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Branding
The Alchemy of Creating a Brand Image
Branding is a company's most vital marketing asset, providing customers with a clear understanding of the company's identity, values, and offerings.
Creating a brand image is kind of like alchemy. It's taking different pieces and turning them into something valuable. Creating a brand image is not easy. When done correctly, however, the results are magical. When establishing a brand image, there are a few key considerations to keep in mind. The most essential is that your brand's appearance is consistent across all channels. Your logo, colors, typeface, and overall design should be the same everywhere people encounter your business. It's also vital to make sure your branding is authentic. People can see through a fake image. And, they will be less likely to trust your brand if they feel like you are trying too hard. Be yourself and let your personality shine through your branding. Most important of all, however, is knowing what the heck a brand image even is. Here, we will go over that and everything else you need to know about improving your brand image.
What is a Brand Image?
A brand image is the overall perception of a company or product. It's a mix of many different elements, including the logo, colors, typeface, voice and overall aesthetic. All these things work together to create a unique identity for your brand. The importance of your brand image in business is what people see when they think about your company or product. It's the first thing they will notice. Your brand image will make them want to learn more about you or run in the other direction. A strong brand image can help you stand out from the competition and attract new customers. There are many ways to improve your brand impression, but it all starts with creating an unbreakable foundation. The first step in building a powerful brand is to develop a clear and concise brand strategy. It will help you determine your target audience, what you stand for and how you want to be perceived. Once you have a solid plan in place, you can start working on the visual elements of your brand. So, what are you waiting for? When you are ready to establish your brand image, Wizard of Ads® has the secrets to unlocking your brand’s look. Contact us today to get started.
Brand Image vs. Brand Identity
The difference between brand image and brand identity is that of focus. Brand identity is the set of core values and personalities that a company wants to project. The brand image is what the public perceives to be those values and personalities. Having a strong brand identity will create a consistent and recognizable brand image. However, it's not always possible to control how the public perceives you. Some companies focus on their brand image instead of their brand identity, which can be a risky move. Nike, for example, has built a strong brand image around being an athlete-friendly company. Its actual business practices, though, may not reflect that. In contrast, Coca-Cola has focused on developing a powerful brand identity centered around happiness and togetherness. That identity has resulted in a more consistent and positive brand image.
Visual Images vs. Mental Images
There are two types of images that we use to create a brand image: Visual images and mental images. Visual images are the ones that we see with our eyes. We see the logo, the website and the product. The advantage of using visual images is that they are concrete and easy to understand. The disadvantage is that they can be copied easily. Trademarking your distinctive brand images is a must. They may also not reflect the true essence of the brand. Mental images are the ones that we create in our minds. It's the visualization of what the product or company represents to us. They are less concrete, but they can be more powerful because they are based on personal associations and emotions. The disadvantage is that it can be harder to communicate with others. It is vital to use both visual and mental images when creating a brand image. They both have their strengths. The visual images will help to get the message across quickly and clearly, while the mental images will create a more personal connection with the audience. By using both types of images, the brand can build an unbreakable, lasting relationship with its customers.
Our Attraction to Brands
When you look at a piece of art, what do you see? How do you feel? Is it something you can touch or just an image on a screen? Brands are much the same way. We may not be able to touch them, but we can feel their impact. A good brand image is carefully crafted and thoughtfully executed. It catches our attention and makes us want to learn more. When you look at that image, what do you notice? If you asked someone else what they saw, it would probably be a different experience than yours, right? It's the same with brands. We perceive a brand based on our experiences, values and beliefs. And like art isn't about the artist, branding isn't about the brand. It's what consumers see when they look at it. Creating a brand image is an art form. And so is our attraction to brands. It's about telling a story that resonates with your audience and speaks to their needs.
Important Benefits of a Consistent Branding
Branding can be a company’s most crucial marketing asset because it can give customers a sense of who the company is, what it represents and what it offers. A consistent branding strategy across all marketing channels will help customers quickly identify your company and its products or services. Consistent branding:
- Provides a distinct personality and identity: A well-branded company will have a unique personality that customers can recognize and connect with.
- Distinguishes your brand from the competition: Consistent branding creates a unique look and feel that customers can identify with.
- Stands out in the minds of customers: When customers think of a particular product or service, they should also think of your company’s branding.
- Maximizes your authority: A well-branded company will have more credibility and authority in the customer's eyes.
- Boosts customer loyalty: Branding can help increase customer loyalty by building emotional connections with customers.
- Produces income and profit: A well-branded company will be more successful in terms of income and profit.
Creating a powerful brand image is essential for any business looking to succeed in today’s competitive marketplace. By establishing a unique personality and look for your company, you can set yourself apart from the competition and make an impression on customers that will keep them coming back. Not only will branding help increase customer loyalty, but it can also boost your authority and credibility in the eyes of consumers. So, the key to creating a successful brand is developing a strong image that is recognizable and appealing.
The Role of Brand Image in Customer Loyalty
Customers are loyal to brands, not businesses. In other words, it is the emotional connection that consumers have with a particular brand that drives their loyalty, rather than any rational factors such as price or convenience. This emotional connection is created and maintained by the brand image. Simply put, the brand image is the way the public perceives a particular brand. It is the sum of all messages, both conscious and subconscious, that a company conveys about itself. And usually, the company relays those messages through its marketing and other communications channels. The role of brand image in customer loyalty has a powerful influence on consumer behavior. It can affect everything from what products people buy to how much they are willing to pay for them. A brand image can make or break customer loyalty. Keeping customers coming back requires businesses to create a strong and positive brand image. There are many ways to create a brand image. The most important thing is to be consistent in all aspects of the business. It includes the way the business looks, communicates and treats its customers. A strong brand image will make customers feel good about their decision to do business with a company. It will also give them a sense of trust and loyalty toward the company. On the other hand, a weak or poorly maintained brand image can turn customers away from a business altogether. Creating a powerful brand image takes time and effort, but it is well worth it in the long run. So, when you are ready to have the best branding images for your business, Wizard of Ads® can help you out. Contact us to get started today.
