Unsworth Sugden Blog

54% of UK businesses are planning on using design to help them survive the current economic climate, and stand out from their competitors, according to new research by The Design Council.

The 2008 survey, which covered 1,500 businesses in the UK across all sizes and sectors, revealed that rather than companies cutting back on spending during 2009, they see design as an integral part of their operations. Over half said that design had become more critical in achieving its business aims over the past 3 years.

The Design Council has put together an online resource on their website, for businesses to find out more and how design could help their business.

Visit  www.designcouncil.org.uk/designinadownturn to find out more.

Design Council Chief Executive David Kester said: “Recession is no time to be battening down the hatches. It’s the moment when design becomes absolutely critical to survival, growth and success – and it’s great to see that there’s a growing recognition of this within the business community.”

Online advertising is proving more popular than ever before.  Clients are embracing the Internet as a cost effective way of targeting new customers.

Recent reports suggest that online advertising in Europe has grown by more than 40% in the last 18 months.  In addition, forcecasts and predictions suggest that online advertising is likely to expand by a figure of 20% over the next 12 months.

One of the main attractions of online advertising appears to be the ability to get your audience to click on a digital advertisement and direct them onto a company’s website; once on the company website, you are no longer competing against other on the page advertisers.

It is important the initial web banner, sky scraper or button has a strong catchy sales message.  Don’t try and include all of the product’s unique selling points, these can all be included on the website.  The most important thing is to get the Internet user to click on the advertisement.  Design and creativity is paramount, particularly if there are other advertisers on the web page.

If designed and written correctly, online advertisements can help to increase website traffic and subsequently increase online enquiries and sales.