Happy Friday Free-for-All! The point at which the restoration blog gets to post something completely random that pertains to the restoration marketing industry!

I was reading an article post by Katya Andresen – http://www.linkedin.com/profile/view yourself via Linkedin today. Katya works as the COO and CSO at Network for Good in Washington D.C.. Restoration company? No – but the principles she brings up in her article run far beyond her philanthropic tech start-up. Featured in numerous magazines and spotlighted in various marketing journals, Katya’s work has won her nationwide recognition in marketing. What I’m trying to say is – listen. to. this. article – http://www.linkedin.com/today/post/article/ 20130221011329-6200057-the-ultimate-fill-in-the-blank-exercise-for-your-product-or-yourself .

The ultimate fill in the blank exercise for your product (or yourself) – by Katya Andresen – http://www.linkedin.com/today/post/article/ 20130221011329-6200057-the-ultimate-fill-in-the-blank-exercise-for-your-product-or-yourself

For fear of copyright infringement, I’ll not post the entire article itself – only a line that stood out from all the other text with a halo around it a light shining from on high. In her article, she lists out some generic “fill-in-the-blank” sentences and asks the reader to, well, fill in the blanks… with one stipulation. Fill in the blanks as your customer would want them filled out.

Here’s an example using her first sentence:

• Mitigate the water loss from causing further damage
• Remediate the mold

Most of us restoration buffs out there may put in things like “water mitigation” or “mold remediation.” Call me stupid, but before I worked in the restoration industry, I would have had to Google what mold remediation meant. Now let’s look at the same sentence in the terms of our end users… the homeowners, insurance agents, property managers, etc.

• Homeowners : “To get your kitchen ready in time for the next family dinner.”
• Insurance Agents : “To have your insureds claiming you’re the best agent on this side of the Atlantic Ocean.”
• Property Managers : “To have your tenants begging for you to stay with their property for the next ten years as well as increase your tenant loyalty. 98% occupancy? Definitely.”

Holy crap! What just happened? Did we just tailor our marketing message for each. and. every. one of our clients?! Sure we did. And that’s the point Katya is making – everyone loves to hear themselves talk and our clients are no different. Speaking in the terms of our clients gives them something they want to listen to.

Read her article here – http://www.linkedin.com/today/post/article/20130221011329-6200057-the-ultimate-fill-in-the-blank-exercise-for-your-product-or-yourself and fill out the questions as you normally would. Then fill them out again – as an insurance agent. And again, this time as a property manager or homeowner. I can assure you the latter will result in slogans clients love to listen to. To do anything less is to market with a blank billboard and hope people find you. It just won’t work.

FAQ

What is “The Blank Billboard” comparison?

“The Blank Billboard” comparison is a metaphor used by author Katya Andresen to illustrate the importance of branding and marketing in a crowded and competitive marketplace.

What does “The Blank Billboard” metaphor represent?

The “Blank Billboard” metaphor represents the idea that in a crowded and competitive marketplace, businesses that fail to effectively brand and market themselves are like a blank billboard that goes unnoticed and ignored by potential customers.

What are some examples of businesses that effectively use branding and marketing to stand out?

Examples of businesses that effectively use branding and marketing to stand out include Apple, Nike, and Coca-Cola, which have created iconic and recognizable brands through consistent messaging, imagery, and customer experiences.

How can businesses use “The Blank Billboard” comparison to improve their branding and marketing?

Businesses can use “The Blank Billboard” comparison to improve their branding and marketing by identifying their unique value proposition and developing a consistent brand identity that resonates with their target audience.

What are some common branding and marketing mistakes businesses make?

Common branding and marketing mistakes businesses make include failing to differentiate themselves from competitors, using inconsistent messaging and imagery, and neglecting to build a strong online presence.

What are some key elements of effective branding and marketing?

Key elements of effective branding and marketing include a clear and compelling value proposition, consistent messaging and imagery, and a strong online presence that includes a user-friendly website and active social media profiles.

How can businesses measure the effectiveness of their branding and marketing efforts?

Businesses can measure the effectiveness of their branding and marketing efforts by tracking key performance indicators (KPIs) such as website traffic, social media engagement, and customer satisfaction.

How can businesses improve their online presence and visibility?

Businesses can improve their online presence and visibility by developing a user-friendly website with search engine optimization (SEO) best practices, creating and maintaining active social media profiles, and engaging with customers through online reviews and feedback.

How can businesses differentiate themselves from competitors?

Businesses can differentiate themselves from competitors by identifying and emphasizing their unique value proposition, offering exceptional customer experiences and service, and creating a consistent and memorable brand identity.

How can businesses create consistent messaging and imagery across their marketing channels?

Businesses can create consistent messaging and imagery across their marketing channels by developing a brand style guide, using the same tone and language in all communications, and using a consistent color palette and imagery.