ranch house designs corporate brochure

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BRAND BUILDERSDREAM MAKERSRunning a successful livestock business is a dream we share. And, it can be one of the most rewarding things you’ll ever do. It can also be one of the most complicated, overwhelming, and time-consuming endeavors you’ll ever undertake. Ranch House Designs can help. Together, we’ll partner with you to design a sound advertising strategy and build the business you envision, brick-by-marketing-brick. Let’s get started....

Rachel and Mollie Cutrer, V8 Ranch

Rachel and Brandon Cutrer judging showmanship at

the 2014 National Junior Shorthorn Show

Rachel at the 2014 Houston Livestock Show

representing V8 Ranch

Rachel Cutrer and Catherine Neumayr, ages 7 and 3

Rachel with her first show heifer, “Mary Poppins” winning Grand Champion American Heifer at the 1987 Belt Buckle Bonanza

BUILDING RANCH HOUSE TOHELP OTHERS LIVE THE DREAMFor seven generations, innovation has been a part of my family’s legacy – from when my great-great-great-great widowed grandmother, Rachel Ann Northington Hudgins, purchased 11,000 acres of land to build the J.D. Hudgins ranch, to the gamble my grandparents, Sloan and Mollie Williams, made in 1974 to buy the famed V8 Ranch. And, as young newlyweds, it was a risk for my husband and me to take out a $300,000 loan to buy a herd of Brahman cattle to grow our business.

Those of us in the business know why we do it. Who wouldn’t love the strategy that goes into breeding, feeding, caring for, and even showing amazing cattle?

Maybe, like me, you’ve been in a pasture and thought ‘My cattle look great… but how do I get people to know about them?’ It’s why I created Ranch House Designs, Inc., the worldwide leader in livestock advertising. The livestock industry has been built on passion and family tradition; it requires heart, soul, and a lot of hard work. Thoughtful marketing strategies make the most of the risks we take to ‘make it’ in this field; they are the key to improving profitability and creating a better life for our families—the key to making dreams a reality.

My own family’s ranching business was the inspiration for Ranch House Designs. In fact, my family was my first client. As a sophomore in college (in the days when websites were just two colors), I built a website to help promote our family’s large Brahman cowherd reduction sale. My grandfather was shocked when people showed up at the ranch with printouts of the sale offerings before the official catalog had even been mailed—they’d found them online, of course! One by one, friends and family began asking me to help with their ranches…

I soon realized that there was a need to be filled in livestock advertising—a need for someone who knew the principles of modern marketing, but who also knew the industry inside and out. Ranchers need someone they can trust who understands their game plan; someone who can help make it a successful one using today’s technology to enhance the long-standing traditions in our industry. I love seeing my ideas help increase sales and profitability for ranchers across the world. I understand this business because I liveit every day.

Now that you know the reason why we do it, I invite you to learn more about the work we do and the way we do it. I look forward to helping you build your brand and live your dream.

Rachel Williams CutrerRachel Williams Cutrer, Founder & CEO


GETTING STARTED

CREATING YOUR MARKETING BLUEPRINT

There’s a lot of jargon in marketing and advertising. What do SEO and PPC stand for? What’s a Long-Tail Keyword? (Hint: it’s not a new breed of cattle). At Ranch House Designs, we speak your language, not marketing mumbo jumbo. In fact, you’ll get a whole lot of plain talk from us. Our goal is to guide your business to success. That takes honest communication and close collaboration.

YOURYOUR YOURBUDGETSIZE GOALS

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As architects of your company’s marketing and advertising plan, we’ll look closely at your unique needs, whether you’re a small family farm or a large worldwide brand. We’ll tell you if we think your idea will be effective, or not. And, we’ll present a marketing blueprint: solutions that make sense for your size, your budget and your goals.

We don’t just talk the talk; we walk the walk. These days, many advertising agencies outsource design work to unknown vendors they’ve never even met. All of our work is done in-house, by Americans who’ve spent their entire lives in the livestock industry. We’ve earned the title of Agricultural Marketing Experts, and we intend to keep it. Every Ranch House Design employee brings first-hand experience and an industry-based perspective to the table, putting both to work for you.

