10 Unpopular Takes on Branding, Social Media, and Editorial
After more than 10 years building and shaping brands, I have observed how time and time again brands can lose sights on their identity and purpose while racing for popularity game on social media. Viral videos, aesthetically pleasing visuals, and working with high-followers influencers are just the icings on the cake. Here are some takes that both teams and professionals can hopefully learn from:
Don’t abandon something simply because it didn’t work the first time. Give it time and give it a shot again. A brand strategy, a post, a photo may perform differently under different circumstances. Sometimes the idea isn’t wrong, the timing, context, or execution is.
Timing is not everything. Always catching up with trends can harm you more than benefit you.
Sometimes “no” is simply a pending “yes.” Understand the hesitation, refine it, and present your case again.
Going viral doesn’t guarantee anything and should not be the ultimate goal.
Never underestimate the loyal fans or customers who already know and love your brand. Their loyalty should never be taken for granted. Even when they have loved you for so long they can shift their preferences in an instant.
Record-breaking sales come with consequences and sacrifices. Make sure you and your team are prepared to sustain the demand.
People are the spirit behind everything a brand creates.
Having clear objectives and thoughtful planning save you from being lost, over and over again, even when the situation is uncertain.
One of the strongest pillars in your brand will often be the safest, least exciting ones. Not everything has to be disruptive, it just has to be dependable.
Stay in your lane long enough and perfect your offerings before expanding into new territory.
Brand building is rarely about having one great idea, and executing it flawlessly. It is about refining, reworking, repeating, observing, and developing a ton of things. Perfection is an illusion.
What’s your unpopular take?
For more thoughts and stories find me @gabbyosefina
