Credentials & Qualifications
          www.SimplyD.com
What is a SuperBrand?




              A Superbrand has the finest reputation in its field and offers
          consumers an emotional and/or tangible benefit over competitors,
                  which (consciously or sub-consciously) consumers
                 want, recognise and are confident about investing in.
     Superbrands represent quality, reliability, distinction, reputation and prestige.


We are fortunate to have worked on 6 of the Top 100 Best Global Brands
                          (Based on Interbrand 2009 rankings)
Our Brand Experience




  Collectively, we have 20+ years of Blue Chip brand experience (above),
& nearly 2 years experience with small & medium-sized businesses (below).
About Us




Collective Credentials: we have an MBA, Digital Media Design training, E-Business Certification, Information Technology
Management, and 20+ years of marketing, branding and advertising for Blue Chip brands.

Extended Team: We also work with an exclusive list of talented and award-winning freelancers: graphic designers, web
programmers, app developers, photographers, etc. We use the same talented professionals that big agencies use, but at
freelance rates.
What is ‘SimplyD’?

                             sim·ply dif·fer·ent

1.     in a simple manner; clearly and easily.        1.   not alike in character or quality;
2.     plainly; unaffectedly.                              differing; dissimilar
3.     sincerely; artlessly.                          2.   not identical; separate or distinct.
4.     merely; only: It is simply a cold.             3.   various; several.
5.     wholly; absolutely: simply irresistible        4.   not ordinary; unusual.




     Keeping it Simple. And Smart.
     We specialize in smart, clear and practical ideas. We apply industry ‘best practices’, and
     a good dose of ‘common sense’.
     We build brands by proposing unique (different) opportunities, that are easy (simple) to
     understand, easy to implement, and most importantly, emotionally-driven.
Why Work With Us?
We’ve worked for Tier I marketing companies and award-winning ad agencies, so we
know industry ‘best practices’. We apply this to our strategic thinking, project execution
and client management.

Fortunately, as a small boutique agency, we can streamline the process significantly:

- no unnecessary roles or expensive overhead charged back to clients,
- we pull upon our talented roster of freelance associates as needed,
- we are nimble, and can execute more swiftly and efficiently.

Most importantly, we can deliver more attention to you, and to your business needs.
We offer excellent customer service, and provide tremendous value.

We are hands-on and collaborative.
We truly get to know our clients.
In fact, many clients have already become our good friends.
We enjoy getting to know them, and helping to grow their business.
Why Are We Here Today?
     Building A Brand, Fostering Consumer Loyalty
Why Does Branding Matter?
        I have a BMW. But only because BMW stands for Bob Marley and The
        Wailers, and not because I need an expensive car.
                                                          Bob Marley




Today’s competitive environment is fiercer, and the consumer is more savvy and disconcerting.
What elements maintain your ‘brand equity’? i.e. the degree of consumer recognition, and the
brand’s ability to capture market share or share of voice.
Blue Chip Redesigns
Top row: examples of ‘revolutionary’ design. Bottom row: examples of ‘evolutionary’ approach.



                                                                                                           After a radical
                                                                                                           redesign,
                                                                                                           Tropicana sales
                                                                                                           dropped by 20%
                                                                                                           in 6 weeks




                                      Images courtesy of CNN article ‘What’s in a new logo?, August 2009




    Branding is a fun yet challenging exercise. It requires strategy, delicacy and
    specialized skills, such as design and colour theory, testing, refinement, etc.
    Branding is the visual intersection of ‘left brain’ and ‘right brain’ skill sets.
Former Client* > Sunsilk
        Case study of how NOT to develop a
        brand.

        Situation:
        •   Unilever Canada spent +$17M to
            launch new women’s haircare: Sunsilk
        •   Established brand in developing
            countries, entering hyper-competitive
            North American market
        •   Packaging was developed 2 years
            prior to launch – already dated & older
            consumer appeal


        Result:
        •  3 logos, 2 new pack redesigns – in
           less than 3 years!
        •  Brand identity has been fragmented;
           brand in severe decline.



