Author: Geile/Leon

Trending from G/L: Spector typeface tool is coming soon to a creative near you

Geile/Leon Marketing Communications

Trending from G/L: Spector typeface tool is coming soon to a creative near you

Advertising

Designers and other creative folks find inspiration out in the wild all the time — whether it is a cool package typeface at the grocery store or a unique leaf color they see while walking the dog. They snap a picture on their phone in hopes of figuring out that typeface or sampling that color for a later project. However, it’s usually difficult to accurately identify and recreate these inspirations once back at the desk.

Enter a creative’s new best friend — Spector.

Spector is a handy, working prototype tool designed by Fiona O’Leary that she describes as a “physical eyedropper”. All you have to do is place Spector over whatever you wish to identify and press a button. This tool then cross-references type with a font database to discover its’ name and reads the color to create a RGB and CMYK value. The results are then connected to InDesign for you to use — no more time wasted trying to uncover that mysterious font! Spector even recognizes type size, kerning and leading. Even more time saved when you are trying to achieve a certain layout look.

Check out this video to see Spector in action.

Everyone at G/L was super impressed by Spector. Any tool that increases productivity while also increasing our “visual literacy” is a must have in our book. The only not-so-awesome thing about Spector — you can’t go out and buy it right now. This is a working prototype that can only recognize a handful of typefaces so far. O’Leary does plan on integrating with a much larger database someday. Hopefully we will see Spector on the market in the very near future — we will be first in line tacking anyone who gets in our way!

Have any thoughts? Shoot us a note here and we’ll get right back to you!

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Trending from G/L: Why Ili Means You Wasted Your Time on Rosetta Stone

Geile/Leon Marketing Communications

Trending from G/L: Why Ili Means You Wasted Your Time on Rosetta Stone

Brainstorms

Joining the travel agent, newspaper editor, and Blockbuster clerk, the professional translator may be the next to find themselves searching the classifieds, thanks to a new innovation in the field of multicultural communication. The Logbar ili is a new, soon to hit the market wearable translator, the next evolution in translation technology.

One of the first capable of voice recognition and verbal translation, it relies on its own self contained operating system, rather than having to be built around an existing platform like current and unreliable phone applications are. About the size and shape of the original iPod shuffle (and arriving almost a decade after), the first generation ili is currently capable of translating between Chinese, Japanese, and English, facilitating nearly instant multilingual conversation between any combinations of the three. Version two will add French, Thai, and Korean, and version three will add Spanish, Italian, and Arabic.

Without a current list price or the ability to pre-order one, it’s tough to say when this device (and others sure to follow soon) will begin to diffuse through any number of cultures and languages, but the process of instant and accurate translation from a wearable piece of technology is essentially priceless to those in both the business and personal world.

Though currently limited in dialect and surely far from peak efficiency, the ili exemplifies improvements to and enforcement of the current trends in personal technology, being both wearable, and accelerating the ever more important idea of a “glocal” mindset. Like the first run of any groundbreaking technology, I won’t rush out to buy one.

While the concept is exciting and the uses seem infinite, this seems to be a stepping stone in the field of global communication technologies, paving the way for a world with seamless and universal conversation, one, which I can’t be the only one looking forward to.

Have any thoughts? Shoot us a note here.

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Trending from G/L: Colgate shows LGBTQ support with #SmileWithPride

Geile/Leon Marketing Communications

Trending from G/L: Colgate shows LGBTQ support with #SmileWithPride

Branding

It seems to be a recent trend that brands are showing their support for the LGBTQ community and this time, this minty brand took a new spin on it.

Check out Colgate’s “Smile With Pride” ad at the link included.

 

LGBTQ

Most of us have been in this kind of situation. You’re making the move to a new place and you’re unsure of the culture of the neighborhood. Will you be able to borrow an egg or a cup of sugar from the neighbors? Will they be willing to watch your dog when you’re on vacation? Most importantly, will you get along?

This commercial shows the wall of skepticism torn down by a simple smile. This Spanish ad translates to, “Sometimes you just need a smile, sometimes, all your smile needs is Colgate.” Sometimes you just need a smile. Good message, Colgate.

The Colgate ad was the first Mexican ad to feature a gay couple and was put out just weeks after the president of Mexico approved revisions to the constitution for same-sex marriage.

Pride advertising is a chance for brands to express their stance and speak their truth. When brands take a stand and share stories of diversity and equality in their advertising, consumers, especially millennial, appreciate, respond, engage in conversation and spend dollars on the brand.

