From Reach to Real Impact: 7 Smart Social Media Strategies for Growing Brands

In today’s digital world, social media is at the heart of brand engagement. It is no longer merely a medium related to visibility; it is an important vehicle for building identity, trust, and engagement with an audience. All interactions, posts, and comments contribute to brand perception and impact purchasing decisions. Brands that want to persistently grow must do more than look at vanity metrics—likes and shares—to create real engagement that resonates emotionally and intellectually. Expert branding consultancy services drive this process, assisting organizations with creating and sustaining an online presence aligned with their values and audiences’ preferences. Building from reach to real impact requires a thoughtful approach to an authentic narrative that promotes connection, relevance, and purpose.

7 Smart Social Media Strategies for Growing Brands

1. Harnessing Cultural Insights to Create Deeper Connections

Identifying audiences requires more than simply demographic analysis; it requires an understanding of the culture in which the audience inhabits. Utilizing cultural insights equips brands to engage in the social conversations tied to the audience and reflect their values and trends that matter to them. When brands engage with their audience’s beliefs and cultures, it creates authenticity that cannot be bought and manufactured through paid campaigns. Recognizing and celebrating community moments, tying into relevant conversations, or highlighting regional influences places the brand in a comfortable, relatable, human pillar rather than the traditional corporate voice.

2. Developing a Consistent and Distinct Brand Voice

Each post, comment, or caption plays a role, however big or small, in developing how a brand is perceived.  Being consistent with a tone (professional, conversational, funny, or inspirational) creates familiarity and builds trust. Visuals, language, and responses should all reinforce this voice across all platforms. If a tone is inconsistent, audiences can become confused, and the identity can be weakened.  When a style guide is built to outline the tone and imagery to use as the model for your voice, it ensures that every brand communication showcases the same essence, so the audience can recognize the brand in any format.

3. Prioritizing Storytelling Over Selling

Social media is all about storytelling—stories that inspire people by touching on emotion, value, and the personal side of a brand. Instead of promoting products constantly, the best stories are about journeys, struggles, and stories behind the success. Sharing a customer’s experience, a behind-the-scenes look at a service or product, and the people who work at your organization creates transparency and relatability. A better story ties back to the purpose we often refer to; that story goes further and sticks with the reader longer than one that is only about ‘selling’ and positions the brand as a brand that connects with people rather than simply an advertisement.

4. Embracing Data Analytics for Smarter Decision-Making

Numbers have their own stories to tell. Social media analytics provides insights into audience behavior, content performance, and engagement trends. By observing key metrics, such as engagement rates, demographic audiences, and sentiment, brands can determine how to optimize and adjust. Data helps turn strategy into information. Frequent analysis gives a brand the ability to be agile to shifts in trends while maintaining a consistent message.

5. Leveraging Influencer Partnerships Strategically

Influencers are still incredibly important in linking brands to communities. The right influencer partnership builds credibility, especially if the influencer aligns with brand values. Rather than counting up followers, for successful partnerships, we prioritize authenticity and audience trust. For example, micro-influencers often create more engagement due to their niche communities. As part of a larger marketing effort, brands can grow reach and maintain authentic connections with their audiences by leveraging influencer content.

6. Integrating Social Responsibility into Brand Messaging

Contemporary consumers expect brands to operate positively. Showing sustainability initiatives, community projects, or good ethical conduct earns trust and affinity from consumers. When a brand shares social media content that truly demonstrates a commitment—like a commitment to environmentally-friendly practices, or inclusivity, for example—it shows it is accountable in ways beyond profits. The more a brand provides transparency about its impact, the better it creates a positive reputation when trying to attract values-driven consumers who prefer to only engage with brands that make an impact.

7. Encouraging Two-Way Engagement and Community Building

Social media should not be a simple broadcast for only one party. Participating in the dialogue (replying to comments, resharing user posts, or hosting activities) fosters community and trust. Audiences enjoy being acknowledged and included. Polls, Q&As, and participation campaigns help convert a passive follower into an active contributor. Once people feel that they are all on the same journey together, they will advocate for your brand. The most powerful social presence does not dominate; it starts a conversation.

