Customers buy today a shared vision of tomorrow.
We need to spend more time sharing our vision to internal and external stakeholders.
Vision sells.
Let me know what you think of vision in the comments below.
How Might We?
This is the question to ask.
Instead of asking “What Should We Say?”
Try asking “How Might We?”
“How” - says solutions exist and provide confidence to identity and solve for unmet needs.
“Might” - is permission to put ideas out there that might work or might not. Either way, it’s all good.
“We” - says we are collaborating and building on one another’s ideas to find a solution.
Ask:
“How Might We increase memberships?”
“How Might We communicate all the benefits of our gym?”
“How Might We find the best stories to tell?”
How Might We?
Start adding this question to your existing toolkit of questions and see where it takes you. You’ll be surprised where the HMW roads lead.
Do you ask How Might We Questions in your business?
The Golden Age of Brand
We are living in a brand revolution.
The bridge between brand and business has never been stronger.
The entire customer experience is driven by brand.
And we’re inventing and reinventing what being a brand professional is all about.
Just as the Rolling Stones were pushing rock n’ roll in the 70s.
And Dr. Dre and Snoop were pushing rap in the 90s
We are defining what brand and branding means today.
There’s never been a better time to be a branding professional or apply it to your business.
Do you think we’re in the golden age of branding? Let me know in the comments below.
Brands Are HUNGRY
A Brand is like having a child.
It demands a lot from you.
It needs love and attention.
Every new brand you launch is a new mouth to feed.
And Brands are HUNGRY
This is why we are seeing a shift from houses of brands…
(think P&G or Unilever)
To a brand house.
(think FedEx or Apple)
It’s easier and more cost effective to manage a master brand of a brand house than it is to manage many hungry brands.
Do you think brands are hungry? Let me know in the comments below.
So you wanna be a thought leader…
It’s the “in” thing to do right now, right?
Well there’s only one way it’s going to happen.
You’re gonna have to WRITE.
Whether you’re sharing thoughts with
TEXT
Or
VIDEO
Or
IMAGES
Or
AUDIO
You’re gonna have to write.
So what are you waiting for? Start writing!
I’ve Got No Content…
I’m out.
It took about 365 days.
Everything I’ve written has been designed and published.
I got burned out.
So I took a break.
The content beast has a voracious appetite.
Wait…
By writing about having no content…
I’m creating a piece of valuable content.
Looks like I’m back baby!
It’s okay to take a break from the content machine every now and then. How often do you take breaks? Let me know in the comments.
Why My Rate is $400/hr
First, I don’t like to charge hourly.
We mostly charge by project - this means my team and our clients all know the budget.
When the situation is right, I’ll do hourly work - usually only phone consults at $400/hr with a 2 hr minimum.
Why? This work isn’t like being a plumber.
(or any other profession that charges hourly)
The other day I had a plumber out to the house. He did his work, charged me an hourly rate + materials.
The second he left do you think he ever thought about that job again?
Did he run from his morning shower to write down an idea he had for my house?
Did he wake up at 3am dreaming about an amazing insight for my family?
I doubt it.
But when you hire me. Even at $400/hr that’s what happens.
My mind is always thinking of you and your business.
When I’m in the car...
in the shower…
& when I sleep.
Hey, if you don’t think it’s worth it you don’t have to hire me. But I bet your competitor will.
Why do you charge your hourly rate? Let me know in the comments below.
HOW TO NOT GROW YOUR BRAND
If we’re lucky in our careers we get to be a part of a successful brand.
But as that brand continues to grow it faces its own unique challenges.
So many aging brands are focussed on selling to their core customer.
And while they are maintaining revenues, they aren’t growing.
The simple truth?
At a certain point, you can’t grow the business by selling to your core.
Brand building never ends. In today’s fast paced world we are constantly fighting for relevance.
We are constantly fighting for growth and new customers.
But if all we do is sell to our core… we can’t grow. How do you find ways to grow your business in addition to your core? Let me know in the comments below.
What NOT to DO
This is the hardest part of brand building.
Not choosing what TO do…
But choosing what NOT to do.
At its core, this is what a great brand does.
It says NO to great opportunities…
That aren’t the RIGHT opportunities.
I get it. It’s not easy to say NO.
But you know you’re building a great brand when you’re clear on what NOT to do.
Do you think choosing what not to do is hard? Let me know in the comments below.
How Might We?
This is the question to ask.
Instead of asking “What Should We Say?”
Try asking “How Might We?”
“How” - says solutions exist and provide confidence to identity and solve for unmet needs.
“Might” - is permission to put ideas out there that might work or might not. Either way, it’s all good.
“We” - says we are collaborating and building on one another’s ideas to find a solution.
Ask:
“How Might We increase memberships?”
“How Might We communicate all the benefits of our gym?”
“How Might We find the best stories to tell?”
How Might We?
Start adding this question to your existing toolkit of questions and see where it takes you. You’ll be surprised where the HMW roads lead.
Do you ask How Might We Questions in your business?
The Golden Age of Brand
We are living in a brand revolution.
