PRESS RELEASE
As businesses continue to seek out ways to adjust to challenging economic conditions, the need for integrated and strategic branding and marketing is more important than ever.
Woman-owned Im-aj Communications & Design, Inc. has been retained by four new clients for strategic marketing communications, branding, design, public and media relations, e-marketing and viral and social networking. In each case, Im-aj has worked creatively to develop work plans that help the clients maintain the strong brand foundation they need while building upon it and expanding, in spite of this difficult economy.
“When the economy is forcing companies to watch every penny, the tendency – especially in small to mid-sized companies and non-profit organizations – is to cut strategic planning, branding and marketing communications,” states Jami Ouellette, president and brand manager at Im-aj. “Although it sometimes feels necessary, it is very risky and can slowly destroy the business and its following. Fortune 500 companies understand that maintaining brand integrity, building brand equity and strategically marketing their products and services are critical strategies in a down market, so they actually increase these budgets.
“Im-aj has been creative in finding ways for new clients to keep a strong foundation while implementing strategies to increase revenues and awareness,” adds Ouellette. “This is a very different economy than we’ve dealt with in our 25 years. So we are finding ways to keep budgets down and be flexible to help companies overcome and prosper. Luckily, we have many more cost-effective tools at our disposal than ever before, particularly through viral marketing. And, we are excelling in making these strategies do amazing things for our clients, without the added printing and production costs of more traditional strategies.”
National catalogue icon Sturbridge Yankee Workshop has retained Im-aj’s services to maintain its brand equity while promoting and building upon its extensive line of Shaker, traditional and country home furnishings and decor. Im-aj will be developing strategies to market the brand and its new online store (sturbridgeyankee.com), while increasing national awareness of this nearly 60-year old, Maine-based brand. Im-aj is working with the key staff to develop an integrated media relations, social networking, and branding plan. The company offers high-quality, beautifully crafted home products, at reasonable prices. From its home in Portland, Maine, the company’s main competitors are Plow and Hearth and LL Bean Home.
Im-aj is working with Deck FortyTwo, East Providence’s newest waterfront restaurant serving fresh seafood, specialty pizzas, and local Italian favorites. Im-aj initially assisted owners Bob Barrow and Tim Houlihan in branding the new restaurant, which sits at the base of the Washington Bridge in East Providence and offers a rare view of Providence Harbor and India Point. As it is quickly becoming a favorite stop among locals and tourists visiting the Providence area, Im-aj is working to develop and execute a marketing plan, including public and media relations and extensive social networking.
For over two decades Il Piccolo Ristorante has been serving authentic, fine Italian dishes to a loyal base of customers. Im-aj will be creating a website, social marketing and media relations for this quaint restaurant, to expand Il Piccolo’s customer base and spread the word about this Italian gem, which sits right on Atwood Ave. in Johnston.
Im-aj has also been retained by Ellie’s Comet Propane, a new business based in the Northeast, which offers a high-tech solution to portable propane tanks for boaters, campers and other portable uses.
“While Im-aj still maintains a strong portfolio in health care, education, environment, and sustainable growth, retail and hospitality are two of our other key niches and have been for 25 years. It’s great to serve clients that are willing to broaden their reach and find creative ways to leverage new technologies,” said Ouellette.
Im-aj Communications & Design, Inc. is an award-winning, full-service marketing communications, branding, and graphic design firm with offices in Providence and W. Kingston, RI, Seekonk, MA and Biddeford, ME. Im-aj primarily services clients based in the Northeastern U.S. For more information on Im-aj’s services, and to view Im-aj’s extensive portfolio visit www.imajcommunications.com or call 401.654.6663.