Business Cards, Brochures, and Beyond: Why Print Design Still Matters

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We all know we live in a digital world — but that doesn’t mean print is dead. Far from it.

The truth is, physical marketing still plays a big role in how people remember your business. Whether it’s a business card slipped into a wallet, a brochure that lives on the kitchen bench, or a branded pen floating around the office, print design gives people a physical reminder that you exist. And when they need your service, you’ll already be in their hand — literally.

Print creates familiarity. It adds extra touch points. And in a world where people are overwhelmed with online options, having something tangible can make all the difference.

Here’s why print design is still important:

1. People Hold Onto What Feels Useful or Memorable

Well-designed print sticks around. It doesn’t get deleted or lost in a browser tab. Business cards, flyers, and even a simple magnet can stay in someone’s life for months.

A great print piece acts like a quiet little reminder. Someone might not need your service the moment they receive it, but when they do, it’s already there. It’s much easier to grab a card from the fridge than to scroll through twenty websites hoping one feels right.

And let’s not forget the people who still prefer picking up the phone over Googling. Older generations, especially, often feel more comfortable with a card in hand than digging through websites. Having print materials means you’re not leaving that whole audience behind.

2. It Builds Recognition in the Real World

You know that feeling when you see a logo or name and think, “I’ve heard of them before”? That’s brand recognition at work, and print helps make that happen.

Every time someone sees your logo on a business card, a brochure, a sign on your van, or even a pen in the office drawer, it reinforces your brand. It’s a little reminder that builds familiarity. And people tend to choose what they recognise. When they’ve seen your branding a few times in different places, they’re more likely to trust you when the time comes to make a decision.

Print supports your digital presence too. While your website and social media are working online, your print materials are out there in the real world doing their part. They show up in letterboxes, on desks, in wallets, and on countertops. All these touch points add up to create a sense of trust, professionalism, and consistency.

Even better, when your print design matches your website and other marketing, it all feels connected. People remember you more easily and get a clear sense of who you are, no matter where they see you.

3. It Reflects How You Run Your Business

There’s something about handing someone a well-designed business card or leaving a sharp brochure behind that just feels more personal. It shows you’re prepared, confident in what you do, and that you’ve thought about how your business shows up in the world.

While anyone can fire off a quick email or send a DM, print materials take intention. They create a moment. Whether it’s a card exchanged during a conversation or a brochure you leave after quoting a job, it sticks with people longer than a screen ever could.

Professionally printed materials also speak volumes about your standards. A clean, well-designed flyer or a card with quality paper and bold branding says a lot about how you run your business. It shows that you care about the details, that you take pride in your presentation, and that you’re someone worth remembering.

And let’s be honest — there’s a big difference between handing over a sleek, branded card and scribbling your number on the back of a receipt. One leaves a lasting impression, the other gets lost in a glovebox.

Print Still Packs a Punch

Print design might not be the newest kid on the block, but it still works — and works well.

It gives people something real to hold onto, keeps your brand visible in everyday life, and helps you stay top of mind without having to fight for attention online. It also builds recognition, makes your business feel more professional, and reaches the people who still prefer something they can touch, keep, and refer back to.

Whether it’s a business card, a brochure, or even a branded pen, quality print shows that you care about your brand and the way your business is remembered.

If your print design could use a refresh, or you’re not sure what’s working and what’s not, lets chat and we’ll help you create materials that people want to keep, not chuck in the bin.

BOOK A CHAT WITH US


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How to Create a Memorable Visual Identity

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In a small community, your neighbours are your customers and your reputation often spreads by word of mouth.

 That means how your business looks is just as important as how it performs.

You want to be recognised, remembered, and trusted. Whether someone sees your van on the road, your logo on a sign, or a post on social media, they should instantly know it’s you. But when your branding is inconsistent or looks like it belongs to two different businesses, it can confuse people or make them second-guess your professionalism.

Your logo, colours, fonts, and overall style form your visual identity. This is the face of your business. When it’s clear and consistent, it builds trust and keeps you top of mind.

