by threshold | Apr 24, 2024 | Creative, Culture, Design, Digital Marketing, General, Marketing, Thought Leadership
Laura Robbins
In today’s dynamic marketplace, where consumers are bombarded with choices, establishing a distinct brand voice is paramount for standing out and building meaningful connections with your audience. Whether you’re a real estate property, a credit union, or a boutique hotel, a compelling brand identity weaves together words and emotions to convey a coherent and resonant message.
Let’s explore the art of developing a voice that aligns with your brand’s identity and strikes a chord with your target audience.
understanding your brand’s identity.
Back up, back up, back up. Before you even begin to explore your brand’s voice, you first need to ensure you’ve established your brand’s identity.
What values does your brand stand for?
What sets it apart from competitors?
What emotions do you want to evoke in your audience?
By delving into these questions, you can uncover the essence of your brand and lay the foundation for developing a distinct voice that encapsulates its personality.
Take Threshold’s brand voice for instance. One of our corporate values is that we’re both professional and playful. That value is woven throughout our voice. We like to get the job done and do an amazing job at that, and we like to have a laugh or two along the way. A witty joke or pun is welcome – and oftentimes encouraged – in these parts.
audience insight: listening to consumer needs.
Understanding your target audience is crucial for shaping your brand voice. Conduct thorough research to gain insights into your audience’s demographics, psychographics, and pain points.
What language resonates with them?
What tone elicits the desired emotional response?
Go so far as crafting personas for your brand so you can better tailor your voice and messaging to your audience. Having this distinct persona will also allow you to quality-check your brand’s messaging as it gets put into use, ensuring what you’re saying is relevant to your target audience.
maintaining your voice across touchpoints.
Remember that thing we said above, about quality-checking your brand voice? Yeah – it’s important.
Consistency is the bedrock of a strong brand voice. Maintaining a unified voice across all marketing touchpoints reinforces your brand’s identity and fosters trust with your audience. Whether it’s your website copy, social media posts, or customer support interactions, ensure that your brand voice remains consistent in tone, style, and messaging to deepen relationships with your audience.
it’s ok to be flexible.
Yeah, ok, the odd rule is meant to be broken, is it not? While consistency is essential, it’s also important to recognize that the marketplace is constantly evolving, and consumer preferences may change over time.
Your brand voice should be flexible enough to resonate with changing trends and audience dynamics. Continuously monitor feedback, stay attuned to cultural shifts, and be willing to adjust your brand voice accordingly to maintain relevance and resonance.
Threshold did just that! We underwent a brand refresh in 2023 to better align our creative direction, messaging, and services to our clients and their needs.
be yourself.
Above all, authenticity is the core of a compelling brand voice. Consumers are attracted to brands that authentically express their values and beliefs. Be genuine, transparent, and true to your brand’s identity in every communication. Authenticity not only fosters deeper connections with your audience, but also builds loyalty and advocacy over time.
to sum it all up.
By understanding your brand’s identity, listening attentively to your audience, maintaining consistency, embracing flexibility, and embodying authenticity, you can elevate your brand above the noise and leave a lasting impression on your audience.
Remember, the marriage of words and brand identity is not just about what you say, but how you say it. Let your brand voice be what captivates, inspires, and connects with your audience.
Now that you know how essential a brand voice is, let Threshold help you craft one! We use carefully curated data to deliver positioning and messaging full of strategic potential. Our experienced team weeds out stale approaches to deliver fresh perspectives and brand guidelines that empower future asset creation. And we’ll make you go wow in the process. Promise.
Get in touch with us today!
about the author.
Laura is the brand strategist here at Threshold (so when it comes to all things branding – take her word for it). She embodies all of the best part of what creative marketing is all about, bringing life to brands across the spectrum, and highlighting all of the best aspects that a company, property, business, or any other brand has to offer its consumers.
When she’s not bringing brands to life at Threshold, Laura loves spending time with her husband, son, friends, and family – and she’s even got a little one on the way! Whether it’s spending quality time with loved ones, traveling, trying new restaurants, or working on her novel (yep – she does it all), Laura is the definition of someone who lives to get all of the best things out of life, and we love her for it.
by threshold | Apr 4, 2024 | Creative, Design, Digital Marketing, General, Marketing, Tech/Web
PeakMade Real Estate came to us needing a platform that allowed for a more streamlined approach to websites across their portfolio and understood that the user journey is different across their various markets.