End Point

Sustainable growth on social media requires more than being seen. It is built on authenticity, connection, and adaptability. Combining creativity with data, empathy with analysis, and storytelling with responsibility can help brands create impact and improve their overall presence online. These seven strategies serve as a guide for growth that doesn’t go away, turning brands into members of their community, rather than a voice in the crowd. Real impact occurs when social media is more than a marketing tool, but a device driven by purpose.

Techlabs – Ireland’s Ultimate Tech Playground in Dublin’s RDS This Weekend

TechLabs, Ireland’s only expo dedicated to the latest in consumer tech, electronics, and lifestyle, has announced an exciting roster of additional household brand names and unmissable experiences for its upcoming event on Saturday, 18 October at Dublin’s RDS.

Dubbed as Ireland’s ultimate tech playground, the show will feature leading brands including Volvo, Dyson, Samsung, JBL and Tesla alongside additional interactive experiences such as the adrenaline-fuelled Formula 1 Sim Racing Competition and immersive roaming VR experiences.

TechLabs promises an immersive, future-forward showcase for anyone eager to discover the next big thing in technology and lifestyle. From an indoor drone display to the Tesla Optimus Gen 2 Robot, step into the future of technology under one roof.

Up to 10,000 tech enthusiasts are expected to explore cutting-edge innovations from these leading global brands in consumer electronics and smart technology. With Porsche and Harvey Norman already confirmed, TechLabs is thrilled to unveil even more highlights:

  • The ES90 Irish Debut – Volvo’s newest all-electric car powered by next-generation core computers, will be revealed to the Irish public for the first time
  • Lifestyle and Luxury – get up close with the latest speedboats and motorbikes, perfect for motoring and speed enthusiasts
  • Innovation Stage – live product reviews, interactive demos, and special guest speakers will share insider insights and unveil next-gen tech

What’s more – joining the already packed show floor of cutting-edge innovation are Hisense, the global leader in smart TVs and home entertainment showcasing Ireland’s largest TV; Eufy, known for its sleek smart-home gadgets from robotic vacuums to security cameras, Total Rethink, an Irish brand championing sustainable, low-waste tech and lifestyle products, and Telefunken, the legendary German name in premium audio and consumer electronics. TechLabs arrives just in time for visitors eager to test-drive the latest products ahead of Black Friday deals and the Christmas shopping season to spark some gift inspiration for the tech lover in your life.

TechLabs is created by the organisers of GamerFest, Ireland’s leading games convention which has welcomed over 35,000 gamers to the RDS, and the NEXUS Games Conference, a leading games industry conference bringing together global decision makers and industry leaders.

CEO of TechLabs, Stuart Dempsey, says: Techlabs is about bringing the future into the present and making it accessible for everyone. We’re creating Ireland’s tech playground – a space where families, enthusiasts and industry professionals can experience the latest innovations, explore world-class brands, and get hands on with the technology shaping tomorrow.”

www.techlabsexpo.ie

Advise AI investment surpasses €8M as it launches GenAI agent for brands

Advise, the automated data, analytics and AI platform provider helping retail manufacturers and brand-owners to unlock revenues and margin growth, today launches a new GenAI-powered agent. The expert GenAI assistant has been trained by Advise engineers to enhance customer decision-making, giving them competitive advantage. It represents an €8M investment by the Dublin-based company in the development of its AI platform.

Advise’s GenAI agent is a major update to the company’s AI-powered SaaS platform and can help brands to reach actionable insights 10X faster than previous methods. The platform collates and harmonises sales, inventory and customer data from multiple sources into a single platform. The Advise analytics engine filters out data noise, identifies key patterns and presents the most critical information in real-time. The customised GenAI agent further enhances this process by translating complex analytics into clear, natural language explanations and recommendations, turning statistical outputs into human-digestible insights.

The latest release was created by Advise’s Dublin-based engineering team, using a customised and trained large language model (LLM). While more widely available LLMs are typically limited to chatbot-style interactions, Advise’s agent moves beyond this. The GenAI agent has been trained to augment the role of the category manager – the expert responsible for understanding product performance and optimising new product, pricing and promotion strategies. In doing so, the platform empowers consumer-packaged goods (CPG) brands such as Kerry, Dr. Oetker, Pilgrim Food Masters, Tayto and Britvic, to take decisive action that will result in revenue growth.