The bridge between brand and business has never been stronger.
The entire customer experience is driven by brand.
And we’re inventing and reinventing what being a brand professional is all about.
Just as the Rolling Stones were pushing rock n’ roll in the 70s.
And Dr. Dre and Snoop were pushing rap in the 90s
We are defining what brand and branding means today.
There’s never been a better time to be a branding professional or apply it to your business.
Do you think we’re in the golden age of branding? Let me know in the comments below.
Brands Are HUNGRY
A Brand is like having a child.
It demands a lot from you.
It needs love and attention.
Every new brand you launch is a new mouth to feed.
And Brands are HUNGRY
This is why we are seeing a shift from houses of brands…
(think P&G or Unilever)
To a brand house.
(think FedEx or Apple)
It’s easier and more cost effective to manage a master brand of a brand house than it is to manage many hungry brands.
Do you think brands are hungry? Let me know in the comments below.
So you wanna be a thought leader…
It’s the “in” thing to do right now, right?
Well there’s only one way it’s going to happen.
You’re gonna have to WRITE.
Whether you’re sharing thoughts with
TEXT
Or
VIDEO
Or
IMAGES
Or
AUDIO
You’re gonna have to write.
So what are you waiting for? Start writing!
I’ve Got No Content…
I’m out.
It took about 365 days.
Everything I’ve written has been designed and published.
I got burned out.
So I took a break.
The content beast has a voracious appetite.
Wait…
By writing about having no content…
I’m creating a piece of valuable content.
Looks like I’m back baby!
It’s okay to take a break from the content machine every now and then. How often do you take breaks? Let me know in the comments.
Why My Rate is $400/hr
First, I don’t like to charge hourly.
We mostly charge by project - this means my team and our clients all know the budget.
When the situation is right, I’ll do hourly work - usually only phone consults at $400/hr with a 2 hr minimum.
Why? This work isn’t like being a plumber.
(or any other profession that charges hourly)
The other day I had a plumber out to the house. He did his work, charged me an hourly rate + materials.
The second he left do you think he ever thought about that job again?
Did he run from his morning shower to write down an idea he had for my house?
Did he wake up at 3am dreaming about an amazing insight for my family?
I doubt it.
But when you hire me. Even at $400/hr that’s what happens.
My mind is always thinking of you and your business.
When I’m in the car...
in the shower…
& when I sleep.
Hey, if you don’t think it’s worth it you don’t have to hire me. But I bet your competitor will.
Why do you charge your hourly rate? Let me know in the comments below.
HOW TO NOT GROW YOUR BRAND
If we’re lucky in our careers we get to be a part of a successful brand.
But as that brand continues to grow it faces its own unique challenges.
So many aging brands are focussed on selling to their core customer.
And while they are maintaining revenues, they aren’t growing.
The simple truth?
At a certain point, you can’t grow the business by selling to your core.
Brand building never ends. In today’s fast paced world we are constantly fighting for relevance.
We are constantly fighting for growth and new customers.
But if all we do is sell to our core… we can’t grow. How do you find ways to grow your business in addition to your core? Let me know in the comments below.
What NOT to DO
This is the hardest part of brand building.
Not choosing what TO do…
But choosing what NOT to do.
At its core, this is what a great brand does.
It says NO to great opportunities…
That aren’t the RIGHT opportunities.
I get it. It’s not easy to say NO.
But you know you’re building a great brand when you’re clear on what NOT to do.
Do you think choosing what not to do is hard? Let me know in the comments below.
Brand is like Golf.
The game of golf is a very simple premise.
Get the ball in the hole in as few strokes as possible.
It’s not more complicated than that.
But a lot of people become obsessed with the game.
And as such, there’s a tendency to go deep.
And spend a lifetime…
And for some people a fortune…
Trying to perfect that which is imperfectable…
Kinda like all this branding stuff…
Sometimes we just need to remember that this brand game is about getting the ball in the hole in as few strokes as possible.
Do you find yourself making the brand game more complicated than it needs to be? Let me know in the comments below.
PRIDE Google Sheets Easter Egg
Google is always doing cool things to support their community.
Since June is Pride month…
Google has inserted an awesome Easter Egg in Sheets.
1. Open Sheets
2. Write the word “PRIDE” in the columns.
Watch what happens!
I might start all of my Sheets like this going forward!
What do you think of Google’s Sheets Pride Easter Egg? Let me know in the comments below.
Burn Out.
It’s real.
It happens to all of us.
It’s happening to me.
At first I thought I was unhappy and unfulfilled.
Then I realized I've just been working too hard.
Stretched too thin.
I need a break.
I’m planning on leaning into the summer, taking Friday’s off, and most importantly…
Not being so hard on myself.
How do you know you’re feeling the effects of burnout and what do you do to recharge? Let me know in the comments below.
What Do You Want to Be Known For?
It’s a pretty easy question.
But so many people struggle with this one.
Admittedly I do from time to time as well.