Here’s why that matters, and how to make your business stand out for all the right reasons.

1. Be Consistent, or Risk Confusing Your Audience

If your website has one look, your social media has another, and your business cards don’t match either, people might not even realise it’s the same business. Inconsistent branding doesn’t just look messy — it makes your business feel untrustworthy.

A clear, consistent visual identity across all platforms shows that you’re organised, reliable, and serious about what you do. When everything lines up visually, customers are far more likely to trust you and remember you.

2. Stand Out From the Competition

If your logo looks like it was copied from a Google image search, you’re not alone — but that’s kind of the problem. When your branding looks just like everyone else’s, people have no reason to remember you.

If your logo looks like five others in your industry, people won’t remember you. Strong visual identity is your chance to be different in a sea of sameness. Your colours, font choices, and overall look should reflect your personality and values, not just follow trends.

In small towns or tight-knit areas, word spreads quickly — but only if people can tell you apart from the rest. The right branding helps you stick in someone’s mind long after they’ve seen your sign, scrolled past your ad, or driven past your van.

3. People Will Forget Your Name, But They’ll Remember Your Look

Let’s be honest — most people won’t remember your business name after a quick glance. But they will remember your bold orange van, that sharp logo, or the tagline they keep seeing around town.

If your branding feels too fancy, too plain, or just a bit off, it could be sending the wrong message. Your branding should reflect who you are and the kind of clients you want to work with. You don’t need to be over-the-top, just memorable in the right way.

You’ve usually got one shot to make a good impression, so make sure it’s the right one.

Recognition Builds Reputation

Your visual identity isn’t just about looking good — it’s about being remembered, trusted, and recognised wherever you show up. If your branding is giving off mixed signals, blending into the crowd, or just doesn’t feel like you anymore, it might be time for a rethink.

At Merge Media, we help businesses create branding that feels like a perfect match.

Not sure if your branding is doing its job? Get in touch and we’ll help you figure out what’s working and what’s not.

BOOK A CHAT WITH US


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5 Signs Your Logo Needs a Re-design

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Could your logo be quietly holding your brand back?

It can be hard to tell. Maybe you’ve had the same logo for years. Maybe a friend made it when you were starting out. Or maybe it was part of a package deal and you’ve just stuck with it. But over time, even a decent-looking logo can stop pulling its weight.

Your logo plays a bigger role than most people realise. It helps build recognition, creates trust, and gives your business a professional presence. And when it’s not quite right, it can quietly chip away at all those things — without you even noticing.

So how do you know if your logo is helping or holding you back?

Here are five clear signs your logo needs a redesign, and why fixing it could be one of the smartest moves you make.

Above left is the old G Donaldson Builders logo with the refreshed version on the right. Just by changing the shape of the windows, simplifying the roofline, and updating the font, they now have a high-end, classy looking logo to appeal to a higher calibre of clients, without too much of a major change.

1. It Doesn’t Feel Quite Right Anymore

You can’t always put your finger on it, but something feels off. Maybe it doesn’t match how your business has evolved, or it feels too casual or too corporate for the kind of clients you want now. If you find yourself hesitating to use your logo or cringing when you hand out your card, trust that instinct — your brand might have outgrown it.

2. It’s Sending the Wrong Message

A logo doesn’t need to spell out exactly what you do, but it should feel like it belongs to your industry and speak to the type of clients you want to attract. If your logo looks fun and playful but you’re targeting a corporate market, or it feels too traditional for a modern, innovative business, it could be leading people in the wrong direction. First impressions matter and if your logo gives off the wrong tone, you might not even get the chance to explain what you really offer.

3. It Doesn’t Look Great Everywhere You Use It

Your logo needs to work on screens, signs, uniforms, email signatures, social media — the list goes on. If it starts looking blurry, awkward, or inconsistent in different places, that’s a sign it wasn’t built for flexibility. A modern logo should be clean, scalable, and versatile.

