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Category Archives: Brand Development

Our take on brand strategy techniques that can help small businesses

Help me help you

I had a fascinating kick-off conversation with a new client today, Jim Israel formerly of Culinary Concepts in Philadelphia, PA. He is starting a new consulting company aimed at the hospitality industry. Usually, my clients struggle with their identities, their mission and their unique selling points. Jim had all of that in spades. I was… More

strike up a conversation

I saw this article that may be of interest to you: it’s premise is that user like it when companies answer their questions on Twitter. This is also a great opportunity to demonstrate your expertise in your field and make the person who asked the question feel heard. Here’s the crux of their research: “Eight… More

fan me

At the beginning of the month, I decided to add to the M19 MEDIA fan base with a Facebook ad and get some valuable multi-variate testing in. Of course, this isn’t my first time at the Facebook rodeo (see I Couldn’t Have Done it Without You), but I wanted to test a theory as well:… More

Shock and aww

So I was engaged in a conversation earlier today about User Experience, UX for short. This, along with User Interface (UI) design, are the hot button topics of web design now. Suddenly, companies care about their users now that the web has evolved and flattened so that users have a say in how they interact… More

It’s a knockout

An often overlooked logo design element is the knockout version. The knockout is the version of the logo that would appear on a dark background. There are many times when a logo cannot be reproduced in full color due to the environment where the logo will be placed or the costs associated with printing in… More

I’m in the mood (board)

Recently I asked my peers on LinkedIn.com about their opinion on the use of mood boards. There was a mixed response. Some were fully in support, others thought that it was an unnecessary step in the development of a design project. I’ve made a decision: mood boards are essential steps in the creative process. One… More

Son of MOAT

So I promised that I would follow up with you about MOAT. Here’s the drill: I had a nice conversation with one of the founders of MOAT, Anthony (“Ant”) Taylor. He agrees wholeheartedly that measuring engagement is the emerging model in online marketing metrics. Further, he agreed that this kind of measurement establishes new value… More

it’s not me, it’s you

Ever been on a date where the person that you’re with talked only about him/herself? They get boring fast, don’t they? Well, the same can be said for your website. You know that I have nothing but love for my small business clients. They are overachievers. They create something from nothing. They are proud of… More

say it straight

You  know, in a world full  of catch phrases and oh-so clever wordplay, sometimes it’s awesome just to see something plain-spoken and well, obvious. Try it out sometime. Just say what you want the user/viewer/reader to know about your business and leave it at that. You’d might be surprised how that message can cut through… More

My worst nightmare

This Romney logo is weak and not just because it looks like another logo. It feels forced and contrived. Not a great brand for someone whose business it is to connect with people. The story though, is how closely it resembles another logo in an unrelated industry. There is nothing worse in my humble opinion… More