But ask yourself,
“What Do I Want To Be Known For”
As a Brand…
As a Company…
As a Product…
As a Person…
Then put all your energy into making sure the rest of the world knows it too. What do you want to be known for? Let me know in the comments below.
Relax.
Ask Some Questions.
When things get stressful.
When things are weird.
When things aren’t going the way you thought they would.
RELAX
Ask some questions
Ask WHY
Get curious
Questions open up doors to worlds and galaxies that were invisible seconds prior.
What are some of your favorite questions to ask when the going gets tough?
Let me know in the comments below.
Testing Doesn’t Work
Testing big ideas by its very nature is flawed.
To be clear I’m talking about focus groups, test groups, processes that score work before launch, etc when I say “testing”.
Testing looks for what’s wrong with an idea.
Not what’s right.
If you look at the most perfect anything long enough you’ll find flaws, imperfections, and reasons not to believe.
Testing suggests that people react logically and intellectually to branding.
As if they pass a brand and say “Gee… that product is psychologically and emotionally representing my unmet needs…”
Testing is flawed because no one really knows what will resonate until the idea and brand is out in the world. The real world.
Testing also assumes that we really know what makes branding work and it can always be quantified, measured, and analyzed.
I don’t think we can.
Do you think testing works? Let me know in the comments below.
Messaging
Is why most businesses fail to connect with customers.
Messaging...Shows value you offer.
Messaging...Show’s why you’re different.
Messaging...Is the reason customers choose you.
Messaging isn’t just what we say but HOW we say it.
Messaging that works doesn't focus on telling people what you do.
They probably know already.
The messaging that works for your brand highlights the value of what you do for your customer and how it’s different from the other options they have.
Messaging is the most important, but most overlooked, component of a brand.
Is your messaging doing its job for your brand? Let me know in the comments below.
When Companies Get Brand Right
They ask - “what business problem am I trying to solve?”
They seek the advice of a professional to guide them through the process.
They never stop branding. It's a fluid, ever evolving practice. It's an always-on function in your business.
Customers are demanding more for the companies they do business with. They care about what the business stands for and require that they back up the beliefs they put on a website.
Businesses that look to build communities as a cornerstone of their brand are winning.
Stop selling your product, features and benefits. Sell the story. Sell the feeling and experience your customer has with your brand.
Be willing to take risk and accept change as a part of being great.
Be different. Stand out. Find the white space. Own a position in your customer's mind.
When do you think companies get “brand” right? Let me know in the comments below.
Start with Who
Instead of starting with Why, try starting with Who
Who is the sibling of Why.
They are interconnected and depend on one another.
You may argue that one is not more important than the other,
But I would argue that you can have a business without a Why.
You can’t have a business without a Who.
Inspired by Simon Sinek’s golden circle model, there’s a new circle - I call this the diamond encrusted circle.
By getting crystal clear on WHO we are solving a problem for, it becomes easy to ladder up and find our Why.
Do you believe in Starting with Who? Let me know in the comments below.
I Don’t Believe In Formulas
There’s a lot of people out there selling formulas for brand and creativity.
I’m not a fan.
Advil is a formula.
WD-40 is a formula.
Coca-Cola is a formula.
A formula is repeatable with a specific, exact, REPEATED outcome.
Branding, writing, design…
No matter how much we try… cannot be reduced to a formula.
We work in FRAMEWORKS.
And while a process and an approach they are not formulas.
They do not give a precise answer.
Frameworks help us uncover truths, identify problems, and get to a desired answer (in a round about way).
But it’s never formulaic.
I believe in frameworks not formulas. Let me know what you think about frameworks vs. formulas in the comments below.
The Cracks In Your Hull
Today’s hybrid digital and physical world is a real challenge for businesses.
There are about a bazillion touchpoints for your brand.
And showing up inconsistently across this landscape is a real problem.
One mistake or incongruent touchpoint isn’t going to sink your ship.
And in a silo these mistakes never look to be all that large.
But it’s the collective inconsistencies that are the cracks in your hull.
That will one day sink your business.
I can’t tell you when. But it will happen.
How do you manage to stay consistent across your brand? Let me know in the comments below.
Why Clients Pay More
Is it because the work of a high priced agency is better than a lower priced agency?
Probably Not.
Is it because the people are smarter at a higher priced agency than a lower priced agency?
Hardly ever.
Is it because there is less perceived risk with a higher priced agency than a lower priced agency?
ABSOLUTELY.
Higher Rates ($$) = Peace of Mind
Clients pay more to mitigate risk.
That’s it.
Do you think clients pay more to reduce risk? Let me know in the comments below.
Branding Is About Selling
Branding Is About SELLING
That’s right.
Most people think branding is about logos, or websites, or promises.
But branding is about influencing the gut feel people have about your product or service.
Make no mistake
Branding is all about the $$$$.
Our modern day depiction of the beloved Santa in his red and white suit with rosy cheeks is a great example.
Before the 1930s Santa didn’t exist like this.
There were several mythological characters from different cultures like St. Nick, Sinterklaus, Papa Noel…
But not until Coca-Cola rebranded Santa in their brand colors to influence the sale of more sugar water… did Santa look like we know today.
