by David Akins

If you own a car dealership you know how tough competition can be. In order to keep a competitive edge you need to drive potential buyers in the doors of your establishment and give them a car buying experience they enjoy.  There are many unique ways to promote your business, but some of the most attractive and successful creative outdoor advertising campaigns include huge balloon displays.  Cloudbusters, one of the most popular big balloons on the market, are eye catching, easy to use affordable and create an atmosphere of fun.

Why Choose Cloudbusters-The #1 Big Balloon?

Reason 1: When it comes to a huge balloon display bigger is always better!
Cloudbuster balloons are the largest helium balloons on the market.  Generally these advertising specialty balloons are manufactured in 4 foot, 5.5 foot and 8 foot sizes.  They can also be flown as high as 65 – 150 feet on a stream of pennants, a decorative anchor line created to secure your Cloudbuster or advertising balloons. When ordering these huge balloons remember: the larger the Cloudbuster, the larger the impact. Cloudbuster advertising balloons are so affordable it is a worthwhile investment to buy a variety of 8 footers for your big balloon display.

Reason 2: The Durability of Cloudbuster Balloons
When you purchase supplies for a huge balloon advertising display durability is an important issue. Cloudbusters are made of a weather resistant material that protects against damage from ultra violet rays and makes them perfect for outdoor advertising. Although there is no guarantee of actual flying time due to weather and atmospheric conditions, Cloudbuster balloons can last up to 7 days. Since they are not reusable, these huge balloons are best brought indoors during the evening and bad weather such as wind and rain.

Reason 3: Create a Car Dealer Advertising Campaign that Encourages Your Customers to Have Fun, Fun, Fun!
Outdoor advertising specialists agree FUN is essential to the success of any creative outdoor advertising strategy.  In addition to purchasing your Cloudbuster balloons your car dealership staff must agree to provide every customer with an upbeat, customer service oriented, satisfying experience. You want everyone who comes through the door, whether they buy or not, to leave with a sense of excitement and the desire to return to your business in the future. Huge balloons strategies can also be complimented with other outdoor advertising ideas that create a fun and friendly atmosphere.

Think Outside the Box: Creative Advertising is Key to Car Dealership Success

Mac Gordon, a writer for Ward’s Dealer Business Magazine, wrote and article in the November 2007 issue entitled “They’re on the Road to Victory” (http://wardsdealer.com/salesmarketing/features/auto_theyre_road_victory/) about the success of the Victory Automotive Group.  Victory was ranked number 31 on the Ward’s Dealer Business Megadealer 100 for growing annual revenues to over 865 million in 2006 without pushing a single luxury brand automobile.
According to Gordon, “Blue balloons, amusing commercials, ‘Midnight Madness’ sales and frequent raffle giveaways keep the sales numbers and customer satisfaction ratings aloft at the 22 dealerships of the Victory Automotive group.”  John Montelone, general manager of Victory Honda in Plymouth, Michigan, believes the dealership success is not only due to their ability to attract potential buyers. “It’s also the fact that Hondas are such great cars,” he tells Mac Gordon, “and our showrooms are bright places to visit.”
In order to stay on top of the game car dealers must consider many factors when making marketing and advertising decisions. These factors are economic, technological, environmental, financial and most of all emotional.  It is essential that you evaluate how your customers feel.  Using Cloudbusters or other advertising balloons to create the perfect atmosphere of fun at your showroom can complement and enhance all other advertising efforts whether it’s through TV, radio or the Internet. Make car buying a celebration and customers will come through the doors again and again.

By David Akins

Party Rental Centers are a great one stop shopping experience for the person, or the professional who is part of a business or organization planning an event and wanting to make a splash. With just a little bit of help from the party rental center, customers can takeaway all they need to make their public event a success.

A party rental center should also assist the customer with ideas about methods of publicizing the event to the public, or directing participants to the event if it is private. In either case, latex balloons can function as way of getting attention from the public, or steering party or event guests in the right direction. Latex balloons are colorful, and inexpensive, and they are a creative outdoor advertising idea that is perfect for any type of event.

Latex Balloons En Route or at the Special Event
In some cases an event site is not on or near a main thoroughfare. Or maybe an event is in competition with another event the same day. A series of smaller sized latex balloons strategically placed around the event site or en route to the event can help direct people to the right location.

