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It’s a topic that inspires feelings of helplessness and guilt. Frankly, we sometimes understand why so many people choose to live in denial concerning its potentially world-ending magnitude. The task of confronting it, and the role we’ve been tasked with, is almost too dire to command our full attention.

 

But climate change is a real, potentially fatal, problem that we must not shy away from. As our climate’s activity grows more extreme, the need to transition to a low-carbon economy becomes clear. 

 

As world governments are coming together in Dubai for the United Nations Climate Change Conference, and pledging to significantly reduce their emissions, we thought now would be a great time to talk about the global problem of our time. As Dubai has promised to reduce its emissions to net zero by 2050, we feel it’s important to analyze what your brand can do to assist with such lofty goals. And, as the Middle East uneasily approaches an existence without the fossil fuel industry, so should all of us confront the sacrifices and changes we must make to ensure that our world remains livable and vibrant for future generations.

 

As a responsible brand, this summit provides a unique opportunity to showcase your commitment to environmental sustainability, and spread awareness about the urgent need for collective action. Believe it or not, climate change affects you too. As global markets shift based on changing climate and market need, your business will be faced with a landscape you didn’t start out with. 

 

Doing your part, no matter how small, for the betterment of life on our planet is simply the right thing to do… which just so happens to be one of the most resonant reasons businesses are adopting more environmentally friendly practices.

 

But what can your small business be expected to do to help combat climate change? You’re not a megacorporation or government, after all. Let’s take our cue from the Climate Change Conference, and explore ways your business can make a difference. 

 

Here are some great strategies your brand can employ to make a positive impact and enter into the global conversation of caring for our world.

• Talking Sustainable Practices 

If you’ve implemented sustainable practices within your enterprise, why not brag a bit? Not only because you’re proud of the changes you’ve made with a better future in mind, but also because other businesses may be looking for their own ways to bring sustainability to their business. If you’ve added electric vehicle charging ports, implemented a recycling program, or organized a cleanup event in your neighborhood, then talk about it! Your bragging rights just might be the push someone else needs to make a change. 

• Social Media

For all its nonsense and fluff, anyone who’s spent any time on social media knows that social media is also where most people begin to get their news and information, before delving deeper into their areas of interest. Social media controls online people’s worldview, so why not utilize your social media platforms to spark conversations related to climate action? Create branded hashtags, host live sessions with environmental experts, and encourage your followers to share their own sustainable practices. Social media is a powerful tool for raising awareness and inspiring meaningful action.

• Discuss the Conference

Due to its proximity and freshness in the minds of the people, the COP28 is the climate action conversation starter, especially if your brand is based in the UAE. Share your brand’s perspective, express support for positive initiatives, and contribute to the broader conversation about the role businesses play in addressing climate change. You certainly don’t have to agree with every corporate initiative you hear, but the fact that you’re inspiring meaningful interactions among your people and customers can go a long way toward action and an active push for positive change. 

• Be Accountable

Your honesty and accountability regarding your brand’s measured goals and sustainability initiatives sets an example. Taking transparent responsibility regarding your progress, failings and ambitions fosters trust and encourages consumers to support environmentally responsible brands. It’s also good business, as more and more consumers are choosing environmentally conscious goods and service providers. Once again, you’re leading by example. 

• Know What You Need To Do

At this point, choosing to neglect sustainable practices and climate change initiatives has become detrimental. People are more than willing to single out people and organizations they deem to be “on the wrong side of history” and, when it comes to our warming world, doing something is far better than doing nothing. Additionally, owning sustainability is one of the most unique changes businesses are making in recent years. It’s up there with the shift to digital, and it’s just as revolutionary. It’s also, potentially, very difficult. New regulations are seemingly popping up every day and, for once, their hearts are in the right place. Remaining ahead of the climate change curve will greatly benefit your organization in the long run.  

 

Plotting a climate conscious roadmap is different for every industry. If you’re online-only, like us, then we’ve got some thoughts for you. Whatever course of action you choose to take, know that you’ll be contributing to a greater good. A sustainable future is the only livable future for our species (and also your business). 

 

The 2023 United Nations Climate Change Conference is a momentous occasion for your brand to lead by example and contribute to the global movement for a sustainable future.

 

Because, when it comes to the issue of climate change, we’re all investors and a better future is our reward. 

