Welcome to our branding and marketing blog
This is the best place to learn how we think as creative and strategic communicators. You’ll find various observations and best practices about branding, design, client relations, and communications, in general. We try to keep things instructive and advisory. However, we can’t guarantee that there won’t be a rant or rave once in a while. So, please cut us some slack.
FEATURED BLOG POST
15 marketing reality checks (Don’t let #9 hurt your feelings.)
by Step2 Branding & Design
Over the years, we’ve been offering helpful tips and best practices advice through our branding blog. Here, we’ve collected a number of the more salient points and are presenting them as a marketing reality check. A good number of these apply to new or small businesses.
Branding and marketing blog posts
Why I unfollowed you on LinkedIn.
You’re missing a huge opportunity to really shine in front of your network and those beyond it. You have a wealth of knowledge that most of us don’t have. You are the only one in the world with your perspective. So, why not share it?
Never assume anything
Never Make Assumptions about Your Audience. That seems like an obvious rule, right? But, we all do it to some degree. It’s human nature. We follow our gut instincts. We proceed without having the data to back up our actions. Remember New Coke?
I’m your potential customer and these are the things I care about.
You seem to be great at what you do. You have a terrific product. Your media coverage has been impressive. You’ve been serving the industry for decades. But, what does it mean to your customers? What’s in it for me?
What’s your business DNA and where do you fit in?
It’s always a good idea to take a step back and be more introspective about your unique qualities and strengths. By looking beyond short-term distractions, we often discover that we still have a place to fit in.
Build brand loyalty through relationship marketing
Get to know your customers on a more personal level and understand what’s behind their buying decisions. Make them feel special and important. Engage them while listening between the lines about their needs and concerns. You’re not just providing a product or service; you’re providing a unique and positive experience that will distinguish you from your competitors and lead to more referrals.
Do you look like you belong?
Do you have an outstanding business with an identity that doesn’t stand out? Are you in an exciting start-up struggling to excite others? Does your great track record still not help you gain traction? Perhaps there’s a disconnect between your brand image and your brand identity.