Welcome aboard, as we embark on a journey into the terrains of brand marketing. Picture marketing as a slice of Nonna’s warm lasagna; a combination of different layers that unite to tickle your taste buds. From social media, content, public relations to activations these layers of our delicious marketing lasagna work to create a brand's impressive sizzle reel.
However, marketing isn’t magic. Your brand won’t shoot to stardom faster than a reality TV contestant. It’s an intriguing cocktail of meticulous strategy, ample lead time, and the mood of the market. Don’t forget: sometimes the wind’s in your favour, and other times you’re cycling uphill in a hailstorm. It’s essential to keep your expectations checked in line instead of floating on cloud nine.
And for heaven’s sake, if your brand isn’t on social media, you might as well send your messages via pigeon post. I beseech you: abandon the rock you've been living under and create an account immediately!
When it comes to your brand, don't let anyone sell you a one-size-fits-all marketing girdle. Your brand is unique and you need to first take the time to understand what the market needs and how your consumers behave. So immerse yourself in your target audience’s psyche. Learn about what gets them going.
Moreover, in the wake of pandemic-induced isolation, we’re seeing a return to authenticity faster than ever. Social media users are now as discerning as a sommelier. They crave real connections, not manicured feeds. So no matter the industry you’re in and regardless of the product you’re selling, evoke genuine emotions and build relatable connections.
It's also a great time to embrace the world of AI (disclaimer: the image of a lasagna for this blog post was generated by AI). Before I lose half of you on this ongoing battle of AI, it’s important to stress that AI models such as ChatGPT or Midjourney aren't the future - they're the now. They're your trusted partners, but you need to learn their language. It’s inevitable that AI will become more prominent, so get your game face on and start practising. Robots aren't snatching jobs, they're making your job a cakewalk. And who doesn't like cake?
Here’s the bitter pill - social media isn't your brand's free soapbox. Your organic posts are likely to reach as many people as a mime in a soundproof booth. So save yourself the energy - unless you have a piece of content that’s guaranteed to go viral or a cult brand with a huge social following, splash some cash behind your posts to maximise the eyeballs.
Lastly, it's time to embrace the new scorecard. Forget likes; today's currency is views, shares, and saves.
Social media algorithms have moved on, and so should you.