Amidst the futuristic skylines and a cultural trapestery that seamlessly blends tradition with innovation, Dubai is something wholly unique among global cities. A place teeming with diversity, people come from across the globe, bringing their unique cultural influences and disciplines to the table, and, somehow, it all just works! A centralized hub of seemingly limitless possibilities. Sky’s the limit! From avant-garde architecture to a thriving cosmopolitan landscape, this place has everything.

 

Even better, Dubai loves startups and entrepreneurs. 

 

And it just won’t stop growing! 

 

Here are a few reasons why La Mesa loves Dubai.  

• Architectural Dreamworld

Dubai’s skyline is a testament to architectural marvels that push the boundaries of design. From the world renowned Burj Khalifa to the stunning accomplishment that is Palm Jumeirah, the city is an insanely entertaining playground where our design firm can contribute to the ever-evolving narrative of futurist architecture. 

• City of Innovation

Dubai’s commitment to innovation and living on the cutting-edge of technology aligns seamlessly with our philosophy. Our passion for getting things done in the best way possible means constantly knowing the limits, and then pushing them. Dubai serves as the perfect backdrop for a design firm driven by a passion for pushing creative boundaries. 

• Connectivity

Dubai’s strategic location as a global transportation hub enables seamless collaboration and project management. Our design firm can effortlessly connect with clients and collaborators from around the world, and magnify our global reach. And, as one of the most online regions in the world by percentage, there’s no telling how high your business will rise. Dubai is your ticket to the world. 

• Expo Legacy

Expo 2020 positioned Dubai as a hub for innovation and collaboration, and that’s not easy to forget. As a design firm that thrives on never being satisfied with the status quo, being part of this legacy allows us to contribute to the city’s ongoing narrative of progress, and even grow with it.

• UAE Vision

At the heart of Dubai’s success story is the visionary leadership of the United Arab Emirates. Dubai’s growth is not just a testament to architectural wonders of imagination but also to the machinations that have transformed it into a global design and branding destination. Being part of this narrative allows La Mesa to contribute to the legacy of a nation that believes in pushing boundaries and creating a future where design plays a pivotal role. 

 

Not just a playland for the rich and famous, Dubai is expat-friendly and rapidly becoming the global destination for entrepreneurs and investors alike. The name alone carries a lot of weight, but so do the unlimited possibilities available to those who know how to nurture them and use the right channels for growth and opportunity. 

 

And, while this sounded a helluva lot like a commercial for our city, we truly believe we’re in the right place at the right time, and we’re ready to rock and roll. 

 

The rise of each new generation brings new challenges and opportunities in graphic design and branding.

 

Visual styles that appealed to people in years past may not resonate with the up-and-comers. Trends come and go, evolve and fall out of fashion. It’s a trip. 

 

And it’s important for your design firm to keep ahead of the curve at every turn. Stay on the cutting edge by exploring the latest trends in graphic design software and tools that resonate with the preferences and workflow of Gen Z. Because, while you might think that there’s no reason to change what works for you, a new generation of website traffic might be disinterested by your product. If you’re actively trying to cater to design trends that appeal to a younger generation, then you’ve gotta put yourself in their shoes.

 

But what the hell is Gen Z actually into? 

 

• Mobile Optimization

People live on their phones, especially those who’ve always had them. A generation of people who came of age in a time of instant gratification will expect nothing less from your load times and ease of use on mobile devices. Yes, the ideal way to view a great site is on a desktop, but that’s not where most people will see it, especially casual visitors. If you want conversions, make sure your website is easy to navigate on the smallest of screens. 

 

• Authenticity

Owing to the fact that they were born and raised online, Gen Z can see right through your bullshit. They crave truth in advertising and genuine narratives that evoke real emotional responses. They are a socially conscious generation that demand design that reflects their principles. Because of this, your honesty and desire to present an idealistic vision of your brand and industry will be well received. 

 

• Visually Big

We all crave eye-catching visual designs, they get us hooked and hungry for more, and younger people will always be the more visually stimulated among us. Keeping it bold and captivating provides the assist you’ll need to attract Gen Z traffic. Seemingly spontaneous photography, of-the-moment typography and a colorful visual style will all serve to keep your desired, youthful audience engaged.

 

• Modern Nostalgia

The 90s are back in a big way, and taking a trip down memory lane, while also infusing your branding with a modern twist, will go a long way for your promotional material. The fun, busy sites of yesteryear are making a comeback, but your modern twist can and should be interactivity. Animations and interactive polls, when paired with visual throwbacks to an idealized past, attract younger users. 

