Promote yourself the easy way

The image of a pub can often be enhanced by the design of such simple things like the way it promotes forthcoming events or special offers via banners, posters, table talkers, flyers and the like. Quite often, it is left to a member of staff to run off posters from the computer. Poorly designed and badly written posters can dent the pub's image and may even dissuade customers — the exact opposite of what is intended.

Now, there is a way that licensees can tap into ready-made, professionally-designed artwork to promote their events. The promotional material is prepared by a Stamford, Lincolnshire, company — Artisan Creative, which has set up a website (www.snowball-promotions.co.uk) that contains templates for a wide range of events such as karaoke, patron saint days, beer festivals and food nights. Licensees can choose ready-prepared templates with a choice of three design styles — funky, contemporary or traditional — to suit the ambience and clientele of their outlet. If need be, licensees can alter the text online to suit their requirements.

Snowball Promotions will then print off the material and get it to the pub within five days. There is a choice of five poster sizes — A1, A2, A3, A4 and A5; square or portrait table talkers, and even 3m long by 900mm deep or 2m by 750mm PVC banners. The artwork is free and customers only pay for the printing. If someone wants a one-off design for a special night, then there is a nominal charge of £55. However, this fee might be waived if the company thinks the idea has legs.

Account manager Vicki Oliver says the company was recently asked to produce a karaoke and curry night poster and did not charge for the artwork as it is now part of the design library. She explains "If it is something that we could use again, we will not charge. We're part of the community — we're helping pubs and they're helping us."