Branding is all about selling. Let me know if you agree in the comments below.
Remember The Goal
When reviewing work and giving feedback it’s easy to get lost in minutia.
“Can you make it green?”
“What would this look like with a Gotham font?”
“Is “impact” really the right word?”
While all these details can matter…
This type of feedback isn’t always helpful.
What is helpful is to give feedback that references the business goal the creative is intended to solve.
Try thinking about WHY you’re even doing this in the first place.
Ask:
“Will this attract the customers we want to attract?”
“Will our desired audience get the desired impression we want?”
“What will the gut feeling of our customers be after interacting with this?”
These are the right questions to ask.
When in doubt, remember (and reference) the goal.
This will answer all unanswered questions.
Do you remember the goal in your feedback process? Let me know in the comments below.
There Can Be Only One
At the beginning of every engagement, before any of the work begins, there’s a super dooper important decision to be made…
Who will be the decider?
Who on the team will be the tie breaker?
Who on the team will the one to make the final decision to keep the process moving?
Getting input from the team is a MUST.
But if left unchecked, decision by committee can kill momentum and your brand.
Someone needs to be the decider.
Without a “decider” projects tend to drag on and turn into a meatball sundae of everyone’s ideas.
There can be only ONE.
Do you choose a decider in your engagements? How do you do it? Let me know in the comments below.
What’s The Truest Thing About Your Brand BlueMarc Gutman
Find What’s True
Sometimes we over complicate all this brand stuff.
Often, all we need to ask is…
What’s the truest thing about your brand?
If I said “[your brand] is…” what would your prospective customers say?
Patagonia is...self-righteous activists.
Apple is… expensive.
Crocs are… ugly.
In the truth lies your opportunity.
Take that truth and then start to build communications around it.
If the world is already thinking it… don’t fight it.
Lean into the truth head on.
What is the truest thing about your brand? Let me know in the comments below.
You’ll Be Rewarded in Public…
...For What You Do In Private.
No one ever sees the hustle.
No one ever sees the struggle.
No one ever sees you staring at a blank page thinking:
“I have no ideas left…”
All everyone ever sees is the finished product.
They see the polished presentation.
The well thought out YouTube video.
Your audience celebrates you in public.
For all the hard work you do in private.
What are you doing in private to be rewarded in public? Let me know in the comments below!
P.S. Do you like customers coming to YOU? My team and I are looking for a few businesses who want to differentiate themselves from their competitors and increase revenue using brand strategy. If you’re interested, message me the word “different”. Thanks.
Sell to the Believers
There are a lot of people who DO NOT believe in what you are selling.
And no matter how much you educate them.
Or show them the light.
They’ll never believe.
Then there are those who already believe in what you do and what you are offering.
There are so many people who exhibit the attributes of someone who WILL believe in you with a little education.
Don't waste time selling to the non-believers.
Spend your time selling to the BELIEVERS.
They are waiting for you.
Now go find your believers.
Are you selling to non-believers who will never convert or are you focused on the believers? Let me know in the comments below.
Remember The Goal
When reviewing work and giving feedback it’s easy to get lost in minutia.
“Can you make it green?”
“What would this look like with a Gotham font?”
“Is “impact” really the right word?”
While all these details can matter…
This type of feedback isn’t always helpful.
What is helpful is to give feedback that references the business goal the creative is intended to solve.
Try thinking about WHY you’re even doing this in the first place.
Ask:
“Will this attract the customers we want to attract?”
“Will our desired audience get the desired impression we want?”
“What will the gut feeling of our customers be after interacting with this?”
These are the right questions to ask.
When in doubt, remember (and reference) the goal.
This will answer all unanswered questions.
Do you remember the goal in your feedback process? Let me know in the comments below.
There Can Be Only One
At the beginning of every engagement, before any of the work begins, there’s a super dooper important decision to be made…
Who will be the decider?
Who on the team will be the tie breaker?
Who on the team will the one to make the final decision to keep the process moving?
Getting input from the team is a MUST.
But if left unchecked, decision by committee can kill momentum and your brand.
Someone needs to be the decider.
Without a “decider” projects tend to drag on and turn into a meatball sundae of everyone’s ideas.
There can be only ONE.
Do you choose a decider in your engagements? How do you do it? Let me know in the comments below.
Lily Ray - Optimize the Forest, Not the Trees: Move Beyond SEO Checklist - Mo...Amsive
Lily Ray, Vice President of SEO Strategy & Research at Amsive, explores optimizing strategies for sustainable growth and explores the impact of AI on the SEO landscape.
Brand is like Golf.
The game of golf is a very simple premise.
Get the ball in the hole in as few strokes as possible.
It’s not more complicated than that.
But a lot of people become obsessed with the game.
And as such, there’s a tendency to go deep.
And spend a lifetime…
And for some people a fortune…
Trying to perfect that which is imperfectable…
Kinda like all this branding stuff…
Sometimes we just need to remember that this brand game is about getting the ball in the hole in as few strokes as possible.