 

• And, yes, memes

Tread carefully. Gen Z don’t just enjoy memes, they create them. Their moment is viral marketing, while their online interaction is droll and downplayed, to say the least. When relaying information via text or online, Gen Z eschew capitalization and punctuation, even going so far as to take offense when confronted with such antiquated variations in typography. Their memes are specific, and their perception of emojis is different from what it was even 5 years ago. If you choose to wade into meme waters, do your research first or you’ll risk appearing out of step and desperate for attention. 

 

When catering to the younger generation, pay close attention to their refreshing inclusivity. While they’re not as easily offended as older generations would have you believe, they expect more tolerance and acceptance than their forebears.

 

Be careful not to lump all members of Gen Z together. Just like all previous generations, there is variety here, and it can be researched and mined accordingly. 

 

Above all else, don’t underestimate Gen Z’s tech prowess. 

 

From embracing authenticity to mastering the language of memes, your designs can be the visual anthem that resonates with this vibrant and dynamic audience. Gen Z is your future, whether you like it or not. 

The world of marketing is wild. Sometimes it feels like a race, and your only goal is to win attention as fast as you can, with all the content, funnels and pipelines at your disposal.

 

There’s nothing wrong with wanting to get attention through your marketing (that’s the point, after all), but chasing trends and staying on top of consistent content doesn’t always yield the results you’re hoping for. In fact, striving to keep afloat in our always-up culture can reek of desperation and have the opposite effect of what you’re going for. Your ever-consistent marketing could actually become a turnoff if it’s perceived as thoughtless and poorly conceived. 

 

So, is it possible to turn out great marketing content, while moving quickly and intentionally, without hurrying, appearing frazzled and rushing from one plan to the next with little to no course of action? 

 

Short answer: Yes. 

 

It’s called Slow Marketing.

 

Disclaimer:

Slowing your brand marketing down doesn’t mean sticking to your fast-paced mindset and just revealing new marketing campaigns less frequently. It means putting a helluva lot more time and effort into the approach to your marketing so that you’ve got a meticulously calculated marketing approach that gets results. Unlike the hustle and bustle of fast-paced marketing, slow marketing emphasizes a more deliberate and thoughtful approach to building lasting relationships with customers.

 

A slow marketing approach is long-term planning, not slowing your growth. You can still maintain steady gains through slow marketing. It also doesn’t mean losing fast marketing entirely. You already know that balance is important to your success.

 

So what does it take to succeed at slow marketing? Here are 5 ways you can make it work for you. 

• Being intentional 

Marketing with eyes on the future is the key. When you slow down a large portion of your marketing, you’re taking the time to plan many steps into the future, ensuring your brand is presented in the best possible light. You’re taking the time to figure out what types of marketing fit best with your business, and then creating plans to implement, encourage and then repeat them indefinitely. Research, intentionality and planning will help you find best approaches to your marketing, allowing you to tweak them slightly, and repackage with nearly endless results. 

• Quality over quantity

Believe it or not, people are more savvy than they’re usually given credit for, and they can smell bullshit from a kilometer away. Rather than firing up a mad, endless sprint from one campaign to the next, Slow marketing encourages a shift in mindset, emphasizing the importance of delivering high-quality content and products. Doing so enhances the perceived value of your brand by showcasing your plan to be there for the long haul. People see your effort, and future attention to future planning, and reward you with their loyalty.

• Contextualization

So much of marketing focuses on “how” and “what”, which is logical, but slow marketing dares you to ask “why.” When planning a campaign without background intentionality, you’re more likely to simply endeavor to figure out what you’re going to do, and how you’re going to get it done. But asking a question like “why” requires some soul searching, conversations with staff and clients, and a powerful desire to get to the heart of customer desires and consumer psychology. Once you figure out the why, the how and what become consistently clear.

• Sustainability

Incorporating slower marketing into your business encourages long-term growth, while laying out plans for the future of your business. Yeah, we all love quick wins, and the endorphin rush and minimal effort that comes with them, but focusing on a big picture approach that is intentional and deeply connected to your business is far more sustainable. Expressing your meaningful approach, rather than focusing on constant instant gratification, is absolutely essential if you want to organically grow your business. 

• Un-Marketing

Slowing down and giving your approach some serious thought, planning and execution will afford you time to create marketing that doesn’t feel like marketing. Looking for areas where you can add value to your marketing content is substantially simpler when you’re not pushing hard for the next immediate result. Slowing down and taking note of spheres where your content can improve, especially in the areas that serve a purpose, becomes your goal. 