WE DON’T JUST TALK THE TALKWE WALK THE WALK


WHY CONSISTENCYIS KEY

“We used to take advantage of the design services breed journals offered, but juggling deadlines, different designs, and communication with multiple people cost us valuable work time and brand consistency. With Ranch House Designs managing our print advertising, the guesswork is gone —Bovine Elite now has a strong, consistently branded look and more free time to focus on our business. ”

Webb FieldsSire Procurement Manager, Bovine Elite

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WEBSITESBRING CUSTOMERS TO YOUR FRONT DOOR

What’s faster than the speed of light? The speed of the internet. It seems that every few years, it’s a whole new world on the World Wide Web.

IS YOUR WEBSITE MOBILE

RESPONSIVE? IT SHOULD BE.

For example, did you know that Google now penalizes websites that aren’t mobile-friendly? If your website is more than a few years old, chances are, it’s time for a new site.

90%

75%

80%

95%of potential clients will Google your website before doing businesswith you.

of our clients report using their mobile phones 70% of the time to view websites.

of those potential customers will look elsewhere if you don’t have a website!

of the agricultural marketing industry is not yet mobile friendly.


1. PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHY — It’s an investment that pays for itself almost immediately. You’ll be able to use the images on your website, in print advertising and elsewhere.

2. YOUR STORY — People like doing business with people. The most frequently visited website pages are About Us pages detailing your biography, your company’s history and your team.

3. AN OUTLINE — What do you want to communicate about your business? Start making a list of pages you’d like to see on your site.

4. FAVORITES — Pay attention to other websites while you surf the internet. Bookmark them and share them with your designers so they can get a better feel for your design preferences.

OUR WEBSITES LOOK EQUALLY GOOD ON DESKTOPS, TABLETS, AND SMARTPHONES.

4 GREAT WAYS TO PREPARE FOR YOUR WEBSITE DESIGN

At Ranch House Designs, we build responsive websites, meaning that they work equally well on desktops, tablets and smartphones. We keep you on the cutting edge of technology, using strategies that put you at the top of search engines and bring customers to your front door - or at least to your web address! When you have a sharp-looking, fully functioning, mobile-optimized website, it shows your customers that you’re willing to invest in your business and enhances your credibility. The payoff: your clients will be more willing to invest in your business, too!


IS YOUR WEBSITE THE HEART OF YOUR BRAND?IT SHOULD BE

They say that the kitchen is the heart of the home. It’s where meals are created and where people gather to fuel their bodies and their spirits. In large part, life is lived in the kitchen. Much like the kitchen, your website is the hub of your brand—it’s the place where people instinctively go to contact you, to learn more about you, and to see what’s cookin’ in your business.

Your website is where people will instinctively go to contact you, learn

more about you, and to see what’s cookin’ with your business!

Mollie Jo Cutrer, V8 Ranch | ranchhousedesigns.com12

TWO WORDS:

With a website, you can’t just “set it and forget it”You should be continually updating your site to keep it fresh and relevant and to give people a reason to come back for more. That’s why, at Ranch House Designs, we offer a unique and invaluable service: unlimited text and photo updates at no additional charge. And, in most cases, our updates are completed with same-day service!

Whereas most companies charge either a set fee or an hourly rate per update, we do it at no additional charge. Unlimited updates are just a small part of our website management program which also includes domain name registration, web hosting, and regular security updates. You can think of it like this: we not only build or remodel your kitchen; we keep it clean and tidy—for life!

And there’s more: our website management service includes sending you proactive reminders featuring your sales and events on our own social media platforms; and partnering with you to keep your site fully maintained.

UNLIMITED UPDATES


EVERYTHING YOURANCH HOUSE ROOFNEED UNDER THE

“For more than a decade, Ranch House Designs has been our go-to company for most of our advertising needs; we have no need to go to several different companies when Ranch House Designs does it all so well. As a fifth generation rancher and an active member of the beef community, I recognize quality when I see it. Ranch House Designs is a first-class, full-service operation. The work they do for us enhances our brand and adds profit to our bottom line..”

