What is Brand Photography?

Brand photography is a collection of images that communicates your brand. It focuses on capturing images that visually represent and communicate your brand’s identity, values, and personality. It goes beyond showcasing products and services and aims to create an emotional connection with your target audience. By crafting visual narratives, brand photography helps convey the essence of your brand and what sets it apart from competitors as it makes your business memorable.

Benefits of Brand Photography

Enhances Brand Recognition and Recall

Consistent and high-quality brand photography helps establish a visual identity that is instantly recognizable. When consumers consistently see captivating images that align with your brand’s values, they develop a strong association between those visuals and your business. This association increases brand recall and strengthens your brand’s presence in the minds of consumers.

Builds Trust and Credibility

Professional brand photography demonstrates your commitment to quality and attention to detail. High-quality images that accurately represent your products or services instill trust in potential customers, making them more likely to choose your brand over competitors. Authentic and visually appealing images help create a positive perception of your business, enhancing its credibility.

Supports Storytelling and Emotional Connection

In the digital age, consumers seek meaningful connections with the brands they support. Brand photography plays a crucial role in storytelling by visually conveying your brand’s narrative, values, and personality. It evokes emotions and creates a bond between your brand and its target audience. By capturing the essence of your brand through images, you can engage and resonate with your customers on a deeper level.

Uses of Brand Photography

Website and Social Media

Your website and social media platforms are key touchpoints for engaging with your audience. Utilizing brand photography in these spaces helps create a visually consistent and compelling brand experience. Whether it’s through product shots, lifestyle images, or behind-the-scenes glimpses, brand photography adds depth and authenticity to your online presence, attracting and retaining customers.

Marketing and Advertising Campaigns

From print advertisements to digital banners, brand photography is a powerful asset for marketing and advertising campaigns. Eye-catching visuals that accurately represent your brand can captivate your target audience and effectively convey your brand’s message. Well-executed photography enhances the impact of your campaigns, increasing their effectiveness and driving engagement.

Brand Collateral

Brand photography can be used to create various marketing materials such as brochures, flyers, and business cards. By incorporating consistent visuals into your collateral, you reinforce your brand’s identity and maintain a cohesive brand image across different mediums. Consistency in branding helps establish professionalism and trustworthiness, leaving a lasting impression on potential customers.

How to Get Started with Photography for Your Brand

Define Your Brand Identity

Before diving into photography, it’s crucial to have a clear understanding of your brand’s identity, target audience, and key messages. Define your brand’s personality, values, and unique selling points. This foundation will guide the visual storytelling in your brand photography.

Hire a Professional Photographer

While smartphone cameras have come a long way, investing in a professional photographer with expertise in branding photography is highly recommended. A professional will understand how to translate your brand’s vision into compelling visuals, ensuring high-quality images that align with your brand’s identity.

Plan Your Shoots

Collaborate with your photographer to plan your brand photography shoots. Determine the locations, props, models (if needed), and any specific shots you want to capture. Plan your shoots strategically to capture a range of images that can be used across various platforms and campaigns.

Edit and Optimize

Once your brand photography session is complete, work with your photographer or a professional editor to refine and optimize the images. This includes color correction, cropping, and enhancing the images to maintain a consistent and visually appealing brand aesthetic.

Branding Photography FAQ

What equipment is needed for brand photography?

The equipment needed for brand photography depends on the complexity and scale of your shoots. Generally, a professional DSLR or mirrorless camera, along with a selection of lenses, lighting equipment (such as strobes or continuous lights), and accessories like tripods and reflectors, are commonly used in brand photography. However, the specific equipment can vary based on the desired style and requirements of your brand. You may also want to style your shoot with various products, furnishing and your models.

How much does brand photography cost?

The cost of brand photography can vary widely depending on several factors and can range from a few hundred dollars  upwards to over $20,000. Factors including the photographer’s experience and reputation, the complexity of the shoot, the number of locations and models involved, the post-processing requirements and the usage rights for the images. It is best to reach out to professional photographers in your area and discuss your specific needs to get accurate pricing estimates. 

How long does a brand photography session typically last?

The duration of a brand photography session varies based on various factors, including the scope of the shoot, the number of setups and locations, the number of products or models involved, and the overall complexity of the project. Sessions can range from a few hours for a simple shoot to multiple days for larger productions. It’s important to communicate your requirements and expectations with the photographer to determine the appropriate timeframe for your specific project.

How can I ensure my brand photography aligns with my brand identity?

