Lately it seems everyone is buzzing about using mobile apps as a way to promote business. We receive requests for these services on an increasing basis, a sure sign the buzz is getting louder. And there's research showing mobile apps will be the next big 'channel' in which companies will  place their marketing dollars, even surpassing social media.

Who needs a mobile app?

Does your company have one of the following types of customers?

• Consumers with average- to middle-income
• Consumers under the age of 30

Then it would be wise to consider an app to help you reach them.

What does having an app do for your company?

• Engages the customer/potential customer beyond the retail site/web site/mass advertising touch points
• Showcases your progressive thinking
• Promotes your brand though playful interactions
• Connects them emotionally to your brand
• Strengthens loyalty to your brand

Why would consumers use this app?

Because it's fun! The best way to get in front of those consumers is with a game. Think of all those kids you see playing games on their (or their parents') smartphones while waiting for food at a restaurant. What if the menu had a QR code to the restaurant's app, the customer downloads it and it's so engaging, they play it outside of the restaurant? The game involves food or the restaurant's special kiddie character or carries over the restaurant's theme - mexican or italian for instance. In the past year, app/game development has become more modular with coding 'templates' available. These templates make apps quicker to spin up and less expensive than completely custom games. So the next time you're looking for a great way to engage with customers and potential customers, consider your own mobile app game!

The results are in! Hy Creative was awarded a Gold ADDY for the Village Marketplace business card design and a Silver ADDY for the Soul Kitchen logo design. As we mentioned in an earlier post, the American Advertising Federation of North Alabama is the group behind this award show. This is the first step in a national competition run by the American Advertising Federation. Since the Village Marketplace project won a Gold ADDY, it will move on to the district level! The awards are very cool - handmade by local metalsmith Drop Metal. They based the sculpture off of the collateral we designed then added their own flair to the ADDY rooster to make it extra special. We had a great time at the Awards Gala, held at Huntsville's Burritt on the Mountain. That mountain view gave us a beautiful view of Huntsville as we lauded the area's best advertising designs. The websites, logos, brochures, videos, stationery and point-of-sales pieces we saw inspired us to keep digging for great creative which reflects true branding. Design with a purpose!

The Athens Limestone Public Library Foundation came to Hy Creative looking for creative promotional materials for their main fundraiser, The Storybook Ball. They encourage kids to come dressed as their favorite storybook character - how cool is that! And you can imagine how this really opened up our own creativity. It's not every day we get to flip through beautiful children's illustrations and call it research for a specific project. [+]