Do you find yourself making the brand game more complicated than it needs to be? Let me know in the comments below.
PRIDE Google Sheets Easter Egg
Google is always doing cool things to support their community.
Since June is Pride month…
Google has inserted an awesome Easter Egg in Sheets.
1. Open Sheets
2. Write the word “PRIDE” in the columns.
Watch what happens!
I might start all of my Sheets like this going forward!
What do you think of Google’s Sheets Pride Easter Egg? Let me know in the comments below.
Burn Out.
It’s real.
It happens to all of us.
It’s happening to me.
At first I thought I was unhappy and unfulfilled.
Then I realized I've just been working too hard.
Stretched too thin.
I need a break.
I’m planning on leaning into the summer, taking Friday’s off, and most importantly…
Not being so hard on myself.
How do you know you’re feeling the effects of burnout and what do you do to recharge? Let me know in the comments below.
What Do You Want to Be Known For?
It’s a pretty easy question.
But so many people struggle with this one.
Admittedly I do from time to time as well.
But ask yourself,
“What Do I Want To Be Known For”
As a Brand…
As a Company…
As a Product…
As a Person…
Then put all your energy into making sure the rest of the world knows it too. What do you want to be known for? Let me know in the comments below.
Relax.
Ask Some Questions.
When things get stressful.
When things are weird.
When things aren’t going the way you thought they would.
RELAX
Ask some questions
Ask WHY
Get curious
Questions open up doors to worlds and galaxies that were invisible seconds prior.
What are some of your favorite questions to ask when the going gets tough?
Let me know in the comments below.
Testing Doesn’t Work
Testing big ideas by its very nature is flawed.
To be clear I’m talking about focus groups, test groups, processes that score work before launch, etc when I say “testing”.
Testing looks for what’s wrong with an idea.
Not what’s right.
If you look at the most perfect anything long enough you’ll find flaws, imperfections, and reasons not to believe.
Testing suggests that people react logically and intellectually to branding.
As if they pass a brand and say “Gee… that product is psychologically and emotionally representing my unmet needs…”
Testing is flawed because no one really knows what will resonate until the idea and brand is out in the world. The real world.
Testing also assumes that we really know what makes branding work and it can always be quantified, measured, and analyzed.
I don’t think we can.
Do you think testing works? Let me know in the comments below.
Messaging
Is why most businesses fail to connect with customers.
Messaging...Shows value you offer.
Messaging...Show’s why you’re different.
Messaging...Is the reason customers choose you.
Messaging isn’t just what we say but HOW we say it.
Messaging that works doesn't focus on telling people what you do.
They probably know already.
The messaging that works for your brand highlights the value of what you do for your customer and how it’s different from the other options they have.
Messaging is the most important, but most overlooked, component of a brand.
Is your messaging doing its job for your brand? Let me know in the comments below.
When Companies Get Brand Right
They ask - “what business problem am I trying to solve?”
They seek the advice of a professional to guide them through the process.
They never stop branding. It's a fluid, ever evolving practice. It's an always-on function in your business.
Customers are demanding more for the companies they do business with. They care about what the business stands for and require that they back up the beliefs they put on a website.
Businesses that look to build communities as a cornerstone of their brand are winning.
Stop selling your product, features and benefits. Sell the story. Sell the feeling and experience your customer has with your brand.
Be willing to take risk and accept change as a part of being great.
Be different. Stand out. Find the white space. Own a position in your customer's mind.
When do you think companies get “brand” right? Let me know in the comments below.
Start with Who
Instead of starting with Why, try starting with Who
Who is the sibling of Why.
They are interconnected and depend on one another.
You may argue that one is not more important than the other,
But I would argue that you can have a business without a Why.
You can’t have a business without a Who.
Inspired by Simon Sinek’s golden circle model, there’s a new circle - I call this the diamond encrusted circle.
By getting crystal clear on WHO we are solving a problem for, it becomes easy to ladder up and find our Why.
Do you believe in Starting with Who? Let me know in the comments below.
I Don’t Believe In Formulas
There’s a lot of people out there selling formulas for brand and creativity.
I’m not a fan.
Advil is a formula.
WD-40 is a formula.
Coca-Cola is a formula.
A formula is repeatable with a specific, exact, REPEATED outcome.
Branding, writing, design…
No matter how much we try… cannot be reduced to a formula.
We work in FRAMEWORKS.
And while a process and an approach they are not formulas.
They do not give a precise answer.
Frameworks help us uncover truths, identify problems, and get to a desired answer (in a round about way).
But it’s never formulaic.
I believe in frameworks not formulas. Let me know what you think about frameworks vs. formulas in the comments below.
The Cracks In Your Hull
Today’s hybrid digital and physical world is a real challenge for businesses.
There are about a bazillion touchpoints for your brand.
And showing up inconsistently across this landscape is a real problem.
One mistake or incongruent touchpoint isn’t going to sink your ship.
And in a silo these mistakes never look to be all that large.
But it’s the collective inconsistencies that are the cracks in your hull.
That will one day sink your business.
I can’t tell you when. But it will happen.
