Brands ‘doing the right thing’ has become an increasing factor in consumer brand perceptions and considerations when it comes to purchasing decisions and trust.

Partnerships and collaborations for all size of business can be a great gateway to generate interest and awareness of your brand. They can reinforce your goals and purpose, amplify your brand DNA and positioning with new audiences, and add credibility in new categories.

When was the last time you undertook any customer research and insight activity for your business? Or put another way, when was the last time your marketing strategy was based on more than simply assumptions or historical behaviour?

I don’t know if it’s the synergy or it being a nice round number, but 2020 does have a positive ring to it. The prospect of a shiny, new fresh year gives a sense of hope and optimism; a chance to reflect and review the lessons learned of the past year and focus on plans and aims for the next 12 months.

Whatever organisation, those leading the charge and having a clear purpose of why, play a key role in the success or failure of any business. Having a team that believes they can run with your vision and make the magic happen is what will really make a difference and not only put a big smile on your face, but your customers too!

Two completely different businesses have created much discussion over recent weeks, not least because of their new logos. From controversial positioning to lack of originality, they highlight a stark comparison in terms of effective and symbolic logo design.

With an online community in excess of 1.2 million, it’s a surprising move by Lush to remove itself from social media, especially  given how many companies have done the complete opposite, and chosen to put all their bath bombs in the digital basket. The decision has left many asking what the heck are they playing at?

Working out how much to charge for your products or service is a key decision process that will have an inevitable impact on the success of any business.

Having worked in marketing my whole career, I’ve seen first-hand how it can fall under several remits within an organisation, which range from the sublime to the ridiculous, and consequently has a big impact on the success of the business.

How will you attract and convince customers, internal or external, to buy into you if they can blatantly see you have no faith in the service your selling?

The relationship between marketing and the creative team is one that needs complete trust and understanding. How do you ensure the two teams work together to ensure the best results?

Reputations don’t die overnight. The emotional connections and connotations we place on brands is to a large extent out of a business’ control.

Unreturned calls, poor service. rude staff and lack of engagement is again going to create a judgement on your business brand. At this point, it really doesn’t matter how brilliant that business name is, or the fabulous design. Your brand is damaged and there’s a heck of a long road back to recovering lost or disgruntled customers.

You are not the customer and market research is your best friend. Yep, you heard it right. Read on to find out why only speaking and listening to your customers will lead to business success.

There is a tendency for some businesses to bypass any real strategic planning and go straight to what is seen as the ‘good stuff’ – the tactics and quick wins.