*when we worked at big (high-overhead, high-fees) ad agencies
Before Re-Branding…
  We like to better understand your ‘Brand DNA’
Our Strategic Approach
                                           2. Industry

                                                                                Intersection
                                                                                      =
                                                                                  Brand &
                                                                                 Marketing
                                                                                opportunity


                                             The
                                             Plan




       1. Brand                                                              3. Consumer


For large-scale marketing projects, we use our proprietary strategic framework to understand your
current business situation. Most importantly, this helps identify future Brand & Marketing opportunities.
1. Brand DNA (Example)
        Brand DNA                                         Other Questions That Would Help Us
                                                          To Better Understand Your Brand:
      Brand Positioning:           Is this ownable?
“Premier organization supported    Unique?                •    What specific value do customers
 by the highest quality products   Include emotional           get from your service?
     and services research”        benefits, also?
                                                          •    What characteristic(s) make your
                                                               services different than the
                                                               competition?

 Brand Attributes (Manner):                                    Do the member’s answers mirror
                                   Some attributes             your answers?
Leader, “Polished”, Disciplined,
 Traditional (not slow + staid),   seem
 conservative but innovative,      contradictory?         •    Do customers use any direct
                                                               competitor’s services? Which
  Institutional but a renewed                                  competitors?
sense of vigor, “Dynamism” – a
        “hub of activity”.                                •    Do customers use any indirect
                                                               competitor’s services?
                                   Everyone is an
                                   ‘expert’ in today’s    •    Which competitors do your
    Brand Tone of Voice:                                       customers use?
                                   Media Age; what is
    Authoritative, Authentic
                                   your distinct voice?
2. The Industry (Example)
                   Emotional
                   advertising




Traditional                                  Modern
image                                        image




                   Functional
                   advertising
                                 Perception Mapping the Industry Brands:
                                 –    What are the axes? E.g. Conservative Vs
                                      Innovative, Emotional Vs Functional, etc
                                 –    Where is your brand relative to the competition?
The Marketing focus is always…
                     •   25 – 45 y/o women with 1 –2 kid(s)
                     •   Urban vs rural(?)
                     •   Income (?)
                     •   Education (?)
                     •   Shopping habits
                          •   Major Household purchasers
                          •   Will splurge on kids over herself
                          •   Driven by brand benefits for her kid(s)
                     •   Web habits:
                          •   uses web to make her life easier & for
                              information gathering
Consumer Target:
                          •   Enjoys reading / interacting with other
  Busy Moms                   moms (Social, blogs)




                   3.The        CONSUMER!
VISUAL IDENTITY
1st impressions are based upon physical appearance
Memorable Visual ID
Create your own visual style…let it be unique for yourself and yet
identifiable for others.
                                                     Orson Welles




                Makings of a good Visual Identity?
     Compelling, memorable, eye-catching, instantly recognizable.
       Establishes & reflects Brand tone; ownable to the Brand.
                It is a ‘sensory magnet’ for the brand.



                                             Design Elements To Consider:
                                             –    Type of Logo (1 of 3 options to choose)
                                             –    Font: style, kerning (spacing), italics
                                             –    Works in Colour and B&W
                                             –    Works across multiple mediums
Logo Approach
  There are three logo types to consider.

    1. Iconic/Symbolic              2. Logotype/Wordmark                  3. Combination Marks




All logo examples shown are actual designs concepts for SimplyD clients
TAGLINES
Summarizing the Brand Essence in just a few words
Memorable Taglines
              A brand should strive to own a word in the mind of the consumer.
                                                                        Al Reis and Laura Reis




                                             Makings of a good tagline?
                                           Succinct, compelling, memorable
                                 Descriptive (functional or emotional benefits, or both)
                                  Ownable to the brand; ideally it ties into the brand


Images courtesy of sloganpower.com
Credentials > Tagline & Logo

                                  Brand     Connectree

                                  Tagline   Where connections take root

                                            Alternative Tags:
                                            The fruit of your connections
                                            The root of all connections
                                            The tree of life
                                            Connect. Grow. Branch Out.