Advise has programmed the customised GenAI agent to work from a structured set of instructions and best practices. With the ability to personalise its output according to each customer, it can detect market shifts, anticipate trends and deliver guided and relevant insights tailored to business needs. The agent also ranks, through a News Feed on the Advise platform, its insights based on relevance and urgency, ensuring users receive tailored, high-value recommendations on their next steps.

Kevin McCarthy, CEO, Advise, said: “Many businesses are still focusing on data collection and analytics, but we have moved beyond that. We have automated data processing and evolved GenAI to augment and act as a valuable assistant to category managers; turning data into insights and decisive actions that drive margin growth and competitive advantage.

“At Advise, we believe that the future of category management isn’t just about gathering more data; it’s about making smarter decisions, faster. Our new GenAI agent doesn’t just analyse; it anticipates. It learns, adapts, and prioritises what matters most for each brand, providing tailored recommendations that translates directly into growth. It enables users to move beyond spreadsheets and dashboards to proactive decision-making.”

 LLMs are hugely powerful and are impacting every industry, but their output is non-deterministic and they suffer from creative hallucinations. This can make them unsuitable for numeric and statistical analysis unless carefully managed. What we have created is the next generation of CPG decision-making: where you don’t just gain trustworthy information, but a strategic advantage using GenAI. In a world where speed and precision define success, this is how the best brands will stay ahead.”

Amazon launches Amazon.ie and comes with Prime

Amazon.ie has officially opened its virtual doors, offering customers in Ireland a wide selection of over 200 million products with low prices in Euro, and fast, convenient delivery and returns.

Customers will enjoy One-Day Delivery on millions of products, and can browse products with clear, local pricing and without additional customs charges. Irish businesses small and large will also soon be available on a dedicated Brands of Ireland page to help customers find their favourite Irish brands while helping local businesses achieve greater success.

Starting today, customers can also join Prime on Amazon.ie for just €6.99 per month and enjoy the very best of shopping, savings, and entertainment—including fast, free delivery; exclusive deals and shopping events like Prime Day; popular TV shows, movies, and live sports on Prime Video; free games on Prime Gaming; and exclusive offers from partners like Odeon cinemas and Deliveroo. Customers in Ireland who already have UK Prime memberships can easily switch, and will automatically have their UK Prime membership canceled and refunded. All customers, including those switching from a UK membership, can sign up for a 30-day free trial of Amazon.ie Prime.

“Our teams across the country are unbelievably proud and incredibly excited to launch Amazon.ie,” said Alison Dunn, Ireland country manager at Amazon. “The store brings a wide selection of great value products with fast delivery to customers in Ireland, a local Prime membership with incredible benefits and savings, and lots of opportunities for Irish businesses to reach more customers. We have been building towards this moment since the launch of our fulfilment centre in Dublin in 2022, and we can’t wait to write the next chapter of our story in Ireland.”

“This expansion by Amazon will give consumers more choice and better value, as well as help small, medium, and large businesses across the country promote their own Irish and international products,” said Micheál Martin, Taoiseach (Prime Minister) of Ireland. “By using Amazon, people know that they will get a well-trusted, great service. It’s good news for all.” Peter Burke, Ireland’s minister for Enterprise, Tourism, and Employment, also welcomed the news, calling it a signal of Amazon’s “continued commitment to Ireland.”

The launch is also being celebrated by Irish cultural icons like Westlife’s Nicky Byrne, footballing legend Shay Given, and media personality Vogue Williams, who have been making a series of special Amazon.ie deliveries to fans, including signed records and footballs.

