Community 20 Tips For Marketing Unsexy Brands Heather CookJune 20, 2024 Image from Bigstock

Imagine being in a design class, dreaming of creating eye-popping ads for trendy sneakers or groundbreaking tech gadgets, only to have your professor dive deep into the world of window curtains. Sounds uninspiring, right? But as I listened to him passionately detail the merits of a cornice over a valance, I realized that even the most mundane products have stories waiting to be told.

This professor, tasked with developing a window dressing simulator for a major department store, had become an expert on drapery—proving that any brand, no matter how "unsexy," can become fascinating with the right marketing magic. That moment sparked my love for marketing unsexy brands, igniting a passion for transforming the seemingly dull into the must-have. It ain’t easy, but after 15 years I’ve found a few sure-fire ways to get unsexy brands into the right hands.

Understand Your Audience

Know who your customers are, their pain points, and what motivates them. Tailor your messaging to address their specific needs and concerns.

Highlight Benefits, Not Features

Focus on how your product improves the customer’s life or solves a problem, rather than just listing its features.

Tell a Story

Create a compelling narrative around your brand. Storytelling can make even the most mundane products interesting and relatable.

Use Humor

Injecting humor into your marketing can make your brand more relatable and memorable. It helps in humanizing the brand and making it more approachable.

Leverage User-Generated Content

Encourage satisfied customers to share their experiences with your product. Testimonials and reviews can add credibility and authenticity.

Create Educational Content

Provide valuable information that educates your audience about the product’s uses and benefits. Blogs, how-to videos, and infographics can be very effective.

Focus on Visual Appeal

Invest in high-quality visuals. Good design can make a boring product look attractive and professional.

Use Case Studies

Show real-world applications of your product. Case studies can demonstrate effectiveness and build trust.

Employ Influencer Marketing

Collaborate with influencers who can authentically endorse your product. Their credibility can help reach new audiences.

Offer Free Samples or Trials

Allow potential customers to try before they buy. Experiencing the product firsthand can significantly influence purchasing decisions.

Emphasize Quality and Reliability

Highlight the durability, efficiency, and reliability of your product. This can be a significant selling point for unsexy brands.

Utilize Customer Testimonials

Real customer stories and testimonials can provide powerful social proof and help build trust.

Focus on SEO

Optimize your content for search engines to ensure your product is easily discoverable by people looking for solutions.

Run Targeted Ads

Use precise targeting options on social media and search engines to reach your ideal customers.

Create a Strong Brand Identity

Develop a consistent and professional brand image. A strong brand identity can make your product stand out.

Leverage Email Marketing

Use email marketing to nurture leads and keep your audience informed about new updates, promotions, and product information.

Engage with Your Community

Be active on social media and engage with your followers. Respond to comments and messages to build a loyal community.

Offer Exceptional Customer Service

Providing excellent customer service can turn customers into brand advocates who spread the word about your product.

Partner with Complementary Brands

Collaborate with other brands that complement your product to reach new audiences and create co-branded marketing efforts.

Track and Analyze Data

Continuously monitor and analyze your marketing efforts. Use data to understand what works and what doesn’t, and refine your strategies accordingly.

Implementing these tips can help you effectively market unsexy brands, transforming them into desirable and trusted products in the eyes of your audience. It's a simple concept but not an easy task—it requires creativity, persistence, and a deep understanding of your product's unique value.

If you're ready to take on the challenge and elevate your brand from mundane to must-have, I'd love to connect and share insights. Reach out to me on LinkedIn, and let's turn the unsexy into unforgettable together.

From Your Site Articles

• Emotional Branding: Marketing To The Heart ›
• How To Craft A Compelling Brand Story That Engages & Converts ›
• Why A Brand Architecture Matters ›

Related Articles Around the Web

• 14 Effective Ways To Market 'Unsexy' Products And Services ›
• Unsexy Brands Creating Awesome Content | by Ceros | Medium ›
• 5 Examples of "Unsexy" Brands Who are Winning at Content ... ›

marketing Partner Boost 11 Ways To Enjoy Summer When You’re Working A Full-Time Job Ariella CoombsJenna ArcandJune 13, 2024 Bigstock

There you are: sitting on the beach, covered in sunscreen, reading your favorite book, drinking your favorite drink under the cool shade of an umbrella. Life doesn't get any better than this. Suddenly, a door slams, a phone rings, a printer turns on. You jolt back into consciousness. You're at work, sitting in your cubicle, without even a hint of sunshine streaming in from outside.