Branding
The Making of a Brand
Are You Branded or Blanded?
What do you think of when the word “brand” comes up? Walmart or Microsoft might pop in your mind. How they managed to keep the same throughout scaling to the size and success they have now. But are they the same? Microsoft is rethinking their brand and values, by including improvements like vowing to become carbon negative by 2030. Why do we care about this? Well, think about Walmart and its brands. Does it bring up any significant meaning to you other than convenience and low prices? Not really, and that’s because they don’t have a strong brand. Nike is also a great example of a brand with a story–or in their case, many stories. Their brand has upheld the “Just Do It” mantra for over 30 years. How did they accomplish this? We all know building an empire didn't come by just doing it…Yes, using this slogan as a motive behind their brand is one tactic, but their ideals to take their brand even further are definitely ones to note. Nike takes its slogan and company mission to its customers. Whether you’re a professional athlete working for the gold, or a youngster saving up for their first pair of Air Jordan’s. Nike makes their brand story about their people. And it’s been working well! Marketing tactics may have evolved, but branding follow the same age old principles that people have been using since the advent of the spoken word. Strong brand building requires telling a brand story–your story. One that embodies the values and history of your brand and you as a whole. A well-crafted brand story can help you connect with customers on an emotional level. **Creating an authentic brand story will set you apart from the competition.**If you’re interested in learning more about marketing and branding, then keep reading, it’s about to get good.
What is a Brand?
A brand is a concept that may help people’s awareness or recognition of a particular company, product, service or individual. Some examples of brands–just for funsies–include the ones we’ve mentioned above. But there are brands like the caring Geico® gecko, all the way to Will Smith. Although, his brand might be subject to change given the recent additions to his brand’s history. When you build a brand, you need to be clear about your values and what you stand for. You need to create a strong identity that people can connect with. And you need to make sure your story is consistent across all channels – from your website and marketing materials to your social media presence and customer service. You might have already tried to build your brand story. Is it hitting the way you want? Have you introduced new information to your target audience that would change their mind about knowing, liking, or trusting you? Are a disproportuonately high number of people attracted to your brand? Do they stick around for more? When you’re ready to share and create your brand story, book a call with Wizard of Ads®. Our experts prioritize building a disruptive brand, one embodying your values, history and purpose. We can’t wait to hear your story.
Name Recognition Isn't Branding
The examples we’ve been delving on might be household names, at this point. But they started out as much more than the comply names that we’ve come to know. They’ve managed to do this by creating a brand essence, awareness and presence. One that maintains the brand image and story they base their company around. The definition of branding is often misunderstood. Many people think that branding is simply the process of creating a recognizable name for a product or company. While branding does involve developing a strong name, it's actually much more than that. **“Getting your name out” isn’t going to work if no one knows what mental image to put with it.**Branding is much more than recognizing the name of your brand, the colors, logo, and slogan. Marketing and branding are aiming to formulate the right complexities and mental images your customers experience. – Even when it’s just in their heads as they think of it. Think about the first brand that pops into your head– mine just happens to be Chips Ahoy chocolate chip cookies. But I want you to think of your own…
- What do you see? I see the blue packaging and a giant glass of milk.
- What do you hear? I hear the crinkling of the package plastic as the fresh-seal breaks open for the first time.
- Are you smelling or tasting anything? I definitely am, the crispy and sweet chips being dunked into the milk to get just the right amount of sogginess. The smell of sugary sweet treats is faintly present.
- How does this brand imagery make you feel? Why? I feel nostalgic because thinking of Chips Ahoy cookies brings up heartfelt memories of when my dad and I used to wake up in the middle of the night and sneak into the kitchen for some cookies and milk.
Branding is Not Informational it’s Relational
Ever hear the saying “it’s all about who you know”? It definitely applies when learning how to create a successful business and brand. Don’t believe me? Think about your favorite product(s). Have you ever recommended it to friends or family you know would love or benefit from it? Did they end up getting and using the product(s)? I’d wager they did, or at the very least considered it. Isn’t the ultimate goal of branding to build and nurture relationships with current customers, and begin relationships with new ones? Well, if you didn’t think so, newsflash— because it is. When we form a relationship with a customer, we become who or what they think of when they need what our brand is selling. They hear one of their friends needs it too, then boom–another relationship and customer base is born. One of the most important aspects of branding is creating relationships with customers. Too often, companies focus on transactionally-based marketing and ads rather than establishing a connection with customers through relational marketing and ads. When you think about your favorite brands, what do they have in common? Chances are, they’ve all built strong relationships with their customers. They’ve created a connection that goes beyond just providing information. Instead, they’ve focused on providing a great experience and establishing trust. You might be surprised to know that anyone listening to the radio or watching a TV advertisement is an influencer of approximately 250 people. This is considered their Realm of Association. Having a good balance of both transactional and relational ads has been a successful solution to upholding the relationships my brand has built. The perfect ratio of translational to relational advertising should be followed in your marketing branding. Something like one-third of your advertising should be transactional and two-thirds should be relational. It’s been found that the most successful companies are those that first build their brand. Followed by offering specific incentives to their brand families over time. –All while nurturing the bonds that formed the relationship in the first place. If you want to create a successful brand, you need to focus on relationships. Building trust and providing a great experience are essential ingredients for your brand to succeed. Not relying on information and transactional advertising to do the work for you. If you couldn’t already surmise–it won’t.
What is Counter Branding?
