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 | Mar 28, 2024 | Digital Marketing, Financial Marketing, Marketing, Thought Leadership
Amanda Spicer
In the dynamic world of marketing, acquiring clients is only half the battle; retaining them is equally, if not more, critical for sustained success and excelled growth. Client retention not only bolsters revenue streams but also enhances reputation and fosters long-term partnerships. However, with increasing competition and evolving client expectations, mastering client retention in the marketing industry requires finesse and dedication.
Let’s dive into some effective strategies to keep your clients engaged and satisfied:
deliver constant value.
Consistency is vital in client retention. Ensure that you consistently deliver high-quality work that aligns with your client’s goals and expectations. Whether it’s through innovative campaigns, insightful analytics, or strategic consulting, demonstrate your value through every interaction.
communicate proactively and transparently.
Effective and constant communication is the cornerstone of strong client relationships. Proactively keep your clients informed about project progress, make them aware of challenges, and celebrate successes. Be transparent about any issues that may arise and work collaboratively to find solutions. Check in weekly, monthly, or quarterly even if the project is complete. Clear and open communication builds trust in your partnership.
understand your client’s needs.
Take the time to truly understand your client’s business, objectives, and pain points. Conduct regular meetings, asking probing questions, and actively listen to their feedback. By understanding their needs and challenges, you can tailor your strategies and recommendations to address their specific goals effectively.
provide strategic insights and recommendations.
Position yourself as a trusted advisor by offering strategic insights and recommendations that go beyond the scope of your services. Marketing is results driven, scheduling recurring calls to review and discuss campaign analytics will ensure your client is informed and confident about expanding your partnership. Use this time and your expertise to identify improvement opportunities, anticipate industry trends, and provide actionable advice that adds value to your client’s business.
be responsive and available.
In today’s fast-paced business environment, responsiveness is non-negotiable. Be prompt in addressing client inquiries, whether it’s via email, phone, or in-person meetings. Make yourself available to provide support and guidance as needed, demonstrating your commitment to their success.
invest in relationship building.
Cultivate strong personal connections with your clients beyond the professional realm. Take the time to get to know them on a personal level, whether it’s through shared interests, industry events, or informal gatherings. Building genuine relationships fosters loyalty and strengthens the foundation of your partnership.
offer customized solutions.
Avoid the one-size-fits-all approach. Instead, offer customized solutions tailored to each client’s unique needs and objectives. Whether it’s through personalized marketing strategies, unique creative solutions, or flexible service options, demonstrate your commitment to delivering results that are specific to their business goals.
showcase success stories and results.
Highlight your successes and demonstrate the tangible impact of your work through case studies, testimonials, and performance metrics. Showcasing your track record of delivering results reinforces your credibility and reassures clients of the value they receive by your partnership. Check out some of Threshold’s big wins through our case studies!
anticipate and address issues proactively.
Stay proactive in identifying potential issues or challenges before they escalate. Monitor key performance indicators, anticipate client concerns, and take preemptive measures to mitigate risks. By demonstrating foresight and proactivity, you can build confidence and resilience in your client relationships.
seek feedback and continuously improve.
Actively seek feedback from your clients to understand their satisfaction levels, areas for improvement, and future expectations. Use this feedback to iteratively refine your processes, services, and client interactions. Continuous improvement demonstrates your commitment to excellence and ensures that you remain responsive to evolving client needs.
Client retention is a strategic imperative for success, especially in the marketing industry. By implementing these strategies and prioritizing client satisfaction, communication, and value delivery, you can build enduring partnerships that drive mutual growth and success. Remember, retaining clients is not just about delivering results – it’s about nurturing trust, fostering collaboration, and consistently exceeding expectations to create lasting value.
about the author.
Amanda is the Digital Junior Client Success Manager at Threshold.
In her role, she is responsible for relationship management, client advocacy, renewals and upsells, monitoring metrics, strategy development, and documentation and reporting. When she’s not busy managing her clients, you can find her picking out new plants, watching Cowboys football, running her small business, or spending time with her fur baby, Daisy Marie.
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 | Jan 19, 2024 | Digital Marketing, General, Marketing, Tech/Web, Thought Leadership
Ava Page
As we set sail into the ever-evolving realm of digital marketing, staying attuned to the latest social media trends is paramount. At Threshold Agency, we’re your compass in the vast sea of possibilities, guiding you through the social media landscape that is set to define marketing in 2024 with a blend of professionalism and a light touch.
video continues to reign.
