My husband and I are in the process of updating our bathrooms – which in addition to being painted entirely horrible colors are full to the brim with outdated brass fixtures, including a particularly heinous brass shower door in one of them.  Once we’re done, the bathrooms should be much more modern, comfortable and clean feeling.  And once the real estate market turns around, will be much more appealing to potential buyers.

What does this have to do with graphic design or small business?  Well, take a look at your marketing materials.  If’ it’s been awhile since they were revamped, they too may be filled to the brim with the graphic equivalent of brass – outdated graphics that turn off potential clients.

Do you still have a huge stack of brochures that were printed 10 years ago, but you want to use them up before doing new ones?  Unfortunately, it’s probably better to just let the old ones go unused.  Outdated materials send the wrong message to your potential customers.  They say, “We’re stuck 5, 10 or even 20 years ago”.  And with the speed at which business is now done, you cannot afford to send this message.

Can you think of marketing materials you’ve seen that were obviously outdated?  What did this do to your opinion of that company?

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