Coleman LockePresident, J.D. Hudgins, Inc.

Past Chairman of the Texas Beef Council, Former National Cattlemen’s Beef Association Federation Director,

Past President of the American Brahman Breeder’s Association,and Member of the Texas Animal Health Commission


A great logo is deceptively simple and incredibly hard-working. That one small emblem supports your entire brand - it represents your company and what you stand for; it helps people recognize you; it evokes emotion from your customers. So, it’s often a natural starting place when we begin working with a new customer.

A great, iconic logo may look effortless, but trust us - countless hours of thought went into the process!

Here are some questions we ask our clients to help create a great visual foundation for their company:

LOGOS: A STRONG FOUNDATIONFOR YOUR BRAND

1. HOW WILL YOU USE YOUR LOGO? Do you want to embroider it on caps and jackets? Do you want to print it on large banners? Will you use it on websites and social media forums? Your answers will determine the shape, styles and colors we will recommend.

2. WHICH LOGOS DO YOU LIKE? Pay attention to the logos of the brands you use every day. Which ones appeal to you and why? Start collecting them (Hint: snap photos with your smartphone) and email them to your project manager. It will help us get a better understanding of your preferences and your vision.

3. WILL YOU DARE TO BE DIFFERENT? We’ve worked with hundreds of companies, and our experience has taught us that those who dare to be different do well. Don’t be afraid to stand out in the crowd; if all of your competitors use red and black as brand colors, don’t follow suit. If they all use images, consider a text-based logo.


KNOW YOUR LOGOTHE BASICS

Most logos can be placed into the following categories. After collecting logos that you like, compare them to the styles listed below. You may notice a pattern to what style of logo you prefer. Share what you find with your designer. This information will help your designer get to the right solution faster!

Icon logos use letters, graphics or a combination of both to create a bold mark for you business. Think of major brands like Apple, Shell, and Nike.

An emblem, badge or crest logo is one in which the design elements are typically contained within a background shape. Think of brands like Harley Davidsonand Starbucks.

Graphic logos are usually more detailed and artistic than an icon. While this is a fun option, it is good to keep in mind that very detailed logos may not size-down as well as a more simple option.

ICON

WORDMARK EMBLEM

GRAPHIC

Fences and barns need fresh coats of paint. So do logos. Maybe you already have a logo, one you’ve had for years, and it seems to be working just fine. Why fix what isn’t broken? We have seven words for you: Rocky Mountain jeans, avocado sink, bouffant hairdo. Sure, those pants may still fit (good for you, if they do!), the sink still drains, and you’ve got your hair care routine down to a science. But that doesn’t mean it’s not time for a change. At Ranch House Designs, we excel at freshening up your logo while still respecting the integrity of your original design.

Wordmark logos are ultra-flexible, and place emphasis on the business name, making it a great option for businesses with unique names. Wordmark doesn’t mean boring! Personality is conveyed through expert font selection and letter customization.


WHY WE WON’TBUT THE BESTSETTLE FOR ANYTHING

“Our company’s reputation is built on high quality in everything we do, from our genetics to our beef product to our customer service. So, it only stands to reason that our boss won’t settle for anything but the best with our marketing efforts. Ranch House Designs has earned our highest praise for consistently delivering high-quality, high-end design with high-class service.”

Nick HammettMarketing Manager, Circle A Angus


60% OF PEOPLE PREFER

WATCHING VIDEO OVER READING

88% OF PEOPLE SPEND MORE TIME ON A WEBSITE THAT FEATURES VIDEO

KNOCK DOWN WALLSPUT UP A VIDEOThe surest way to create a stronger and more immediate impact on your customers is to create a video. 60% of people prefer watching video over reading text, and the average website user spends 88% more time on a website that features a video.

Videos remove barriers, allowing you to visually communicate your unique selling points and allowing your customers to get a true glimpse into your brand. They also build emotional connections; if you’ve ever laughed or cried while watching a video, then you know exactly what we mean. That’s why people remember videos, and why they are such a powerful tool for increasing your brand recognition.

