Making Your Brand More Human?

With an abundance of  digital technology at our fingertips, it is now easier than ever to target and reach customers. And although technology can direct us to a customer, it is up to us to keep them! This is when we are called to “be human”. Making your brand more human increases your chances of creating a long-term relationship with your customer. This translate into customer loyalty and hence increased revenue. Below are 3 ways to make your brand more human and get you on track to Increased ROI.

1.Have a personality
Are you serious? Funny? Sarcastic and witty? Inspiring? How ever you define your brand personality is up to you. It just is important that you define it! “Humanizing” your brand  breathes life into it. Just make sure your inviting content aligns with you and/or your organization. When your customer relates to your brand it drives further interaction and engagement.

2.Engage
Just like in real life, people want to be heard. It is important that we show our customers that we are as interested in them as they are in us.Thanks to social media we can interact with our customers in realtime. Simply liking a post, or commenting on a customer’s picture only takes a second but can have lasting effects on your customer’s affiliation with your brand. The airline Jetblue frequently displays customer engagement at it’s finest. The airline is known for its quick social media responses and customer interactions. Jetblue uses social platforms such as Twitter and Instagram to engage in conversations with its customers and bringing its brand to life. Instead of using “after the fact” social media posts, with mentions and hashtags, take a page out of JetBlue’s book and view it as an opportunity to have a conversation with your customer.

3.Be Authentic
No matter what your brand is, it is important to be authentic. Customers want to see that you are living the message you are selling. Take the outdoor recreation store REI as an example. Since 2015, the department store has closed its doors on Black Friday and pays its 12,000 employees for the day off. While most stores use this day as a way to boost profits, REI forgoes profit and encourages employees and customers with their hashtag #OptOutside, to go outside and enjoy nature with their families. REI shows customers they also care enough about customers and employees enough to allow for the opportunity to improve the quality of their lives. Albeit while hopefully using their gear!