We are close to the end of 2015. It has been an extraordinary and memorable year in business and marketing. We have seen more start-ups and entrepreneurs arise this year, along with exciting new and innovative ways to market companies and organizations.
Below are five lessons we have learned from marketing successes in 2015. These lessons will give us a glimpse of what to expect in 2016. My next blog will highlight what we should look forward to in 2016.
1.) Branding is EVERYTHING. It cannot be escaped or avoided. If you want to grow your business or organization or your influence, branding must be at the top of the list. We also (hopefully) learned in 2015 is that branding is about more than being consistent with your logo and colors.
2.) Relationship marketing is key. Marketing has always been about relationships, but in 2015 we saw this as more of a focus. If you are not building relationships with your audience and target audience, you are missing a huge piece of effective marketing.
3.) We are in a mobile-driven society. We are living among a mobile environment. If you are not able to communicate effectively via mobile, you are behind in your marketing strategy. Your website and email should be mobile friendly and responsive. If not, you are missing opportunities.
4.) Marketing is about emotions. Your marketing campaign should connect with your audience emotionally, whether you are have a business or a non-profit organization. The best marketing campaigns tell a story that connects emotionally to your audience. It makes your audence want to move or act. It creates a feeling of security or excitement or comfort or whatever it is that is important for your marketing goals. Marketing should create an emotion.
5.) Content is still, and will always be King. Your marketing is have a content strategy; it creates credibility and leadership in your industry, whether its blogging, videos or podcasts. Good content marketing takes thoughtful planning, creating, and measuring. If you are creating content, without strategy or measuring, your content could be in vain.
If you have any questions or need help with your marketing in 2016, please contact me at [email protected]
Great advice, I’m putting together a vision statement for what I’m look at as a future venture. Your points on branding is vital, when it comes to church growth. New members don’t just fall from heaven. Therefore, you have to plan to “brand” your church organization!
Great blog post! My favorite takeaways: relationships are everything, connect with your audience emotionally, and content never goes out of style! Thanks for sharing!
Lee this was s great piece. I have a lot in 2015. I am willing to do the work ! It is not easy but necessary ! Thanks for working with me.