Spring is a time of renewal: new start, new plan, new energy. And this spring we find ourselves working in a new world. Spending much more time at home, I’ve found myself thinking of projects that have been on the back burner for far too long. Inspired by the recent flood of tips, tricks, checklists and articles, let’s apply those same spring-cleaning efforts to marketing – no bleach or sanitizer required.
Just Do It
Whether or not your business has been deemed “essential,” all businesses are operating in a new world with a new economy. Make the most of this spring by completing projects that haven’t received attention. All too frequently, we hear clients say they don’t have the time or resources to tackle “big picture” projects. When everyone is busy getting through the day, it is challenging to make time to take a step back and strategize. Well, now is the time.
Where to Begin?
Dust-off
Take a minute to “dust-off” your last marketing plan. When was it written? How has your business changed? The marketplace and economy have shifted, so it pays to revisit your strategy. How can your business adapt to the short-term limitations forced by business closures, social distancing and decreased demand? Has your buyer changed? Defining buyer personas and your customer lifecycle are overlooked exercises that may yield insight into how you can fine tune your tactics and long-term strategy.
Refresh
An organization’s visual identity should be unique, engaging and powerful. If your business is looking to send a message of renewal, consider a brand refresh. Look at your visual brand in comparison with the brands of your competitors and organizations outside your industry. Has your visual identity evolved? Is it time for an update? We practice what we preach. Here is a look back at the evolution of the Sikich logo.
Review & Revise
Revisit your market positioning statement, key differentiators and value proposition. Your brand messaging is key to ensuring prospective customers understand who you are the solution you offer. Make sure to explain your “why”, not just your “what” and “how”. During your next Zoom meeting, review your messaging and collect feedback regarding what new messaging you may need.
Catalog
Photos from the last trade show and footage from the company holiday party can get lost in your email. Forever. Catalog these digital assets and leverage them for new web and social media content. When pulling together imagery for your next project, you will be glad you took the time to create a filing system. And the process of reviewing the images is time well spent, as it’s a great way to spark new content ideas.
Access & Analyze
Declutter
If you can access your regular workspace and have a marketing “closet” where premiums, brochures, trade show and recruiting material are stored, there is no time like the present to sort through the contents. If you see more than one logo version, dated color schemes or material for products and services you no longer offer – you know what to do with them! With clean and tidy shelving in front of you, make a list of what items need replacing. Perhaps there is a digital rather than print solution that makes sense?
Prioritize
Sikich Marketing & Design is your virtual marketing team down the hall. If you are looking for expertise from a creative and collaborative team, we’d love to hear from you.