Counter branding is a technique used by companies to build a brand that is in direct opposition to an existing one. It can be used as a way to stand out in a competitive market, or to target customers who are unhappy with a competitor's product or service. Counter branding can also be used to create a new identity for a company that is struggling to make an impression. Counter branding wasn’t as common as it is now, but is still just as trickly as its always been. There are several ways to go about creating a counter brand. The most common approach is to use the same logo, colors, and typeface as the competition, but to change the name and message to reflect the company's new values. Alternatively, companies can create an entirely new brand identity, complete with their own logo, colors, and typeface. Let’s solidify this concept with some examples. Since we’re wizards here, time-traveling back to the late 1060s will be no issue. As the clouds of smoke dissipate from our landing, let’s look back to how the 7-UP brand was swiftly overtaken by Cola. Cola changed the soft drink game from the typical fruity or root beer flavors to the “sweet, rich, brown” concoction we’ve all downed after our pizza binge. 7-up knew this new flavor of soft drink has changed the market forever, so they had to think quickly about what they can do to keep their 38-year brand–centered around lemon-lime soda–a success. Their solution? You guessed it–counter branding. 7-Up launched their “Uncola” counter-brand in 1967. Taking our example into account, below are the steps of counter-branding:
- List features of competitor (master) brand. Cola’s “sweet, rich, brown” campaign and product brought a new and staple attribute to the soft drink industry. The competing brands were centered around fruit-flavored drinks (7-Up) and root beer.
- Create a brand with the exact opposite attribute(s). 7-Up did this by changing the description and logo of their brand from a lemon-lime soft drink description and slogan “You Like It. It Likes You.” to “The Uncola: tart, crisp, clear.”
- Refrain from naming the master brand or big competitor in your counter branding. It’s illegal– besides, the whole need for a counter brand is because of the master brand’s overdominance in the market. Everyone will already know the brand name.
Sounds simple enough, right? Well a lot of the time, counter-brands become quite complex. They succeed by becoming the South to the master brand’s North, the dark to their light. An equal and opposite brand that covers the gaps left in the customer’s mind. There are a lot of variables to take into account in this case. What better way to learn complex concepts than a quality example. Let’s take Walmart once again as our example of a monstrous and overpowering master brand. It’s become the go-to for everyday needs and even groceries. But how are other stores that offer the same things competing? First, we need to understand what makes their brand tick, breaking it down to its fundamentals in customer experience:
- Atmosphere: busy, crowded and full of products, deals and life.
- Colors & Lighting: white, blue, bright and industrial.
- Auditory Signature: peoples’ indistinct chatter, echoing of the loudspeaker announcements, music from every moderately-popular era playing over the speakers.
- Pace: fast, erratic, everyone seems to be in a rush.
- Products: basic brand-name mass-produced products. Off-brand and value options. Have to be careful picking out the produce and meats.
- Pricing & Promotions: gives great value on certain items. Does not offer any rewards programs or much promotional incentive.
Here’s what the counter-brand to Walmart would aim to include:
- Atmosphere: more room to be less crowded, more orderly and logistically organized.
- Colors & Lighting: cream or darker colors, red, lower and warmer lighting.
- Auditory Signature: controlling the noise and echoing from the speakers to not seem like a warehouse. Playing less disruptive and distracting music.
- Pace: slowed down, giving shoppers a more relaxed experience when walking through the aisles and taking in the products.
- Products: having brand-name products available, but giving shoppers more unique and less generic options.
- Pricing & Promotions: offer rewards programs for brand-name purchases and incentives.
Without naming the counter brand I was describing, see if you can figure it out for yourself. Our minds are complex creatures, and most will look for the opposite side of the coin. This is why counter branding remains an effective way to take back your brand’s success. If you’re in the market against a master brand.
Are You Branded or Blanded?
I love my good friend, Dan Antonelli, for this. We’ve worked together on a ton a successful brands over the years. But building a successful brand comes with the need to understand the balance between branded and blanded. With anything great, there comes a need for balance. This holds true when curating your brand, too. Many so-called experts in marketing advise that your brand be “seamless” and “fully integrated.” Now, this may sound fabulous but in reality, those “experts” are wrong. Telling you to take any and all incongruent factors–what makes your brand unique– and throw them out the door. In short, be ready, willing, and able to leverage the unexpected if you every hope to stand 600 feet about the crowd. This is precisely why we love working with Dan and his team at KickCharge Creative so much. I’m here to tell you differently, as was Edgar Allan Poe–much before his brand became accepted by the people. – “ There is no exquisite beauty without some strangeness.” Poe’s strange brands history would be–and is–widely revered and accepted in today’s climate. We crave originality as consumers. We want what stands out! Though, the balance warning comes into play here. Including the unconventional in our brand storytelling should still remain on-brand. Yes, bring about the brand story ideas that make your brand and story special. But don’t make it so incongruent with your brand that it throws off the balance. Ensure you are driving the right audience to your products and mission. Are you worried? Don't be, just pay attention to what you’ve read thus far and take special note of these points:
- Procedural Memory: accomplished through relevance and repetition, it’s the way your brand becomes automatically remembered.
- Symbolic Thought: linking the unknown to the known to create a meaningful brand and brand story.
- Particle Conflict: adding an element that doesn't belong, but still fits. It’s a way to make your brand interesting.
By covering these areas when creating a brand story, you’re more likely to have a strong brand. Without considering all that goes into the brand build, you’ll surely end up with weak and puny little bland. But you should have figured out after reading this, that a lot more goes into building a successful brand. Much more than simply sprinkling your uniqueness throughout. So, if you need help in all that is marketing and branding, telling your brands history and creating your company’s success, then book a call with the brand masters themselves, Wizard of Ads®.
Branding
Brand Story: Why Customer Language Matters Most
Since the dawn of humankind, people have always loved a good story. Stories allow us to communicate, see different perspectives, and understand each other better. In the business world, brand stories are an essential ingredient in marketing. A brand story is not just a bunch of facts and stats about your company or product — it’s an engaging narrative that explains why your brand exists, what it stands for and how it can help people solve their problems. When done well, brand stories can be incredibly powerful. They can create an emotional connection with customers, inspire loyalty and evangelism and set your brand apart from the competition. But crafting a great brand story isn’t easy — it takes time, effort and a lot of creativity. If you’re looking to create or improve your brand storytelling, this article will show you how.
What is a Brand Story?
