by threshold | Jul 10, 2024 | Creative, Design, Digital Marketing, General, Marketing, Thought Leadership
Mai Mongelous
In the world of business, marketing and branding are often used interchangeably, but they serve different purposes. While both are crucial to a company’s success, understanding their differences can help you utilize them effectively. This blog post will delve into the distinctions between marketing and branding and why each is essential for your business.
what is branding?
Branding is the process of creating a unique identity for a product, service, or company. It involves defining the company’s mission, values, and personality and how these elements are communicated to the target audience.
key components of branding:
- brand identity: This includes logos, color schemes, typography, and other visual elements that represent your brand.
- brand voice: The tone and style of communication used by the brand, whether it’s formal, friendly, witty, or authoritative.
- brand promise: The value or experience a brand promises to deliver to its customers.
- brand values: The principles and beliefs that the brand stands for and promotes.
Branding is about shaping perceptions and building a reputation. It creates a connection with the audience, fostering loyalty and trust.
what is marketing?
Marketing, on the other hand, refers to the strategies and tactics used to promote and sell products or services. It involves market research, advertising, sales strategies, and customer engagement.
key components of marketing:
- market research: Understanding the target audience, their needs, preferences, and behaviors.
- advertising: Creating campaigns to promote products or services through various channels like social media, television, print, and online ads.
- content marketing: Producing valuable and relevant content to attract and engage the target audience.
- sales strategies: Techniques used to close sales and generate revenue.
- customer engagement: Building and maintaining relationships with customers through interactions and feedback.
Marketing is about reaching out to potential customers and persuading them to choose your product or service.
key differences between marketing and branding.
purpose:
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- branding: Focuses on defining and communicating the identity and values of the company.
- marketing: Focuses on promoting products or services to drive sales.
scope:
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- branding: Long-term and holistic, encompassing the entire company’s ethos and image.
- marketing: Short-term and tactical, often campaign-based to achieve specific objectives.
outcome:
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- branding: Aims to build a loyal customer base by creating a strong emotional connection.
- marketing: Aims to generate leads, increase sales, and boost market presence.
consistency:
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- branding: Requires consistency in message and visual elements to maintain a coherent brand image.
- marketing: Can vary in message and tactics based on different campaigns and target audiences.
why both are essential.
While branding establishes your business’s identity and builds customer loyalty, marketing drives the immediate actions that result in sales. Together, they create a powerful synergy. A strong brand makes marketing efforts more effective, and effective marketing enhances brand recognition and loyalty.
By understanding and leveraging the distinct roles of marketing and branding, businesses can create a strong, recognizable presence and effectively reach their target audience.
Remember, while marketing brings in customers, branding keeps them coming back.
by threshold | Jun 24, 2024 | Culture, Digital Marketing, General, Marketing, Thought Leadership
Alfred Perez
The short-term rental market has experienced significant transformations over the past few years, driven by technological advancements, changing travel behaviors, and evolving consumer preferences. As we delve into 2024, several trends are shaping this dynamic industry, offering insights into what hosts, property managers, and travelers can expect.
the rise of digital nomadism.
One of the most significant shifts in the short-term rental market is the rise of digital nomadism. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated remote work trends, allowing professionals to work from virtually anywhere. This flexibility has led many to adopt a nomadic lifestyle, moving between cities and countries while maintaining their jobs. Consequently, there is an increased demand for rentals that cater to longer stays and provide amenities conducive to remote work, such as high-speed internet, dedicated workspaces, and quiet environments.
growth of suburban and rural rentals.
While urban centers have traditionally dominated the short-term rental market, there’s been a noticeable shift towards suburban and rural areas. Travelers are increasingly seeking escapes from crowded cities, opting for the tranquility and space offered by less densely populated regions. This trend has been fueled by a desire for more outdoor activities, privacy, and unique experiences that are often less accessible in urban settings.
increased use of technology.
Technology continues to revolutionize the short-term rental industry. Property management software, smart home devices, and advanced booking platforms enhance the guest experience and streamline operations for hosts. Keyless entry systems, automated check-in/check-out processes, and AI-powered customer service are becoming standard features. Additionally, data analytics tools help hosts optimize pricing and occupancy rates, improving profitability.
personalization and unique experiences.
Travelers are increasingly seeking personalized and unique experiences. Hosts are differentiating their properties by offering tailored services and local experiences, such as guided tours, cooking classes, and adventure activities. Themed rentals, boutique accommodations, and properties with distinctive architectural or historical significance are particularly popular. Personalization extends to communication as well, with hosts using automated messaging systems to provide guests with customized recommendations and local insights.
diverse accommodation options.
