Recently, an A.Z. Communications client — a third-party service provider to financial advisors — called after returning home from an industry conference to say she noticed a palpable difference in how she was perceived and approached at conferences since we’d started our marketing communications efforts. This news came after already reaching the goal of increasing the number of incoming phone calls to her business. Not only did she feel increasingly recognized by the target audience she’d set out to reach, but sought out as an industry expert for her services and opinion.
When this client first approached us, they were interested in updating their website content and submitting articles on topics of interest to advisors in the financial trade media. We started with a brand messaging exercise to determine the firm’s value proposition, key messages and desired perception in the marketplace. This exercise would establish the framework for the firm’s outgoing communications, serve as a basis for a well thought-out plan of action and become a key point of reference for communication about the firm and its services, both verbally and in print. Once this step was completed, we developed new web copy to incorporate those messages to build continuity in their brand. These steps, combined with a regular presence in financial media interviews and quotes, made a significant difference in the firm’s sales.
Building your brand and establishing your firm as trusted experts comes through becoming recognized repeatedly for offering valuable insights and advice. The more your audience sees/reads/hears you and your messages, the more of a recognized personality you become to them. Effective marketing communication requires careful, strategic planning and time for your tactical efforts to yield return on investment. And we love nothing more than hearing our clients report solid results. In fact, it’s why we’re in business.
“A product can be quickly outdated, but a successful brand is timeless.”
– Stephen King