 

Your content should seek to do one (or more) of the following: educate, inspire, entertain. This is most easily achieved when you’re giving yourself time to perfect your marketing practices. Once you’ve got your slow marketing content creation mastered, your business can position itself not just as a product or services but as an integral part of your customers’ lives. In the marathon of business success, slow marketing is the deliberate stride that ensures you not only reach the finish line but thrive in the journey.

What’s your favorite holiday? 

Most holidays are about people’s faith in the deity of their choosing, or related to important cultural or historical events. They’re something to look forward to. An excuse to gather with family and friends. And we all have a favorite one. 

Well, consumer culture is a nearly global religion too, and all are welcome in its church of big bucks…. provided they have some extra cash in their pockets.

And, if consumer culture is a global religion (cult?), then Black Friday is its holiday!

Also, if you’re a business, then Black Friday might be one of the most important days in your calendar. This is your chance to get your name all the way out there, make some good money, and promote your company in unique and fun ways. 

Here are 5 ways your business can prepare for Black Friday, and Cyber Monday too!

• Promote, promote, promote!

Make your products too good to pass up! Create Black Friday deals unique to your business. Set yourself apart with some amazing package discounts, or even a giveaway or two! This is the time of year for you to drop your very best bargains, the ones you’ve been sitting on, waiting for the right time to show off. It’s time to reveal the products that keep customers coming back all year ‘round, and you can do it in style!

• Email

Retain your current customers with an email campaign, and start it early (like, October.)

Bait your hook by hinting at coming sales, and keep those teasing emails coming! You can benefit greatly by finding ways to personalize your campaign to your clients, since their inboxes will be bombarded with promotional materials this time of year, most of which they’ll probably delete. So make those emails attractive and catchy and attention-getting.

Email campaigns are still one of the best ways to keep your clients primed for what’s coming and, when the deals are ready, let them know the time is now!

•  Be there for them

When it comes to encouraging customer loyalty, you’ve gotta pay attention. If a customer is having issues completing their order, help ‘em out! If they simply have questions about your product, well, you’ve got the answers, so why not make the time?

The customer may not “always be right,” as the old adage goes, but they also shouldn’t be ignored. You’re in the middle of, perhaps, your busiest weekend of the year, but that doesn’t mean you should simply toss out a boilerplate “we’re experiencing higher than usual call times” when the going gets tough.

Customers see your attentive service and raise you their returning business. 

•  Fulfillment

If you’re offering a physical product, make sure your most popular items are in stock and ready to go. You may also benefit from bringing on some holiday help for the coming busy business time, especially if your product requires packaging and mailing. Many of your customers will be needing their purchases within a limited time frame. Make sure your online store is ready for more people, and that troubleshooting has been carried out in advance.

•  What to discount?

This Black Friday & Cyber Monday, don’t just discount your most popular products and services! Take a look at your sales from the previous months, and respond accordingly to the trends you see. Has one of your products been selling unexpectedly well? Consider including it in your discount packages. It’s important to adjust your business according to new trends, and not grow complacent in your expectations.

BFCM has become a global phenomenon, and one of the busiest weekends in consumer culture. The two days have also become big business for companies who specialize in goods and services. No matter the size of your business, now is the time to engage with your customers, bring in new ones, and really sink your teeth into the busy weekend, rather than shy away from it.

Plan ahead, and think it through! 

Craft a plan that works best for you and your company. You know your clientele and what they like. You also know how to best reach them and bring them into your business. Now is the time to be bolder than usual and get the attention of as many people as possible.

The key takeaway here is that BFCM is coming, and it’s a holiday where you can really shine! So get ready to sink your teeth into it and make it work for your business in all the best ways!

The world is bigger than business, and even more messy.

In recent days, the eyes of the world have been focused on the Middle East, and the anyone with half a brain has borne witness to atrocity after atrocity, war crime after war crime

There’s no right time to ask this question, but we must:

How should we, a socially-conscious brand, respond during times of crisis?

The human experience has long been fraught with crisis, and they are still happening all over the world. There is a nearly 60 year long civil war in Colombia that has mainly claimed the lives of civilians. The armed conflict in Ukraine has driven away more than 4 million people, and killed more than half a million more on both sides. Civil war in Yemen has placed 80% of the nation’s population in danger. And the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic is still affecting countless lives worldwide, as economies, businesses and families slowly recover.