How do you manage to stay consistent across your brand? Let me know in the comments below.
Why Clients Pay More
Is it because the work of a high priced agency is better than a lower priced agency?
Probably Not.
Is it because the people are smarter at a higher priced agency than a lower priced agency?
Hardly ever.
Is it because there is less perceived risk with a higher priced agency than a lower priced agency?
ABSOLUTELY.
Higher Rates ($$) = Peace of Mind
Clients pay more to mitigate risk.
That’s it.
Do you think clients pay more to reduce risk? Let me know in the comments below.
Branding Is About Selling
Branding Is About SELLING
That’s right.
Most people think branding is about logos, or websites, or promises.
But branding is about influencing the gut feel people have about your product or service.
Make no mistake
Branding is all about the $$$$.
Our modern day depiction of the beloved Santa in his red and white suit with rosy cheeks is a great example.
Before the 1930s Santa didn’t exist like this.
There were several mythological characters from different cultures like St. Nick, Sinterklaus, Papa Noel…
But not until Coca-Cola rebranded Santa in their brand colors to influence the sale of more sugar water… did Santa look like we know today.
Branding is all about selling. Let me know if you agree in the comments below.
Remember The Goal
When reviewing work and giving feedback it’s easy to get lost in minutia.
“Can you make it green?”
“What would this look like with a Gotham font?”
“Is “impact” really the right word?”
While all these details can matter…
This type of feedback isn’t always helpful.
What is helpful is to give feedback that references the business goal the creative is intended to solve.
Try thinking about WHY you’re even doing this in the first place.
Ask:
“Will this attract the customers we want to attract?”
“Will our desired audience get the desired impression we want?”
“What will the gut feeling of our customers be after interacting with this?”
These are the right questions to ask.
When in doubt, remember (and reference) the goal.
This will answer all unanswered questions.
Do you remember the goal in your feedback process? Let me know in the comments below.
There Can Be Only One
At the beginning of every engagement, before any of the work begins, there’s a super dooper important decision to be made…
Who will be the decider?
Who on the team will be the tie breaker?
Who on the team will the one to make the final decision to keep the process moving?
Getting input from the team is a MUST.
But if left unchecked, decision by committee can kill momentum and your brand.
Someone needs to be the decider.
Without a “decider” projects tend to drag on and turn into a meatball sundae of everyone’s ideas.
There can be only ONE.
Do you choose a decider in your engagements? How do you do it? Let me know in the comments below.
What’s The Truest Thing About Your Brand BlueMarc Gutman
Find What’s True
Sometimes we over complicate all this brand stuff.
Often, all we need to ask is…
What’s the truest thing about your brand?
If I said “[your brand] is…” what would your prospective customers say?
Patagonia is...self-righteous activists.
Apple is… expensive.
Crocs are… ugly.
In the truth lies your opportunity.
Take that truth and then start to build communications around it.
If the world is already thinking it… don’t fight it.
Lean into the truth head on.
What is the truest thing about your brand? Let me know in the comments below.
You’ll Be Rewarded in Public…
...For What You Do In Private.
No one ever sees the hustle.
No one ever sees the struggle.
No one ever sees you staring at a blank page thinking:
“I have no ideas left…”
All everyone ever sees is the finished product.
They see the polished presentation.
The well thought out YouTube video.
Your audience celebrates you in public.
For all the hard work you do in private.
What are you doing in private to be rewarded in public? Let me know in the comments below!
P.S. Do you like customers coming to YOU? My team and I are looking for a few businesses who want to differentiate themselves from their competitors and increase revenue using brand strategy. If you’re interested, message me the word “different”. Thanks.
Sell to the Believers
There are a lot of people who DO NOT believe in what you are selling.
And no matter how much you educate them.
Or show them the light.
They’ll never believe.
Then there are those who already believe in what you do and what you are offering.
There are so many people who exhibit the attributes of someone who WILL believe in you with a little education.
Don't waste time selling to the non-believers.
Spend your time selling to the BELIEVERS.
They are waiting for you.
Now go find your believers.
Are you selling to non-believers who will never convert or are you focused on the believers? Let me know in the comments below.
Remember The Goal
When reviewing work and giving feedback it’s easy to get lost in minutia.
“Can you make it green?”
“What would this look like with a Gotham font?”
“Is “impact” really the right word?”
While all these details can matter…
This type of feedback isn’t always helpful.
What is helpful is to give feedback that references the business goal the creative is intended to solve.
Try thinking about WHY you’re even doing this in the first place.
Ask:
“Will this attract the customers we want to attract?”
“Will our desired audience get the desired impression we want?”
“What will the gut feeling of our customers be after interacting with this?”
These are the right questions to ask.
When in doubt, remember (and reference) the goal.
This will answer all unanswered questions.
Do you remember the goal in your feedback process? Let me know in the comments below.
There Can Be Only One
At the beginning of every engagement, before any of the work begins, there’s a super dooper important decision to be made…
Who will be the decider?
Who on the team will be the tie breaker?
Who on the team will the one to make the final decision to keep the process moving?
