I’m a mother to three kids firmly in the grip of teenage angst, so I frequently find myself talking to them about the importance of authenticity. Recently my youngest child said, “You keep using that word. But what does it mean EXACTLY?”
And that got me thinking. Authenticity IS a buzzy word, used frequently in many different contexts, which makes it easy for the concept to feel trendy and hazy. So since I’m a word girl, I consulted my dictionary to give me the word’s purest form:
authentic
adjective
not false or copied; genuine; real
Not false or copied. Genuine. Real. That’s pure gold, isn’t it? Authenticity is a buzzword for good reason.
We talk to clients all the time about authenticity in their branding and marketing. As the Chief Rocker would say, “It all begins with the brand.” And she is SO right! If the brand doesn’t feel real and natural, your audience won’t:
- Know you.
- Like you.
- Trust you.
Authenticity is the new brand standard. The most authentic brands in the world are also the top brands, period.
So how do you build an authentic brand? Answer these questions:
Does your brand have conviction?
Your brand must stand for a specific promise, and everyone within your organization must believe that it’s important.
Does your brand have consistency?
Your brand must deliver on its promise at every touch point, every time. Your outreach efforts should be undertaken regularly and on schedule.
Does your brand have connection?
Your brand must be relevant and persuasive to your target audience, or your message is falling on deaf ears. Establishing an emotional connection with your people is key.
If the answer to these three questions isn’t a resounding YES, give us a call. We can show you how to rock your brand authentically!