Does anyone actually believe there’s such a thing as “gourmet” frozen pizza? Would any self-respecting gourmet serve previously frozen flatbreads?
Do they really expect us to believe that those jewelry assemblers are genuine “artisans”? What does that mean, anyway?
Too often, we’re faced with overused, unfounded and sometimes unwittingly comical descriptors in advertising and on packaging.
From “rustic” cheeses and “hand-crafted” potato chips to “classic” microwave popcorn and dog food “inspired by the greatest kitchens,” consumers are being asked to swallow more and more outlandish labels than ever before.
Gourmet Bacon Curls? Old-Time Bacon Puffs? Really? They’re pork rinds!
Most of us have seen a pizza delivery box that reads, “You’ve tried all the rest, now try the best!” Seriously? There can only be one “best” pizza and, from what I’m told, it’s in Naples, Italy. So, unless you’re importing tomato pies from the Old World, try saying something else, like why you think your pizza is better.
If you don’t fall for labels like these, why would you expect anyone else to?
Don’t claim to be what you’re not. Embrace what you are, what makes you great and why that should be important to your audience.
From there, the claims come naturally.
A brief trip to the local grocery store yielded these less-than-convincing examples:
Kraft Old English
Sharp Pasteurized Process Cheese Spread
Nothing beats that Old World pasteurized process cheese spreadiness!
Home-style Kibbles ‘n Bits Dog Food
With “Wholesome Home-cooked Taste.”
I’ll take your word for it, because, either someone is a lousy cook, or my dog’s eating too well.
Progresso Artisan Soup
“Being an artisan means you’re passionate about what you create.”
And nothing expresses that more eloquently than pouring it from a foil-lined carton.
Authenticity matters. And so do you!
Reach out today and let’s talk about how Step2 Branding and Design can help you position your business or organization for the real world.
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The tagline is not about who you are or what you sell. It’s about them: your target audience. So, you better make sure it’s concise, direct and memorable, so they recall it the each time they hear your name.
Invest in your brand now and spend less time and energy convincing people later.
These businesses each learned from the beginning the power of a consistent and meaningful brand strategy. They rightly prioritized their branding efforts as a long-game investment instead of just another expense.
See you in October
Making your own history doesn’t need big, dramatic moments. You just need to do what you said you’d do every time you step up to the plate.