In the age of short attention spans, video content remains king. Threshold Agency leverages this trend, crafting engaging video narratives that captivate your audience and elevate your brand’s storytelling.
interactive content takes center stage.
The era of passive scrolling is evolving into interactive engagement. From polls and quizzes to immersive experiences, Threshold Agency taps into the allure of interactive content, creating meaningful connections with your audience.
authenticity Is non-negotiable.
In a world saturated with content, authenticity emerges as the true currency. Threshold Agency fosters genuine connections by humanizing your brand, emphasizing real stories, and creating a relatable online presence that resonates with your audience.
rise of social commerce.
Shopping is becoming more social than ever. Threshold Agency navigates the social commerce landscape, integrating seamless shopping experiences into social platforms to convert engagement into sales and elevate your brand’s online retail presence.
sustainability as a core value.
As environmental awareness grows, so does the importance of sustainable practices. Threshold Agency aligns your brand with eco-conscious values, integrating sustainability into your social media presence to connect with the socially responsible consumer of 2024.
AI-driven personalization.
Tailoring content to individual preferences is the future of social media marketing. Threshold Agency harnesses the power of AI to deliver personalized experiences, ensuring your brand speaks directly to the unique interests and needs of your audience.
community building beyond platforms.
Beyond likes and shares, the focus is shifting to community building. Threshold Agency fosters vibrant brand communities, creating spaces where your audience can engage, share experiences, and become advocates for your brand.
to sum things up.
As the tides of social media trends shape the marketing landscape in 2024, Threshold Agency stands at the helm, ready to navigate and capitalize on these shifts. Our commitment is to infuse your brand with the perfect blend of professionalism and a light touch, ensuring you ride the waves of innovation with confidence and success.
Step into the future of marketing with Threshold as your trusted guide.
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 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 | Nov 10, 2023 | Digital Marketing, Financial Marketing, General, Marketing, Thought Leadership
Jenny Paul
The landscape of the banking industry is in a constant state of evolution, especially in the digital sphere. As we delve into 2024, the key to staying ahead lies in understanding
emerging trends and harnessing the expertise of advertisers to effectively market banking products.
Let’s explore some pivotal trends shaping the banking sector and how advertisers can play a key role in communicating these financial offerings.
2024 banking trends: a snapshot.
data-centric strategies.
The effective utilization of data remains paramount for banks and credit unions. Targeted marketing based on customer insights and behaviors is key to driving
engagement and conversions. Advertisers equipped with analytical tools can assist in crafting data-driven campaigns that resonate with specific customer segments.
personalized customer experiences.
Customers expect tailored experiences. Banks are increasingly focusing on personalization to deliver relevant services and offerings. Advertisers can aid in creating
personalized content across various channels, optimizing customer journeys, and enhancing user experiences on digital platforms.
emphasis on digital channels.
The digital shift in banking continues to accelerate. Online banking, mobile apps, and digital payment solutions are becoming the norm. Advertisers well-versed
in digital marketing strategies can help banks capitalize on these platforms, ensuring visibility and engagement through targeted digital campaigns.
rise of fintech collaboration.
Collaboration between traditional financial institutions and FinTech firms is on the rise. Advertisers can assist in showcasing these partnerships, highlighting
innovative solutions and services that emerge from such collaborations, fostering trust and credibility among customers.
the role of advertisers in banking product
promotion.
strategic campaign development.
Advertisers bring expertise in developing strategic marketing campaigns tailored to the banking sector. They can identify the unique selling propositions of
financial products and craft compelling narratives that resonate with the target audience.
utilizing multi-channel marketing.
Effective advertisers understand the importance of a multi-channel approach. They can leverage various platforms – social media, email marketing, search engine
advertising, etc. – to ensure comprehensive coverage and engagement across diverse customer segments.
optimizing user experience.
Advertisers play a crucial role in optimizing the user experience. They can collaborate with banks to design intuitive interfaces, mobile apps, and websites that simplify
banking processes, creating seamless and user-friendly experiences.
adapting to changing trends.
Advertisers constantly monitor industry trends and consumer behavior shifts. Their agility in adapting campaigns to align with evolving trends ensures that banking
products stay relevant and competitive in the market.
looking forward: the collaborative future.