The fact that this ad is relatable makes it successful. Plus, tugging at the heartstrings always gets people.

For another example of a brand that did it right, check out Honey Maid’s “This Is Wholesome” ad:

Or the Ad Council’s “Love Has No Labels” ad:

But how do these ads measure up with Bud Light’s flashy ad starring Amy Schumer and Seth Rogen at a gay wedding? In this ad, Rogen raises his bottle and says, “Bud Light proudly supports everyone’s right to marry whoever they want.” The whole ad is bold, comical and in your face.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NiavhnkrZRU

The whole point we’re trying to get to here is that sometimes flashy isn’t best. Show that people in the LGBTQ community are just like us. Don’t say it. Consumers want to relate to a brand and if that means using emotion to elicit a response, then go that route at all costs.

Any other feedback you have on this campaign? Shoot us a note below and we’ll be in touch.

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Top G/L Tips: Mary Sawyer on Trade Shows

Geile/Leon Marketing Communications

Top G/L Tips: Mary Sawyer on Trade Shows

Branding

A Trade Show PR program is a terrific way to generate buzz beyond your booth that extends long past the trade show. And the best part: PR costs very little extra in terms of time and money!

Here are a few tips on how to make it happen. Mary Sawyer, VP of PR at Geile/Leon, shares what she has learned from years of experience helping clients maximize their trade show results.

Are you planning your next big show and looking for new ideas? Mary would love to hear about your plans and offer a few suggestions. Contact her by phone at 314-727-5850, ext 116, email at [email protected] or use the form below.

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Trending from G/L: Modern Family gets smart with REALTORS brand integration

Geile/Leon Marketing Communications

Trending from G/L: Modern Family gets smart with REALTORS brand integration

Branding

With the value of paid advertising on traditional platforms continuing to decrease, opportunities for brands to find new ways to reach their target are becoming commonplace. One of the big trends over the past year has been the rise of sponsored content and native advertising. Integrating your brand into the content of a media form as the role of digital media has evolved will most certainly continue to rise.

In both news and entertainment programming, brand-crafted messaging is now commonplace. But doing it well isn’t as simple as just creating an ad. It requires the brand itself and the content vehicle working together towards seamless integration. It requires the brand to relinquish control and allow a different set of decision-makers to take the reigns.

A recent integration on the ABC smash hit Modern Family was relatively subtle, but in a good way. The National Association of REALTORS® partnered with the show’s writers to craft the episode’s messaging, and did so without compromising the show’s entertainment value. You can view a clip from the episode here.

While the clip is a minute long, the REALTORS brand doesn’t get mentioned until the very end, and even in doing so, it’s essentially mocked by Sofia Vergara’s Modern Family character. Those are the kind of moments that internal marketing managers have traditionally been horrified of, but it works due to the connection with one of the show’s main protagonists:

With Dunphy, portrayed by actor Ty Burrell, the group sensed an opportunity: a main character on one of television’s most popular comedies who sells real estate.

“He’s now one of America’s best-loved Realtors,” said Elizabeth Mendenhall, incoming president of the association.

As Adweek points out, brand integrations aren’t a new thing, but since this one didn’t focus on a consumer product in particular and more on an organization, it definitely stood out:

“Phil Dunphy is a Realtor—he was written that way by the show’s creators,” which makes the integration seem natural, said Sean McBride, executive vice president, executive creative director at Arnold. “And the amazing character they’ve developed already embodies many of the attributes that are important in a Realtor: He’s honest, he’s helpful, he’s sincere.”

The Modern Family actor himself had this to add:

“I’ve always admired a company that allows themselves to be seen in an imperfect light or allows themselves to be poked fun at,” he said. “That’s the strongest play.”

Overall, well done. One of the big fears about sponsored content is that it will interfere with the programming and it seems like that was avoided here.

Have any questions about helping your brand stand out? Drop us a line and we’ll be happy to chat.

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Trending from G/L – Selfridges takes stand for body positivity

Geile/Leon Marketing Communications

Trending from G/L – Selfridges takes stand for body positivity

Advertising

The fashion industry is an incredibly difficult place to differentiate your brand. With so much competition, there are so many different directions to potentially go in. And yet, the beauty standards portrayed throughout the industry in media tend to strive for an ideal of beauty that is somewhat unrealistic for a majority of their audience. Body positivity is something that is discussed, but is oftentimes shuffled off to the side.