Videos for advertising, marketing and promotion can give your business an edge over your business competitors, making you the customer’s “first choice”. It’s the best way to showcase your story and build client relationships. And, for the value it creates, online video is a cost-effective and versatile tool that you can use across many platforms—your website, YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram,just to name a few.


EVERYTHINGI EXPECTED

AND MORE“We pour our hearts and souls into our work and we stand behind it 100%. So does Ranch House Designs. I expected them to produce great work, but what I didn’t anticipate was the added benefit RHD doesn’t advertise—not a week goes by that I don’t tap into Rachel Williams Cutrer’s insight, ranch experience and creativity. She helps elevate my businesses and my marketing ideas to an entirely new level. ”

Randa StarnesOwner, Tennessee River Music Ranch


A DIFFERENT KIND OF TAGGING

SOCIAL MEDIA

Social media and email marketing make your customers feel welcomed, connected, and valued. Platforms like Facebook and Instagram are where customers often go to go to leave a friendly message, see your latest photos, or even chatwith you online.

Business is about relationships and so is social media. When used correctly, social media can be a powerful tool for your business—you’ll connect with more people and, ultimately, generate more sales. Ranch House Designs can help you create regular, engaging content that keeps your audience coming back for more.

The livestock business is about

relationships and so is social media!


SOCIAL MEDIA IS A POWERFUL TOOL FOR YOUR BUSINESS!

HERE ARE A FEW IDEASGUARANTEED TO CREATE

ENGAGEMENT FROM YOUR FOLLOWERS:Share photos of your team celebrating your company anniversary or the CEO’s Birthday.

Start a conversation... and keep it going!

Share a joke or a cartoon that relates to your industry.

Ask for feedback — on your new logo design, for example.

Give a helpful tip or teach a short, but interesting lesson.

Be sure to keep your content professional, relevant and post consistently!


We have worked with RHD on many occasions in the past 15 years. We love Rachel’s creativity and drive to be cutting edge. We have also enjoyed attending her marketing workshops. We wouldn’t be where we are today from a marketing standpoint without the guidance of RHD when we were starting out.” -Matt Lautner

“AMS has used RHD for our website design for more than 15 years. We were one of Rachel’s first clients in fact. We appreciate their fast updates. They also keep us informed of changing technology and new tools that we can use to better serve our clients online.” -Jeff & Darla Aegerter

“RHD is an excellent company to work with. The staff is professional, knowledgeable and they have done a wonderful job with our website and marketing for SEK Genetics!”-Traci Coover

“Ranch House has always gone above and beyond our expectations with every project they’ve worked on for Prairie Hills Gelbvieh. Having designers that understand the seedstock marketing business has been invaluable, and it shows in their designs. Their ability to manage our website, print, and social media advertising has allowed us to present a high quality, consistent appearance to our customers. They are truly a one-stop shop!” -Klint Sickler

HAPPY CLIENTS SAY IT BEST! “Bonham Show Cattle uses RHD to do our website and they have also done a lot of vinyl banners for us to showcase our champions. We like the fact that they are active in the industry and know the business. They do a great job.” - Steve Bonham

“We have worked with Rachel and the RHD team on many projects over the last 15 years - ads, postcards, videos and our website. They know what’s important and what works. They understand that when it’s sale time, things need to get done fast and accurately, and that’s one of the reasons we like working with them.” - Matt & Amanda Leo

“It has been a pleasure working with Ranch House Designs, their work is high quality backed by integrity. Ranch House Designs has broadened our horizons on marketing our Beefmaster cattle then the traditional ways of advertising. Without a doubt I highly recommend Ranch House Designs to help market your program.” - Lauren Lyssy

“WOW! We love the look of our print ad designed by RHD to promote our bull at Denver. They did an awesome job with the design and making the cattle stand out. The more we look at it the more WE LOVE IT!!!” -Amie Stertzbach

