Branding YOU Better! – Susan Newman Lerer

Brand Interview – Renee Eva Pena, Creative Sitters

How long has your company been in business? Please tell us a bit about your company, its mission, goals…
Creative Sitters has been in business for about 2 years this coming January. Our mission is to provide an extra hand to busy families by providing high quality childcare through arts-based education and by bringing playful learning home. We serve the New York City and Northern Jersey City areas.

Do you donate to charities? Tell us about that also and why.
We recently just did a social media fundraiser in raising money for In Motion, which is a non-for-profit organization that raises funds for women and children affected by domestic violence.  We chose this organization because one of our clients was walking for the cause and asked for our help. We love to donate to causes that are meaningful to our clients, as that goes further in our clients communities.

How did you know what typeface (font) would be right for your company wordmark or logo? If your logo has an illustration, describe why that art was the right thing, animal, place, object, etc…
We played with trial and error when it came to a typeface. I wanted something playful but easy to read. In regard to the logo illustration, I chose that as I wanted it to have what we embody for families and that is a sense of peace when we take care of family’s most cherished possessions.

How did you decide on the right color palette to fit your company look and feel?
Color palette is a reflection of a few things, one personal taste. Two, I wanted the colors to have upbeat energy that kids bring to the table, which is why I have the orange. I also love our blue, its calming but not boring. And the gray was chosen because I am not a fan of black as a color.

How did you decide which type of designer to work with, or did you design your own identity and web presence?
Working with designers has been a process for me. It has changed hands due to the changing needs of my company and my client’s needs. The first person I worked with that created my logo and first website was a person that I worked with in the past at a magazine. I enjoyed his work and remembered him when I needed a graphic designer. My challenge in working with him was that he could not upgrade my website to the functionality and practicality that I and my clients needed. I originally had him create the website using java and later I needed it moved to the WordPress platform. The cost to just move it with other adjustments was out my budget.

Therefore, I current have my Virtual Assistant’s company handle my website and together we have created a site that has improved in traffic and content by creating something that my family, clients and I can easily use when we need a sitter or just resources to improve their home life.

In what order did you present your company to the world? Did you start with marketing and products, or website, blog and social media?
Website, social media, then marketing and products.

How long after the launch of your company did you start pitching in social media?
We use social media for sharing of content for our clients as well as connecting to build partnerships with other businesses. We started about eight months after the launch of the company.

Did you do research or study any software, take webinars, teleclasses, before approaching any area of your marketing or web presence?
I am apart of a women’s networking group called Savor the Success that has amazing video tutorials and talks on a variety of subjects. I also read online content on the matter.

Do you advertise locally in newspapers and/or nationally in magazines? Are they effective?
I do not do this as I don’t have the budget for it right now.

Do you advertise online using Google, Facebook or on other company sites? Are they effective?
We are in the process of starting Google and Facebook ads. We do have listings on other mom sites that send those interested to our website. I find that it’s very effective, especially because they are in a similar market.

When you printed your products, packaging, business cards and other print marketing did you choose an online printer or visit a local vendor?
I chose VistaPrint, an online printer. They are always running amazing deals!!!

Did you know anything about different types of papers, when you wanted to print your marketing materials?
Yes, I do know about paper as I use to shop often at Paper Presentation in NYC. And find if you find something you like, stick to it as your instincts are always right.

Have you ever used “green” technology in printing, using FSC certified papers or recycled paper and if not, how likely are you at trying this on a next project?
I do try to get recycled paper when its possible.  I try to be green by being as paperless as much as possible.

Is there anything you haven’t yet tackled, but will want to do soon?
My team and I are tackling iron ons, to add as promotional giveaways in gift bags.

To learn more about Renee Eva Pena and Creative Sitters, visit the links below:
Website: http://www.creativesitters.org/
Blog: http://www.creativesitters.org/blog/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/CreativeSitters
Twitter: http://twitter.com/sitterstweets

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