A Web 2.0 site/app to organize,
manage and keep in touch
with your contacts – across       Logo
many communication touch
points.
Credentials > Tagline & Logo
                                                 Brand     Nectara

                                                 Tagline   Live the Luscious Life. Naturally.

Brand Inspiration: putting a modern spin on a              Alternative Tags:
conservative industry                                      Sweet Regeneration
                                                           Your Luscious Best
                                                           Supplement your Perfection
                                                           The Natural Essence of You

             An organic nutritional supplement
             for women. Combining proven
             ingredients with the flair of
             women’s Health & Beauty
                                                 Logo
             products.
Credentials > Tagline & Logo

                                  Brand     ChildUp


                                  Tagline   Help your child succeed

                                            Alternative Tags:
                                            The art & science of parenting
                                            Parenting made easy
                                            Making good kids great
Online parenting courses &
curriculum to teach parenting
skills, and educational toys.
Based on the best academic
research from around the world.   Logo
DESIGN PORTFOLIO
Marketing through compelling stories, using appealing visuals
Blue Chip Clients*




*when we worked at big (high-overhead, high-fees) ad agencies
Blue Chip Clients*




*when we worked at big (high-overhead, high-fees) ad agencies
E-Commerce Marketing

BedHead Pjamas
Ongoing Client

•   Goal: Increase online sales and
    continually drive brand
    awareness

•   Action: sales & marketing
    strategy & execution. Web
    design and maintenance.
    Emails, Social Media, Ad
    banners, Video

•   Results:
    Growth in monthly visitors from
    5000 - 12,000 visits per month
    (140% increase in 5 yrs)

    Increased online sales from
                                      www.BedHeadPJs.com
    600,000 - 1.5 Million / year       Ongoing Client for +5 years
    (150% increase in 5 yrs)             Annual sales of $1M+
E-Commerce Marketing
Mini Me’s Books
Ongoing Client

•   Goal: website design & e-
    commerce platform, web
    application, emails

•   Action: Designed &
    created e-commerce site
    & web application

•   Results: won “Best new
    2008 Products” award,
    PR in Wall St Journal,
    The Big Idea with Donny     www.MiniMeBooks.com
    Deutsch & many                     Ongoing Client
    mags/blogs.
                                Branding, Website, Emails, PR,
                                        Social Media
Web Design & Marketing
Krudar
Ongoing Client

•   Goal: drive new gym
    memberships

•   Action: marketing
    strategy, web design,
    development &
    maintenance. SEO
    marketing, monthly
    newsletter and email
    promotions.

•   Results: Increase lead
    generation by 65%.
    80% conversion of web
    leads to customers.
                                      www.krudar.com
                                          Ongoing Client

                                Branding, Website, Emails, Events
                             Ahead of schedule to open 2nd gym (2011)
Web Design & Marketing

                        New site design &
                         Currently being
                          programmed




Old site design


 www.Qray.com / www.Qray.ca
             Ongoing Client

  Website Redesign, Marketing Strategy,
  E-commerce Metrics & Sales Analysis
Brand Re-Design & Marketing




                                   www.LaHaut.com
                                      Ongoing Client

                                         New Logo.
                                  New marketing collateral.
                                        Social media
                              Currently working on new website



  Alternative logo concepts
Brand Re-Design & Marketing
                                                             New Logo & tagline.
                                                          New site design & navigation
                                                             Consumer Research,
                                                             Brand Positioning &
                                                              Marketing Strategy

Old site design


                                                         www.ChildUp.com
                                                        (Site currently being programmed)




                  4 scrolling main images on Homepage
Brand Re-Design & Marketing




                   New design & navigation
Old site design   Currently being programmed
Lead Generation > Direct Mail




                   Lead Generation using Direct
                      Mailer (tri-fold) & Email
                  Copy, Design & Marketing Strategy
Lead Generation > Email




    Promotional Emails: marketing strategy, copy & design
Sales Copy & Design




Promotional Email: ongoing client   Promotional Letter: ongoing client
Sales Copy & Design




        Sell Sheets
Sales Promotion & Design


                        Promotional
                        Postcard &
                         Micro-site




                                      Promotional strategy to drive brand
                                      awareness and sale (B2C, B2B)