4. You Keep Tweaking It or Avoid Using It Altogether

If you’ve ever adjusted the colours or fonts to “make it work” in certain situations, or you avoid putting it on things because it never looks quite right, that’s a big red flag. A strong logo should be consistent, recognisable, and ready to use, not something you constantly have to work around.

5. It Gets Lost Next to Other Brands

Put your logo next to your competitors’ — does it stand out, or blend into the background? If it looks generic or lacks personality, chances are it’s not helping people remember you. A good logo doesn’t have to be loud, but it should be distinct and meaningful.

Does Your Logo Still Reflect Who You Are?

Your logo doesn’t have to be flashy or complex, but it should feel like an honest and confident representation of your business today, and not who you were five or ten years ago.

If reading through these signs has made you second-guess whether your current logo is still working, that’s okay. Most brands evolve over time, and your logo should evolve with you. Whether it needs a small refresh or a full redesign, updating your logo can help realign your brand, attract the right clients, and give you something you’re proud to stand behind.

At Merge Media, we design logos that aren’t just good-looking — they’re strategic, future-focused, and built to grow with your business.

If you’re ready to take a fresh look at your brand, Get in touch and let’s create a logo that feels right and works harder for your business.

BOOK A CHAT WITH US


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What’s Coming for Web Design in 2025: Trends, Tech, and AI

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Web design is always evolving, and 2025 is set to bring some exciting changes!

With new tech, smarter tools, and fresh ideas, websites are going to be more engaging, functional, and user-friendly than ever. Here’s a look at what’s on the way and how these trends could make websites even better for businesses and users alike.

Laptop is displaying streaming internet content from various sources

1. Websites That Feel More Personal

Thanks to smarter AI (artificial intelligence), websites are becoming better at understanding what visitors want. In 2025, expect to see more sites that adapt in real time. For example, a website might show you products based on what you’ve searched for or customise the homepage to suit your preferences.

This means businesses can offer more relevant experiences, and users won’t waste time scrolling through things they don’t care about. It’s like a website that knows you without being creepy!

2. Stunning 3D Features

Websites are stepping up their visual game with interactive 3D elements. Think of a furniture store where you can spin a chair around and see every angle, or an architect or builder site that lets you zoom in on all the little details of a build.

3D designs will make websites feel more alive and engaging, keeping people interested longer. It’s a big win for businesses trying to showcase their products in a memorable way.

3. Clean and Simple Design That Works for Everyone

Minimalism is still in, but it’s not just about looking sleek—it’s about being easy to use. Websites in 2025 will focus on being super functional. This means larger buttons, designs that work well on any screen, and even voice navigation for hands-free browsing.

Plus, there’s a big push for inclusivity. Sites will be designed so everyone can use them easily, including people with disabilities or limited tech skills.

4. Eco-Friendly Websites

More businesses are thinking about their environmental impact, and websites are no exception. In 2025, expect to see “green” websites that use less energy to run and rely on sustainable hosting solutions.

This might not seem like a big deal, but it can make a difference. Companies that embrace eco-friendly web practices aren’t just helping the planet—they’re also showing customers they care about important issues.

5. Voice Search and Chat Features

With more people using voice assistants like Alexa or Siri, websites are adapting. Instead of typing out searches, you’ll be able to speak into your phone or computer and get instant results.

On top of that, chat features are becoming more conversational and natural, almost like you’re texting a real person. These tools will make browsing faster and easier for everyone.

6. Websites That Work Great on Phones First

We’re all glued to our phones, and web designers know it. In 2025, expect more websites to be built with mobile users in mind. This means designs that are easy to scroll through, tap, and navigate—all without waiting ages for pages to load.

Mobile-first doesn’t just mean looking good on a small screen—it means thinking about how people actually use their phones to shop, browse, or connect with businesses.

7. Augmented Reality (AR) Will Wow Users

AR is no longer just for gaming. Imagine trying on sunglasses virtually or seeing how a new couch looks in your living room, all through a website.

