TraceyNolte
SharePoint, Web, Photo, Video
Branding/Logo
Marketing Plans
Jun 22nd
Many business start throwing out emails and half hearted attempts at solving serious issues with lead development. Seriously, have you read Stephen Covey’s “7 Habits of Highly Effective People”. One of the habits that has always influenced my decision making is Habit 2 – Begin with the end in mind. Many people identify with the frustration of success because they fail to plan. Many people do not ever get around to defining the end itself and so they simply could not begin with the end in mind. The end represents the purpose and plan of selling. Until you can say EXACTLY what that purpose is, with assurance, then you just cannot direct your marketing attemps in the manner that would bring you leads and ultimately — GROW YOUR BUSINESS.
There are no short-cuts here. To engage in this habit, you need to have a dream, define your own vision and get into the practice of setting goals which will allow you to make measurable progress toward the dream. Next, create the steps you think it will take to accomplish those goals. For example, the goal may be to have 1,000 OPT IN leads per month. Once you know that, they you can make steps to get there and measure your progress if you hit your goal. But, without knowing what you want… it’s kind of hard to tell if you have made it or not.
Brand Awareness
Jul 6th
Do you know what your target is for your brand? If so, are you on the mark?
Brand awareness is a marketing concept that refers to a consumer knowing of a brand’s existence. Brand awareness is a measurable element that most marketing departments should measure, but don’t. It can be measured by showing a consumer (or focus group) the brand and asking whether or not they knew of it beforehand. Simple enough. However, most marketers focus on the deployment rather than what their brand target is and making sure they are on the mark.
In today’s most competitive atmosphere, it is critical for retailers to maintain and build on their brand awareness, as well as reinforce the value proposition of their market. Good branding is the product of a clear vision. But, with limited resources, creating a brand identity can be tricky. Fortunately, building brand awareness on the Internet doesn’t need to take a lot of money or resources.
Here are a few tips:
- Vision: Good brand statements typically include the company’s mission, vision and values.
- Timeless: Build brand with the idea that it should last over decades, not something you will tire of quickly. And don’t change it to often!
- Experience: Logos aren’t the only way to brand. It’s an experience, whether on your website, commercials, online ads, radio spot, whatever you do …it’s the entire delivery of your timeless vision that helps your customers ‘remember’ your brand.
- Cohesive: All the delivery experiences should be cohesive and be experienced as unity and have the same ‘feel’ to have a consistent brand experience. Otherwise, your efforts can become confusing or diluted.
- Creative: Don’t let the brand standards box you in. Use it to develop creative expressions of what the brand vision is.
- Clear & Concise: Don’t muddle the brand. It should be easy, simple and clear. Stick to less is more.
- Value: It’s the consumer who decides what a brand is really worth. It’s not what you say about yourself, it’s what others say of you that gives your brand value. Ensure you apply customer feedback.
If you are one of the many marketers that is “pushing product” rather than building brand awareness, BEWARE. People can tell the difference. A brand is like person with a reputation. And unfortunately, you can ruin your brand’s reputation without identifying your brand clearly, thus resulting in lost potential sales. Keep your brand values at the forefront of the marketing techniques. Brand awareness starts by developing the best representation of what your product/service does, what it stands for and delivering that to your target audience in a clear, concise and creative way that can remembered for decades. If you get feedback from customers about your brand, listen, weigh it carefully and take action, if needed.
Brand identity
Jun 20th
Companys that have established branding methodologies and strategies tend to have more success with brand recognition.
Therefore it makes sense to understand that branding is not about getting your target market to choose you over the competition, but it is about getting your prospects to see you as the only one that provides a solution to their problem.
The objectives that a good brand will achieve include:
- Delivers the message clearly
- Confirms your credibility
- Connects your target prospects emotionally
- Motivates the buyer
- Concretes User Loyalty
To succeed in branding you must understand the needs and wants of your customers and prospects. You do this by integrating your brand strategies through your company at every point of public contact.
Your brand resides within the hearts and minds of customers, clients, and prospects. It is the sum total of their experiences and perceptions, some of which you can influence, and some that you cannot.
A strong brand is invaluable as the battle for customers and sales intensifies day by day. It’s important to spend time investing in researching, defining, and building your brand. After all your brand is the source of a promise to your consumer. It’s a foundational piece in your marketing communication and one you do not want to be without.