  T-shirt design for samplers
References
•   BedHead Pajamas (USA) – www.bedheadpjs.com
•   Krudar Muay Thai (CDA) – www.Krudar.com
•   LaHaut Resort (Caribbean) – lahaut@candw.lc
•   Mixed Martial Arts Expo (CDA) – www.MMAExpo.ca
•   ChildUp.com (Switzerland, Hong Kong) – alan@childup.com
•   PocketShots (USA) - jpvendor714@yahoo.com (Josh Pingel)
Contact




                     SHERI ALLAIN
                Senior Marketing Consultant
                    Toronto, ON, Canada
Email: sheri@SimplyD.com / Blackberry: sheri.allain@gmail.com
                     Cell: 416-898-6064

3-Steps: Identify Your Brand Niche

  • 1.
  • 2.
    What is aSuperBrand? A Superbrand has the finest reputation in its field and offers consumers an emotional and/or tangible benefit over competitors, which (consciously or sub-consciously) consumers want, recognise and are confident about investing in. Superbrands represent quality, reliability, distinction, reputation and prestige. We are fortunate to have worked on 6 of the Top 100 Best Global Brands (Based on Interbrand 2009 rankings)
  • 3.
    Our Brand Experience Collectively, we have 20+ years of Blue Chip brand experience (above), & nearly 2 years experience with small & medium-sized businesses (below).
  • 4.
    About Us Collective Credentials:we have an MBA, Digital Media Design training, E-Business Certification, Information Technology Management, and 20+ years of marketing, branding and advertising for Blue Chip brands. Extended Team: We also work with an exclusive list of talented and award-winning freelancers: graphic designers, web programmers, app developers, photographers, etc. We use the same talented professionals that big agencies use, but at freelance rates.
  • 5.
    What is ‘SimplyD’? sim·ply dif·fer·ent 1. in a simple manner; clearly and easily. 1. not alike in character or quality; 2. plainly; unaffectedly. differing; dissimilar 3. sincerely; artlessly. 2. not identical; separate or distinct. 4. merely; only: It is simply a cold. 3. various; several. 5. wholly; absolutely: simply irresistible 4. not ordinary; unusual. Keeping it Simple. And Smart. We specialize in smart, clear and practical ideas. We apply industry ‘best practices’, and a good dose of ‘common sense’. We build brands by proposing unique (different) opportunities, that are easy (simple) to understand, easy to implement, and most importantly, emotionally-driven.
  • 6.
    Why Work WithUs? We’ve worked for Tier I marketing companies and award-winning ad agencies, so we know industry ‘best practices’. We apply this to our strategic thinking, project execution and client management. Fortunately, as a small boutique agency, we can streamline the process significantly: - no unnecessary roles or expensive overhead charged back to clients, - we pull upon our talented roster of freelance associates as needed, - we are nimble, and can execute more swiftly and efficiently. Most importantly, we can deliver more attention to you, and to your business needs. We offer excellent customer service, and provide tremendous value. We are hands-on and collaborative. We truly get to know our clients. In fact, many clients have already become our good friends. We enjoy getting to know them, and helping to grow their business.
  • 7.
    Why Are WeHere Today? Building A Brand, Fostering Consumer Loyalty
  • 8.
    Why Does BrandingMatter? I have a BMW. But only because BMW stands for Bob Marley and The Wailers, and not because I need an expensive car. Bob Marley Today’s competitive environment is fiercer, and the consumer is more savvy and disconcerting. What elements maintain your ‘brand equity’? i.e. the degree of consumer recognition, and the brand’s ability to capture market share or share of voice.
  • 9.
    Blue Chip Redesigns Toprow: examples of ‘revolutionary’ design. Bottom row: examples of ‘evolutionary’ approach. After a radical redesign, Tropicana sales dropped by 20% in 6 weeks Images courtesy of CNN article ‘What’s in a new logo?, August 2009 Branding is a fun yet challenging exercise. It requires strategy, delicacy and specialized skills, such as design and colour theory, testing, refinement, etc. Branding is the visual intersection of ‘left brain’ and ‘right brain’ skill sets.