A brand story is the story of a company or organization. It tells the tale of how the company came to be, and what it stands for. A brand story can help connect customers with a company and create a sense of loyalty and affinity. Many companies put a lot of effort into crafting their brand stories, and they can be extremely effective in building a strong brand. Nike, for example, has very compelling brand story marketing that resonates with customers around the world. Their story is about overcoming obstacles and achieving greatness, which is something that many people can relate to. A brand story doesn't have to be complicated or flashy — it just needs to be authentic and true to the company's values. When crafting your brand story, it's important to keep in mind who your target audience is. You need to think about what appeals to them and what will make them want to buy from you. If you can create a company story that is unique and compelling, it can be a very effective marketing tool. At Wizard of Ads®, we believe in powerful story brand marketing that focuses on the customer. We help our clients create stories that are true to their brand and that resonate with their target audience. If you're looking for help building a brand story that will captivate your customers, book a call with us today! We would be happy to help.
The Strong Messages
When it comes to story branding, there are two questions nobody in the industry is asking: Who are we? What do we sell?
Who We Are
Your customers need to know your brand identity if you expect them to connect with you emotionally. They need to see themselves in your brand story, and they need to understand what you stand for. The problem is, too many companies try to be everything to everyone, and they lose sight of who they are. Therefore, to establish who you are as a brand, ask yourself these questions:
- What are your brand values? What are the principles you stand for as a company? Are you committed to quality, innovation, sustainability or something else?
- What does your brand promise? What do you want your customers to know about you? What can they expect from your products or services?
- What is your brand personality? Is your brand loud and brash, or understated and refined? In other words, what is the tone of your brand?
Once you have a good understanding of your brand identity, make sure it's reflected in everything you do, from your marketing to your customer service. When people see or experience your brand, they should instantly know who you are and what you stand for.
What We Sell
Along with your brand identity, you need to get across to customers the value that you can provide them. What is it that you are selling? What are the unique benefits of your product or service? When customers know what it is that you sell, they can better understand why they need it and how it will improve their lives. Some tips on how to effectively communicate what you sell are:
- Make it clear what sets you apart from the competition. Why should someone buy from you instead of them? What are the unique benefits of your product or service? Why is it the best option for them?
- Use customer stories whenever possible. Hearing about how others have benefited from using your product or service is a great way to show potential customers just how valuable it can be for them. Quotes, videos, and case studies all make great additions to your website and marketing materials.
- Be honest and transparent. Don’t make promises you can’t keep or exaggerate the benefits of your product or service. When customers feel like they can trust you, they’re more likely to call you when it’s time to buy from you.
Customer trust is essential for any business looking to create long-lasting relationships with its clients. By following the tips above, you can create a brand story that ensures your customers feel confident in what you have to offer and will be more likely to make a purchase.
Why The Language of the Customer is the One that Matters?
How you talk to customers matters. Your brand story is no exception. To create a strong, resonant brand story, it’s important to use the language of your customers. Why? Because when you use your customer’s words, you’re showing that you understand them and their needs. You’re also building trust and credibility. When it comes to your brand story, using your customer’s language ensures that the story feels authentic and relevant. It also helps you connect with customers on a deeper level, which can lead to more sales and loyalty. So how can you use your customer’s language in your brand story? Here are a few tips:
- Find out what words and phrases your customers use to describe your product or service.
- Look for common themes in the feedback you receive from customers.
- Pay attention to the language your customers use on social media and in online reviews.
- Use customer surveys to gather feedback about the words and phrases they use to describe your brand.
- Think about the adjectives and descriptors your customers use to talk about your product or service.
Once you have a good understanding of your customer’s language, start incorporating it into your brand story. You can do this by telling stories that are relevant to your customers, using customer quotes and highlighting customer success stories.
Why Providing the FACTS Does Not Matter?
In our society, there is a pervasive belief that providing the facts will somehow change people's minds or win them over to our side. We think that if we just present the evidence, people will see the light and come around to our way of thinking. This is particularly true when it comes to our brand story. We believe that if we just state the facts, people will understand how great our company is and want to buy from us. But this isn't always the case. Providing the facts may backfire and have the opposite effect. In some cases, it can make people feel like you're trying to manipulate them or control them. They may feel like you're not trustworthy or that you don't really care. So what's the solution? How can you share your brand story effectively without relying on the facts? The answer is to focus on emotions instead of facts. When you tell your brand story, make sure that you focus on the emotions that your product or service evokes. Talk about how it makes people feel and what difference it has made in their lives. Share your story in a way that makes people feel like they can relate to it. Most of all, provide hope. Hope is the thing most all of us want in life. Hope that you will be the one that makes their problem go away quickly, easily, and safely. When you focus on emotions, people are more likely to be drawn to your brand. They will feel like you're trustworthy and that you care about them. And when they trust you and feel like you care about them, they're more likely to buy from you.
Do You Dare Say Something Your Competitor Wouldn’t Say?
There's a lot of talk these days about authenticity. And for good reason. Consumers are savvier than ever and can see through attempts at manipulation. So, how do you create a brand story that is authentic and believable? One way is to dare to be different. Don't be afraid to say things your competitor wouldn't say. For example, if you're a clothing company, don't be afraid to talk about the environmental impact of the industry or how your products are made. Or if you're a food company, don't be afraid to talk about where your ingredients come from or how your production process affects the environment. As an HVAC company, offer the bolder guarantee, take a stand against something you don’t find right about the industry, or offer a bundled solution over a simple box. Do something other companies wouldn’t immediately say, “me too”! Being authentic means being honest and genuine. It means not trying to hide your flaws or pretend to be something you're not. It means being transparent and truthful with your customers. So, don't be afraid to keep it real. Be honest and genuine. Be transparent and truthful. And most importantly, be yourself. Storytelling is a powerful way to connect with your customers and create lasting relationships. When you tell your brand story in a way that’s authentic, relevant and consistent with your values and personality, your customers will feel like they’re a part of something special. They’ll see themselves in your brand, and they’ll be more likely to become loyal customers. The bottom line? If you want to build a household name, you need to start telling your story. Are you ready to uncover the heart of your brand and create marketing magic? At Wizard of Ads®, we help businesses from a variety of industries build disruptive brands, and we can do the same for you. Book a call with us today! We can’t wait to help you share your story with the world.