Colorful Promotional Balloons to Match Any Decorating Scheme – and Theme
Promotional balloons can be purchased in various colors to lighten the mood of the event or make it stand out through consistent use of a color or use of good color combinations. The good news is that latex balloons come in a variety of colors that are not just colors of the rainbow. Latex balloons can be purchased to complement the overall decorating scheme of the event.

Latex Balloons with Imprints
Latex balloons can also be purchased with imprints such as smiley faces or phrases such as ‘grand opening.’ Many party rental stores will sell latex balloons in 11” and 17” and 24” sizes. Some online retailers, such as ballooncountry.com, offer Tuf-Tex© latex balloons in 36” 60” and 70” sizes for more variety. These stunning latex balloons can really make a lasting impression and draw a great deal of attention to a special event. Add some smiley faces to the larger latex balloons and watch the crowds get drawn in.

Helium Tanks and Accessories
When renting balloons for a public event where the sheer number of balloons to be inflated seems daunting and the balloons need to be airborne, always remember the helium tank. Purchase or rent a helium tank with a balloon order to save time.

Ribbons, Lines, and other Necessities
Ribbons can add even more pizzazz to an event balloon display. Don’t forget the safety lines for the larger balloons that float high in the air. And, when renting a helium tank, always include safety stands and mounting brackets in the order.

Cloudbuster Balloons
A giant advertising balloon can be a big hit in attracting attention to a public event. The cloudbuster balloon is a popular choice for the event that needs to stand out among the crowd. Party rental stores can keep cloudbuster balloons on hand for the extra special events that need to sparkle.

Latex balloons are a safe, easy way to attract attention to any special event, that are easily removed once the event is over. Party Rental Centers need to stock latex balloons and supplies, to help the party organizer create a successful party.

Creative advertising ideas are essential to the success of any marketing plan. In order to leave a lasting and memorable impression on thousands of potential customers, outdoor advertising must clearly and concisely express your message and that message must support your brand image. There are many options to choose from when it comes to advertising supplies and services. When you investigate the credentials and experience of a marketing or advertising firm be sure and find out if they have an advertising promotional specialty. For example, a well-established, outdoor advertising company would be the best choice if you want to execute a powerful and successful outdoor advertising campaign.

Be Unforgettable: Creative Outdoor Advertising Ideas

Outdoor advertising can take many forms. You can drive a company car and have it custom painted with your company logo and contact information. You can execute a billboard campaign locally, regionally or nationally. Some businesses prefer to paint a mural on their storefront or participate in the local holiday parade by building or sponsoring a float. You can purchase or rent a huge promotional balloon or invest in producing a promotional event to attract new potential customers to your place of business.

Originality is the Key: Give Your Creative Outdoor Advertising Competition a Run for the Money

Originality is the most important creative strategy in advertising. In America today consumers are bombarded by so many types of media, you don’t want to just grab their attention — you want to keep their attention. This will help you maintain your competitive edge and become profitable over the long term. One example of this is car dealer advertising. Car dealers often have commercials that are redundant and consistently present similar images. For instance how many times have you seen a truck, SUV or jeep driving through the desert or forest, crossing mountains and rivers in a commercial? It may have been a creative advertising idea the first time a car dealer promotion featured it, but now it is commonplace and predictable. Car dealers now are searching for something new that will set them apart from the rest. Plan a holiday event where a portion of the day’s profits benefits a charity and use this as part of your holiday advertising strategy. You may also consider running a car dealer promotion with advertising balloons to announce the event and draw in the public.

Emotional Branding: How Do Your Customers Feel?

Creative advertising ideas can be successful and profitable, but they must also be emotional. It is essential that every company think about how they want their customers to feel. If your company brand evokes emotions like loyalty, satisfaction, security, excitement or comfort it can generate much faster growth. Creative outdoor advertising can help you establish the brand image you need to attract and keep your best clientele.