This tech is going to take both e-commerce and service-based sites to the next level, giving people a way to interact with products in a much more exciting and personal way.

Why This Matters for Your Business

These trends aren’t just cool—they’re practical. Businesses that embrace these changes can make their websites stand out, connect better with their audience, and ultimately drive more sales.

At Merge Media, we’re here to help you stay ahead of the curve. Whether you’re thinking about a new website or just want to tweak your existing one, we’ll make sure it’s ready for whatever 2025 brings.

Let’s create something amazing together. Contact us today and let’s get your website future-ready!

BOOK A CHAT SEE OUR WORK
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Why an Updated Website and Brand Matters for Established Industrial Companies

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As an established industrial business owner, you’ve worked hard to build a company with a solid reputation. It’s time to unlock your potential and show the world what you’ve built!

Your workshop or warehouse hums with activity, your clients trust your expertise, and your staff delivers results day in and day out. But when it comes to your website and brand, do they reflect the professionalism and innovation of your company—or are they holding you back?

If your answer leans toward the latter, you’re not alone. Many successful industrial companies struggle to see the value of modern branding and websites, but the reality is this: a strong online presence isn’t just a nice-to-have anymore—it’s essential for staying competitive in today’s market.

Common Pain Points We See in Established Industrial Companies

We’ve worked with businesses like yours, and here’s what we’ve found:

  1. An Outdated Website That Doesn’t Attract Leads

    • Your website might be over 10 years old, with a clunky design and hard-to-navigate structure.
    • It’s not mobile-friendly, making it nearly impossible for busy customers to browse on their phones.
    • Your competitors are pulling ahead with modern, sleek websites that inspire confidence.
  2. Branding That Doesn’t Represent the Business Today
    • Your logo and marketing materials were designed decades ago and no longer reflect the size and professionalism of your company.
    • They fail to capture attention or resonate with younger clients and employees.
  3. Missed Opportunities in Online Marketing
    • You’re losing out on search engine traffic because your website isn’t optimised for keywords like “industrial manufacturing” or “logistics support.”
    • Potential customers can’t find the information they need quickly, leading them to look elsewhere.
  4. Scepticism About ROI
    • Like many in your industry, you might view websites and branding as unnecessary expenses, rather than strategic investments.
    • Without clear data, it’s hard to justify allocating resources to something you’ve operated without for so long.

How We Can Help

At Merge Media, we specialise in helping established industrial businesses modernise their branding and online presence.

We understand that change can be daunting, but we’re here to make the process simple and effective. Here’s how we can help:

1. Create a Website That Works for You

  • Mobile-Friendly Design: We’ll create a website that looks great on any device, ensuring your customers can access what they need, whether they’re at their desks or on the go.
  • Clear Navigation and Information: Your website will showcase your services, highlight your expertise, and make it easy for customers to contact you.
  • Lead Generation: With strategically placed forms, calls-to-action, and SEO, your site will start working as your 24/7 salesperson.

2. Modernise Your Brand

  • Professional Logo Design: A new logo will reflect your company’s growth and professionalism.
  • Consistent Branding Across Materials: From business cards to brochures, we’ll ensure your brand stands out and leaves a lasting impression.
  • Industry-Specific Designs: Our experience with industrial clients means we’ll create branding that resonates with your target audience.

3. Boost Your Online Visibility

  • Search Engine Optimisation (SEO): We’ll help your site rank higher on Google, so new clients find you first.
  • Local SEO Strategies: Target nearby businesses and industrial parks to become the go-to provider in your area.
  • Ongoing Maintenance: Our hosting and maintenance plans ensure your site stays updated, secure, and functional.

4. Provide Data-Driven Results

  • We’ll track the performance of your website and marketing campaigns, giving you clear insights into the return on your investment.

Why Now?

Your competitors aren’t waiting to upgrade their digital presence…why should you?!