 To ensure that your brand photography aligns with your brand identity, it is essential to have a clear understanding of your brand’s values, personality, and target audience. Communicate this information to your photographer, sharing your brand guidelines, mood boards, or visual references. Collaborate closely with the photographer throughout the planning and execution stages to ensure that the chosen locations, props, models, and styling elements accurately reflect your brand’s identity.

Can I use stock photos instead of investing in brand photography?

While stock photos can be a convenient and cost-effective option in some cases, they may not fully capture the unique essence and identity of your brand. Branding photography provides an opportunity to showcase your products, services, and brand story in a customized and authentic way. It allows you to have complete control over the visual representation of your brand, ensuring consistency and reinforcing your unique selling points. Investing in brand photography can significantly enhance the impact of your marketing efforts and help differentiate your business from competitors.

Branding photography is a powerful tool that can elevate your business to new heights. It enhances brand recognition, builds trust, and establishes an emotional connection with your target audience. By incorporating brand photography into your website, marketing campaigns, and brand collateral, you can effectively communicate your brand’s identity and stand out in a crowded market. Invest in professional brand photography, plan strategically, and unleash the full potential of visual storytelling to boost your business’s success in 2023 and beyond.

If you’re seeking a comprehensive branding solution that encompasses strategy, brand identity, and creative art direction for brand shoots, twelve-o-one is your ideal partner. Our team specializes in helping businesses develop a strong and compelling brand presence. With our expertise in branding strategy, we can assist you in defining your brand’s unique positioning, values, and target audience.

In addition to strategy, we have established partnerships with talented photographers who excel in capturing captivating brand photography. By collaborating closely with these photographers, we ensure that your brand shoots align perfectly with your brand identity and messaging. Our creative art direction expertise allows us to provide guidance on the overall visual direction, styling, and storytelling aspects of the shoots.

At twelve-o-one, we understand the power of cohesive and impactful visual branding. By combining our branding strategy, brand identity development, and creative art direction services with the skills of our trusted photography partners, we offer a seamless and comprehensive solution for elevating your brand’s visual representation.

If you’re ready to take your brand to new heights and create a powerful visual identity, reach out to twelve-o-one today. Let us help you craft a brand experience that resonates with your audience and sets your business apart from the competition. Contact us to discuss your branding needs and embark on an exciting branding journey together.

The post How Branding Photography Can Boost Your Business (2023) appeared first on 1201 Journal.

Define Your Target Audience

To craft content that resonates with your target audience, you first need to understand who they are. Start by defining your ideal customer persona(s), which are detailed profiles of your target audience that include information about their demographics, interests, pain points, and motivations. By understanding your target audience, you can create content that speaks directly to them and addresses their needs.

Conduct Keyword Research

Keyword research is the process of finding the most relevant and popular keywords and phrases that your target audience is searching for. Using keywords in your content can improve your search engine rankings and drive more traffic to your website. Use tools like Google Keyword Planner, Ahrefs, and SEMrush to conduct keyword research and identify the best keywords to target in your content.

Craft Engaging Headlines

The headline is the first thing that your audience sees, and it can make or break whether they decide to read your content. To craft engaging headlines, use powerful words, numbers, and emotional triggers to capture your audience’s attention. Make sure your headlines accurately reflect the content of your blog post and include your target keyword for SEO purposes.

Use Storytelling Techniques

People love stories, and incorporating storytelling techniques into your content can help you connect with your audience on a deeper level. Use anecdotes, personal experiences, and case studies to illustrate your points and make your content more relatable. By telling stories, you can make your content more engaging and memorable. Remember to define your brand voice and tone to ensure that it is consistent across platforms. 

Incorporate Visuals

Visuals like images, videos, and infographics can make your content more visually appealing and help break up long blocks of text. Use visuals to illustrate your points, convey complex information, and add variety to your content. Make sure your visuals are high-quality and relevant to your content. We recommend having consistent visuals that follows your brand guideline to build your brand awareness. 

Use a Conversational Tone

Write your content in a conversational tone to make it more approachable and engaging. Use contractions, active voice, and personal pronouns to create a sense of intimacy with your audience. Avoid using jargon or technical terms that your audience may not understand.

Use Calls to Action

Finally, use calls to action (CTAs) to encourage your audience to take action after reading your content. CTAs can be as simple as asking your audience to leave a comment, share your post on social media, or sign up for your email list. By using CTAs, you can engage with your audience and build a community around your content.

In conclusion, crafting engaging content is an essential part of any digital marketing strategy. By defining your target audience, conducting keyword research, crafting engaging headlines, using storytelling techniques, incorporating visuals, using a conversational tone, and using calls to action, you can create content that resonates with your audience and drives results for your business. Start implementing these tips today and see the difference they can make for your content marketing efforts.