So we did what we do best, implementing website templates optimized for Peak’s audiences that have significantly reduced website development time and include a custom Entrata integration that converts better than any leading property management software on the market.
when we say best, we mean it.
We wanted to not only simplify website development but also provide PeakMade’s portfolio with a marketing tool that amplified lead generation. Each template design was to be innovative, with thoughtful movement of content to engage the viewer while not overwhelming them.
Our adaptable designs show an immediate improvement in conversion rates in the PeakMade portfolio, with lower costs to acquire leads when comparing the performance of their pay-per-click campaigns year-over-year from pre-templated Threshold websites to post.
Claremont Collegiate Apartments in Claremont, CA. saw:
- A 213% increase in conversion rate
- A 65% decrease in cost per conversion
University Gateway in Los Angeles, CA. saw:
- A 1,607% increase in conversion rate
- An 83% decrease in cost per conversion
Impressed? See more for yourself.
a custom integration? you got it.
Up until now, Entrata’s API allowed only floor plan pricing to be pulled into websites. Threshold built a custom integration for Entrata that retrieves several data points such as property floor plan details, availability, pricing, specials, and general property promotions, leveraging automation and increasing website accuracy and sustainability.
Our custom PeakMade templated designs and integration go far beyond the current property website capabilities, allowing property managers to:
- Set a custom pricing label option for floor plans with the ability to customize individual floor plan specials and floor plan name options
- Introduce a rent pricing override option for quick and easy discounted pricing updates when needed
- Create specials and offers that automatically remove themselves from the website when they expire
What does this mean for the property management teams?
- Information refreshes automatically
- No more spending precious hours updating leasing information or submitting requests through Threshold
- User-friendly back-end access to make certain edits on their own, without having to wait the standard 24-72 hour agency request turnaround time
- Focus on leasing and know that the property’s website is accurate and up-to-date
we love results.
How fast do you need a website? Because Threshold and PeakMade launched several of these custom website templates in only 26 business days. But the results don’t stop there.
When switching their property websites from Entrata templated designs to Threshold’s customized solution, PeakMade saw some dramatic improvements.
Taking a sample of 10 property websites from 2022-2023, the PeakMade team saw the following changes:
- Average time on a website increased by 33 seconds across all sites
- An engagement rate increase of 7.74%
- A goal conversion rate increase of 77.61%
before you go.
The 411? Using the Entrata designs and limited plugins was costing PeakMade properties conversions. Their new Threshold website templates look better than the previous property websites and provide a much-improved user experience that’s consistently resulting in better website engagement and higher lease numbers.
Let’s propel you forward. Your place for your every marketing need, with us you can go a la carte or take all the carts. Talk to a Marketing Specialist today.
by threshold | Feb 24, 2024 | Creative, Design, Digital Marketing, General, Marketing, Tech/Web, Thought Leadership
With millions of websites competing for attention in today’s digital age, ensuring that your site stands out from the crowd is essential. Here are our top tips to help you achieve a memorable and engaging website design that will attract and retain visitors.
know who you are.
The importance of having a strong brand identity can’t be overstated. Before diving into the web design process, it’s essential to have a clear understanding of your brand’s visual identity and voice. Your website should reflect your brand’s personality and values while speaking to your target audience, whether it’s students, professionals, or families.
Use consistent design elements such as colors, typography, and graphics throughout your site to create a cohesive visitor experience.
design is psychology. use it to your advantage.
Our brains are wired to process information in specific ways, and design can leverage these cognitive tendencies. Visual hierarchy is a powerful tool that can guide users’ attention to the important parts of your website through the use of headlines, images, and eye-catching CTAs. A good design can influence what a user sees first and how they interact with your site.
Emotions are heavy hitters when it comes to people’s decision-making processes. Evoking the right emotions through a design—whether it’s a sense of trust, excitement, or nostalgia—can help foster a stronger connection between the user and the brand.
Another psychological tool you can use to elevate your website is something called the principle of social proof. For better or for worse, we live in an age of social influence and people are more likely to take action if they see others doing the same. Incorporating testimonials, reviews, and user-generated content can help build trust and credibility with visitors, encouraging them to engage further with your website.
dare to be different.