Creative advertising ideas are a great way to refresh your company brand and invite new potential customers to your doorstep. Whether you own a gas station or a clothing store, whether you need to enhance your car dealer advertising or the marketing plan for your hospital, creative outdoor advertising can be the answer. Just remember, it is important that you complete the proper market research and create a tracking plan to monitor the success of the outdoor advertising campaign. For more information on creative outdoor advertising visit http://www.BalloonCountry.com.

Car dealers who consider balloon advertising may want to consider the use of polyurethane balloons over latex balloons because they are reusable and latex balloons are not. The cost savings can be significant, especially if the car dealer uses them regularly to conduct an outdoor advertising campaign. A promotional balloon that is positioned correctly near traffic, with the right message, can draw new business to the car dealer on a regular basis.

Following is an interview with David Akins, owner of Balloon Country. He has been in the promotional balloon business for over 20 years. The interview with Akins gives details about the reason why polyurethane balloons are a more economic choice for car dealers in search of a creative strategy in advertising.

Q: What is the price difference between a polyurethane balloon and a latex balloon?
A: A customer may purchase a $30-$50 latex balloon for one time use. If the same customer paid between $110-$300 for the same size balloon in polyurethane, they could use it over and over again, saving money.
Q: So, other than the reusability factor, why do polyurethane balloons cost more money?
A: Polyurethane balloons are very durable. They are made of a thicker type material. The color also holds better in polyurethane balloons.

Q: Which types of businesses and organizations most commonly request polyurethane balloons?
A: Car dealers, churches, retail outlets, supermarkets and others are the most common types of businesses that use polyurethane balloons for outdoor advertising. Many are advertising special events, but some are using these promotional balloons to attract business on a regular basis, or draw attention to a special sale.

Q: A huge balloon can attract a great deal of attention, that’s for sure. What are the color choices with polyurethane balloons? Are they limited?
A: There are three to four different colors to choose from, depending upon the size chosen. My company sells polyurethane balloons in red, orange, blue and yellow..

Q: Say a car dealer wanted to purchase polyurethane balloons for promotional outdoor advertising. Are there other items necessary to launch promotional balloons?
A: Yes. My company sells polyurethane balloons with the tether line and an option to purchase a refill house. Because of the reusability factor, business owners will want to lease a helium tank with the polyurethane balloon for ongoing use. Or, if they only use the polyurethane balloon periodically, they may simply rent one as needed.

Q: Is filling a polyurethane balloon different than filling a latex balloon with helium?
A: Well, both types of balloons respond to changes in temperature by slightly deflating when going from warm to cold and slightly inflating when going from cold to warm. So the person using the balloon should always take care not to overfill the balloon or under fill the balloon by knowing about the temperature in the environments the balloons will be in and filling them accordingly. To answer your question, though, polyurethane balloons offer far more flexibility than latex balloons.

In competitive industries such as car sales, promotional balloon advertising can make a difference in reaching sales quotas. Since the cars are actually on display in an outdoor environment, promotional balloons are an effective method of attracting attention to the car or truck for sale or on special. Visit http://www.ballooncountry.com/catalog/index.php?cPath=27 for a complete selection of polyurethane balloons.

Real estate advertising campaigns rarely contain the ‘reach out and touch you’ component. Often real estate professionals will advertise in magazines and newspapers and on television. There are parts of the homebuyer population that are not accessible this way. Let me suggest another alternative to traditional real estate advertising campaigns that may result in a higher return on investment, along with the chance to win a sale directly – face to face.

Promotional Balloons Help Sell a Property
A promotional balloon display is a great marketing device for a real estate professional because it reaches the consumer directly. In this buyer’s market many homes are sitting for six months or longer. Real estate professionals need to employ innovative real estate advertising ideas now more than ever. Balloon advertising is not only economic, it is effective in getting the homebuyer’s attention.

Helium balloons are great outdoor advertising signs that will gain the attention of the driver because of brightly colored messages. They can also serve as directions to an open house location or a property for rent.

Some effective real estate advertising balloons:

Open House Balloon
The 17” Latex balloon http://www.ballooncountry.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=29&products_id=90 comes imprinted with ‘open house’ on them. A supply of 50 or more balloons ensures that there will be enough to mark the way to the open house location. Drivers can follow balloons and signs.