Don’t let a lack of expertise hold you back from creating engaging content. Contact Twelve-o-one today to learn more about our content creation services and how we can help you achieve your digital marketing goals. Our team of experts is ready to assist you in crafting content that resonates with your target audience and drives results for your business. Let’s work together to take your content marketing strategy to the next level.

The post Content Creation: The Essential Guide to Crafting Engaging Content appeared first on 1201 Journal.

What is Social Media Engagement?

Engagement refers to any action taken by users on your social media content, including likes, comments, shares, and clicks. Engaging with your audience is crucial because it helps to build relationships and foster loyalty, which can ultimately lead to increased sales and revenue.

Here are some tips for maximizing your social media engagement:

Post High-Quality Content

The first step to increasing engagement on social media is to post high-quality content that resonates with your audience. Your content should be visually appealing, informative, and relevant to your target audience. Use high-quality images, videos, and graphics to make your posts stand out.

Use Hashtags

Hashtags are a powerful tool for increasing your reach on social media. When you use relevant hashtags in your posts, you can reach a wider audience and attract new followers. Research popular hashtags in your industry and use them strategically in your posts.

Respond to Comments and Messages

Engagement is a two-way street. To build strong relationships with your audience, it’s important to respond to comments and messages promptly. This shows your audience that you value their feedback and are committed to building a relationship with them.

Run Social Media Contests

Social media contests are a great way to increase engagement and build buzz around your brand. Offer prizes that are relevant to your target audience, and encourage followers to share your content and tag their friends to enter the contest.

Collaborate with Influencers

Influencers have a large and engaged following on social media, and partnering with them can help to increase your reach and engagement. Look for influencers in your industry who align with your brand values, and collaborate with them to create content that resonates with their audience.

Social media engagement is a powerful tool for building relationships with your audience and increasing your reach. By posting high-quality content, using hashtags strategically, responding to comments and messages, running social media contests, and collaborating with influencers, you can maximize your engagement and achieve your social media goals. Remember, engagement is a two-way street, so be sure to interact with your audience and build strong relationships that will help to grow your brand over time.

Social media marketing can be a powerful tool to grow your business and connect with your audience. However, if you’re struggling to implement these strategies or are unsure where to start, don’t hesitate to seek help. At twelve-o-one, we specialize in providing tailored solutions that can help you achieve your marketing goals. Contact us today to learn more about how we can support your business and take it to the next level with our expert social media marketing services.

The post The Power of Social Media Engagement: How to Maximize Your Reach appeared first on 1201 Journal.

Batch content creation involves planning and creating multiple pieces of content in one sitting, rather than creating them individually over time. This method can help you save time, reduce stress, and increase your overall productivity. Here’s how to get started:

Set Goals and Plan Ahead

Before you begin batch content creation, take some time to set goals and plan ahead. What are your content marketing objectives? What topics do you want to cover in your content? What format(s) will you use (e.g., blog posts, videos, social media posts)? Answering these questions will help you stay focused and organized during the creation process.

Have A Social Media Strategy

Having a social media strategy is crucial because it provides direction, purpose, and structure to your online presence. Rather than posting randomly, a strategy helps you define your goals, target audience and key messages.

Having a strategy allows you to plan and schedule content strategically, engage with your audience effectively and measure the success of your efforts. A well-defined social media strategy ensures that your brand’s online presence aligns with your overall business objectives, helps you stand out from the competition, and maximizes the impact and reach of your social media activities.

Create Templates and Systems

To streamline the content creation process, create templates and systems for each type of content you’ll be producing. For example, if you’re creating blog posts, create a template that includes headings, subheadings, and a basic outline. This will help you stay on track and ensure consistency across all your content.

Establish Your Content Pillars

Content pillars are the essential themes that shape a brand’s strategy. They represent the core areas of expertise or interest that align with the brand’s goals and target audience.

To establish content pillars, identify the relevant themes, conduct market research to understand audience preferences and create a consistent content strategy around those pillars, including topic selection, editorial planning and distribution across platforms.

Utilize A Social Media Calendar

A social media calendar aids batch creation by suggesting ideas for important dates and events.

It helps you plan and organize content in advance, ensuring timely posts. With a calendar highlighting relevant events, you can efficiently create and schedule engaging content, saving time and engaging your audience effectively.

If you do not have one, you can download our 2023 social media calendar for free here.

Utilize A Content Planning Calendar

A content planning calendar enables an organized approval process, content pillars, hashtags, and diverse mediums for your posts. It provides a comprehensive overview of your monthly content, ensuring a balanced distribution across your channels. By utilizing the calendar, you can easily review and refine your content strategy, ensuring its effectiveness and maintaining a cohesive online presence.