The banking landscape in 2024 presents immense opportunities for growth and innovation. However, to navigate this complex terrain successfully, collaboration
between financial institutions and advertisers is indispensable. By leveraging the expertise of advertisers, banks can effectively communicate the value of their
products and services, driving customer engagement and loyalty.
to sum things up.
As we embrace the dynamic trends in banking, the role of advertisers becomes pivotal in shaping the success of banking product promotion. Their ability to strategize,
innovate, and adapt will be instrumental in propelling the banking industry forward in 2024 and beyond.
about the author.
Jenny is a senior CSM who handles all things financial marketing – literally. When it comes to financial institutions and their marketing campaigns, there isn’t a question she
can’t answer, or a problem she can’t fix. She keeps the ship floating, and makes it look effortless.
When she’s not acting as a guru for our CSM team, you can find her spending time with her kiddos, probably doing something adventurous and amazing.
by threshold | Oct 13, 2023 | Digital Marketing, General, Marketing, Tech/Web, Thought Leadership
Alfred Perez – digital marketing manager.
press start.
Ever thought of pairing your marketing efforts with video games? You just might after reading this.
Video games have seen a significant upward trajectory for the past few years. Much of the growth was due to the increase in player base, the mobile gaming boom, e-sports, and streaming platforms like Twitch. The number of eyes going towards video games has continued to capture the attention of brands trying to effectively get in front of their audience. Video games have slowly, but surely found ways to promote ads through their medium.
Here are a few examples of how to advertise in video games:
in-game billboards and posters.
Modern video games include billboards, posters, and signs in virtual worlds. Brands can pay for ad space on these in-game assets. These advertisements can be static images or even videos, making them highly visible to players. Planning truly needs to be at the forefront of this marketing strategy because video games are a worldwide medium so the brand should be worldwide as well for this to really be effective.
product placement.
Brands can negotiate product placement deals with game developers to have their products or logos featured within the game’s environment. This can include items, vehicles, or clothing that prominently display the brand. Pretty cool, right?
sponsored game content.
Brands can sponsor specific in-game content, such as events, challenges, or game modes. Time to pick your favorite level!
sponsored streams.
Brands can negotiate terms with popular streamers about promoting their product or service through the streamer’s channel to reach their specific audience. This can include logos throughout the stream, in-channel ad breaks or an ad read from the streamer like a podcaster would.
branded virtual items.
In some games, players can purchase or earn virtual items like clothing, accessories, or skins for characters or objects. Brands can create branded virtual items for players to use in the game, increasing brand visibility. It’s swag time.
playable ads.
Some mobile games offer playable ads where players can engage with a mini-version of the advertised game within the ad itself. If players enjoy the mini-game, they may be more likely to download and play the full game.
interactive advertisements.
Interactive ads can appear on loading screens, pause menus, or as part of the game’s storyline. These ads may require players to engage with them in some way, such as clicking, swiping, or solving puzzles.
video ads.
Short video advertisements can be shown to players as they progress through a game or during natural breaks in gameplay. These ads can be skippable or non-skippable, and they often reward players with in-game currency or other benefits for watching. An example of this would be Amazon’s video game streaming service Twitch which is comparable to how Google’s YouTube video ads work.
native advertising.
Some games incorporate advertising seamlessly into the game’s narrative or environment, making it feel like a natural part of the gameplay. This can include characters using real-world products or references to real-world events. Ready to explore your game-writing abilities?
advergames.
Advergames are video games created specifically for marketing purposes. These games often feature branded characters, themes, or products and can be used to engage and entertain potential customers.
live events and tournaments.
Brands can sponsor or host live in-game events or tournaments, where players compete for prizes or recognition. These events can be streamed on platforms like Twitch, expanding the reach of the brand.
the end game.
It’s essential for brands to choose the right games, streamers and/or advertising methods that align with their target audience and marketing objectives. You don’t want your marketing to feel forced or out of place. Additionally, respecting the gaming experience and ensuring that ads enhance rather than disrupt gameplay is crucial for the success of in-game advertising.
Now plug in that X-box and get going!
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.
Alfred is the Digital Marketing Manager at Threshold, which means he’s basically a wizard when it comes to all things digital. When Alfred’s not monitoring and activating digital services for our clients to deliver the best possible results, you can probably find him playing video games, visiting local Austin breweries, and playing rec sports with his friends.
He also loves to cook, but isn’t a fan of doing the dishes that accompany cooking a meal – but really, who can blame him?
