Last week, the Destin Chamber of Commerce asked for our participation in a Webinar Q&A offering “Top Tips to Update Your Marketing Now”. Today Frances Roy President and Chief Creative Shantelle Dedicke joined forces with Jason Hall of Five Channels and Whitney Lee of SocialLee PR & Media Co to provide thought leadership in their respective arenas. 
Frances Roy celebrates the power of strong brand foundations and while businesses consider scaling back marketing efforts, we know now is the time to update, improve, and strategize. Shantelle provided the following actions you can take right now to accomplish just that. 

It’s Time to Listen 

“Brand is not what you say it is. It’s what they say it is.” – Marty Neumeier, The Brand Gap

 

People are vocal right now so don’t miss this opportunity to ask and then actively listen. Check-in with your team, survey your customers, and monitor platforms where those in your community are engaged. Seize every opportunity to identify a brand champion and know that this champion could emerge from your very own team. 

Be Selfless

Be human now and your stakeholders will never forget it. Your brand reputation extends beyond your target customer and offering FREE resources, education, and guidance will position you ahead of your competition. What can you offer to begin a tidal wave of good? Think small here and know that not all ideas need to be giant successes.

Check out an example of this on the SimpleHR COVID-19 Resource Page

Emerge as a Thought Leader

Do you have a little extra time on your hands? Use it to write case studies, white papers, LinkedIn articles, blogs, and personal emails to your clients, employees, and colleagues. The benefits far outweigh the time invested. If your thought leadership is strong, why not up your game? Work on branded speaker decks, start a social community or launch a podcast or video series.

If you’re curious, creative, own a business or any combination of the three, we have a podcast for you: Hello Frances

If you’re a marketing professional and live/work in Northwest Florida, join our Facebook Community: Marketing Professionals of NWFL

Shift Your Strategy

Your conversions may not be what you’d hope but that isn’t an excuse to allow your strategy to sit and stagnate. Work on every aspect in preparation for reopening. So much has changed in a very short amount of time, and the reality is that your business may need an updated competitive analysis. Be realistic and proactive about the components of your strategic marketing plan. 
Don’t have a strategic marketing plan? Email us! [email protected]

Refine Your Touchpoints

“Each touchpoint is an opportunity to increase awareness and build customer loyalty.” – Alina Wheeler

Finally, are each of these touchpoints consistent with your brand and presented strong and clear? What’s a touchpoint? Here’s a list to get you started:
  • Website and blogs
  • News releases
  • FAQs 
  • Press kits
  • Annual reports
  • Brochures
  • Sales scripts
  • Presentations
  • Emails
  • Ad campaigns
  • Direct mail
  • Signage
  • Email signatures
  • Voicemail
  • Social media pages
For the full rundown and a compilation of the tips offered during the webinar, follow the Destin Chamber of Commerce on Facebook, and email us at [email protected] for questions or guidance – we’re here to help!