Once you have a general idea of the topics and formats you want to cover, create a content calendar. A content calendar is a schedule that outlines when you will publish each piece of content. You can use a simple spreadsheet or a more advanced tool like Trello or Asana. The important thing is to have a clear plan for what you will create and when.

We recommend creating a customized calendar that works for your business. If you are looking for a free content planning calendar, you can download one here for free.

Brainstorm and Outline Ideas

With your goals, topics, and formats in mind, start brainstorming and outlining ideas for each piece of content. This is a great time to do keyword research and see what topics are trending in your industry. Use tools like Google Trends, BuzzSumo, or Ahrefs to find inspiration and ideas.

Set Aside Dedicated Time for Creation

The key to successful batch content creation is setting aside dedicated time to create. This means blocking off several hours (or even a whole day) in your schedule to focus solely on content creation. During this time, eliminate distractions and focus on creating as much content as possible.

Edit and Finalize

Once you’ve created your batch of content, it’s time to edit and finalize each piece. This may involve proofreading, fact-checking, or adding images or videos. Use a checklist or system to ensure that each piece of content is of the highest quality.

Schedule and Promote

With your content finalized, it’s time to schedule and promote each piece. Use your content calendar to schedule each piece of content for publication, and use social media scheduling tools like Metricool, Hootsuite or Buffer to promote your content across multiple channels. You can also schedule your posts natively through Meta Business suite.

Every business, no matter the size needs a social media strategy. At twelve-o-one, we ensure you know where your target audience is hanging out on the internet – whether it is TikTok, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or some other yet-unknown online nook. We also make sure your brand message will resonate with your target market on social media and uncover which social media platforms are most suitable for your Company’s conversion process. Taking the guesswork out, we help you get consistent traffic from potential customers headed to your social media platforms.

In conclusion, batch content creation can be a game-changer for businesses and content creators who want to save time, reduce stress, and increase their productivity. By setting goals, creating a content calendar, brainstorming ideas, creating templates, setting aside dedicated time, and editing and finalizing your content, you can streamline the content creation process and achieve great results. So, why not give it a try? Download our content calendar and social media calendar here to get started!

Need to get in front of your ideal audience but not sure where to start? With our result-driven social launch intensive, you will have all the tools you need to start growing your social media following. This is for you if you’re an entrepreneur who is struggling to plan and create social media content and you want to grow your following – Apply NOW.

The post The Ultimate Guide to Batch Content Creation for Maximum Productivity appeared first on 1201 Journal.

Brand Strategy

Before diving into the components of a brand identity, it’s important to have a brand strategy in place. Your brand strategy should identify your target audience, brand values, and messaging. It should also help you determine how you want your brand to be perceived in the marketplace. With a clear brand strategy, you can create a strong brand identity that resonates with your audience.

Logo Types

Your logo is the centrepiece of your brand identity. It’s the first thing people see when they come into contact with your brand, so it’s important to get it right. There are different types of logos that you may want to consider for your brand:

Primary Logo: This is the main logo that represents your brand. It’s typically the most detailed and includes your brand name and any relevant graphics.

Secondary Logo: This is a simplified version of your primary logo. It may exclude certain design elements or have a different orientation or layout. It’s used when the primary logo is too large or detailed for certain applications.

Submark: This is a smaller version of your logo that includes only a part of the primary logo, such as a graphic element or the brand name. It’s often used in situations where space is limited or a more subtle approach is needed.

Favicon: This is a tiny version of your logo that appears in the browser tab when someone visits your website. It should be simple and easily recognizable, even at a small size.

Brand Elements

In addition to your logo, there are other brand elements that you should consider when creating a cohesive brand identity:

Colour Palette: Your brand’s colours should be consistent across all applications, including your logo, website, social media profiles, and print materials. It’s important to choose colours that are appropriate for your brand and that resonate with your target audience.

Typography: Your brand’s typography should be consistent and easily legible across all applications. It should also reflect your brand’s personality and tone.

Imagery: The imagery you choose for your brand should be consistent with your brand’s overall aesthetic and messaging. It can include photography, illustrations, or other graphics.

Brand Patterns: Brand patterns are a way to add visual interest and texture to your brand identity. They can be used in backgrounds, social media graphics, or print materials. Brand patterns should be consistent with your brand’s overall aesthetic and colour palette.

File Types

When it comes to creating and using your brand identity, it’s important to understand different file types and their applications. Here are a few of the most common file types:

PNG: A PNG file is a type of image file that supports transparency. It’s often used for logos and graphics on the web.