Introducing Amazon Prime for Amazon.ie

There are more than 200 million paid Prime members around the world. While many Irish customers already use Prime on Amazon.co.uk, today sees the launch of a new local Prime membership on Amazon.ie. It costs just 6.99 per month or 69.90 annually, and offers vast benefits including:

  • Fast and free delivery: Enjoy One-Day Delivery on millions of eligible products.
  • Exclusive deals: Shop popular brands, as well as deals events like Prime Day.
  • Prime Video: Watch hit movies and TV shows, award-winning Amazon Originals such as The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power and The Boys, and live sports like UEFA Champions League.
  • Prime Gaming: Check out in-game content and free games to download every month, as well as a free channel subscription on Twitch.
  • Amazon Photos: Enjoy unlimited full-resolution photo storage and 5GB video storage.
  • Exclusive offers: Get great savings with partner offers, including one year of free restaurant delivery with Deliveroo Plus Silver, and discounted tickets at Odeon cinemas.

 

‘Brands of Ireland’ page makes it even easier to shop your favourite Irish brands

Amazon is launching the Brands of Ireland page in collaboration with Enterprise Ireland, the Irish government’s enterprise development agency. Irish brands available at launch include Barry’s Tea, Bewley’s, and independent fitness brand Swifter.

“The launch of Amazon.ie is great news for Irish businesses and consumers,” said James Madden, co-founder of Swifter. “For Swifter, it means we are able to reach more local customers and grow in our home market.”

Amazon in Ireland

Amazon already has a rich history in Ireland, and employs around 6,500 people in Cork, Dublin, and Drogheda in a diverse range of roles, from data engineering to operations management to finance. Since 2004, Amazon has made direct investments in our Ireland operations of more than €22 billion, and opened six sites across the country. In 2023, Irish small businesses selling on Amazon recorded over €170 million in export sales, with over half of those outside the EU. They’ve also gone on to create more than 2,500 jobs in Ireland to support their businesses on Amazon. Amazon has also supported thousands of authors in Ireland to self-publish via Kindle Direct Publishing. The Amazon Literary Partnership has given annual grants to nonprofit literary organizations across Ireland since 2019, and last year Amazon released LOL: Last One Laughing Ireland— its first Irish Originals production, which was filmed entirely in Ireland and is available on Prime Video.

Sustainable packaging for products purchased on Amazon.ie

Since 2015, Amazon has reduced the weight of outbound packaging per shipment by more than 43% and eliminated more than 3 million tons of packaging material. To significantly decrease the use of plastics in its packaging, Amazon.ie only uses recyclable paper bags and cardboard envelopes for orders shipped from Amazon’s fulfilment centres, and has also replaced protective air pillows with 100% recycled and 100% recyclable paper filling. This includes items sold by Amazon and third-party selling partners that use Fulfilment by Amazon (FBA). Amazon is also increasing the number of products it sells that can be shipped in original packaging provided by the manufacturer, with only an address label added.

Amazon.ie is available on desktop and mobile browsers, as well the Amazon mobile shopping app. All customers will also enjoy free delivery on their first order when delivered by Amazon, whether a Prime member or not. For more information, go to amazon.ie. Sign up for a 30-day free Prime trial at Amazon.ie/prime.

Business Leaders Say The Nature Of Business Travel Has Changed Forever Due To Technology

The latest business leader research from International Workplace Groupthe world’s largest provider of flexible workspace with brands including Regus and Spaces, underlines the changing nature and frequency of business travel.

The International Workplace Group report highlights how business executives are prioritising strategically important meetings for corporate spend, while routine meetings between global participants are taking place largely online using the available technology, amidst rising costs, environmental concerns and geopolitical uncertainty.

The study among more than 500 business leaders highlighted that the rapid development of digital infrastructure means functional meetings can now be held online. More than three quarters (77%) of business leaders say technology has enabled them to continue to conduct pure ‘business as usual’ meetings virtually to drive efficiency.

That’s not to say business travel has been made redundant by hybrid working. In fact, the majority (87%) of CEOs firmly believe that technology will never replace the value of strategically important face-to-face meetings, and business travel will invariably play a crucial role in strengthening relationships and when signing key commercial deals.

The rising cost of business travel

A third of business leaders cited escalating costs as an influential factor for their post-pandemic travel decisions. Research into the cost of business travel by Harris Williams found that airfares had risen by 38%** when compared to pre-pandemic prices and hotel costs had risen by at least 82%***. With an expectation of continued growth in 2025, 77% of CEOs noted that the ability to host meetings virtually enables them to reduce the number of business trips, allowing for a focus on crucial face-to-face meetings.