One of the first major forays into body positivity from a large brand perspective came from Dove and their Campaign for Natural Beauty. Indeed, Dove took a gamble in promoting the campaign during a Super Bowl ad, hitting audiences on one of the nation’s largest stages. The campaign evolved and had numerous offshoots and viral videos, which elevated the Dove brand to legitimately arguing for a discussion on the way we view ourselves.

And yet, for every positivity-focused campaign like that, there were moments that seemingly moved the needle backwards. An example of that came in 2013 when Abercrombie & Fitch CEO Mike Jeffries made additional statements regarding his desire for A&F to be exclusive for the “cool kids” by limiting the sizes their clothes were offered in. Perhaps not so surprisingly, Jeffries stepped down from the company only a year later.

But the struggle for fashion-focused brands to target a wider audience has continued. People with certain body types feel excluded. Runway models continue to show that divide. And being able to tell stories of different body types is a very tricky area for a brand to hit the right tone.

Selfridges, a large British department store, seems to have hit that body positivity message in a short film that produced that focuses less on the products they offer and more on the women who wear them. It’s a very vulnerable look at five women don’t seem to fit the mold of traditional beauty, but speak eloquently on why they’re happy in their own skin.

Again, it’s a very difficult message to tell, but by allowing the women interviewed to be shown in such an uncut fashion allows us to connect with them and feel their personal body positivity. The film’s director has this to say about her inspiration:

“For so long underwear advertising has been dominated by sexualised imagery of women in heightened poses and impossible designs. When in reality, this is worlds apart from the everyday act of putting on your pants and the choices we make in the morning. I hope the film helps to cut through the noise and show amazing women appearing stripped back, as they are, speaking truthfully. All five have achieved great things and for that reason I wanted to go back to basics – finding out how they felt about themselves. I would love people to feel inspired by these women; leaving them more positive and celebratory of their own bodies.”

What did you think about the film? Let us know your thoughts here or via social media and we’d be happy to hear it.

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B2B: Build Your Brand With Instagram

Geile/Leon Marketing Communications

B2B: Build Your Brand With Instagram

Branding

instagramThe best brands tell stories. Stories that their clients and customers relate to, find compelling, elicit emotion and most importantly – motivate. The content that is created and shared on Instagram can solidify a brand’s identity and relationship with their audience. But, sharing the correct content is always key. (more…)

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Effectively Launching Your B2B Twitter Identity

Geile/Leon Marketing Communications

Effectively Launching Your B2B Twitter Identity

Digital

Years ago businesses would’ve paid top-dollar to be in the room engaging with their target audience, listening to their needs and wants, and (hello!) responding to them. Twitter and social media are as close as we’ve gotten so far.

I first heard that mentality a few years back from social media advocate, Scott Stratten. So, how does this translate to brands today? Twitter in the B2B space is imperative and ever-lasting, providing opportunities that are beneficial to your brand’s identity. How To Build The Perfect Twitter Profile

Facebook was an easy transition because, for so long, it stood alone. It gave social media ‘outsiders’ the ability to learn at their own pace. Now we have Google+, Instagram, Vine, etc. It can get overwhelming. But, the one I hear to be the most challenging (but oh so prevalent) is Twitter. If I had a quarter for each time I heard “I just don’t get it” – well, I’d be on a private island (tweeting, of course).

While it can be intimidating to those who are unfamiliar, especially as a business, Twitter in the B2B space is important, and you need to participate. Sorry to bring down the hammer, but no more holding back! Here are a few steps I suggest when approaching Twitter:

Immerse Yourself:
Don’t knock it ‘til you try it, right? You must immerse yourself in the platform to see its worth. Research the ins and outs of Twitter, watch a few videos, read a few blogs. Learn what a tweet, retweet, favorite, list, reply, etc. is all about. But, always remember the most valuable social media lesson – LISTEN. Watch and listen, and things will start to make sense.

Set Goals:
How can you measure success without setting goals? Determine what you’re ultimately trying to do with a presence and participation on Twitter. If we’re talking B2B, I think it’s safe to assume it’s to garner more sales, correct? How many more? What’s important to you? Your business? Your brand? Think big picture, and then we’ll get to the strategy.

Make a Plan:
To me, this is still very different than setting goals. This is how we’re going to get there. This plan may very well be tiered. It could include: establishing an identity, working toward increasing your brand’s awareness, targeting the folks you want to connect with, providing valuable information to your targeted audience to create authority, being human and not just a robotic sales-hungry account. Goals are far easier to reach if you know how to get there.