JPEG: A JPEG file is a compressed image file that is widely used for photos and graphics on the web.

PDF: A PDF file is a document file that can contain text, images, and graphics. It’s often used for print materials like brochures and flyers.

SVG: An SVG file is a scalable vector graphics file that can be resized without losing quality. It’s often used

In summary, a cohesive brand identity is essential for any business or organization looking to stand out in today’s competitive market. It can differentiate your brand, establish brand recognition, and build trust and loyalty with your audience. By understanding the different components of a brand identity, such as logo variations, brand elements, and brand patterns, you can create a consistent and memorable brand experience across all touchpoints. It’s also important to use the right file types and colour applications to ensure your brand looks its best across all mediums.

At Twelve-O-One, we understand the importance of a strong brand identity, and we can help you create one that resonates with your target audience. Our team will work with you to develop a brand strategy that aligns with your business goals and values. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you elevate your brand and stand out in your industry.

The post Building a Strong Brand Identity: Strategies, Components, and Applications   appeared first on 1201 Journal.

What is a Brand Strategy?

A brand strategy is a long-term plan for the development of a successful brand. It outlines your brand’s vision, values, target audience, messaging, and competitive advantage. A well-defined brand strategy helps differentiate your brand from competitors and establishes a unique position in the market.

Why is a Brand Strategy Important?

A brand strategy is vital for any business looking to succeed in a competitive marketplace. Here are some reasons why a brand strategy should come before brand identity:

Defines Your Target Audience: A brand strategy helps you understand your target audience, identifying their needs, pain points, and motivations. This information guides the development of your messaging, products, and services.

Builds Consistency Across all Channels: A brand strategy ensures that your messaging is consistent across all channels. It defines your brand’s tone of voice, visual style, and messaging, which builds trust and familiarity with your audience.

Establishes a Unique Position in the Market: A brand strategy helps differentiate your brand from competitors. By defining your unique selling proposition (USP), you can create a compelling brand story that resonates with your audience, setting you apart from competitors.

Aligns Your Team: A brand strategy ensures that everyone in your organization understands your brand’s mission and values, aligning your team and providing a clear direction for everyone to follow.

Why is Brand Identity Important?

Brand identity is the visual representation of your brand, including your logo, colors, typography, and visual elements. While brand identity is crucial, it should not be the starting point. Here are some reasons why brand identity should come after a brand strategy:

Your Brand Strategy Guides Your Brand Identity: Your brand strategy provides the framework for your brand identity, defining your brand’s values, tone of voice, and messaging.

Your Brand Identity Should Reflect Your Brand Strategy: Your brand identity should convey the same message as your brand strategy, reflecting your brand’s core values.

Your Brand Identity is not Your Brand: Your brand identity is just one component of your brand. While it is essential, it is not your brand. Your brand is the sum of all the experiences that your audience has with your business.

In summary, starting with a solid brand strategy allows you to understand your audience, differentiate yourself from competitors, align your team, and create consistency across all channels. By building a strong foundation, you can then develop a unique and effective brand identity that accurately reflects your values and resonates with your audience. Remember that a successful brand is more than just a logo or a tagline, it’s a comprehensive strategy that takes time and effort to develop, but the rewards are well worth it. So, take the time to build your brand strategy before jumping into your brand identity, and you’ll be on your way to building a successful and impactful brand. 

If you are struggling to define your brand strategy or develop a cohesive brand identity that resonates with your audience, twelve-o-one can help. Our team of experts specializes in creating strong brand foundations and developing unique brand identities that align with your brand’s mission and values. Schedule a clarity call today to learn more about our services and how we can help you build a successful brand

The post <strong>Why Your Brand Needs a Strategy Before Identity: The Importance of Building a Strong Foundation</strong> appeared first on 1201 Journal.

As online shopping continues to grow in popularity, the need for an effective and efficient e-commerce CMS becomes more important than ever. Two of the most widely used platforms for e-commerce websites are WOO-Commerce and Shopify. Both platforms offer unique features and advantages that make them appealing to different types of businesses. In this article, we will compare WOO-Commerce and Shopify and help you choose the best e-commerce CMS for your business needs. 

WOO-Commerce

WOO-Commerce is a free WordPress plugin that transforms your WordPress website into an online store. It is an open-source platform that is highly customizable, making it a great choice for businesses with unique needs. WOO-Commerce offers a vast range of extensions and plugins to add features and functionality to your online store. Some of the key features of WOO-Commerce include:

Customization: WOO-Commerce offers a high degree of customization, making it easy to create a unique online store that aligns with your business’s branding.

SEO-friendly: WOO-Commerce is optimized for search engines, making it easier for your website to rank on search engine result pages (SERPs).