The diversity of accommodation options within the short-term rental market is expanding. Beyond traditional homes and apartments, travelers are exploring stays in tiny houses, treehouses, yurts, and houseboats. This variety caters to different tastes and preferences, offering unique and memorable experiences. The trend towards alternative accommodations reflects a broader desire for novelty and adventure in travel experiences.
to wrap things up.
The short-term rental market is evolving rapidly, driven by changes in traveler behavior, technological advancements, and broader societal trends. Hosts and property managers who stay ahead of these trends can capitalize on new opportunities and meet the evolving demands of modern travelers. Whether it’s catering to digital nomads, embracing sustainability, or leveraging technology, the future of short-term rentals promises to be dynamic and full of potential.
by threshold | Jun 8, 2024 | Digital Marketing, Marketing, Tech/Web, Thought Leadership
Google’s Core Web Vitals underwent a significant update on March 12, 2024. This update is crucial as it introduces a new primary metric for assessing web performance-interaction to Next Paint (INP), replacing First Input Delay (FID). This change fundamentally alters how we measure website responsiveness. INP provides a more comprehensive assessment by considering the time it takes for a webpage to respond to user interaction and update the screen visually.
a brief summary.
- the update: First Input Delay (FID) is no longer a Core Web Vital metric. Starting March 12, 2024, INP takes precedence.
- what is INP: INP evaluates a webpage’s responsiveness by measuring the delay between a user’s action (such as clicking a button) and the browser’s visual response (like the button changing color).
- why it matters: As SEOs, your role in optimizing for INP has become even more crucial. Those who previously focused on FID optimization should now prioritize INP. Google has provided a guide to aid in this transition, underlining the importance of your contribution to this process.
While INP is important, it’s not the only factor to consider. The main goal remains to create a user-centric website that excels in speed and responsiveness. Concentrate on making meaningful enhancements to your site’s overall user experience rather than striving for a perfect INP score.
Click Here To Learn More About INP
what are other core web vitals?
While Interaction to Next Paint (INP) measures responsiveness, the other important Core Web Vitals focus on loading speed and visual stability, which are all key aspects of user experience.
- largest contentful paint (LCP) measures loading speed
- cumulative layout shift (CLS) measures visual stability
Core Web Vitals measures real-world usage data and focuses on the metrics that are most important to users to accurately evaluate user experience. Website owners can use these metrics to identify areas for improvement and enhance site performance for a better user experience.
Click Here To Learn More About Web Vitals
why are core web vitals important?
Core Web Vitals are essential for optimizing website performance. By improving them, you’re not only following Google’s best practices but also attracting more traffic and improving conversions for your online business.
the benefits of passing Core Web Vitals include:
- Enhanced User Experience: Optimizing Core Web Vitals leads to faster loading times, smoother interactions, and a more visually stable browsing experience, which improves user satisfaction and engagement.
- Improved Search Engine Rankings: Google has included Core Web Vitals as ranking factors, meaning websites with better Core Web Vitals scores are more likely to increase visibility in Google search and attract more organic traffic. Slower page loading speed can negatively affect website indexation.
- Increased User Engagement: Websites that load within 2 seconds and offer a smooth user experience typically experience higher engagement, lower bounce rates, and increased conversions. Core Web Vitals optimization can positively impact user behaviour and business outcomes.
- Significant Boost in Conversions and Revenue: Websites optimized for Google’s Core Web Vitals generate more pageviews and encourage visitors to advance in their user journey more easily, increasing adequate monetization opportunities.
- Better User Retention: Optimized Core Web Vitals help create a positive loading experience for users, leading to longer visits, more content exploration, and higher chances of return visits. Removing performance barriers creates a frictionless conversion process beyond the first visit.
how can Threshold help optimize core web vitals?
Core Web Vitals are all about creating a smooth and fast user experience on your website. Imagine happy visitors who can find what they need quickly and interact with your site without frustration. You can make this a reality by focusing on performance during development and using effective strategies. Threshold empowers you to achieve this by providing the necessary tools and insights.
what Threshold can do for you:
- Identify bottlenecks: Threshold dives deep into your website’s performance, pinpointing areas that are slowing users down.
- Prioritize fixes: Not all issues are created equal. Threshold helps you understand which problems will most significantly impact your Core Web Vitals scores..
- Track progress: As improvements are implemented, Threshold monitors your progress.
- Stay ahead of the curve: The web is constantly evolving, and Threshold keeps you informed about the latest Web Vitals best practices.
With Threshold by your side, you can focus on creating a fantastic website experience for your visitors while Threshold handles the technical aspects of Core Web Vitals optimization.
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.