While it’s essential to adhere to design principles and best practices, don’t be afraid to break the mold and experiment with unconventional elements in your website design.
For example, the internet is made up of boxes—people are used to seeing grid-like layouts. Consider shaking things up by using an asymmetrical layout to create visual interest. Experiment with big, bold typography choices, vibrant color schemes, or whimsical illustrations to infuse personality into your website. Introducing unexpected elements can surprise and delight visitors, making your website more memorable.
By daring to be different and embracing unconventional elements in your website design, you can set your site apart from the competition and create a unique online experience for visitors. Remember to stay true to your brand identity and objectives while pushing the boundaries of what’s been done before.
don’t forget about user experience (ux)!
When considering these things, it’s crucial to strike a balance between creativity and usability. Ensure that unconventional elements enhance rather than detract from the overall user experience. Nobody likes a site that’s hard to navigate! Conduct user testing to gather feedback and make adjustments as needed to ensure that your design choices resonate with your target audience.
final thoughts.
By following these tips and implementing thoughtful design strategies, you can make your website stand out from the crowd and leave a lasting impression on visitors. Remember to continuously monitor and optimize your website’s performance to ensure that it remains relevant and engaging in the ever-evolving digital landscape.
We recognize the uniqueness of each brand and the importance of individual visions. By seamlessly integrating client ideas with our technical expertise, we produce websites that not only meet but exceed the expectations of the target audience.
Whether you’re a startup looking for a bold online debut or an established business in need of a digital facelift, Threshold is ready to cater to your specific needs. Our bespoke solutions take into account your brand identity, target audience, and business objectives, ensuring that the end result is more than just a website – it’s a strategic tool for growth and engagement.
In the dynamic world of web development, Threshold remains your trustworthy ally, navigating complexities with finesse. Entrust us with your digital aspirations, and witness as we transform your vision into a tangible reality, connecting you with your audience in meaningful ways. Allow us to be the catalyst to elevate your brand, captivate your audience, and explore the limitless possibilities of web development together.
about the author.
When we think about someone who can literally do it all, Heather is always the first one to come to mind. From designing and developing stunning websites that always out-perform, to understanding branding in a way that would put even the most experienced professionals to shame, Heather is our go-to girl in all things creative.
by threshold | Feb 15, 2024 | Creative, Design, Digital Marketing, Financial Marketing, General, Marketing, Tech/Web
Ava Page
In a digital era dominated by data, marketing success hinges on the ability to harness insights strategically. From creative endeavors to website development, digital strategies, financial institutions, and promotional products, Threshold leverages data to drive unparalleled success.
Let’s take a look into how our commitment to data-driven marketing sets us apart in each of these crucial areas in today’s saturated marketing landscape.
creative excellence.
Our creative mastery stands as a testament to the power of data in shaping compelling narratives. By analyzing audience preferences and market trends, our creative team crafts visually appealing and emotionally resonant campaigns that perform – like the fact that Threshold websites hold a 40% or below bounce rate for organic traffic.
The result? Creative endeavors that not only captivate, but convert.
web dev mastery.
Websites are the digital storefronts of today, and our data-driven approach to web development ensures that each site is tailored to the target audience.
On average, Threshold websites perform better than competitors:
- 85% or higher health score on 100% of our websites
- Organic users spend 2+ minutes on websites
- visiting multiple pages & CTAs
From user experience to performance optimization, data insights guide the creation of websites that not only look stunning but also function seamlessly, contributing to a positive brand image.
digital strategies redefined.
In the digital realm, success lies in precision and relevance. Threshold’s digital vertical relies on data analytics to optimize campaigns across platforms.
From social media to search engine marketing, data-driven insights guide strategic decisions, ensuring maximum impact and ROI for clients navigating the competitive digital landscape.
A recent campaign for Willow Bridge showed our ads out-performing our competitors – by a long shot. See the numbers for yourself:
- 62% engagement rate (15% higher than industry avg.)
- Users spent 2x longer on site
- 18% CTR (over 2x higher than industry avg.)
tailored solutions for financial institutions.
The financial sector demands a nuanced approach, and we excel in providing tailored solutions driven by data.
Understanding the unique challenges and opportunities within financial institutions, from ranging customer bases and demographics to maintaining compliance standards, our team leverages data to craft marketing strategies that resonate with the target audience, fostering trust and brand loyalty.
promotional prowess.
