A dynamic Web presence is crucial to success for any type of retailer in today's social-networked, internet-based marketplace, and graphic design is a central component in establishing a company’s brand and communicating the right message.

During two seminars hosted by AmericasMart University as part of The Atlanta International Gift & Home Furnishings Market, Vicky Jones provided these insights and more to an audience of retailers intent on learning how they can grow and improve their businesses.

AmericasMart^® University (AMU), an extension of the largest wholesale marketplace of its kind, is an educational program covering business fundamentals to equip retailers with the best tools and techniques to stay competitive and grow. The one-hour classes are offered during the January and July Gift Markets.

Jones' first seminar focused on the importance of graphic design and examined the tenants of a successful brand, while also providing a process that will lead to a differentiated, sustainable identity. She advised the audience in the same way she advises her clients on a daily basis, saying, "Make the development of your brand a priority.  Consistency is the foundation of solid brand equity."

When the subject turned to interactive in her second seminar, the interest and enthusiasm among the attendees resulted in the second-highest attendance at AMU. In establishing the priority a website plays in the overall health of a business, Jones stressed that simply having a website is not enough. It is the front door to a company’s brand and must be designed in a way that effectively and succinctly communicates the essence of the brand promise.

The attendees were given the roadmap to develop, launch and market a website, and Jones provided tools to measure traffic and how the results of web analytics can help companies refine not only their online presence, but their overall marketing communications efforts. Leaving the audience with a final thought, Jones said, "You don't need to break the bank (to develop a successful site), but you do need to break a sweat."

About The Jones Group
The Jones Group is an Atlanta-based, full-service creative agency that focuses on reinforcing and enhancing brand image through effective marketing and visual communication strategies designed to increase profitability with a measurable record of success. The company’s diverse portfolio encompasses brand identity programs and annual reports, as well as corporate collateral and national promotions. The talented team produces award-winning work spanning print, interactive and environmental display media. Clients include some of the world’s largest companies and most recognized brands, including The Coca-Cola Company, Cox Communications, Georgia-Pacific Corporation, UPS and Mohawk Industries.