What does 2015 hold for you?

“The only constant is change.” A few predictions summarized:

• “Brands are publishers,” content that educates, informs and adds value will grow as a critical marketing tool
• What’s your story? The human stories that build authenticity and add heart will elevate the brands that use them
• Expect more visuals—bigger images on websites, tiles with photos instead of plain links, more pictures in social to get more shares
• Digital marketing and social media will continue to morph—more options, pay to play on social, more screen sizes ... mobile/responsive is essential for your website

Where to start? What’s imperative for 2015?

It’s a digital ecosystem, true. But we’re all still human.

Before you try to figure out the new stuff, go back to the basics—re-focus on who you need to reach, how they find you, and what you offer that they value. What are the pain points? What are the problems you solve? How do they choose?

When you’re clear, take what’s working and build. Use design to stand out. Add the story that's more than “service” and “quality” descriptions. Build your ecosystem around your audiences, not just around what you provide.

And always always always … “what’s in it for me?” “why should I care?”

Fix what's not working

This year a number of companies called us in to repair their marketing. Although they had many pieces and parts (website, ads, billboards, vehicles, etc.) something was missing. Frustration was high, money was being spent, but results weren’t there.

We started with a conversation about positioning, audiences and the “wow!” We looked at analytics. Checked out the competition. Reviewed current marketing. Discussed short- and long-term goals. And we went back to basics.

It worked. Each client is thrilled with their updated and focused marketing. We created the central message, elevated the design, drove home what’s important to the audiences and delivered results.

Would you like some help with your 2015 marketing? Options...

• Meet with an expert: a two-hour consultation will pinpoint where to focus, what to leverage and how to move forward to get the best results. Only $250.
• Add a marketing coach: for you and your in-house team—professional guidance, objective thinking, insight from 30+ years of real-world experience. Choose the program that works for you.
• Or let’s talk about how you expect your marketing to perform in 2015. What’s missing? What’s working? Our services might be a good fit.

Interested? Give me a call, 503.883.4433 or reply to this eblast.

You can get started now

Go back to basics with our e-book, 10 Steps to Build an Optimized Brand. You’ll learn how to define your audiences, the value of positioning, why the point of choice is so critical, and how to inspire recognition and response.

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