photo: unknown
IT’S A BUZZWORD BREAKDOWN, YO!
We’re about to cut this one up seven times.
Bzz, bzz, bzz…sometimes the sound of trendy buzzwords is enough to have you reaching for the noise-cancelling headphones. We hear you! We’ll be the first to admit that we’re guilty of using the jargon (sorry!) and even roll our eyes at ourselves sometimes. –Scraaatch- We’re here to spin the top seven buzzwords our way so that they make sense for you.
Ready to take it to the bridge?
1. BRAND
WTF DOES IT MEAN: A targeted brand is what separates the big dogs in the overcrowded marketplace. The synergy of a cohesive visual style and unique brand voice makes a brand recognizable (in under 3 seconds) and memorable.
WHAT IT’S GOOD FOR: It’s that clear understanding of brand that gives you the leverage to target and connect emotionally with your ideal client – leading to major $$.
WHEN TO USE IT: When you know you’re ready to step up your game by turning your small business into a full-fledged brand.
2. CONTENT
WTF DOES IT MEAN: Content is information packaged in a way (imagery, social media, newsletters, video etc.) that is used to tell a story, portray emotion, explain ideas and connect with people.
WHAT IT’S GOOD FOR: Whether you’re posting to Instagram or putting together your digital marketing materials (i.e. services brochure, online bio, etc.) you’re content is educating potential clients.
WHEN TO USE IT: To create a connection with your target client that convinces them you’re the right person for their unique needs.
3. CURATE
WTF DOES IT MEAN: To curate means to sift through an assortment of similar things, select the best and organize for presentation.
WHAT IT’S GOOD FOR: Cutting through the crap to create a cohesive brand (and consistent content) that reaches clients in less than 3 seconds.
WHEN TO USE IT: In the context of building your business, you would curate your website galleries to feature the work that you want to be booking while removing the work that you’re moving away from…like Mason jar weddings, if that’s not your jam.
4. IDEAL CLIENT
WTF DOES IT MEAN: An ideal client is someone who you’ve qualified as most likely to benefit from (and purchase) your services and products.
WHAT IT’S GOOD FOR: Working with clients that you actually like – cheers to that!
WHEN TO USE IT: Once you outline hyper-specific qualities about your ideal client, such as where they shop, what their favorite TV shows are, where they want to vacation next, you can target them with content that is certain to resonate.
5. CREATIVE DIRECTION
WTF DOES IT MEAN: Creative direction is the act of guiding the overall concept for a project. This could be anything from overseeing the design for a website to physically being on set at a photo shoot.
WHAT IT’S GOOD FOR: A great creative director takes a holistic approach to each project to make sure it’s cohesive across all channels, maintains brand taste levels and elevates the team while keeping client goals in mind the entire time.
WHEN TO USE IT: To direct a brand’s vision and goals turning them into reality with style (while removing that whole stress element from the project).
6. SIGNATURE IMAGES
WTF DOES IT MEAN: Signature images are the visual calling card to your brand. They should be images you share repeatedly because they represent the type of work that you want to be doing.
WHAT IT’S GOOD FOR: Using signature images consistently and repeatedly will
allow potential clients to recognize your brand immediately.
WHEN TO USE IT: When you want to visually define your brand. Remember, what you put out there is what you get back.
7. INFLUENCER
WTF DOES IT MEAN: An influencer is a person who has a guiding affect on the purchasing decisions of others. Based on a relationship of trust, often built through social media, influencers are looked to for their “expertise” on certain topics.
WHAT IT’S GOOD FOR: Businesses and brands collaborate with influencers to promote their products and services in a more authentic manner; it should feel like a friend is recommending it.
WHEN TO USE IT: Getting an invite to that next fomo-inducing FAM trip.
MASH-UP BONUS: STRATEGY
Add to the end of just about anything to make it a SUPER buzzword. 💪🏻
For example: social media strategy, content strategy, email strategy, or mid-week
survival cocktail strategy.