Clients expect more than just quality work—they want a seamless experience from start to finish, starting with your website. A modern brand and website can:

  • Attract higher-quality leads.
  • Improve client confidence in your professionalism.
  • Make your business stand out in a crowded market.

Ready to Future-Proof Your Business?

Here at Merge Media, we’ve helped companies like yours transform their brands and websites into powerful tools that drive business growth. Let’s show the world the company you’ve built and give you the digital tools to thrive in the years ahead.

Book a Free Consultation Today and let’s discuss how we can elevate your business to the next level.

Your future clients—and your competitors—are watching!

BOOK A CONSULTATION SEE OUR WORK
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Merge Media design beautiful branding across all media for brand consistency.

The Importance of Branding Consistency Across All Media

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In today’s highly competitive market, creating a strong and consistent brand is paramount.

Branding goes beyond a mere logo or tagline; it encompasses every aspect of how your business is perceived by customers.

One of the critical areas where branding consistency must be maintained is across all media, particularly on your website.

This article explores the significance of consistent branding and provides insights from industry experts on why it is essential for brand and business owners to establish robust branding before developing their website.

What is Branding Consistency?

 Branding consistency involves maintaining a uniform image and message across all platforms and marketing materials. This means that every piece of content, whether it’s your website, social media posts, signage, or promotional collateral, should reflect the same visual style, tone of voice, and core values. Consistency helps build recognition, trust, and loyalty among your audience.

Why is it important?

It Enhances Brand Recognition

Consistency in branding ensures that your audience can easily recognise your brand across various channels.  According to branding expert Neil Patel, consistent presentation of a brand increases revenue by up to 23% .

When customers see the same colours, logos, and messages repeated, it reinforces their memory and recognition of the brand. Neil Patel

Seth Godin, in “This is Marketing,” noted, “A brand is the set of expectations, memories, stories, and relationships that, taken together, account for a consumer’s decision to choose one product or service over another.” This quote highlights the role of consistency in building and sustaining consumer relationships and expectations.

 Strengthens Marketing Efforts & Supports Customer Loyalty 

Consistent branding creates a unified front for all marketing efforts. When your social media posts, advertisements, and website share the same design and messaging, it amplifies the impact of your marketing campaigns.  It also ensures that all marketing activities contribute to a cohesive brand narrative, making your campaigns more effective.

Branding consistency helps create an emotional connection with customers. When customers know what to expect from your brand, they are more likely to develop a sense of loyalty, leading to more referrals.

Why Consistency is Crucial for Websites

Your website is often the first point of contact between your brand and potential customers. Therefore, it is crucial that your website accurately reflects your brand’s identity.

If you would like some help with your branding or developing a brand guideline, get in touch!

BOOK A CHAT WITH US

 

 

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10 things to consider when setting up your business

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If you’re diving into the business world for the first time, the amount decisions you need to make can feel overwhelming. Where do you start?!

As a web and graphic designer passionate about helping my clients bring their visions to life, I’ve curated a list of 10 essential considerations to ensure your venture starts off the right way. From defining your brand identity to establishing a solid online presence, each step is crucial to laying the groundwork for your success.

When starting your business journey, here are a few things you need to do:

 

 

  1. Define Your Identity: Whether it’s choosing a business name or refining your brand identity, clarity is key. Reach out to Miranda at miranda@mergemedia.co.nz for expert marketing guidance if you’re having trouble!

  2. Check the Companies Office Register: Ensure your chosen business name is available, distinct, and not too similar to your competitors. Click here to check now. If it’s available, register it!

  3. Is your domain name available? Check availability on Discount Domains and secure your online presence. Make sure it’s not too long so it’s easy to fit on your marketing collateral. If it’s available, buy it!

  4. Set up your email address: Now that you’ve purchased your domain name, it’s time to set up your business email address. If this sounds too technical, get in touch and our team can help!

  5. Decide on your budget: We have a range of customisable packages available, check them out here or contact us for a free consultation to discuss your individual requirements.