When you're working a full-time job, finding time to enjoy the warm, bright summer weather can be a challenge. This is especially true for young professionals, as many of them are used to having summers off (or, at the very least, having a flexible summer schedule). But there's no need to feel trapped behind your cubicle walls. Go out and enjoy summer!

Here are a few tips for making the most of your summer while working full time.

1. Grab Some Foldable Chairs

Bigstock

Keep a couple of foldable camping chairs at the office so you and a co-worker can catch some rays during lunch—whether it's in the park or the parking lot.

2. Keep A Beach Bag In Your Car​

Bigstock

Keep a bag full of summer supplies for your favorite summer activities. Having a bag (or, in my case, a backseat) full of towels, sunscreen, and swimwear keeps you prepared for anything. Friends hitting up the pool after work? You're covered. Once the clock strikes five, you can head to your destination of choice immediately.

3. Plan An Office Outing

Bigstock

Plan an office field trip to the beach, the park, or the pool. Just do something fun so your brain can recharge and refresh!

4. Organize Group Walks

Bigstock

Get a bunch of co-workers together and go on regular walks around town during lunch. (Or you could suggest a quick jaunt over to the ice cream shop.) This is a great way to get some fresh air, sunshine, and exercise.

5. Eat Lunch At The Park

Bigstock

When you find yourself eating out, hit up places with a deck, porch, or patio of some sort. Obviously, eating out every day isn't really a feasible option for most of us, so look into alternative ideas as well. Pack a lunch and hit the park for your own little picnic.

6. Organize Office Sports

Bigstock

Whether it's setting up an official office sports team or just hanging out with your colleagues a few times a week, playing sports is a great way to get out and enjoy the weather. Have a field nearby? Try setting up some slow-pitch softball games. Or see if you can get a basketball hoop for the office so you and a few co-workers can shoot some hoops at lunch.

7. Join A Professional Group

Bigstock

During the summer, professional networking groups often have fun events like harbor cruises, pub crawls, and outdoor mixers. Find a professional group in your area and make networking fun this summer.

8. Have An Office BBQ

Bigstock

Get your grill on! Talk to your boss about setting up an office BBQ. Ask everyone to contribute their favorite dish, side, or drink. Fire up the grill and relax! Hey, it's summer after all.

9. Wake Up Early

Bigstock

Yes, yes, I know...waking up early is an incredibly painful and unbearable experience for some of us, but waking up even an hour earlier has its benefits—especially in the summer. Go for a morning run, putter around in the garden, or watch the sunrise with a loved one. Talk about starting the day off right!

10. Strategically Use Your Time Off

Bigstock

Strategically use your vacation days around holidays. This way, you can make a potentially long weekend longer without having to use too much of your precious vacation time. Half days are also pretty awesome. It's amazing how much you can do with four extra hours! If you want an early weekend but don't want to burn up your vacation days too quickly, try taking a half day on a Friday instead of using a full day off.

11. Bike To Work

Bigstock

If you're one of the lucky few who live within walking or biking distance of work, take advantage of it! Not only will you get plenty of fresh air, but you'll also save money on gas, which is always a plus!

There are plenty of easy ways to enjoy summer when you work a full-time job. So this summer, try out a few of these ideas and make the most of the sunshine and warm weather—while they're still around!

Need more help with your career?

Become a member to learn how to UNLEASH your true potential to get what you want from work!

Read moreShow lesssummer Featured 20 Tips For Marketing Unsexy Brands Now Hiring: Remote SysOps Engineer 3 Important Career Lessons Learned On And Off The Field How Ex-NFL Player, Chris Gronkowski, Is Using Social Media To Change Careers