Advertising
A Dozen Uncommon Ways To Advertise Your Business at Little or No Cost!
Guerrilla Marketing was popularized by Jay Conrad Levinson. A Madison Ave executive for advertising legends like Leo Barnett and J. Walter Thompson, Jay was fascinated with the study of quirky and uncommon marketing strategies that captured attention at little or no cost.
Ryan Chute & Jay Levinson, 2013
Ryan Chute & Levinson Family, 2013
That often means advertising in the least expected places. It means creating a message that is tailored to your customer base, not your company. It means utilizing platforms and materials that aren't oversaturated with advertising noise. In this article, we'll go over a dozen uncommon ways to advertise your business, so you can get noticed and stand 600 feet above the competition. .
Uncommon Ways and Places to Advertise and Promote Your Business
Some of the best marketing redefine the boundaries of what is traditionally considered advertising. Here are 12 unexpected ways to market and advertise your business.
Captcha
Captchas are those little boxes with distorted text that you have to enter before you can do anything online. They're used to prevent evil robots from automatically completing actions like signing up for email accounts or submitting comments on websites. Businesses can use captchas to do website advertising for their products or services. For example, you could include a captcha on your site that asks visitors to enter the name of your company's product. This is a great way to generate leads and get people interested in what you have to offer. You can also advertise with captcha by including a call to action in the captcha. This can be done by asking visitors to enter their email address to receive a free trial or a discount code.
The Virtual Reality Showroom
Another unique way to advertise is through The Virtual Reality Showroom. This is a platform that allows customers to explore a three-dimensional version of your business. They can walk through the space, look at products and services and even get a feel for what it would be like to work there. Sound a bit like the Metaverse? It’s coming. Don’t wait til it’s too late and play catch up. This is a great way to show off your company culture and attract potential employees, too. Plus, it’s a fun, interactive experience that customers will remember. Make sure to advertise your VR Showroom on your website and social media pages. You can even use it as a marketing tool at events. At Wizard of Ads®, we provide revolutionary marketing and advertising services that will help your business succeed. Book a call with us today to learn more about how you can market your business as no business has done before.
FAQs
FAQs are one of the more common places a prospective customer will visit on your website. Have you ever considered that this might be a trustworthy and unexpected place to present your products and services? FAQs also present an opportunity to stack value. While answering common questions as asked, there is nothing wrong with plugging companion products or solutions, as well as finance options.
The Publicity Stunt
Want to create a real buzz? Try a publicity stunt! These unique and often outrageous methods of advertising can generate a lot of free media attention for your business. So, how do you go about creating a successful publicity stunt? First, come up with an attention-grabbing idea. Your stunt should be creative and interesting enough to make headlines. Think outside the box and come up with something that will surprise and amuse people. Next, make sure your stunt is legal and safe. You don't want to get into trouble with the law or put anyone in danger. Finally, promote your stunt! Tell everyone you know about it and use social media to spread the word. The more people who know about your stunt, the more likely it is to get media attention.
Door Hangers
Businesses use door hangers all the time as a cost-effective way to advertise. They can be used to advertise a sale or a new product, promote a special event, or simply as a way to remind customers your company serves their neighborhood. Whatever the reason, using door hangers to advertise your business is a great way to reach potential customers. The trick behind a great door hanger is to do something unexpected with the opportunity. For example, a pizza company in Tucson once created a door hanger with a fridge magnet attached. It had their takeout menu and phone number on it, while doubling as another great way to show off your kid's precious artwork. Door hangers can be used to target specific customers. When your service or delivery truck is delivering to or servicing a customer, their neighbors are likely to need your same products or services. If your driver were to do as few as 3 doors to the right, 6 doors across the street, and 3 doors back to their vehicle, you’ve just made 12 high-quality touches with your door hanger. Create a unique tracking QR code for each driver, and you can even celebrate when one of their door hangers leads to a sale!
Human Body Parts
I bet your business advertising never thought to use human body parts before! Believe it or not, human body parts are an effective way to advertise your business. By having a model or actor pose with cut-out body parts of your product, you can create an attention-grabbing advertisement that is sure to get people talking. To use human body parts in your advertising, you could make your ad into a (fake) tattoo on someone's body or have a model hold up a sign with your product, or use fake body parts to create an interesting and unique display. Whichever way you choose to use them, human body parts are sure to bring great shock value. Not only will this method draw attention, but it will also show customers that you are creative and willing to go the extra mile to advertise your products.
Crackerjack Box
Wizard of Ads™ Partner, Steve Semple once sent a Crackerjack box out to 100 prospective clients. Inside the box was Crackerjacks…and of course, a prize inside. The prize was a tangible item with an accompanying message inviting the prospect to a website landing page. 71 out of 100 people went to the landing page, and 30 people became customers. Good luck getting your weekly newsletter to open rates (let alone conversions) like that.
Rotating Fan Blade
A rotating fan blade is an uncommon and effective place to advertise your business. It's not something you see every day, so it will work well in grabbing people's attention. The motion of the fan blade will also help to catch people's eyes, and the advertisement will be hard to ignore. To make sure this method is successful, be sure to use attractive colors and visuals in your ad. You should also make sure the text is large and easy to read.
Manhole Cover
A Manhole Cover is a foolproof way to make sure people see your advertisement as they walk or drive by. This is due to the fact that it is an unexpected place for an advertisement, and people are naturally curious. Therefore, they will take the time to read what is on the manhole cover. You can use this to advertise your business in a clever and eye-catching way. For example, you could poke fun at the location of your ad by inserting a joke like, _"If you're looking for the best Italian food in town, you're headed down the wrong hole! "_This will make passersby chuckle, and they'll be more likely to remember your business.