Each new crisis is horrific, and many feel eerily similar to those that came before.

And it’s all easier to just not talk about….

There is certainly something to be said for craving safety in uncertain times. Turning a blind eye. Nobody wants bad news. And those of us lucky enough to live in a place not teetering on the edge of the abyss take solace in the notion that “it can’t happen here.”

At least for now.

In the meantime, it’s nearly impossible not to form opinions on each reported crisis. We’re curious by nature. We have questions. We seek to find someone to point the finger at. We side with the “good guys” and hope the “bad guys” get what’s coming to them.

How should your business respond?

Individual opinion, wrong or right, is something we are all entitled to. And, because individuals come together to form organizations, it’s only logical that these opinions become entwined within each of our companies.

But how, and when, should your company throw its perspective into the ring? Is doing so the right thing to do? Shouldn’t you just be focused on making money? And, if you do choose to express your sentiments pertaining to a global crisis, Is there a right time and a wrong time?

As a small business based in Dubai, we’ve built our client base somewhat organically. In a small business setting, expressing opinions on humanitarian issues can go either way. Speaking your mind could just as easily produce a groundswell of support as it could alienate loyal customers and wipe a company out entirely. Is it really worth the risk? Here’s what we think: There are times when speaking up means a hell of a lot more than your bottom line.

Once they expressed their opinions, some companies have been criticized for the side they chose, while others have received flack for just remaining silent. For many, silence is viewed as complicity. Others, still, play the waiting game so as not to voice their opinion, only to be forced to walk them back and eat crow, as they say.

Something to think about.
Still, perhaps there is no shame in wanting to take several steps back and attempt to get the clearest possible view of a crisis. It’s certainly true that no layperson has the expertise to fully grasp what is happening, and claiming to be an authority is potentially dangerous when so much so-called “news” is misinformation in disguise.

If you’re still on the fence about vocalizing your company’s support and solidarity for those on the receiving end of hardship, pain and collective misery, consider these 4 questions….

1. Are you, or members of your staff, directly affected?


If members of your organization live in affected areas, or any bordering, involved countries, your support for them and their families will not go unnoticed by people you employ. It is also likely that other members of your staff will feel the same way you do.


2. Are you an authentic person?


If your past behavior has been truthful, caring, and appreciated by your employees, then your choice to vocalize an opinion on a global humanitarian crisis will be perceived well by those in your organization.


3. Are you speaking from your heart?


If you’re choosing to have your company weigh in because you’re truly passionate about what is happening, and endeavoring to educate yourself without bias, then it will be perceived as such. Simply saying something because you feel you must will be obviously disingenuous.


4. Who is your audience?


Familiarity with your clientele will likely inform your choice to speak out. If they are largely in agreement with your choice to stand up and be heard, then they will be with you, and even encouraged to personally speak out as well.

Lastly….

5. Are innocent people being murdered?


If the answer is yes, then you have an international responsibility to condemn and speak out against it. War crime does not justify war crime. A logical, painful barometer is helpful here: If innocents and children are dying, then you should speak out against it.

Governments and institutions are often wrong. They cause pain and human suffering in their quest for more land, power and wealth. They are not afraid to attempt the wholesale extermination of an entire population, and they are always looking for a remotely justifiable excuse to do so.

Some causes are worth fighting for and, if your business can help shine a light on the plight of innocent people, then, we feel, you should do it.

No matter if it’s happening right next door or half a world away, you have the power to give a voice to those who have been silenced.

If there’s one thing a few trips around the sun teaches us, besides the inevitably of gray hair, it’s that nothing lasts forever.

 

And that goes double for goods and services. They have a lifespan, and your understanding of the timeline for conception and growth to eventual decline and removal from the market will give your business a whole lot of advantages. Knowing the life cycle of your product helps you stay on top of its future, how to allocate resources based on its anticipated performance, and when the time is right to debut a new product to take its place. 

 

A prime example of a company truly understanding how the product life cycle works is Apple.

Let’s take a look at the 4 Product Life Cycle Stages and how Apple utilized their knowledge of them when handling their most well known product: the iPhone….

• 2007 – Introduction

The iPhone’s entry to the market was a time so momentous you might even remember where you were when it happened. Apple combined the old school mobile phone with theiPod Touch and the personal computer in a way so perfect that those who got them were almost annoyingly pleased, and those who didn’t were instantly jealous. The sleek, new product was combined with a heavy marketing campaign and ample buzz, and it’s been the smartphone to beat for more than 15 years.

