Say What?! Brand and demand are playing ping pong? Yea, and marketers are the ball. Balance is key to staying in the game. da fuqs that mean? Glad you asked. When it comes to marketing, it's the struggle between: Demand, which says, "we need this done by 5p, because the event begins at 5:30." "we don't have time for that, let's just use this." and Brand, which says, "how does this event help us reach our yearly goal?" "what can we do differently to ensure that it does?" "how, specifically, is...
5 months ago • 2 min read
Annual reports are important—but they’re also a lot. A lot of coordinating, collaborating, and editing. Partnering up with my friend, Julie Ann, we decided to make it as easy as possible for you to get the annual report you need for grants, foundations, and donors. I N T R O D U C I N G The Drag & Drop Annual Report This one-of-a-kind package blends writing, design, and funding strategy to create a share-worthy report. It’s an opportunity: to celebrate your impact to thank your supporters to...
7 months ago • 1 min read
Yep! It's almost certainly the most visible part of your brand, and it should be. When people look you up, they are almost always visiting your website first. The way it looks, sounds, and functions is all part of your brand identity. We call these the visual, verbal, and interactive components of your identity. With these three distinct facets, it's no wonder websites are notoriously difficult to do. Most people design their websites from a template, borrowing a visual identity. Then, they...
9 months ago • 1 min read
Yeaah, there's a really good possibility that you don't need a rebrand. Because a full-on rebrand is like taking and replacing every part of your identity. Sometimes, you really do need to completely shift the way people see you. That could be because the brand is no longer relevant, the mission has changed, or your audience wants different things than you as a dad can provide. What they need is a nanny, a Scottish one. Now, a Brand Refresh? Could be totally necessary. Changing up just a few...
10 months ago • 1 min read
Inclusive design is great design. Over the years, I've noticed a delightful trend: when things are designed accessibly, they look better and are more appealing to more people! It's wonderful. By choosing to be accessible, you're basically choosing to have great design. Did you know that 27% of adults, or roughly one in four, have a disability? Yet, over 96% of websites don't meet accessibility standards. It's a damn shame. And also illegal, because the internet is considered public property....
12 months ago • 1 min read
Yes, really! A rebrand makes the day-to-day easier by removing confusion and increasing affinity – both in and outside of the organization. With a unified visual identity and voice, you don’t have to start from scratch every time you send an email, update the website, or launch a campaign. Your whole team is aligned on purpose and vision, because both have been defined, designed, and distributed. Funders and donors are much more interested in serving professional brands because they can trust...
about 1 year ago • 1 min read
One hundred. thousand. percent. You could have the most creative brand in the world, the most clever taglines and a beautiful logo system. But if it's not applied consistently across marketing materials, you're in trouble. Studies show that folx need to see a brand consistently7 times before recognizing and valuing it. So, each time your brand shows up (online or in person) and it looks different... the chances of people trusting your brand lower. Or worse, they just won't recognize it's you...
about 1 year ago • 1 min read
Say What?! I can change the mission statement?! 👀 Yes! You can! If it's not working, it's time to make some adjustments. So, how do you know if it's working? Let's check real quick: A Quick Win Can you state your mission? Without peeking? Ready? Go! Your Response, My Reply ✨ No, that was hard: oooh baby, keep reading because that's what this issue is all about! Ehhhh I think I got it: It might be time to adjust it, but it might also be time to write it on a sticky note and keep it handy for a...
over 1 year ago • 1 min read