In the world of promotional marketing, data is the key to creating impactful campaigns. Threshold’s promotional vertical utilizes data insights to identify trends, preferences, and effective channels for promotional initiatives.
From branded merchandise to interactive giveaways, each promotional campaign is strategically designed to leave a lasting impression.
to sum things up.
Our vision: to make everyone rethink what they expect from marketing.
By harnessing insights for creative campaigns, website development, digital strategies, financial institutions, and promotional initiatives, we’re setting a new standard for success in our field.
In a landscape where data is king, choose Threshold for an elevated marketing experience that goes beyond the ordinary, turning insights into tangible results. Elevate your brand with Threshold, where data meets creativity to unlock unprecedented success.
before you go.
For more tips and information about marketing your everything, take a look at the rest of our blogs, right here on our website!
You can also subscribe to our email newsletter (it’s got some great stuff), and follow us on Instagram, Facebook, or LinkedIn!
about the author.
Ava is the SEO & Paid Media Specialist at Threshold.
In her role, she is responsible for the content creation and management of all Threshold and PromoShak social channels, blog content, and SEO maintenance, and aids in internal and client-facing digital marketing strategies.
When she’s not busy creating content, you can usually find her picking out new plants, island-hopping, watching Duke basketball, or spending time with her fur babies.
by threshold | Oct 24, 2023 | Creative, Digital Marketing, General, Marketing
Ava Page
We’re about to dive headfirst into the exciting world of copywriting – the secret sauce behind high-performing websites, ads, and social media content.
If you’re looking to boost your online presence and turn casual visitors into loyal customers, you’ve come to the right place.
the power behind words.
In the digital age, where attention spans are shorter than ever, your words matter more than you might think. Every word on your website, in your advertisements, and on your social media profiles should work like a magnet, pulling your audience in and compelling them to take action.
That’s the magic of high-converting copy.
why high-performing copy matters.
engagement.
Great copy sparks interest and keeps your audience engaged. It’s the bridge that connects your audience to your message.
conversions.
The ultimate goal of any online presence is to convert visitors into customers. High-performing copywriting can make that happen.
brand voice.
Your copy is your brand’s voice – it should be unique, relatable, and memorable.
Now, let’s roll up our sleeves and discover how you can create copy that works wonders for your business.
know your audience.
Before you put pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard), you must understand your audience inside and out.
Who are they? What problems do they face? How can your product or service solve those problems?
Tailor your message to speak directly to your audience’s pain points and desires.
embrace the AIDA formula.
AIDA stands for Attention, Interest, Desire, and Action. It’s a classic formula that works wonders for copywriting, like so:
attention.
The first step in creating high-performing copy is to capture your audience’s attention right from the start. Your headline or opening sentence is your first impression, and it needs to be compelling. Here’s how to do it:
create intrigue.
Start with something that piques curiosity or poses a thought-provoking question. For instance, “Are You Making These Common Mistakes in Your Marketing?”
interest.
Keep their interest alive by discussing their problems or needs.
power words.
Incorporate words that evoke emotion or excitement. Words like “ultimate,” “exclusive,” or “revolutionary” can add impact to your headline.
desire.
Show them how your product or service can fulfill their desires.
pain points.
Identify a problem your audience faces, and highlight it in your headline. People are drawn to solutions to their problems.
action.
Finally, ask for the action you want them to take, whether it’s signing up, buying, or sharing.
sense of urgency.
Encourage immediate action by introducing urgency, such as limited-time offers or deadlines.
keep things clear and concise.
In the online world, less is often more. Clear, concise copy is easy to read and understand. Avoid jargon and complex language. Instead, use simple words and short sentences that get your point across quickly.
tell your story.
Humans are wired to connect with stories. Weave narratives into your copy to make your brand more relatable and memorable. Share customer success stories or anecdotes that showcase your product or service’s value.
test and optimize.
Copywriting is an art, but it’s also a science. Don’t be afraid to A/B test different versions of your copy to see what resonates best with your audience. Use tools like Google Analytics to track the performance of your copy and make data-driven improvements.
keywords & SEO.
For web copy, don’t forget the importance of keywords. Research relevant keywords and incorporate them naturally into your content. This will not only make your content more search-engine friendly but also help you reach the right audience.
always proofread.