Free: WOO-Commerce is free to use, which makes it a great choice for small businesses and startups with a tight budget.

Support: WOO-Commerce offers a vast community of developers and users who can help you troubleshoot any issues you may face.

Shopify

Shopify is a popular e-commerce platform that offers an all-in-one solution for businesses looking to sell online. Shopify is a paid platform that offers different pricing plans to suit different business needs. Some of the key features of Shopify include:

Ease of use: Shopify is designed to be user-friendly, making it easy for even beginners to set up and manage an online store.

Security: Shopify offers a secure payment gateway that protects your customers’ data, giving them peace of mind when shopping on your website.

Mobile responsive: Shopify is optimized for mobile devices, ensuring that your website looks great and functions well on all devices.

Integrations: Shopify offers a range of integrations with other third-party apps and services, making it easy to add features and functionality to your online store.

The Comparison

When it comes to choosing between WOO-Commerce and Shopify, there are several factors to consider. Here’s how the two platforms stack up against each other:

Pricing: WOO-Commerce is free to use, but you’ll need to pay for hosting, a domain name, and any additional plugins or extensions. Shopify, on the other hand, offers different pricing plans starting from $29 per month.

Customization: WOO-Commerce offers more customization options than Shopify, making it a great choice for businesses with unique needs. Shopify, on the other hand, has a more limited range of customization options.

Ease of use: Shopify is designed to be user-friendly, making it easy for even beginners to set up and manage an online store. WOO-Commerce, however, may require some technical knowledge to set up and customize.

SEO: Both WOO-Commerce and Shopify are optimized for search engines, making it easy for your website to rank on SERPs.

Both WOO-Commerce and Shopify offer unique features and advantages that make them appealing to different types of businesses. WOO-Commerce is a great choice for businesses that require a high degree of customization and want to keep costs low. Shopify, on the other hand, is a great choice for businesses that want an all-in-one solution that is easy to use and comes with a secure payment gateway.

Ultimately, the choice between WOO-Commerce and Shopify will depend on your business’s specific needs and budget. It’s important to consider factors such as customization, ease of use, pricing, and SEO when making your decision. Additionally, you may want to consider the size of your business and the level of support you may require. 

Overall, both WOO-Commerce and Shopify are excellent choices for building an e-commerce website. The decision between the two ultimately comes down to personal preference and the specific needs of your business. However, if you’re just starting out and have a limited budget, WOO-Commerce is a great option to consider. On the other hand, if you’re looking for an all-in-one solution with ease of use and a secure payment gateway, Shopify may be the better choice.

In conclusion, the world of e-commerce continues to evolve, and it’s important to choose a platform that can keep up with the changing trends and meet the demands of your business. Whether you choose WOO-Commerce or Shopify, both platforms have their strengths and weaknesses, and it’s up to you to decide which one is the best fit for your business. Both of these platforms have the ability to accommodate the growth of your business and can be augmented with plugins and apps to cater to the specific requirements of your business. With the right e-commerce content management system (CMS), you can create a successful online store and thrive in the competitive world of e-commerce.

Are you planning to launch an e-commerce website soon? Our free website launch checklist can help ensure that your site is ready for the big day. From optimizing for search engines to testing for usability and accessibility, our comprehensive checklist covers all the important details. Whether you choose WOO-Commerce or Shopify as your e-commerce CMS, our checklist will help you launch your website with confidence. Download our free website launch checklist now and start preparing your website for launch today!

At Twelve-o-one, we assist our clients in choosing the E-Commerce platform that is best suited for their product or service. Schedule a clarity call with us today and learn how we can help you create a high-conversion website and enhance your customer journey.

The post <strong>Battle of the Titans: WOO-Commerce vs Shopify – The Ultimate Showdown for the Best E-commerce CMS of 2023</strong> appeared first on 1201 Journal.

Video Content Will Continue to Reign Supreme

Video content has been on the rise for years, and its popularity will continue to grow in 2023. Social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube are perfect for sharing videos that capture attention and engage audiences. Businesses that leverage video content will have a significant advantage in reaching their target audiences.

Augmented Reality (AR) Will Transform Social Media

Augmented reality is no longer a novelty but a significant part of the social media experience. In 2023, expect to see more businesses using AR to create interactive experiences that immerse users in their brand. From virtual try-on experiences to interactive product demonstrations, AR will transform the way businesses engage with their audiences.