Start Talking:
Jump in! Now that you have the steps in place, you need to start conversing. If you’ve targeted the folks you hope to begin a relationship with, start replying to things they have to say. Prove that you have something valuable to say as well. The easiest way to ramp up your identity on Twitter is to get comfortable and show that you want to be there. Why you are there will come through in your content.

Do I believe there is a place for every business on Twitter? It’s debatable. But social media is ever-evolving, as is your audience. So, do yourself a service, and be prepared. Be goal-oriented. Be proactive, not reactive. Make a stand for yourself. Prove that you belong, and that you are the valuable authority in your industry. This is your chance. Twitter is your platform. Hop up there and take advantage of it.

Don’t know where to start? Follow us on Twitter or contact us using the form below and we’ll get you acclimated.

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Geile/Leon Wins Two Telly Awards for Union Pacific Safety Initiative

Geile/Leon Marketing Communications

Geile/Leon Wins Two Telly Awards for Union Pacific Safety Initiative

Advertising

Geile/Leon Marketing Communications has won two 2016 Bronze Telly Awards for online videos produced for a Union Pacific Railroad initiative that raised awareness about the safety concerns and legal implications of taking high school senior photos on or near railroad tracks.

Playing on teens’ desire to look “cool” and not foolish in front of their peers, G/L created two videos that likened railroad tracks to busy thoroughfares (such as highways and busy downtown streets) and asked teens a simple question: “You wouldn’t get your senior photo taken here…so why would you do it on the tracks?”

The videos, shared socially and digitally by Union Pacific, greatly resonated with their audiences. The videos have been featured in articles on popular photography sites including SLR Lounge, Fstoppers, and PetaPixel, and were also included as part of a Nightline ABC story.

“Changing behavior and perceptions through a campaign is no easy task,” said G/L President and Brand Strategist Tim Leon. “We were able to use social media content and two online videos to connect with both the teen and photographer audience. By producing such creative content, we were able to get widespread viewership and impactful results with a minimal budget.”

Leon explains that G/L presented the two concepts to Union Pacific in a rough cut format, but the story was so engaging that the client decided that additional work wasn’t required. With solid strategy, good creative and proper execution, he says, a campaign can exceed expectations and more effectively compete against campaigns with bigger budgets.

The Telly Awards was founded in 1979 and is the premier award honoring outstanding local, regional, and cable TV commercials and programs, the finest video and film productions, and online commercials, video and films. There were more than 13,000 entries from all 50 states and five continents. More information can be found here.

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Integrate Inbound Marketing into your next Website and Social Media campaign

Geile/Leon Marketing Communications

Integrate Inbound Marketing into your next Website and Social Media campaign

Advertising

A brand making the decision to “go digital” is basically a cliché these days. Nearly all companies have some form of website or online home. A vast majority of brands have some social media presence. Digital is everywhere.

And yet, a unified digital approach is something that’s still lacking across the World Wide Web. Digital components don’t align with non-digital components, social media posts don’t have the same brand tone as certain sections of the website and there’s no real way to measure whether anything being done is working.

While a wide mix of marketing tactics can work to generate results, effective, consistent content marketing generates three times as many leads as traditional outbound marketing, but costs more than 60% less. Certainly there is some cost to getting everyone involved on the same page, but it’s nowhere near the costs of giving up consistent results like that. Whether you’re on the B2B or B2C side of things, there’s value in inbound marketing.

A misconception is that inbound marketing is a tool for larger companies. While an inbound marketing program certainly requires some training, it’s nothing that isn’t manageable. Even here at G/L where a talented, albeit nimble team, we’ve haven’t had too many growing pains in getting on board. Regardless of size, industry or audience, there are plenty of inbound marketing opportunities to grow from.

As discussed in our 2016 Healthcare Marketing Trends white paper, many executives are presented with social media as the answer to reaching a younger audience. And while many millennials can be reached using newer tools, it isn’t always the answer in itself.

From our recently released report:

“Social media is a scalpel. Wielded correctly, with a strong strategic plan backing it, you can deliver a delicately crafted message precisely where you need it to go. But when handled without care, social media can do more harm than good.”

That doesn’t mean scrap social. Rather, it means you should strive to make it mean something as part of a larger, digital, inbound marketing strategy.

Want more insights from our team and some of the leading healthcare industry experts? Download the full report here, get ahead of the curve and see what you’re doing right and what you could be doing better. Or fill out the form below and get the report instantly:

Healthcare Trends

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