  6. Gather inspiration: Have a look around at brands and logos you like. What do your competitors look like? While we may be great graphic designers, we are terrible mind readers! It’s our job to find out your likes and dislikes, so we’re heading down the right track from the start. Compile and share a Pinterest board with us or gather images from Google so we can see your preferences and brand vision. Find out more about briefing a graphic designer here.

  7. Do you have a memorable brand and logo? Complete our branding brief form here so we have all the information about your business we need to start. Once that’s designed and finalised, we’ll supply your logo guideline you need for signage and documentation.

  8. Get your website up and running: Starting with your key words in mind, we’ll create a site plan and website that becomes your #1 salesperson. Fill in our website brief form so we’ve got all the info we need!

  9. Write great content: You have the option of either writing web copy yourself, or if you don’t have time (the the know-how), our expert copywriter can help with Google-friendly content.

  10. Set up a Google My Business listing: This allows you to feature on Google Maps and gather client reviews. This is important for search engine optimisation purposes.

 

We’ve done it all before and helped many business owners get set up and on their way to business success!

If you need further guidance, get in touch with Renee for a free consultation.

YES PLEASE! BOOK ME IN!
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Why we love our design sub-contractors

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Quality design sub-contractors are worth their weight in gold…

Here at Merge Media we are proud to say that we work closely with a wide range of professional and quality sub-contractors for many, if not most, of our web and graphic design clients.

We can either work directly with them or can refer them onto our clients, whatever is preferred. Interested in learning more? We’ve put together below, 4 important reasons why we use and refer to quality sub-contractors as part of our business:

1. Skilled sub-contractors provide the best expertise

Skilled sub-contractors will offer a superior service and provide expert advice and services, such as our SEO expert, David Partis from Website Optimisers. Furthermore, they have been working in a specific field for a number of years and have had ample opportunity to hone their skills. With there being so many aspects to website optimisation for example, such as SEO/Adwords etc, having an expert in this field to refer to, is paramount. We want to make sure that your website can not only look its best, but rank well in Google too.

Over the years, we have come to know our sub-contractors personally and we are proud of the amazing work they do, which in turn, has helped our business grow and achieve excellent results for our clients.

2. Increased productivity

Increasing productivity is one of the biggest positives of working with quality and trusted sub-contractors. Our time is therefore increased – being able to focus on what Merge Media does best – creating stunning websites, branding and graphic design. We can get your job done faster for you, without compromising on quality.

3. It is cost efficient & risk adverse

Hiring the best sub-contractors is often much more cost effective than bringing on new, full-time employees – so these cost savings also get passed onto our clients. Even more importantly, it also helps avoid risk by hiring a reliable and safe sub-contractor, with substantial, specialised, experience.

4. We love to support local, skilled sub-contractors

Being actively involved in our local BNI group, we love to support our local, professional sub-contractors where we can – it helps them out, as well as us. Being able to get to know some of our highly skilled local sub-contractors has been valuable to our business, as we can be confident going forward using their services, knowing that our clients will be receiving only the best and in turn, achieving excellent results for their own businesses.

What sub-contractors do we use?

Here are Merge Media, our main sub-contractors we work with are photographers, signwriters, SEO consultants, marketing consultants, copywriters and web developers to name a few. These are all highly important people that we refer to for our projects, ensuring they are also adding value to your brand.

Click below, to find out more about our latest project for Pohutukawa Coast Vets – where we have utilised our amazing sub-contractors to achieve stunning signage, photography and a well optimised website.

MORE ABOUT THIS PROJECT CONTACT US FOR A FREE WEB CONSULTATION
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Time for a new brand or logo design?

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You’ve poured your heart and soul into your business, but have you done the same with your brand and logo?
 
These should both be working together in promoting your business and engaging your customers. You may have designed it yourself or had it designed many moons ago and you’ve realised that it just doesn’t represent what you’re trying to communicate.
 
If you’re on the fence about whether to go ahead with a brand and logo transformation, here are some things to ask yourself:

Read more

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