  • 10.
    Former Client* >Sunsilk Case study of how NOT to develop a brand. Situation: • Unilever Canada spent +$17M to launch new women’s haircare: Sunsilk • Established brand in developing countries, entering hyper-competitive North American market • Packaging was developed 2 years prior to launch – already dated & older consumer appeal Result: • 3 logos, 2 new pack redesigns – in less than 3 years! • Brand identity has been fragmented; brand in severe decline. *when we worked at big (high-overhead, high-fees) ad agencies
  • 11.
    Before Re-Branding… We like to better understand your ‘Brand DNA’
  • 12.
    Our Strategic Approach 2. Industry Intersection = Brand & Marketing opportunity The Plan 1. Brand 3. Consumer For large-scale marketing projects, we use our proprietary strategic framework to understand your current business situation. Most importantly, this helps identify future Brand & Marketing opportunities.
  • 13.
    1. Brand DNA(Example) Brand DNA Other Questions That Would Help Us To Better Understand Your Brand: Brand Positioning: Is this ownable? “Premier organization supported Unique? • What specific value do customers by the highest quality products Include emotional get from your service? and services research” benefits, also? • What characteristic(s) make your services different than the competition? Brand Attributes (Manner): Do the member’s answers mirror Some attributes your answers? Leader, “Polished”, Disciplined, Traditional (not slow + staid), seem conservative but innovative, contradictory? • Do customers use any direct competitor’s services? Which Institutional but a renewed competitors? sense of vigor, “Dynamism” – a “hub of activity”. • Do customers use any indirect competitor’s services? Everyone is an ‘expert’ in today’s • Which competitors do your Brand Tone of Voice: customers use? Media Age; what is Authoritative, Authentic your distinct voice?
  • 14.
    2. The Industry(Example) Emotional advertising Traditional Modern image image Functional advertising Perception Mapping the Industry Brands: – What are the axes? E.g. Conservative Vs Innovative, Emotional Vs Functional, etc – Where is your brand relative to the competition?
  • 15.
    The Marketing focusis always… • 25 – 45 y/o women with 1 –2 kid(s) • Urban vs rural(?) • Income (?) • Education (?) • Shopping habits • Major Household purchasers • Will splurge on kids over herself • Driven by brand benefits for her kid(s) • Web habits: • uses web to make her life easier & for information gathering Consumer Target: • Enjoys reading / interacting with other Busy Moms moms (Social, blogs) 3.The CONSUMER!
  • 16.
    VISUAL IDENTITY 1st impressionsare based upon physical appearance
  • 17.
    Memorable Visual ID Createyour own visual style…let it be unique for yourself and yet identifiable for others. Orson Welles Makings of a good Visual Identity? Compelling, memorable, eye-catching, instantly recognizable. Establishes & reflects Brand tone; ownable to the Brand. It is a ‘sensory magnet’ for the brand. Design Elements To Consider: – Type of Logo (1 of 3 options to choose) – Font: style, kerning (spacing), italics – Works in Colour and B&W – Works across multiple mediums
  • 18.
    Logo Approach There are three logo types to consider. 1. Iconic/Symbolic 2. Logotype/Wordmark 3. Combination Marks All logo examples shown are actual designs concepts for SimplyD clients
  • 19.
    TAGLINES Summarizing the BrandEssence in just a few words
  • 20.
    Memorable Taglines A brand should strive to own a word in the mind of the consumer. Al Reis and Laura Reis Makings of a good tagline? Succinct, compelling, memorable Descriptive (functional or emotional benefits, or both) Ownable to the brand; ideally it ties into the brand Images courtesy of sloganpower.com
  • 21.
    Credentials > Tagline& Logo Brand Connectree Tagline Where connections take root Alternative Tags: The fruit of your connections The root of all connections The tree of life Connect. Grow. Branch Out. A Web 2.0 site/app to organize, manage and keep in touch with your contacts – across Logo many communication touch points.