Getting input from the team is a MUST.
But if left unchecked, decision by committee can kill momentum and your brand.
Someone needs to be the decider.
Without a “decider” projects tend to drag on and turn into a meatball sundae of everyone’s ideas.
There can be only ONE.
Do you choose a decider in your engagements? How do you do it? Let me know in the comments below.
Lily Ray - Optimize the Forest, Not the Trees: Move Beyond SEO Checklist - Mo...Amsive
Lily Ray, Vice President of SEO Strategy & Research at Amsive, explores optimizing strategies for sustainable growth and explores the impact of AI on the SEO landscape.
The Strategic Impact of Storytelling in the Age of AI
In the grand tapestry of marketing, where algorithms analyze data and artificial intelligence predicts trends, one essential thread remains constant — the timeless art of storytelling. As we stand on the precipice of a new era driven by AI, join me in unraveling the narrative alchemy that transforms brands from mere entities into captivating tales that resonate across the digital landscape. In this exploration, we will discover how, in the face of advancing technology, the human touch of a well-crafted story becomes not just a marketing tool but the very essence that breathes life into brands and forges lasting connections with our audience.
Can you kickstart content marketing when you have a small team or even a team of one? Why yes, you can! Dennis Shiao, founder of marketing agency Attention Retention will detail how to draw insights from subject matter experts (SMEs) and turn them into articles, bylines, blog posts, social media posts and more. He’ll also share tips on content licensing and how to establish a webinar program. Attend this session to learn how to make an impact with content marketing even when you have a small team and limited resources.
Key Takeaways:
- You don't need a large team to start a content marketing program
- A webinar program yields a "one-to-many" approach to content creation
- Use partnerships and licensing to create new content assets
Did you know that while 50% of content on the internet is in English, English only makes up 26% of the world’s spoken language? And yet 87% of customers won’t buy from an English only website.
Uncover the immense potential of communicating with customers in their own language and learn how translation holds the key to unlocking global growth. Join Smartling CEO, Bryan Murphy, as he reveals how translation software can streamline the translation process and seamlessly integrate into your martech stack for optimal efficiency. And that's not all – he’ll also share some inspiring success stories and practical tips that will turbocharge your multilingual marketing efforts!
Key takeaways:
1. The growth potential of reaching customers in their native language
2. Tips to streamline translation with software and integrations to your tech stack
3. Success stories from companies that have increased lead generation, doubled revenue, and more with translation
INTRODUCTION TO SEARCH ENGINE OPTIMIZATION (SEO).pptxGiorgio Chiesa
This presentation is recommended for those who want to know more about SEO. It explains the main theoretical and practical aspects that influence the positioning of websites in search engines.
We’ve entered a new era in digital. Search and AI are colliding, in more ways than one. And they all have major implications for marketers.
• SEOs now use AI to optimize content.
• Google now uses AI to generate answers.
• Users are skipping search completely. They can now use AI to get answers. So AI has changed everything …or maybe not. Our audience hasn’t changed. Their information needs haven’t changed. Their perception of quality hasn’t changed. In reality, the most important things haven’t changed at all. In this session, you’ll learn the impact of AI. And you’ll learn ways that AI can make us better at the classic challenges: getting discovered, connecting through content and staying top of mind with the people who matter most. We’ll use timely tools to rebuild timeless foundations. We’ll do better basics, but with the most advanced techniques. Andy will share a set of frameworks, prompts and techniques for better digital basics, using the latest tools of today. And in the end, Andy will consider - in a brief glimpse - what might be the biggest change of all, and how to expand your footprint in the new digital landscape.
Key Takeaways:
How to use AI to optimize your content
How to find topics that algorithms love
How to get AI to mention your content and your brand
What Software is Used in Marketing in 2024.Ishaaq6
This paper explores the diverse landscape of marketing software, examining its pivotal role in modern marketing strategies. It provides a comprehensive overview of various types of marketing software tools and platforms essential for enhancing efficiency, optimizing campaigns, and achieving business objectives. Key categories discussed include email marketing software, social media management tools, content management systems (CMS), customer relationship management (CRM) software, search engine optimization (SEO) tools, and marketing automation platforms.
The paper delves into the functionalities, benefits, and examples of each type of software, highlighting their unique contributions to effective marketing practices. It explores the importance of integration and automation in maximizing the impact of these tools, addressing challenges and strategies for seamless implementation across different marketing channels.
Furthermore, the paper examines emerging trends in marketing software, such as AI and machine learning applications, personalization strategies, predictive analytics, and the ethical considerations surrounding data privacy and consumer rights. Case studies illustrate real-world applications and success stories of businesses leveraging marketing software to achieve significant outcomes in their marketing campaigns.
In conclusion, this paper provides valuable insights into the evolving landscape of marketing technology, emphasizing the transformative potential of software solutions in driving innovation, efficiency, and competitive advantage in today's dynamic marketplace.
This description outlines the scope, structure, and focus of the paper, giving readers a clear understanding of what to expect and why the topic of marketing software is important and relevant in contemporary marketing practices.