Geopolitical uncertainty

Looking at other macro trends, CEOs said that increasing geopolitical uncertainty had significantly impacted the nature of travel at their companies. One in five said that the current geopolitical climate has had a major impact on business travel, with changes in the global health landscape (19%) and visa regulations (19%) also influencing how they prioritise strategically important travel.

Environmental considerations

As companies look to reduce their environmental footprint, many are more considered in their approach to corporate travel. Three quarters (75%) of leaders said that the development of hybrid work and the adoption of online platforms has enabled them to reduce the number of environmentally unfriendly trips. For larger organisations facing greater scrutiny over their carbon emissions, corporate ESG reporting and policies have led to leaders being more strategic with their travel plans.

Extending business trips to maximise efficiencies

Three quarters (75%) of corporate leaders said that business travel is now more efficient and more than half (61%) say they tend to travel less but stay longer due to the availability of flexible workspaces enabling them to remain productive between meetings. A quarter (26%) now extend their travels to fit in additional meetings, reducing the need for short visits, whilst others (23%) have attended industry events or conferences to maximise their trips.

As leaders enjoy greater flexibility in their working patterns, 87% are spending the extra time to enjoy their destination and experience local culture. One quarter (24%) said they had actually combined a work trip with a holiday. In an encouraging move for the whole business, the benefits of travel and leisure are not exclusive to leaders – with 74% encouraging their employees to work from abroad to make the most of travelling, too.

Mark Dixon, International Workplace Group CEO stated“Advancements in digital technology coupled with the rising cost of international travel, geopolitical uncertainty and environmental considerations mean the world of business travel has been transformed and we are unlikely to see a return to pre-pandemic levels.   “Executives are now prioritising travel for the most strategically important meetings such as major business deals or nurturing significant relationships with partners. For these types of occasions, technology can and will never replace the value of in-person transactions for the most valuable meetings.”

*Research among 500 CEO participants in June 2024 by Mortar. Mortar is Market Research Society (MRS) accredited and the research adhered to MRS guidelines.

** Global Travel Outlook Spring 2024 Report by Harris Williams, OC&C Strategy Consultants

*** Data sourced for i by hospitality data intelligence firm Lighthouse.

6 Easy Tips to Master the Art of Coupon Shopping

Coupon shopping is an art that, when mastered, can lead to substantial savings on your everyday purchases. With rising costs of living, every penny saved is a penny earned. But how do you navigate the world of discounts, deals, and markdowns effectively?

In this guide, we’ll share six easy-to-follow tips that will help you take your coupon shopping game to another level. Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned bargain hunter, these strategies will help you make the most of every coupon and deal that comes your way. Get ready to save like never before!

Benefits of coupon shopping

Who doesn’t love a good deal? Coupon shopping is a savvy way to save money on everyday items. From groceries to clothing, coupons can help you shave off a significant amount of your expenses. Whether you’re a seasoned couponer or just starting, the benefits are undeniable. Imagine being able to get your favorite brands at a fraction of the cost! Not only is coupon shopping easy, but it can also become quite addictive.

For starters, coupon shopping can help you stretch your budget and allow you to buy more with the same amount of money. It’s a great way to stock up on essentials without breaking the bank. Additionally, using coupons can also help you discover new products at discounted prices. This is a fantastic opportunity to try out new brands without committing to their full price. No matter if it’s a Kinguin Promo Code or a discount for your local grocery store, coupons bring a whole new world of savings. Plus, let’s not forget the satisfaction of scoring a great deal and saving money!

Understand store policies and plan your shopping trips accordingly

Each store has its coupon policies, which can vary greatly. Some stores allow stacking of coupons or have special days when certain items are on sale. It’s essential to understand these policies and plan your shopping trips accordingly. For example, if you know that your favorite store has a weekly sale on produce every Wednesday, you can plan to do your grocery shopping that day and stock up on fresh fruits and vegetables. Additionally, many stores offer loyalty programs that can earn you extra discounts or rewards for using their coupons.