  • 22.
    Credentials > Tagline& Logo Brand Nectara Tagline Live the Luscious Life. Naturally. Brand Inspiration: putting a modern spin on a Alternative Tags: conservative industry Sweet Regeneration Your Luscious Best Supplement your Perfection The Natural Essence of You An organic nutritional supplement for women. Combining proven ingredients with the flair of women’s Health & Beauty Logo products.
  • 23.
    Credentials > Tagline& Logo Brand ChildUp Tagline Help your child succeed Alternative Tags: The art & science of parenting Parenting made easy Making good kids great Online parenting courses & curriculum to teach parenting skills, and educational toys. Based on the best academic research from around the world. Logo
  • 24.
    DESIGN PORTFOLIO Marketing throughcompelling stories, using appealing visuals
  • 25.
    Blue Chip Clients* *whenwe worked at big (high-overhead, high-fees) ad agencies
  • 26.
    Blue Chip Clients* *whenwe worked at big (high-overhead, high-fees) ad agencies
  • 27.
    E-Commerce Marketing BedHead Pjamas OngoingClient • Goal: Increase online sales and continually drive brand awareness • Action: sales & marketing strategy & execution. Web design and maintenance. Emails, Social Media, Ad banners, Video • Results: Growth in monthly visitors from 5000 - 12,000 visits per month (140% increase in 5 yrs) Increased online sales from www.BedHeadPJs.com 600,000 - 1.5 Million / year Ongoing Client for +5 years (150% increase in 5 yrs) Annual sales of $1M+
  • 28.
    E-Commerce Marketing Mini Me’sBooks Ongoing Client • Goal: website design & e- commerce platform, web application, emails • Action: Designed & created e-commerce site & web application • Results: won “Best new 2008 Products” award, PR in Wall St Journal, The Big Idea with Donny www.MiniMeBooks.com Deutsch & many Ongoing Client mags/blogs. Branding, Website, Emails, PR, Social Media
  • 29.
    Web Design &Marketing Krudar Ongoing Client • Goal: drive new gym memberships • Action: marketing strategy, web design, development & maintenance. SEO marketing, monthly newsletter and email promotions. • Results: Increase lead generation by 65%. 80% conversion of web leads to customers. www.krudar.com Ongoing Client Branding, Website, Emails, Events Ahead of schedule to open 2nd gym (2011)
  • 30.
    Web Design &Marketing New site design & Currently being programmed Old site design www.Qray.com / www.Qray.ca Ongoing Client Website Redesign, Marketing Strategy, E-commerce Metrics & Sales Analysis
  • 31.
    Brand Re-Design &Marketing www.LaHaut.com Ongoing Client New Logo. New marketing collateral. Social media Currently working on new website Alternative logo concepts
  • 32.
    Brand Re-Design &Marketing New Logo & tagline. New site design & navigation Consumer Research, Brand Positioning & Marketing Strategy Old site design www.ChildUp.com (Site currently being programmed) 4 scrolling main images on Homepage
  • 33.
    Brand Re-Design &Marketing New design & navigation Old site design Currently being programmed
  • 34.
    Lead Generation >Direct Mail Lead Generation using Direct Mailer (tri-fold) & Email Copy, Design & Marketing Strategy
  • 35.
    Lead Generation >Email Promotional Emails: marketing strategy, copy & design
  • 36.
    Sales Copy &Design Promotional Email: ongoing client Promotional Letter: ongoing client
  • 37.
    Sales Copy &Design Sell Sheets
  • 38.
    Sales Promotion &Design Promotional Postcard & Micro-site Promotional strategy to drive brand awareness and sale (B2C, B2B) T-shirt design for samplers
  • 39.
    References • BedHead Pajamas (USA) – www.bedheadpjs.com • Krudar Muay Thai (CDA) – www.Krudar.com • LaHaut Resort (Caribbean) – lahaut@candw.lc • Mixed Martial Arts Expo (CDA) – www.MMAExpo.ca • ChildUp.com (Switzerland, Hong Kong) – alan@childup.com • PocketShots (USA) - jpvendor714@yahoo.com (Josh Pingel)
  • 40.
    Contact SHERI ALLAIN Senior Marketing Consultant Toronto, ON, Canada Email: sheri@SimplyD.com / Blackberry: sheri.allain@gmail.com Cell: 416-898-6064