Brand marketing: from objects to experiences
Brands are no longer objects that we buy or sell. Brands are experiences, and we often share our brand experience with others. Reflect on a recent memorable experience. Was it your wonderful vacation? Your beautiful wedding? Or a simple walk through the woods or along a beach on a sunny day? You managed that experience. You decided what you wanted, planned it, and then made it happen.
If others joined you on your adventure, you likely still talk about it with your companions. You may bring it up with acquaintances, neighbors, or work colleagues. Did the hotel, chapel, or park ranger pay you to talk about your event? Not likely at all! You drew such immense value from the experience that you willingly shared the story.
But just as you had a dialogue with friends about your vacation or your wedding, your brand storytelling will be a conversation. You’ll find out about your audience, listen to their questions, and then explain – or better yet, show – why engaging with your brand will be a great experience. Importantly, you’ll build trust with your audiences by fulfilling your brand promise with each experience.
Stakeholder management
Ultimately, public relations efforts help you create personal relationships with stakeholders including customers, vendors, industry associations, and advocacy groups. When your conversations with stakeholders are consistent, authentic and honest, they’ll become brand advocates who help you build your brand’s value.
CIPR Communications specializes in marketing and public relations. Contact us to find out how we can tell your brand’s story.
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Christina Pilarski
Christina Pilarski is CEO and co-founder of CIPR Communications, a digital PR, marketing, and AI consulting agency serving hospitality, tourism, and luxury lifestyle brands across North America. Before starting CIPR in 2010 with her life partner and business partner, Peter Pilarski, Christina led campaigns in a series of corporate roles and served as Special Advisor to the Minister at Alberta's Department of Tourism, Parks and Recreation. She now leads a team of 20+ staff and contractors across CIPR and its AI-focused division, the Tourism AI Network. Christina holds a BA with Honours and an MA in Communications Studies from the University of Calgary. Outside the office, she's a mom of twins and two dogs, based in Calgary.