Gone
are the days where brands used to create consumer needs. Consumers today want more and they demand
only the best. Is your brand their preferred
option of choice? Is your brand strong enough to adhere to these wants and
demands (capacity)?
Because
of these demands more brands will require protection from consumers…leading to
a brand protection act...the consumer has become more powerful than ever. This is also the time to consider
collaboration with other brands and package more cleverly. It’s not the size of your budget that will be
a game changer, but your ability to influence, your creativity and brand
relevance. Are you able to keep up with
the trends and demands of the market? #Brandliquitity
will become even more paramount.
Funky,
fresh and new are #cool, but experience rule.
Don’t become a here today gone tomorrow brand. Stay true to the essence of your brand but
remain relevant. A single-minded
approach will sink your ship; your brand requires an integrated solution. Incorporating Brand, Marketing and
Communication interventions as a unit. Standalone efforts will leave you alone
and at the back of the line.
Data
is king and expensive. Will consumers
engage with a brand that does not appeal to them? The answer is no; and it will be reflected on
your bottom line. If you make a noise,
they switch off and you lose your voice.
Simple as that! A trend in 2016
come in the form of #insurance companies offering free airtime to arrange
funerals. It became so popular almost
all of them are now offering free airtime; because of the demands of the
market.
Again,
there is no alternative to experience.
Make sure the composition of your teams includes both developed and
developing talent.
Consumers
today are educated and have access to more and bigger options. Don’t allow your brand to be ridiculed and
perceived to be desperate. Your #reputation
is crucial as your differentiator in this galaxy of noise and clutter. Allow
your brand to rise above it all and lead the market.
Speak
to all your stakeholders at once. Customise
your messaging to suit their requirements but don’t leave anyone in the
dark. Keep your message alive, not only
during a crisis. Be proactive, active
and responsive. Availability of your
company representatives is not negotiable.
Make sure your employees are well trained and the #Ambassadors of your
brand. Empower them to own the brand and
make it come alive at all touch points with the brand. Partner with your stakeholders on this
journey of #collaboration.
#Socialmedia
are merely platforms/channels to engage and communicate. Use it to your advantage and should not
approached as the blueprint to your challenges and objectives. Nothing replaces the basic principles and
fundamentals of Brand, Marketing and Communication.
We
will also witness an increase of #socialmarketing initiatives. Whereby consumers are educated and feel more
involved with a brand, thereby enhancing loyalty and affinity. Consumers appreciate
#socialmarketing interventions. Create that hashtag moment in 2017 and make a
difference.