“I first chose Ranch House Designs to host my website because of their unique yet professional designs and I continue to use them for my website and promotional items because of their top notch service and high quality products.” -T. J. Curtin

“Ranch House Designs has such a vast knowledge of the livestock market that when we needed a website, stall signs, business cards, flyers, and banners for KGB Cattle it was obvious who I should call. Because of their knowledge you reduce the number of questions and the turn around surpasses any expectations.” - Anna Krueger

“Simply put...RHD designed the best sale catalog we have been able to offer in 26 years! To all the staff at RHD...THANKS!” - Raile Beef Genetics

“The website RHD designed for our Burns Herefords is wonderful! Thank you so much for all your help! We are really pleased with the results.”- Katie Burns

“We chose RHD to design our website for Canadian Charolais Association because of their expertise in the agriculture field and specifically, the livestock sector. We needed someone who understands our business and could provide a user-friendly, timeless design. RHD has and continues to be a pleasure to work with, they offer efficient services with their clients’ best interests at heart. I recommend them any chance I get!“- Mel Reekie

“Ranch House Designs does great work and are a pleasure to work with. I use them for websites for both Rock Ridge Herefords and Thoroughbreds.”Codee Guffey

“We have worked with RHD for more than 10 years on our cattle website. We like the fact that Rachel and her team understand the cattle business and what it takes to have a great website for a farm. We also appreciate how fast updates are made during the important times of the year like our sale season.” - John & Dede Sullivan

“Timely updates and a user friendly website are critical to our success and RHD has executed both of those flawlessly. The creative and helpful staff are always up for the challenge of accomplishing our unique branding. We are as critical as one can be of content and eye appeal of marketing, RHD has exceeded our expectations year after year.”-Ashley Hueber


End Panel DesignSilver Maple Dexters

Package C WebsiteTennessee River Music

Business Card DesignGray Cattle Co.y

1-Page Ad DesignV8 Ranchy

2-page Ad DesignBovine Elite


EVERYTHING YOU NEEDUNDER ONE ROOF

Marketing is a vast field, and our services cover a lot of territory. Founder Rachel Cutrer has built a strong team of professionals with the know-how to effectively take care of all of your marketing needs right here under the Ranch House roof. Whether its website design or graphic design, print ad management or social media management, we can help:

Concept creationLogo design Business cardsLetterheadMarket researchMedia managementPhotographyPublic relationsWriting

Blogger relations and managementEmail marketingEvent coverageFacebook graphicsFacebook pages & advertisingSocial media management

Mobile responsive websitesWebsite designWebsite managementE-mail blasts & video blastsVideo

Ad & flyer designBrochuresCatalogsNewsletters and publicationsPostcardsSigns and bannersTrade show signage and booths

BRAND MARKETING

social Media

website & Digital designGraphic Design


We’re a 5-time winner of the Aggie 100 Award and winners of more than 40 first-place national design awards from the Livestock Publications Council.

Our CEO, Rachel Cutrer is the author of two books on livestock marketing that are used at universities worldwide.


A GOOD FOUNDATIONSETS YOU UP FOR SUCCESS

Anything worth building is worth building well.

With care and precision. Rachel Cutrer, founder of Ranch House Designs, did just that,

building our reputation one happy client at a time. We’re a pretty big ‘house’ now, but we

work just as hard to exceed your expectations and earn your trust as we did in the beginning.

We look forward to making you our next success story and helping another livestock business

rest easy knowing with the assurance that their marketing needs have been well met.

Do you have a potential project you’d like to discuss with us?

Let’s schedule a time to talk when we can give you our undivided attention as you describe

your project needs and marketing goals. You’ll get a feel for our professional services, quality

products and unmistakable value.



THE BEST

IN THE WORLD

LIVESTOCKMARKETINGAGENCY

RANCHHOUSEDESIGNS.COM1730 NORTH RICHMOND ROAD,WHARTON, TX 77488

PHONE 979.532.9141 | FAX 979.532.9977

PHOTOS PROVIDED BY: LUKE & CAT PHOTOGRAPHY

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