent combinations for their products and each package needed to be labeled with its particular scent. However, printing 700 different labels for every scent combination would be very costly, and it would be very difficult to maintain an adequate inventory of labels.
Solution : : We developed a business identity that evoked a spa-like atmosphere with soft hues, organic shapes and lots of white. Since the majority of the client’s products were white in color and the containers were white, it made sense to utilize white as a brand color. In addition, the products are comprised of high-quality natural, fresh ingredients so we needed to keep the look clean and refreshing.
To handle the issue of labeling the various scents for each product, we created master labels for each product type in the product line with space on each of these labels to apply a separate scent sticker. B&I would then create the scent stickers as needed and print them in-house. This would give them a lot of freedom and flexibility with their labeling and save money on the cost of their packaging.
Results : : Out of the gates, customers responded enthusiastically and B&I was an instant success. B&I has calculated they save an estimated $110,000 on packing costs each year due the fact that they can print the scent stickers in-house and only need to reprint master labels periodically as they run out. They have received great response to the packaging from their customers:
“I received a tester box from B&I today. I am honestly amazed. I think you all are going to DIE over the things I got here. First of all, the colors are just perfect, gorgeous, beautiful! They need to make clothes advertising their new business!”
“I too love the blue packaging! It is very refreshing. I never ordered from the old [ company ] … but Bathed & Infused is totally more "me"...refreshing, blue spa like colors...mmmmm....”
“Overall, I’m VERY VERY impressed and it was well worth every penny! The scrubs are GINORMOUS! $20 for a high quality 16oz scrub is a GREAT deal! The packaging is really professional and pretty too. My wallet is gonna hurt from this but it hurts in a really good way!”
Client impressions : : “Blue Marble has a knack for taking our input on what we envision and producing design ideas that not only hit the nail on the head, but take our ideas further than we were even able to imagine them. Lisa and her staff are very personable, intelligent, and easy to work with. The next time we need a designer, we'll be calling Blue Marble.”
– Curtis Durham, owner, Bathed & Infused
Publication enjoys national distribution and recognition
Situation : : In 2005, Evergreen Consulting Associates was writing their second installment of Keeping Pace with K-12 Online Learning, an annual report that profiles the current status, policies and activity of online education. While the initial report had been published, the partner who’d managed its publication in the first year was no longer part of the picture. ECA was now in charge of publishing the report in addition to writing it, and they needed to bring in someone who could do the design and layout professionally and assist with printing — all within a limited timeframe and budget.
Solution : : Because Keeping Pace is sponsored by multiple organizations and agencies and those change year to year, it needed to have its own look and feel and be perceived as an entity independent of those who sponsor it. We suggested using images of children, teens, parents and teachers throughout the publication in order to bring in the human element and help readers make a visual connection between the content and its purpose. We developed Keeping Pace’s image so that colors and photos could be updated each year to keep it fresh looking, but still remain easily identifiable. We also created a series of information graphics to present complex data in a simplified, easy-to-understand way and add visual interest. We had to work quickly to get the design and layout ready so templates and style sheets were created that could be easily updated. We also helped ECA put a system in place for content delivery and revisions.
In 2008, we designed and developed a companion website for Keeping Pace as a place to host current and previous reports, graphics and supplemental PDFs for education professionals and media to reference and download as well as highlight the current sponsors and contributors.
Results : : Keeping Pace has evolved into a 160+ page publication going from black-and-white to a full-color production with information graphics. It is referenced in high profile media like the NBC Nightly News, Education Week and The New York Times. The website has allowed Keeping Pace to quickly and easily reach new audiences and further establish Keeping Pace as its own brand.
Client impressions : : “Blue Marble has done a terrific job with Keeping Pace. They make the publication look attractive and professional and this has greatly enhanced how well the report is received. A big part of our success with Keeping Pace is that we’re the only publication like this with information as current and relevant as 6 months ago versus others whose data is several years old. Blue Marble’s quick-turn around and responsiveness has enabled us to retain the immediacy and impact of the report. And it’s been wonderful that they can do everything — the reports and the website — and do it within our budget. The full-service aspect has been invaluable.”
– John Watson, founder and manager, Evergreen Consulting Associates
If you’d like to see how successful branding, marketing and design can enhance your bottom line, contact us to discuss your creative needs.