Lamp Post
Lamp posts have been stapled, taped, and glued with posters of all shapes and sizes to spread the news of band gigs, lost dogs, and babysitters for hire. This form of advertising goes as far back as we can remember, and is still a productive way to advertise today. This is because many businesses have abandoned this type of advertising, thinking other methods are more effective -leaving you all the more room to dominate the space. There are a few reasons why this form of advertising is so successful. For one, lamp posts are usually located in high-traffic areas. They are also often seen as a landmark or point of reference, which means that people will see your poster long before they reach their destination. Lastly, lamp posts offer a certain level of exclusivity - not many businesses advertise this way, so it can help you to stand out from the competition.
Raw and Cooked Meat
I bet raw and cooked meat was the last place you considered when brainstorming uncommon places to advertise, which is exactly why it works. Meat is a popular purchase item for many individuals, but they would never imagine finding an advertisement for a business on a slab of meat. It's the perfect opportunity to create a witty or punny slogan. "We offer the meatiest deal you can find" is a great example of promoting a new discount. Or, if you sell protein products like protein shakes, you can say something like "Come get your protein fix." Advertising on something as absurd as meat is a surefire way to shock the viewer, which will, in turn, capture attention and successfully advertise your business.
Product Placement
Did you know that Apple has never paid for an endorsement deal in a major motion picture? Not one penny. When you can get your product, service, wrapped truck, billboard, showroom, logo, or uniformed employee tucked into a television show, newscast, podcast, or online video, you get brand exposure. This is a form of social proof and validates the thing captured on film. The more casual the encounter, the more valid it becomes. When the DJ at your local radio station gushes about the great service they received from your company, and it has no “ad speak” in it, you borrow the DJ's credibility and goodwill in the community.
Be at the Forefront of Advertising Innovation
Are you ready to navigate your way through your advertising? These twelve uncommon ways and places to advertise aren't for the faint of heart. You've got to be willing to take calculated risks and be open to trying something new. After all, the best things in business happen after taking a giant leap of faith. If you need someone there to soften the landing, look no further than Wizard of Ads™. At Wizard of Ads®, we help businesses create advertisements that redefine the boundaries of what's possible with innovative and cutting-edge advertising techniques. Book a call with us today to take your advertising to the next level!
Marketing
Disruptive Marketing: How Can You Use it to Your Advantage?
Hey there beautiful. I see you sitting there. You're curious about disruptive marketing, aren't you? Disruptive marketing is as the name suggests — disruptive. It comes in many forms, but all have the same goal: to get your attention. I don't know if you've already noticed, but I've just used the disruptive marketing tactic - in the first sentence of this very article.)It grabbed your attention, did it not? Why do you think it did? Disruptive marketing can be anything from an outrageous ad campaign to a completely new way of doing business. But whatever it is, disruptive marketing is meant to steal attention, shake things up and get people talking. But it's more than just that. Disruptive marketing is also about being different. It's about taking risks, and not playing by the rules. Some people might say that disruptive marketing is unethical, or even dangerous. But for many businesses and marketers, it's the only way to truly stand out in today's oversaturated world. So, are you ready to get disruptive? In this article, we'll take a look at what disruptive marketing is, and how to use it to your advantage, so stay tuned!
What is Disruptive Marketing or Advertising, and How Does it Work?
In a nutshell, disruptive marketing is a technique used to get your audience's attention by using shock or provocation. It's often considered "in your face" or "edgy" and can be controversial, which is why it's so effective in grabbing attention. There are a few different ways to use disruptive marketing: you can create ads that are shocking or outrageous, launch campaigns that are radically different from what your competitors are doing or find new and interesting ways to reach your target market. However, it's important to note that disruptive marketing isn't about being rude or obnoxious. In fact, if you're not careful, you could easily alienate your audience and do more harm than good. If you’d like to successfully incorporate disruptive ads into your marketing campaigns, book a call with us at Wizard of Ads®, we’d be happy to help get you started!
The Importance of Disruptive Marketing Today
Today, disruptive marketing is more important than ever. Thanks to the internet and all of its accompanying technological advances, consumers have more choices than ever before. They can purchase anything they want or need with just a few clicks of a button. This means that businesses have to work a lot harder to outshine the competition and attract customers. Disruptive marketing is one of the most functional ways to do this. It involves using strategies that are different from your competitors. This could mean coming up with new products or services or adopting a new approach to selling them. It could also mean using innovative marketing tactics that get your brand noticed.
How To Embrace Disruptive Marketing to Your Advantage
Disruptive marketing can be a great way to set your business apart from the competition. Here are a few tips to help you embrace disruptive marketing and use it to your advantage.
Utilize Marketing Tools
To effectively capitalize on disruptive marketing, whether you are a marketing advertising agency or a business owner, you need to utilize the marketing tools available to you. A couple of the most effective tools at your disposal are [technology and a unified CRM system] (https://www.insightly.com/blog/disruptive-marketing/#:~:text=Disruptive marketing involves using experimental, work while others fall flat). Technology can be a powerful ally in disruptive marketing. For example, as a business owner with a limited budget, you can leverage technology to create low-cost or no-cost advertising and marketing campaigns. You can also utilize technology to track the results of your campaigns to make changes as needed and boost your results. A unified CRM system is another valuable tool for disruptive marketing. By using a CRM system, you can keep all of your customer data in one place. This makes it easy to track customer interactions and preferences and to provide targeted offers and discounts to customers who are most likely to respond positively. Utilizing these two tools will assist you in creating successful disruptive marketing campaigns that get noticed and produce results.
Experiment with Different Tactics
There are a lot of different tactics you can try, and it's important to experiment with as many of them as possible to see what works best for your brand. One of the most commonly used disruptive marketing tactics is guerrilla marketing. Guerrilla marketing is a form of advertising that relies on creativity and innovation to get your message out there. It often uses unconventional methods, such as street stunts or social media campaigns, to grab attention. And because it’s unexpected, it can be very effective in getting people to take notice. Another great tactic for disruptive marketing is experiential marketing. This involves creating unique experiences that surprise and engage consumers. For example, you might set up a pop-up shop or organize a flash mob to promote your product or service. Experiential marketing can be a lot of fun for customers and can really help to stand out from your competitors. Finally, don’t forget about digital marketing. This includes things like email campaigns, social media ads and search engine optimization. It can be an excellent way to reach a lot of people quickly and inexpensively. So, if you’re looking for some new and disruptive ways to market your product or service, these are some great options to consider.