From Subreddits To Search: Maximizing Your Brand's Impact On RedditSearch Engine Journal
The search landscape is undergoing a seismic shift, and Reddit is at the epicenter. Google's Helpful Content Update and its $60 million deal with Reddit, coupled with OpenAI's partnership, have catapulted Reddit's real-time content to unprecedented heights.
Check out this insightful webinar exploring the newfound importance of Reddit in the digital marketing landscape. Learn how these changes make Reddit an essential platform for getting your brand and content in front of evolving search audiences.
You’ll hear:
- The evolution of Reddit as a major influencer on SERPS over the years.
- The impact of recent changes and partnerships on Reddit’s place in search.
- A comprehensive look at Reddit, how it works, and how to approach it.
- Unique engagement opportunities presented by Reddit.
With Brent Csutoras, a Reddit expert with over 18 years of experience on the platform, we’ll delve into the intricacies of Reddit's communities, known as Subreddits, and how to leverage their power without compromising authenticity or violating community guidelines in the age of AI-driven search experiences.
Don't miss this opportunity to stay ahead of the curve and leverage Reddit for your brand's success.
Evaluating the Effectiveness of Women-Focused MarketingHighViz PR
Women centric marketing is a vital part in reaching one of the most influential groups of consumers. Here is a guide to know and measure the impact of women-centric marketing efforts-
In this humorous and data-heavy Master Class, join us in a joyous celebration of life honoring the long list of SEO tactics and concepts we lost this year. Remember fondly the beautiful time you shared with defunct ideas like link building, keyword cannibalization, search volume as a value indicator, and even our most cherished of friends: the funnel. Make peace with their loss as you embrace a new paradigm for organic content: Pillar-Based Marketing. Along the way, discover that the results that old SEO and all its trappings brought you weren’t really very good at all, actually.
In this respectful and life-affirming service—erm, session—join Ryan Brock (Chief Solution Officer at DemandJump and author of Pillar-Based Marketing: A Data-Driven Methodology for SEO and Content that Actually Works) and leave with:
• Clear and compelling evidence that most legacy SEO metrics and tactics have slim to no impact on SEO outcomes
• A major mindset shift that eliminates most of the metrics and tactics associated with SEO in favor of a single metric that defines and drives organic ranking success
• Practical, step-by-step methodology for choosing SEO pillar topics and publishing content quickly that ranks fast
Boost Your Instagram Views Instantly Proven Free Strategies.InstBlast Marketing
Supercars use advanced materials and tech for top-speed performance. Join Performance Car Exclusive to experience driving excellence.
https://instblast.com/instagram/free-instagram-views
In the face of the news of Google beginning to remove cookies from Chrome (30m users at the time of writing), there’s no longer time for marketers to throw their hands up and say “I didn’t know” or “They won’t go through with it”. Reality check - it has already begun - the time to take action is now. The good news is that there are solutions available and ready for adoption… but for many the race to catch up to the modern internet risks being a messy, confusing scramble to get back to "normal"
Empowering Influencers: The New Center of Brand-Consumer Dynamics
In the current market landscape, establishing genuine connections with consumers is crucial. This presentation, "Empowering Influencers: The New Center of Brand-Consumer Dynamics," explores how influencers have become pivotal in shaping brand-consumer relationships. We will examine the strategic use of influencers to create authentic, engaging narratives that resonate deeply with target audiences, driving success in the evolved purchase funnel.
Mastering Local SEO for Service Businesses in the AI Era"" is tailored specifically for local service providers like plumbers, dentists, and others seeking to dominate their local search landscape. This session delves into leveraging AI advancements to enhance your online visibility and search rankings through the Content Factory model, designed for creating high-impact, SEO-driven content. Discover the Dollar-a-Day advertising strategy, a cost-effective approach to boost your local SEO efforts and attract more customers with minimal investment. Gain practical insights on optimizing your online presence to meet the specific needs of local service seekers, ensuring your business not only appears but stands out in local searches. This concise, action-oriented workshop is your roadmap to navigating the complexities of digital marketing in the AI age, driving more leads, conversions, and ultimately, success for your local service business.
Key Takeaways:
Embrace AI for Local SEO: Learn to harness the power of AI technologies to optimize your website and content for local search. Understand the pivotal role AI plays in analyzing search trends and consumer behavior, enabling you to tailor your SEO strategies to meet the specific demands of your target local audience. Leverage the Content Factory Model: Discover the step-by-step process of creating SEO-optimized content at scale. This approach ensures a steady stream of high-quality content that engages local customers and boosts your search rankings. Get an action guide on implementing this model, complete with templates and scheduling strategies to maintain a consistent online presence. Maximize ROI with Dollar-a-Day Advertising: Dive into the cost-effective Dollar-a-Day advertising strategy that amplifies your visibility in local searches without breaking the bank. Learn how to strategically allocate your budget across platforms to target potential local customers effectively. The session includes an action guide on setting up, monitoring, and optimizing your ad campaigns to ensure maximum impact with minimal investment.