• 2009-14 – Growth

Apple knew a good thing when they had one, and expanded the iPhone to new markets, introducing new functionalities, and creating lifelong fans. With the arrival of the App Store in 2008, the iPhone became a complete package and the sky was the limit.

• 2015-18 – Maturity

The iPhone was now established, and customers knew what to expect. Sales were stable and business was good. At this point, Apple began diversifying their #1 product by providing different models at each rollout, offering options based on the needs of users. By introducing the option for larger or smaller screens, different colors and tiers of advancement, the iPhone’s life cycle was further extended.

• 2019-Present – Decline

But now, with so many options for smartphones saturating the market, iPhone sales growth has slowed. Rather than mourn the end, Apple has diversified their product line-up. The introduction of Apple TV+ and Apple Music, as well as more iPhone options, like the SE shows a company that believes in the importance of encouraging brand loyalty and ecosystem integration. They have a community of users who are more than happy to pay top dollar for each new product based on the Apple logo alone, even as the iPhone ceases to be the world-encompassing event it once was. 

 

And this keen understanding of product life cycle management, especially when it comes to a product with a limited lifespan, kept Apple’s most popular product on top for more than a decade (no small feat), and will serve to maintain their strong market position for years to come.

 

Now, how does this keen understanding of product life spans pertain to your company, especially if you don’t even offer a physical product to your customers? Well, the same rules apply if that’s the case, however they’re more fluid and require you to pay closer attention to their market behaviors. 

 

Here are some reasons you should consider the product life cycle if you offer a digital service or product.

• Planning Ahead

Whatever type of product you’re offering, understanding its life span and planning for growth, evolution, and eventual decline helps you stay prepared for future changes. As your product moves through its life cycle, you’ll be able to keep tabs on (and anticipate) each stage, and make your offering more effective and well-suited to the needs of your clients along the way.

• Innovation

Similarly, as your product’s life cycle progresses, you’ll be able to notice areas for improvement and ways you can change it in ways that can better please your customers. Just like Apple did by introducing variety into their iPhone line, by keeping tabs on the life cycle stages of your product, you’ll be able to bring innovation into the mix and extend each stage of its existence. Note: if it’s easy for competing companies to enter your market and make waves, knowledge of the changes you can make in the life of your offering is absolutely paramount. 

• Happy Customers

Your understanding of your product’s life cycle will also help you manage customer expectations. Maintaining a high level of happiness among your client base, even as your product evolves, can hinge greatly on your understanding of its position in its overall lifespan and the adjustments you make accordingly. 

• Decline Management

Ever notice how successful companies always have a new product at the ready just as their previously successful product is nearing the end of its lifespan? An understanding of your product’s life cycle means that you’ll never be caught off guard by market changes and, if you’re on top of your game, you’ll have product changes, improvements, or even brand new offerings, at the ready for when the time is right.

 

Almost every product which can be sold has a life cycle, and each of its four stages hinges on a myriad of factors, many of which are within your control and many that aren’t, but which can be anticipated if you understand them. One thing is certain: This framework is an incredibly valuable tool for understanding and managing the life of your goods and services. No matter how you use it in your business, keep it in mind.

As another Pink October arrives, we’re here to remind you that your brand can make a difference.

 

We’ve all known someone who’s been affected by the pain of breast cancer, so let’s use our brands, and our influence, for good! 

 

1 in 8 women will receive a breast cancer diagnosis. And, every 2 minutes, another woman is diagnosed. Even more concerning, a woman will die of breast cancer every 13 minutes. It’s the most common cancer among women worldwide.

 

And it deserves more attention paid toward prevention, treatment, recovery and understanding than one month out of the year.

 

That’s why leaving behind the standard blatant self promotion required to attract business in this day and age, and focusing our attention on a cause that affects us all, is so important. Working for empathy for those afflicted, and for a cure, is and always has been, the best thing we can do. 

 

Here are some ways we can promote Breast Cancer Awareness October, and our commitment to honoring and celebrating this most important cause. 

• Pink It Up

We begin with the defining color of the month. A temporary brand transformation from your chosen color scheme into a sea of pink during Breast Cancer Awareness Month calls attention to this important cause, while also serving as a visual reminder to our clients, partners, and employees of its importance.

• Sharing Information

Specifically, sharing prevention information allows brands to interact with those who may need it most, and increases awareness of valuable information within your circle. We’re using social media in this regard, due to its ability to reach a large group of people directly and even have a conversation, but you can also share important breast cancer prevention information via email or on your website directly. 