Social Commerce Will Take Center Stage

Social commerce is the integration of e-commerce with social media platforms. In 2023, social commerce will continue to grow, and businesses that take advantage of it will see significant benefits. Platforms like Instagram and Facebook are perfect for social commerce, with features like shoppable posts and product catalogues. Brands that embrace social commerce will be able to convert social media followers into customers seamlessly.

Private Messaging Will Become More Important

In recent years, private messaging has become increasingly popular, and its importance will continue to grow in 2023. More people are using private messaging platforms like WhatsApp, Messenger, and WeChat to communicate with friends, family, and businesses. Businesses that are accessible through private messaging platforms will have a significant advantage in engaging with their customers and providing personalized experiences.

Personalization Will be Key to Success

Personalization has been a trend for a while, but in 2023, it will be essential to success. Social media platforms will continue to provide businesses with more data to understand their customers better. Businesses that use this data to create personalized experiences for their customers will stand out from the competition. From personalized content to customized offers, personalization will be a significant factor in social media success in 2023.

In today’s fast-paced world, keeping up with the constantly evolving social media landscape can be a daunting task. Businesses need to focus on adapting to the latest trends in order to stay relevant and engage with their audiences effectively. At twelve-o-one, we understand the importance of social media success and can help guide you through the process.

By allowing us to take care of the technical aspects of your social media strategy, you can focus on areas of the business you are most passionate about, such as creating new products or services. Our team of social media experts will work with you to develop a tailored strategy that meets your business’s unique needs, leveraging the latest trends, such as video content, augmented reality, social commerce, private messaging, and personalization. To learn more about our services and how we can help take your business to the next level, visit our website or contact us today to book a call. Let us help you achieve social media success in 2023 and beyond.

The post <strong>5 Social Media Trends You Should Know in 2023: Insights for Business Success</strong> appeared first on 1201 Journal.

If you are trying to decide if you should hire a social media manager, as yourself these three questions:

1. Are you the type of business owner who prefers to focus on your passion? 
2. Do you have the time or expertise to grow your business on social media?
3. Do you want to free up your time and allocate yourself in business areas where your time can be better spent?

How Hiring a Social Media Manager Is Beneficial for Your Business 

Social media is a great way to engage with current and potential customers. However, it’s also a lot of work. Social Media Marketing is creating brand awareness and making connections to your ideal clients and driving an entry point to your business. It takes on average 6-10 touch-points before a consumer reaches a buying decision, and with the pandemic and inflation, it is not unusual for it to take longer. This is why it is imperative you are maintaining an online presence for your business to gain your customer’s attention and trust.

Why You Need a Social Media Manager

A social media manager will create a strategy for your company’s social media accounts that revolves around your business goals. They’ll also help you create branded content that aligns with these goals. When you hire a social media manager, you can expect to:

• Saving your company time
• Creating brand recognition
• Increasing traffic to the website
• Content creation
• Community building, engagement, and growing an audience
• Reporting and analytics tracking for your social media  and website growth
• Maintain an online presence
• Hashtag research to ensure you are getting the most out of your organic reach
• Keeping you up-to-date with what’s trending

When you dive into the world of social media, it’s easy to feel a bit overwhelmed. The good news is that there are a ton of resources out there to help you get started. The bad news is that there are also a ton of resources out there to help you get started. With so much information out there, it’s easy to forget what you were even trying to do in the first place. A social media manager can help you find your footing in the world of social media. Imagine having monthly social media content created for you so you can focus on areas of your business that you are most passionate about.

Twelve-o-one is all about offering the right support to ensure that your social media presence is being managed by experts who have the knowledge and experience to create effective strategies and campaigns. We can help you to stay on top of the latest social media trends and technologies, and help you see a measurable return on investment from your social media efforts. Not sure if your business is making the social impact it should be, one phone call can help you think more clearly about what areas of your business you want to improve.

Twelve-o-one will discuss strategizing your social media management and how you can free up time to focus on other aspects of your business and see an overall increase in productivity and to nurture your goals into something greater.

The post <strong>Why You Should Hire a Social Media Manager</strong> appeared first on 1201 Journal.

What is Branding?

Branding is the process of creating an image for your company, product, or service by using words, images, and logos to connect with customers. Essentially, branding is a marketing strategy that helps you differentiate yourself from your competitors by creating a memorable identity. In today’s business landscape, customers are flooded with marketing messages. 

Your brand is what makes your business stand out and connect with customers. A strong brand gives your business instant credibility and allows customers to trust you. It’s essential to the success of your business and the customer experience.

Why is Branding Important for Your Business?