Now Leasing Balloon
Designed for residential and commercial property rentals, the ‘now leasing’ latex balloons http://www.ballooncountry.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=29&products_id=93
are a popular way to attract attention from a prospective renter. These helium balloons are a great real estate advertising idea for a commercial or residential property which may be close to a main thoroughfare, or on one. These balloons can be used to help mark the way for prospective renter find the property easily, if it is not on or near a main road.

Promotional balloons may be used in abundance at a leasing location to make a splash.

Professionals in this real estate market will want to incorporate promotional balloons into real estate advertising campaigns. It’s a wonderful way to attract attention to a property. And, this creative advertising technique can help sell or rent a property in no time.

– David Akins

In today’s world there are numerous ways to market your business, services or products. As digital technology advances, the marketing possibilities are limitless and the competition fierce. So, how can you make your company stand out among the rest? You must develop strategies to be creative in advertising, marketing and public relations. Whether you choose the Internet, print ads, radio, outdoor advertising or TV as your medium, creative advertising ideas and original marketing strategies targeted at your perfect customer can really work.

Creative Advertising Ideas that Increase Your Competitive Edge

There are over 6 billion people on the planet and to support the needs of these people there are millions of companies providing a wide variety of services and products. Improving your competitive edge in the marketplace is essential regardless of your industry. If you can find unique ways to promote your business you can retain existing customers, attract new customers and brand your company image. Originality and creativity are often lacking in advertising, marketing and PR campaigns. Too often companies within the same industry mimic one another. In order to build long-term relationships with your clientele you must reach out to them in a personal and memorable way. For example, consider highly competitive markets such as real estate advertising and car dealer promotion. There are hundreds of thousands of car dealer advertising and real estate advertising campaigns happening every year in the United States. What creative strategy in advertising will make a car dealer shine brighter than all the rest? Can you think of a creative advertising idea that will make one real estate advertising campaign more compelling than all the rest? Here are some suggestions:

Outdoor Advertising Specialists-Ways to Enhance Real Estate Advertising and Marketing or Car Dealer Promotion

Real estate in 2007 is a changing market. As a buyer’s market has emerged all over the country, real estate agent advertising has become increasingly important and competitive. Car dealer advertising has also become competitive as the economy shift with rising gas prices. So, how can you make a powerful lasting impression on consumers? Creative outdoor advertising is one way to reach a wide array of potential customers. Billboards can be highly effective when smart, creative advertising campaigns are well executed visually and geographically. Outdoor event production and promotion can also provide excellent return on investment. Consider what locations, seasonal climates, holiday events and charity or community events are in alignment with your marketing and advertising goals. You can hire an outdoor advertising specialist to help you plan a company event or partner with other organizations to sponsor local or national events like fundraisers, fairs, holiday parades, concerts or festivals. Another creative outdoor advertising idea is custom designed helium balloons. To celebrate an event or grand opening creative advertising campaigns displaying large helium balloons can be a fun and unique way of catching the attention of potential customers. If you participate in a holiday parade or festival check into a huge balloon display or promotional balloon design prominently featured. This can bring a clear message to the public about who you are, what you do and why they should consider your company.

The Possibilities Are Endless! Strategies to Be Creative in Advertising

Standing out in the crowd is what marketing and advertising are all about. Regardless of your industry, creative advertising ideas are essential to long-term success whether you’re marketing on your own or employing an advertising specialist. All forms of communication: TV, radio, Internet, print media, outdoor advertising or promotional products, can be used to plan, execute and track creative advertising campaigns. Simply let go of your assumptions and try to step into the shoes of your ideal customer. Ask yourself what they want and you will start to formulate a creative strategy in advertising that will increase your company’s visibility and profitability. For more information on creative advertising ideas, creative outdoor advertising and unique ways to promote your business visit http://www.BalloonCountry.com.

by David Akins

Need a creative strategy for advertising your holiday event promotion? Why not consider balloon advertising to get your message across?Whether it’s a Christmas social, or a special business promotion, helium balloons are a great, economical way to attract the attention you need this holiday season to grow your business.

Advertising Promotional Specialty
A huge balloon can attract the attention from a walk-by or drive by crowd.  Or, perhaps it is a set of smaller, mylar balloons with company logo or holiday  themes imprinted on them that will attract attention. Whatever your needs, an advertising balloon is a creative advertising technique that will get your special event, product, or service noticed.