• Help Victims and Their Families

Organizing drives and giveaways that contribute to charities, or even directly with those who’ve been affected by breast cancer, is a great way to observe Pinktober. Whether it’s through financial contributions or volunteering time and skills, these collaborations not only benefit the cause but also help forge valuable relationships with like-minded organizations.

• In Your Company

Encouraging your employees to freely express their solidarity by wearing a pink ribbon all month, especially during times when you know you’ll be seen by your people, gives them the opportunity to share testimonials and experiences. It’s important to let your staff know they have the freedom to share their stories, no matter how personal. 

 

Spreading information and awareness saves lives. You don’t have to keep it heavy or sad, but getting involved during Pink October, even in small ways, can go a long way. As a Branding Company based in Dubai, we want to stress that your audience may be larger than even you think it is. And, in a city this large and thriving, using your platform to spread knowledge and hope is of utmost importance. Just take a look at downtown Dubai, and the Burj Khalifa, on October 15th and try to tell us we’re wrong. 

 

Therefore, we believe that, by using our soapbox and resources, we can contribute to raising awareness, providing support and ultimately finding a cure for breast cancer. 

 

So join us in embracing Pink October and making a positive impact on this important cause. Together, we can make a difference.

If you think you know all there is to know about Instagram, think again.

 

The rules for getting reach, and reaction, through the Instagram algorithm are complex and constantly evolving in big ways and small. 

 

And there’s nothing that increases your exposure on the app more than stories. Those 24-hour icons at the top of your app are catnip to the early morning scroller, the follower on lunch break, and the avid fan looking forward to your next nugget of wisdom. 

 

But the ever confounding Instagram algorithm can make or break your next great story, so it’s important to understand as much as you can about how to make it work for you. 

 

There are, of course, tried and tested approaches to getting your stories seen by as wide an audience as possible….

 

• Consistency

Studies have shown that, if you’re getting stories out there regularly, at roughly the same time of day, people will learn to expect and look out for them. If you’ve got followers on the lookout for your next story, no need to keep them waiting. Post regularly, whether that means daily, every other day, or weekly. Just be consistent about it. 

• Hashtags

Keep up with popular hashtags, and location tags, to help attract larger audiences, especially the ones who are off searching for new content. Users who search for or click on the tags you use have a better chance of stumbling onto your story, and getting hooked on your great content, which brings us to….

• Great Content

That’s right! If you want folks digging deep into what you post, then make damn sure what you post is consistently great. If you know your audience, make sure your content is relevant to their interests. Make sure your visuals are eye-catching and fun and your information is relayed in a clear, compelling way. 

• Be Yourself

Nobody likes to be played for a sap and, even on Instagram, people can spot bullshit pretty quickly. So steer clear of stories that don’t feel genuine. If it feels fake to you, it’ll feel fake to others. But if you’re authentic, and willing to share bits of truth in your stories, you stand a better chance of attracting attention. 

• Collaborate

Mentioning and tagging other content creators is a great way to attract the attention of their followers. Collaborations and shoutouts have the power to cross-promote content and introduce your profile to a wider circle of followers.

 

There are plenty of additional ways to bring attention to your Instagram Stories. Some may work for you, while others won’t. So practice a bit of trial and error. Don’t be afraid to bomb occasionally. Unless it’s incredibly embarrassing, the internet has the memory of a garden slug. 

 

What is important, however, is that you understand how the mysterious Instagram Stories algorithm works, so you can make it work for you. 

 

So let’s break it down….

 

Beginning at the beginning: When you publish a story on Instagram, the algorithm gets to work by sharing it with your regular followers, the people who interact with you the most. Let’s say they wake up, check their phones, and see your story at the top of their feed.

 

Your fervent followers then have a choice. They can simply view your story or click away from it, effectively killing its reach. But, if your followers reply, share or simply like your story, it can take its first step into a larger world!

 

Once it’s liked/shared/replied to, the algorithm places your story at the top of the feed for more of your followers (the less fervent ones,) and gives it the opportunity to be seen by more people than your biggest fans (hi Mom and Dad!)

 

Sharing is caring at this point, because, as your followers share your story with others, they give it the wings it needs to garner more views and engagement. And, by flexing the hashtags, creating great content, and directly interacting with people who respond to your story, your brand has a better chance of getting its social media wings.