• Create a memorable and recognizable brand that customers can connect with
• You want your brand to be a part of your customers’ lives, so they see your brand in the marketplace and online and associate it with your products and services. 
• Branding is the first step in creating a memorable and recognizable image for your business. 
• It’s your opportunity to connect with customers and set yourself apart from competitors. 
• Branding is also the most cost-effective way to create recognition for your business. 
• Logo and marketing materials design cost far less than advertising and marketing campaigns and can be used to drive traffic to your website and social media channels.

Establishing Your Company’s Identity

Define your company’s mission and values:
Before you can create a strong brand identity, you need to know what your company stands for. Take the time to define your company’s mission and values, and make sure that they align with your target audience’s needs and values.

Understand your target audience:
Knowing your target audience is essential for creating a brand identity that resonates with them. Conduct market research to understand the needs and preferences of your target audience, and use this information to inform your branding decisions.

Create a consistent visual identity:
A strong visual identity is a key component of branding. Develop a consistent look and feel for your company’s logo, colour scheme, and visual elements, and use them consistently across all of your marketing materials.

Develop a unique voice and tone:
Your brand’s voice and tone should reflect your company’s values and personality. Develop a unique voice and tone that sets you apart from your competitors and resonates with your target audience.

Be authentic:
Your brand’s identity should be authentic and true to who you are as a company. Avoid trying to be something you’re not, and instead, focus on building an identity that is true to your company’s mission and values.

Use social media and digital marketing:
Social media and digital marketing are powerful tools for building brand awareness and connecting with customers. Use them to create a strong online presence, and engage with your target audience in a meaningful way.

Driving Brand Awareness

A brand strategy is about more than just creating a logo for your company. It’s about creating a memorable image for your business and standing out from competitors. Brand awareness is the level of recognition your brand has in the marketplace. A strong branding strategy will help you reach customers. You want them to see your logo, hear your brand name and associate your products and services with your business. 

Increase customer loyalty and retention

When customers are loyal to your brand, they’re less likely to shop around for lower prices or visit the competitor down the street. A strong branding strategy will help you retain customers who would otherwise shop elsewhere. When you’re creating your brand strategy, it’s important to think about your customer’s needs and how your products and services fit into their lives. For example, if you’re starting a cleaning and home services business, you want your customers to feel as though your services are a necessity. When you put together your branding strategy, you want to think about how you can position your business as something that customers can’t live without. You want to become an essential part of people’s everyday lives, so they think of you whenever they need your services.

Strengthen your Marketing Efforts

Branding is an essential part of all marketing efforts. It’s the foundation of your marketing strategy, and it extends beyond just your logo and website. The logo, website, social media channels and marketing materials are the first ways customers will interact with your brand. Your logo and colour scheme are important parts of your branding strategy. They help customers identify your company and build brand recognition and loyalty. When choosing or redesigning your logo, it’s important to consider your target audience and what message your logo conveys. You want your logo to reflect the qualities associated with your company and be memorable. You also want to make sure your logo is scalable, meaning it can be applied to different types of media, like business cards, brochures, t-shirts and yard signs.

Strong Brands Drives Revenue

Strong branding allows you to charge higher prices for your products and services. Customers who recognize your brand will likely pay more for your products and services since they’re buying from a trusted name. 

When you’re creating your branding strategy, it’s important to consider your target market and what your company does. Focus on creating a brand that will resonate with your target market. For example, if you’re creating a branding strategy for an accounting firm, you may want to focus on reliability and trustworthiness. You want your clients to feel as though you’re an indispensable part of their lives. When your clients see your logo, hear your brand name and experience the work you do for them, they’ll associate the positive feelings with your brand. When customers see your brand and experience your products or services, they’ll connect your brand with the positive feelings they have. This will increase brand recognition and help you drive revenue.

A 14-year study by McKinsey & Company revealed that top-ranked brands outperformed the world market as measured by return to shareholders by 74%.

Specifically, having a high-performing brand helped companies:

• Overcome commoditization
• Demand a premium price
• Shorten the sales cycle
• Increase sales volume
• Attract and retain top talent
• Build authentic culture
• Improve customer experience

How a Brand Strategist can help you with your business

Are you ready to take your business to the next level and make a lasting impression on your target audience? Twelve-o-one can be the key to making that happen. With our market research, brand positioning, and marketing strategy, we can help you develop a brand identity that is not only unique but also resonates with your target audience and differentiates you from your competition.

Whether you’re launching a new business, rebranding, or facing increased competition, we can guide you through the process of creating a brand that truly represents your business and its values. Don’t settle for a generic brand, one phone call can help you think more clearly about what areas of your business you want to improve and create a truly exceptional one that will set you apart and help your business thrive.

The post <strong>The Importance of Branding: Why It’s Essential to Your Business</strong> appeared first on 1201 Journal.