Hairy No Sexy

Sometimes I just can't explain how or where nuggets of ideas are born. I'm convinced they all come from the creative intelligence of a higher power. But if you don't believe me, then can someone please explain how I dreamed this one up...

Twins win. And so does Quintuplet-type branding.

After relying on the generosity of family and what was a friend of a friend to get into a major league baseball game (c'mon! who can afford these games anymore???), I nestled into my seat...and after a $6.50 beer and some decent baseball (11-0 in favor of the Twins vs. Indians), I noticed the lack of creativity running wild out in right field. But that's the reality of marketing/advertising. It only works if it "works". And in this case, it working is being measured by pure brand exposure. Stanley is such an established company, they can afford to stand on what "most" consumers already know about them (that they sell decent hardware/tools), and just plug plug plug away at showing their logo. It's that crappy old saying that was floating around the marketing industry years back and unfortunately probably still yet today - Top Of Mind Awareness (TOMA). But just so folks know, I am not sold on "TOMA" being for everyone. Like I said, Stanley is established. They've put in the time...proven their brand through decades of a decent product...and service behind it. So they can stand on that foundation and, with a bit of confidence, just remind the world "who's da man" when it comes to powertools, hardware-kinda stuff.

not exactly targeted email marketing

oh boy. i had to write about this one. a "shotgun" type (in essence it 'tis SPAM) email campaign to promote what a company prides themselves on - "...delivering the right message to the right people." hmmm? it's right there in the very first sentence. they're boasting about how great they can nail down a target market, a message to that market, yet they're sending me a SPAM email from the UK....with a DEAR (NOTHING OR NO ONE). how wonderfully hilarious is that!! something in my ol' common sense corner tells me they "ain't so great" at what they claim to be so great at. can't blame 'em for trying. i'm sure their tactic will attract at least a handful of folks who just so happen to be in desperate need of a UK-based SPAM email marketing campaign. (UK) hats off to you for making me chuckle, bowden publishing!

A "Whole" New Ritz

Life has a way of blessing us despite our "bus(y)ness". Once again I've had the good fortune of working with a wonderful client, also a great friend and fellow entrepreneur. Owner of the all new Ritz Hair Studio and Whole Body Retreat, Jen Petersen trusted Identity Engine's team to bring her passion for quality and craftsmanship alive on the ol' internet. In the end, I do think Jen (the client) is smiling as much as we are. Such a natural extension of her brand! The main design utilizes natural elements from her actual "studio" - tile (the header), frames around the mirrors at each hair styling station (the vertical border/design), and vanity counter tops from the massage rooms (the main copy background). Of course, I do believe that was all Jen's brilliant idea. But we'll of course take the credit for it! Bonus...all built with an intuitive admin tool allowing Jen the ability to edit the site as needed with ease. Sweeeeeeeet! Click on the image above to take a gander and form your own opinion on the sweetness of this project.