Nothing screams unprofessionalism like typos and grammatical errors. Always proofread and edit your copy to ensure it’s polished and error-free.
And, if you’re able, it’s always a plus to get a second set of eyes on your work to pick up on things you may have missed, or even to give you a suggestion on how to make something just a little better.
to sum it up.
High-conversion, high-performing copywriting isn’t just a skill – it’s an art that requires a deep understanding of your audience, a mastery of language, and a sprinkle of creativity.
By following these tips, you can transform your online presence, boost your conversions, and create a lasting impact in the digital world. Remember, it’s not just about words; it’s about the magic those words create.
So, go ahead, write with professionalism, craft with playfulness, and watch your conversions soar.
before you go.
For more tips and information about marketing your everything, take a look at the rest of our blogs, right here on our website!
You can also subscribe to our email newsletter (it’s got some great stuff), and follow us on Instagram, Facebook, or LinkedIn!
about the author.
Ava is the Content Marketing Specialist at Threshold.
In her role, she is responsible for the content creation and management of all Threshold and PromoShak social channels, blog content, and SEO maintenance, and aids in digital marketing strategies both internal and client-facing.
When she’s not busy creating content, you can usually find her picking out new plants, island-hopping, watching Duke basketball, or spending time with her fur babies.
by threshold | Aug 24, 2023 | Creative, Digital Marketing, General, Marketing
Ava Page
In this digital era, your brand’s reputation isn’t just built through word of mouth – it’s crafted through pixels and keystrokes. In a time where every click and comment can shape your brand’s destiny, it’s time to take control of your online narrative like a true champion.
As your ultimate partner for every marketing need, Threshold is here to unveil the secrets of online reputation management (ORM) that will not only protect your brand, but elevate it to new heights.
the power of first impressions.
Did you know that 91% of consumers read online reviews before making a purchase decision? Your potential customers are just a click away from forming their opinions about your brand. At Threshold, we understand the importance of making that first online impression count.
Our expert team carefully crafts your online narrative, ensuring your brand’s values and uniqueness shine through every review, comment, and mention.
turning negatives into positives.
Negative reviews can feel like a storm cloud over your brand’s sky, but fear not – they present an opportunity in disguise!
Studies show that 95% of customers return if a company handles their issues well. With our strategic approach, we transform disgruntled customers into loyal advocates, showcasing your brand’s dedication to customer satisfaction.
staying ahead in the digital landscape.
In a world where information travels faster than light, staying ahead of the game is crucial. Over 80% of consumers lose trust in a brand if they find incorrect information online.
Our proactive ORM strategies ensure that accurate information about your brand takes precedence, mitigating potential misinformation and enhancing your credibility.
the social proof phenomenon.
Social proof is the modern-day magic wand for brands. We’ve adopted the best practices in leveraging this phenomenon to curate a vibrant online community that resonates with your brand’s message.
From engaging social media content to fostering authentic customer interactions, we bring your brand to life in the digital sphere.
a holistic approach to orm.
Your online reputation isn’t just built on reviews and comments – it’s an intricate tapestry of various factors. At Threshold, we adopt a holistic approach to ORM, encompassing SEO optimization, content creation, social media management, and PR strategies.
Our multi-faceted techniques ensure that every aspect of your online presence aligns seamlessly, reinforcing your brand’s identity.
to conclude.
In the dynamic world of digital interactions, your brand’s reputation is the compass guiding customers to your doorstep – or inbox. With Threshold by your side, your online reputation isn’t just managed; it’s elevated to a whole new level.
before you go.
Remember, your reputation is your digital legacy – make it count with our THeam by your side. Your brand deserves nothing less than the best, and we’re here to deliver just that! Get in touch with one of our marketing experts today to embark on the journey of mastering your online reputation.
For more tips and information about marketing your everything, take a look at the rest of our blogs, right here on our website! You can also subscribe to our email newsletter (it’s got some great stuff), and follow us on Instagram, Facebook, or LinkedIn!
about the author.
Ava is the Content Marketing Specialist at Threshold.
In her role, she is responsible for the content creation and management of all Threshold and PromoShak social channels, blog content, and SEO maintenance, and aids in digital marketing strategies both internal and client-facing.
When she’s not busy creating content, you can usually find her picking out new plants, island-hopping, watching Duke basketball, or spending time with her fur babies.