Be sure to sign up for these programs and take advantage of the benefits they offer. Not only will they save you money, but you may also get access to exclusive deals and promotions. Planning your shopping trips can help you maximize your savings and reduce the chances of missing out on a great deal.

Follow brands on social media for exclusive deals and promotions

Social media has become a powerful tool for businesses to reach and engage with their customers. Many brands now offer exclusive deals and promotions through their social media channels, so be sure to follow your favorite brands on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. You may also want to turn on notifications for these accounts so you don’t miss any limited-time offers or flash sales.

Additionally, many brands also offer special coupons or discounts to their social media followers as a way to reward and thank them for their loyalty. By staying connected on social media, you may discover hidden deals that can save you big bucks on your favorite products. Remember to follow not just the big brands but also local businesses as they often offer unique discounts and promotions for their followers.

Use apps and websites to find the best coupons and discounts

In a time when every penny counts, finding ways to save on purchases has never been more important. Thankfully, the world of technology offers a variety of apps and websites to help us do just that. Gone are the days of clipping coupons from newspapers and magazines. Today, we can scour the internet for the latest deals with just a few clicks. From online coupon codes to cashback offers, these digital platforms make it easy to save some serious cash.

But remember to always double-check the validity of a coupon before using it. The last thing you want is to get to the checkout counter only to find out that your coupon has expired or doesn’t apply to your purchase.

Don’t overlook paper coupons and store flyers

While digital coupons may be more convenient, don’t overlook the old-fashioned paper coupons and store flyers. Many retailers still offer printed coupons in newspapers or mailers that can save you money on your purchases. It’s also a good idea to scan through store flyers for upcoming sales or promotions that you can take advantage of.

Some stores also have physical coupon books that you can pick up at the customer service counter or check-out area. These can be a goldmine of savings, so don’t forget to check them out on your next shopping trip.

Share your savings tips with friends and family

Coupon shopping can be a fun activity to do with friends and family. Not only can you bond over finding great deals, but you can also share tips and tricks. Make it a point to ask your loved ones about their most recent coupon finds or share any new strategies that have worked for you. You never know what insider knowledge someone may have about upcoming sales or hidden deals.

Plus, by working together and sharing your savings tips, you can save even more money on your purchases. It’s a win-win situation for everyone! So, spread the word and help others become coupon-shopping masters too.

In conclusion, mastering the art of coupon shopping is an effective strategy for substantial savings. Understanding store policies, following brands on social media, utilizing digital platforms for the best deals, not overlooking paper coupons, and sharing savings tips with loved ones can transform your shopping experiences and elevate your saving game.

Embrace these strategies and open the door to a world where every purchase brings you one step closer to your financial goals. Remember, every penny saved is a penny earned. So, get started today and look forward to enjoying the fruits of your smart shopping strategies. Happy saving!

100 days until Christmas – new consumer trends report from Sitecore to help brands sleigh this season

Sitecore, the global leader in digital experience management software, today released its Holiday Shopping Trends 2021 report exploring how consumers worldwide intend to celebrate, indulge and recuperate this holiday season. Irish consumers are eager to resume their normal lives and make up for last year’s COVID-controlled holiday, with 75% of those age 25-34 saying they are ready to embrace pre-pandemic shopping, travel and holiday experiences. More than half (54%) of consumers surveyed plan to make bigger and more mindful holiday purchases this year, fuelled in part by the fact that 50% of consumers say they have more savings set aside for the holidays this year compared to last year.

Sitecore’s Holiday Shopping Trends 2021 report surfaces insights from consumers around holiday shopping, gift giving, spending, and sentiment. The data arms marketers in categories like retail, travel, automotive, and others with the intelligence they need to deliver winning experiences that satisfy the evolving tastes and demands of consumers.