Be Consistent
Disruptive marketing can't work without consistency. When you're disruptive, people will notice you. But if they don't see the same disruptive message everywhere they go, they'll forget about you just as quickly as they found you. That's why it's so important to be consistent with your disruptive marketing. Whether it's the tone of your voice, the content of your message or the way you present yourself, make sure that everything is in line with your disruptive media strategy. If you can keep up the disruption long enough, you'll start to see results. But it takes time and perseverance to be successful with disruptive marketing. So don't give up if things don't happen overnight — keep at it and be consistent!
Track the Results of Your Experiments
In disruptive marketing, tracking the results of your experiments is essential. By doing so, you can determine what's working and what's not, and make necessary adjustments along the way. Not sure where to start? Here are a few tips:
- Use analytics tools to track website traffic and engagement.
- Analyze customer feedback and surveys to see what people like (and don't like) about your product or service.
- Monitor social media channels for conversations about your brand or products.
- Evaluate sales data to see if there are any particular products or services that are selling better than others.
The more data you have, the better informed your decisions will be when it comes to disruptive marketing. So be sure to track the results of your experiments and make changes accordingly.
Think as a Customer
Putting yourself in the minds of your customers will allow your disruptive marketing to truly thrive. What are their needs and wants? What is frustrating them when they interact with your industry or sector? If you can find the answers to these questions and more, then you're on your way to delivering disruptive marketing that makes an impact. So how can you learn what your customers want? There are a few different methods you can use: surveys, focus groups, interviews, and observational research. At the Wizard of Ads™, We go through an intensive uncovery process to determine what will resonate most with your most desired audience. Once you've gathered this feedback, it's time to start thinking about where it’s useful. You'll need to analyze it and figure out what the trends are. Then, you can start developing disruptive marketing ideas that will appeal to your customers.
Be Up to Date on Emerging Trends
It's no secret that the world of marketing is constantly evolving. As new platforms and strategies emerge, businesses and marketing advertising firms have to continually adapt to stay ahead of the competition. And with disruptive marketing, it's no different. Disruptive marketing can be a risky endeavor as it often goes against the status quo. Brands that use disruptive marketing tactics are often looking to shake up the industry and create a new standard. However, if you can't read the room, disruptive marketing can backfire. So it's important to be aware of the current trends and understand your audience before jumping into anything disruptive. To see what's trending, check out what your target customers are up to on social media. Platforms like Twitter and Instagram are great for getting a snapshot of what people are talking about. You can also look at industry publications to see what topics are being covered. Once you have a good understanding of the current trends, you can start to think about how your brand could disruptive. But always be prepared to pivot if things don't go as planned.
Understand Your Target Market and Customers
Disruptive marketing is all about shaking things up and getting your target market's attention. It can be an easy way to stand out from the competition and attract new customers. But disruptive marketing isn't just about being noisy or flashy. It's about understanding your target market and customers and delivering messages that resonate with them. Disruptive, by it’s very nature, means that if you resonate with your desired group, you will not resonate with your undesired group. “We believe that there is an optimal number of complaints you will receive with great advertising, and that number should never be zero.” - Ryan Chute So before you launch any disruptive marketing campaigns, take some time to learn as much as you can about your audience. What are their needs and wants? What kind of messaging will resonate with them? Only then will you be able to create campaigns that truly disrupt the status quo — and get the results you're looking for.
Wreak Wonderful Havoc with Your Marketing
Disruptive marketing is a fresh and exciting way to tell your brand story. It’s risky, but the benefits that come with it make it worth all the while. To ensure you hit the mark, our advertising and marketing services provide quality support whenever you need it. At Wizard of Ads®, we build impactful brand stories, images and presence all through our streamlined marketing strategy tailored to your needs and goals. We want you to be successful in telling your story, so book a call today to learn more about our services!
Leadership
How to Win in Business
The great game of BUSINESS does not come with an instruction manual. The assumption of Most Players is that Customer Acquisition – lead generation – sales opportunities – is how you win the game. But the understanding of a Highly Skilled Player goes 2 levels deeper:
- Customer Acquisition (lead gen)
- Conversion (closing the sale)
- Remove the Friction (from the buying experience)
Highly Skilled Players understand that exponential growth is unleashed by improving the conversion rate. Big differences in top-line sales and bottom-line profits flow from small improvements in Conversion. Highly Skilled Players are usually successful, but the Master Players – the paradigm shifters – the system disruptors – the Kings and Queens of their Categories – turn this Highly Skilled Order of Operations upside down. This is the methodology of every Master Player:
- Remove the Friction
- Customer Acquisition
- Conversion
Without exception, every one of the 26 Mammoth Successes in which I have played a part was triggered by _Removing the Friction. When you remove the friction, you differentiate yourself in a profound and meaningful way. Customer Acquisition accelerates and Conversion Rate climbs. The friction in your customer’s Buying Experience is hard to see, but you can feel it in the reluctance of your customer. A customer survey will only add to your confusion because customers cannot consciously tell you what they subconsciously feel. You will read the results of your survey, do what your customers told you they wanted, but it won’t help you in the slightest.
Let’s review:
- You need to remove the friction that creates Customer Reluctance.
- This is felt as a lack of sales opportunities, but you cannot identify the cause.
- Because it is subconscious, not even your customers can tell you the cause.