Shipping Promotional Balloons
As CEO of Balloon Country, my professionally trained staff understands the importance of expediting balloon orders, especially around the holiday shopping season.  We do our absolute best to ship orders the same day they are received.  Online orders are expedited the same day they are received. Customers are encouraged to call us to confirm that online orders will be processed that same day, to ensure even quicker service.

Balloon Country provides the highest quality balloon advertising and guarantees shipment via next day air, second day air, or ground air shipping, whichever you prefer.

Balloons:  A Creative Advertising Idea
At Balloon Country, we provide our customers with the best advertising product at the best price. We buy in volume and pass this savings on to the consumer in search of an effective creative advertising technique.

Don’t forget we always offer free shipping for orders of $125 or more. So don’t delay, and place your holiday balloon order in advance of your special event, promotion, or holiday party so you can have the balloons you want, with your logo or a holiday impression, on time for the big event.

    The successful business owner or manager must rethink marketing strategies during times of change. Implement new methods of reaching new markets and watch your sales figures grow.

The truth is that the business that thrives and survives is the one with a creative marketing plan designed to reach larger, untapped audiences. To reach out to newer audiences it is important that a marketing plan is well conceived and consistent.

Outdoor Advertising Helps Sell Cars and Real Estate
Well, what about the people who drive or walk by your business location or a property for sale everyday?  In some cases, where businesses are on main thoroughfares, there are thousands of people passing by.  Are they even aware you have something to sell? Outdoor advertising ideas are an effective method of tapping into this market.

A brilliant visual element — such as a brightly colored balloon — will draw the eye into the business space and tempt the passerby to engage. This causes a stronger focus on the actual product on sale, such as a car.

Over the last 25 years, the quality of balloons has improved greatly. The good news is that now, there are balloons specifically designed to weather the elements and provide outdoor advertising consistently and economically.   All the business owner needs is a helium tank and some ribbon or rope to get started.

Searching for Creative Real Estate Advertising Ideas?
Real Estate advertising is traditionally an outdoor advertising market because the ‘for sale’ sign figures prominently in the campaign. Yet, in a real estate market where there’s a flood of signs a professional needs to make an extra effort for some attention. Balloons are a great way to distinguish one property from the rest on the market. For the savvy real estate professional that needs to make sure open houses are well attended, balloons with the imprint ‘open house’ can be placed outside the property and along the route leading up to it for maximum exposure.

Create an Outdoor Real Estate Advertising Campaign
In a competitive real estate market, it is important that open houses are attended and commercial properties are visited and stand out among the rest. First, make a commitment of resources to finance an outdoor real estate advertising campaign.  Then, commit funds to a balloon budget to get started. Consider using latex balloons for short-term events, such as an open house for a residence or commercial property. There are a variety of sizes in latex balloon and prices are very affordable, for $10-20 for 72 balloons (or less).  Larger latex balloons between 3-6’ can be purchased individually ranging from $4-20 each. Logo imprints are pretty cost effective, too, at around .15-.32 for each balloon.  For larger balloons the logo imprints may cost $2-$4 each. They are well worth it.

Car Dealer Promotion – Grab the Attention of the Passerby
Polyurethane Balloons are durable, colorful, and larger than the average balloon, with 7 foot spans and bigger. A car dealer looking for effective and economic advertising balloons will select these for their promotion.  These eye-catching balloons are reusable.  So long as the car dealer takes care in using them in safe weather, they can last a long time.  Of course these polyurethane balloons are perfect for other types of promotions and special events too, and can be imprinted with logos.

Benefits of Outdoor Advertising for Car Dealer
The positive effects  of outdoor advertising for a car dealer are enormous.  Gaining the interest of a passerby that may even pass the location each day could be a huge benefit to any car dealer looking to improve their business.  The larger polyurethane balloons will help to brand the company name in a less expensive manner than traditional means such as posters, mailers, newspaper advertisements or other methods.  The fact that polyurethane balloons are reusable cuts down on the cost factor tremendously, and adds a great deal of value to the purchase of this type of balloon for consistent marketing.

by David Akins

CEO, Balloon Country