  • Shift in Perspective:

o   68% of consumers would prefer experience gifts to “more stuff”

o   53% of consumers are now planning “the trip of a lifetime”

o   55% of consumers under the age of 44 said they are now more spontaneous, more social, and enjoying life more

  • Young consumers bringing spending back:

o   72% of Gen Z and 66% of Millennials are more willing to make big life enhancements post-pandemic

o   60% of Gen Z will spend more this year; with 64% of 55 – 65 year olds and 65% of those over the age of 65 spending about the same as last year

o   79% of those under the age of 44 stated that following their experiences during the pandemic they now “value travel and appreciate other cultures more”

 

  • Retailers failing Black and minority-owned businesses:

o   65% of consumers believe it is essential that retailers offer more products from Black/minority-owned businesses, but only 17% report seeing more Black/minority-owned products when shopping

 

  • Buying local and being mindful with purchases is a priority for most:

o   67% of consumers are willing to pay more for locally made gifts

o   66% of consumers are annoyed when they find a purchase was made in China, when they thought it was a local purchase

o   78% of consumers stated that the pandemic has made them think more carefully about how they spend their money

  • Self-care now includes self-gifting:

o   51% of those buying a gift for themselves cite “therapy” as the main reason

o   16% of consumers plan to emerge from the pandemic with a new wardrobe

o   22% of consumers will gift themselves travel this year

 

“Consumers in Ireland are very clearly ready to move on from the pandemic and are looking at Holiday 2021 as the beginning of the rest of their lives,” said Sitecore CMO Paige O’Neill. “Our research shows pent-up demand and more savings than usual will result in younger consumers splurging on self-care and big-ticket items at the register, which is great news for those in retail, travel and hospitality. It’s also heartening to see that all types of consumers want to support their local community, including Black and minority-owned businesses. The industry will need to respond with more offerings from these businesses.”

Top five steps to building a brand for your business

To build a brand, you need to be consistent throughout the entire decision-making process. Figure out what you’re trying to achieve and who you want to attract – this way you’ll never lose sight of your end goal. 

Whilst there’s seemingly endless advice out there for how to best build a brand – we’ve saved you a bit of time and condensed the top five steps into an easy to digest list. Read on to find out more.

#1 Figure out your brand’s values

In order to progress with your brand’s development, you need to know the values and aims of your business. Your core values should go on to influence the rest of your decisions when building your brand. Establishing and defining your brand values will help you develop your brand in a number of ways, such as:

  • Aligning with your brand’s mission
  • Boosting employee engagement 
  • Creating a memorable brand
  • Creating a deeper connection with your audience
  • Boosting brand consistency
  • Staying authentic with your brand
  • Inspiring brand loyalty

As you can see, your brand’s values will act as an influence for almost all aspects of your brand.

#2 Identify and research your target audience

Before you can make any big decisions regarding your brand, as well as the values, you also need to find out who your target audience is. This will require brainstorming and research to identify and profile the theoretical members of this audience. With this information, you can adapt your branding decisions accordingly. 

This is often referred to as a buyer persona, which is essentially a fictional biography of your ideal consumer. This will usually include the buyer’s goals, habits, struggles and problems, amongst other factors. Ask yourself some of the following: 

  • Where do they work? 
  • Where do they live? 
  • What are their main conflicts in life? 
  • What are their hobbies or interests?
  • How much disposable income do they have?

If you can build up an image of your ideal audience members through the answers to these questions, then you can tailor your branding decisions to the wants and needs of those who will help you reach success.

#3 Develop your brand’s voice

Now you know what your audience wants to see, you can use this to develop the voice of your brand. This dictates how you communicate with your consumers and can aid you in developing a (hopefully positive) reputation.

You can exercise this voice via your brand’s story. Let your audience know how far you’ve come and where it all started – always keeping in mind the tone and language that would appeal to them the most. 

#4 Design your logo

Your brand’s logo will represent the identity of your business, and act as a quick identifier for your audience. You want people to instantly recognise your logo – this will increase your brand awareness and allow you to stand out amongst the crowd.

Whether you choose to reach out to an individual graphic designer or use a platform like Tailor Brands the key is to stay consistent. Whilst you want your logo to stand out, you also want it to be in keeping with the style of the rest of your visual marketing materials. The aim is to make your logo synonymous with your business. 

#5 Stay consistent with your branding

As we have just touched on, remaining consistent is always going to be important. This applies to all areas of the business – marketing, branding, the voice and the identity. If one of these factors doesn’t sit nicely alongside the other, then the overall message of the brand will become unclear. Consistency will also help build brand awareness, which is key to gaining recognition and notoriety within your industry.