 

And don’t forget to check out those Instagram Insights as you share your stories, so you can repeat your great performances and disregard the missteps. 

 

Happy posting!

 

In the dim, dark days before computers, graphic designers needed to be craftsmen. Armed with cardboard, paint brushes, sharp knives, smell solvents, assembly instructions, and envelopes, designers literally crafted with their hands, careful not to drip sweat into their paints. Typesetting involved specially ordered decals. Mistakes frequently meant you had to start over. 

 

And then it all changed.

 

Computers, Photoshop, digital paint brushes, multiple variations of a similar mockup became commonplace. Speed and precision became the law of the land. No more time spent poring over dusty books in the library, trying to find your next piece of inspiration or direction. Visualization went from taking days to moments. 

 

But with the increased speed afforded by computers, deadlines that were once a little crazy became batshit insane.

 

When computers were introduced into graphic design, there was pushback from designers who feared that they would become obsolete. Needless to say that didn’t happen.

 

But now it’s all changing again.

 

Just like the graphic designers reacting to the advent of computer technology, pushback on the AI assist is vocal and loud. And, while you might view this transformation with trepidation, fearing the obsolescence of human creatives, it’s important to recognize that injecting AI into graphic design isn’t all bad news. In fact, it brings a host of opportunities and advantages that can enhance the field top to bottom.

 

So let’s add a dash of perspective to this horrorshow!

• Time Well Spent

Allowing AI into graphic design has the ability to streamline workflows. Those writing or designing tasks you used to spend time on, all the while knowing they were either awfully mundane or that no one would even see them (we’re looking at you, pamphlets,) are perfect for AI. As you assign tasks to AI programs such as image resizing, background removal, or font selection, you’re also giving yourself more time to focus on the creative and strategic aspects of your work. Human ingenuity and originality is what you do best. 

 

Let AI handle the boilerplate aspects of design work, the predictable and comfortable, while you focus on injecting surprise and relatable emotion in the ways only a living, breathing creative human can. 

• Consistency

When it comes to branding, consistency is essential. Similarly to the time saving measures above, AI can handle the replication of your work and ensure each new iteration retains your initial creative fingerprint. 

 

It’s not taking your job so much as handing the background busywork and making sure your work is consistent across platforms and formats. 

• New Ideas

We’ve known since its inception that the computer is one of our most powerful tools. Hell, at this point, with its myriad uses, the computer is the most powerful tool! So it goes without saying that AI, even in these early days, is an inspired provider of ideas and inspiration. 

 

AI is helping you do your job better by analyzing vast amounts of visual data and suggesting trends, styles, and design elements. It can even help you stay ahead of the curve and explore new creative possibilities.

 

Again, Artificial Intelligence isn’t doing your job for you so much as providing information where and when and immediately after it’s requested.

• Cost-Effectiveness

Smaller businesses may not have the resources to afford a full-time designer so, at least for their basic design needs, AI tools have the potential to bridge that gap. 

 

By lowering design costs for small businesses, AI is allowing them to save for the larger, designer-driven projects they wouldn’t have been able to normally. 

 

However, design firms may feel as though they’re losing work, they’re actually reaping the benefit of better budgets and the potential for more uniquely impressive work to better represent your firm. 

• Bridging Cultural Differences

Understanding cultural nuance and differences is increasingly important in our globalized society, and AI can easily lend itself to the task. As you’re crafting design work or ad campaigns that may be seen by someone on the other side of the world, ensuring immediate accessibility is one of your most important goals. 

 

While your designer’s touch is absolutely essential, AI can do the more tedious legwork when it comes to understanding cultural nuance in specific regions or groups of people.

 

Here’s the thing….

Each new technological innovation encounters a fair amount of (mostly justified) pushback. It should also be noted that we don’t exactly know how far AI will take us, and not knowing is what’s really making us antsy. We do know it’s not going anywhere, and will almost certainly become more and more pervasive in every area of our lives as time goes by. AI is anticipated to take over the more dangerous and mundane aspects of our jobs, leaving us with more time and ability to freely create, so that’s something, right? 

 

But are the jobs of designers in danger? Not that we can see. They may be changing, possibly drastically, but they’re not going anywhere. 

 

And however much the nature of graphic design changes as Artificial Intelligence advances, the need for human creativity and ingenuity won’t be something it can replicate. Almost human (but not quite) is always easy to spot if you’re looking for it. 

 

Designers! Your ability to relay nuance and true originality will forever make you special.