Wait. It gets worse. When you were a kid, did you ever call “dibs”? If there was only one piece of cake and you wanted the right to eat that cake, you would call “dibs” on it. You had a preference and you wanted to impose that preference on others before they could impose their preference on you. Now that you are an adult, there is a new kind of DIBs – Data Information Bias – and it is far more costly than the loss of a piece of cake. I have a client who was successful long before they met me, but their Data Information Bias was impeding their ability to jump to a higher level. I recognized their DIBs when they told me to write ads that would drive sales opportunities to the telephone. Their data clearly indicated their conversion rate was much higher on the telephone than on their website. I said, _“You have an extraverted sales assumption, a preference for listening and talking rather than reading and writing. And you assume that everyone else is like you. But it isn’t true. Your data isn’t telling you to drive your customers to the telephones, it is telling you to fix your website.” They believed me. They fixed it. And their sales volume doubled. Then we doubled the double by removing the friction in their mass media. That company is now approaching 10x the sales volume and profitability that was previously considered “successful.” You have already told yourself that you would have interpreted their data correctly. Am I right? Perhaps you would have. But that company’s data isn’t what is holding you back. Your own data and your own Data Information Bias is holding you back, but you can’t see it because it is hiding in your blind spot. If you knew it was there, they wouldn’t call it a blind spot. This last little bit that I am going to tell you – if I can figure out how to communicate it clearly – will resolve the final two mysteries that are lingering in your mind.
If I am correct, you are wondering:
- “Why can’t the customer articulate their subconscious reluctance? I believe I could do it.”
- “If I am honest and sincere and open-minded, what could possibly keep me from seeing what is supposedly hiding in my blind spot?”
Fear and Pride are the answers to both of those questions.
- Every form of Customer Reluctance is built upon a subconscious fear. We are too proud to admit – even to ourselves – that we are fearful, so we tell ourselves a convenient lie so that we don’t have to admit we are afraid. We believe this lie, so this is the lie that we report to you in your Customer Survey.
- To see what is hiding in your blind spot, you will have to alter one of your fundamental beliefs about how the world works. Your fundamental beliefs underlie your operating system, your worldview. You and I are exactly alike. Our pride causes us to have a deep, natural aversion to learning that we may have been wrong all along.
Here is one example that might help you understand the depth and pervasiveness of the typical blind spot: If a person believes that “money makes the world go ’round” and that we can always find the truth if we “follow the money,” they will also believe that everyone evaluates each other based on their incomes. They see proof of that belief everywhere they look, because we see what we are looking for. Their belief in money as the primary motivator causes them to create a generous pay plan for their employees. They then find success by:(A.) lowering their prices to attract more customers, or(B.) offering a discount or rebate to attract more customers, or(C.) raising their prices to create a “prestige brand” like Rolex or Tiffany or Ferrari. Their solutions to problems will always begin with the assumption that money is the primary motivator. And this deep, instinctive belief about “how the world works” will be correct enough to bring them a meaningful degree of success. But hiding in their blind spot will be a huge number of employees they can’t hire, and a large number of customers they can’t attract. These are people for whom money is not the primary motivator. A belief in money as the primary motivator is just ONE of the many fundamental beliefs that can form a worldview, and with it, the blind spots that can keep you from getting to the next level. Every blind spot is the result of a deep, instinctive belief you trust unconditionally. You trust it because it brought you the success you currently enjoy. But if the growth of your business has flattened out, t is probably an instinctive belief that is holding you back. It got you to where you are. But it won’t take you to the next level. Is your hunger for growth strong enough to cause you to listen to things you would rather not hear?
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Frequently asked questions
Questions? We’ve got answers.
Why Wizard of Ads®?
Are you ready to transform your business into a distinctive, emotionally resonant brand? Here's why hiring Ryan Chute and Wizard of Ads® Services is the game-changer your business needs:
Distinctiveness Beyond Difference: Your brand must be distinctive, not just different, to stand out. We specialize in creating emotional connections with your customers to make your brand unforgettable.
Building Real Estate in the Mind: Branding with us helps your customers remember your brand when they need your service again, creating a lasting impression.
Value Proposition Integration: We ensure that your brand communicates a compelling value proposition that resonates with your audience, creating a powerful brand strategy.
Who Should Work with The Wizard of Ads®?
Wizard of Ads® offers services that start with understanding your marketing challenges.
We specialize in crafting authentic and disruptive brand stories and help build trust and familiarity with your audience. By partnering with Wizard of Ads®, you can transform your brand into one people remember and prefer. We understand the power of authentic storytelling and the importance of trust.
Let us elevate your marketing strategy with our authentic storytelling and brand-building experts. We can take your brand to the next level.
What Do The Wizard of Ads® Actually Do?
Maximize Your Marketing Impact with Strategic Alignment.
Our strategy drives everything we do, dictating the creative direction and channels we use to elevate your brand. Leveraging our national buying power, we ensure you get the best media rates for maximum market leverage. Once your plan is in motion, we refine our strategy to align all channels—from customer service representatives to digital marketing, lead generation, and sales.
Our goal is consistency: we ensure everyone in your organization is on the same page, delivering a unified message that resonates with your audience. Experience the power of strategic alignment and watch your brand thrive.
What can I expect working with The Wizard of Ads®?
Transform Your Brand with Our Proven Process.
Once we sign the agreement, we visit on-site to uncover your authentic story, strengths, and limitations. Our goal is to highlight what sets you 600 feet above the competition. We'll help you determine your budgets and plan your mass media strategy, negotiating the best rates on your behalf.
Meanwhile, our creative team crafts a durable, long-lasting campaign designed to move your brand beyond mere name recognition and into the realm of household names. With an approved plan, we dive into implementation, producing high-quality content and aligning your channels to ensure your media is delivered effectively. Watch your brand soar with our comprehensive, strategic approach.
What Does A Brand-Foward Strategy Do?
The Power of Strategic Marketing Investments
Are you hungry for growth? We explain why a robust marketing budget is essential for exponential success. Many clients start with an 8-12% marketing budget, eventually reducing it to 3-5% as we optimize their marketing investments.
While it takes time to build momentum, you'll be celebrating significant milestones within two years. By the three to five-year mark, you'll see dramatic returns on investment, with substantial gains in net profit and revenue. Discover how strategic branding leads to compound growth and lasting value. Join us on this journey to transform your business.
Ready to transform your world?
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deserve this)
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