5 Unconventional Branding Tactics to Propel Your Professional Services Firm to the Next Level
Tired of blending into the sea of sameness that is the professional services landscape? Ready to break free from the stuffy, corporate mold and let your company's unique personality shine? Here are five creative ways to stand out from your competitors, attract top talent, and build deeper connections with clients:
1. Let Your Freak Flag Fly: Embrace Your Inner Geek (or Gamer, or Artist…)
Who says engineers and tech gurus can't have fun? Showcase your team's quirky hobbies and interests. Share photos of your Friday afternoon board game sessions, post a video of your office rock band jamming out, or highlight your team's participation in a local hackathon.
Why it works:
Humanizes your brand: People connect with people, not logos. Showing the human side of your company makes you more relatable and approachable.
Attracts like-minded talent: Demonstrating your unique culture will draw in individuals who share your passions and values.
Sparks conversation and engagement: Quirky content is more likely to get shared and commented on, increasing your brand's visibility.
Actionable Social Media Prompt:
"Meet [employee name], our brilliant software engineer who also happens to be a master LEGO builder. Check out their latest creation, a replica of our office made entirely of LEGOs!"
2. Behind the Scenes: Give a Sneak Peek into Your World
Don't just tell people what you do, show them! Take your audience behind the scenes of your projects, your brainstorming sessions, or even your company picnic.
Why it works:
Builds transparency and trust: Giving a glimpse into your daily operations shows that you have nothing to hide and builds confidence in your expertise.
Creates excitement and anticipation: People love to see how things are made and the processes behind the scenes.
Humanizes your team: It shows that you're not just a faceless corporation, but a group of real people working hard to deliver results.
Actionable Social Media Prompt:
"Time-lapse of our engineering team building a prototype for our latest project. It's amazing what a little caffeine and creativity can achieve!"
3. Embrace the Power of Storytelling:
Every company has a story to tell. Share yours through compelling narratives that highlight your challenges, triumphs, and the impact you've had on your clients and community.
Why it works:
Emotional connection: Stories evoke emotions, which makes them more memorable and impactful than dry facts and figures.
Builds brand loyalty: When people feel connected to your story, they're more likely to become loyal customers and advocates for your brand.
Creates a sense of purpose: Sharing your company's mission and values can inspire both employees and clients.
Actionable Social Media Prompt:
"Flashback Friday to our first client project. We were a small team with big dreams, and this project helped launch us into the stratosphere. Grateful for the journey!"
4. Collaborate with Influencers (Micro or Macro):
Now, before the image of a Gen Z’er showcasing her latest lip balm floods to your mind at the term “influencer” — go deeper. Think about those thought leaders in your city, industry, or lateral complementary industry you can build some momentum with. Whether it’s a Q&A article, a recorded zoom video interview, or you launching your own podcast showcasing the fellow experts in your field; consider partnering with influencers in your industry or niche to amplify your brand's reach and credibility.
Why it works:
Tap into new audiences: Influencers have established followings that can introduce your brand to potential clients you might not have reached otherwise.
Build social proof: People are more likely to trust a brand that is endorsed by someone they respect and admire.
Create engaging content: Influencers can create authentic, relatable content that showcases your brand in a positive light.
Actionable Social Media Prompt:
"We're thrilled to partner with [influencer name], a leading expert in [industry/niche]. Stay tuned for their upcoming review of our [product/service]."
5. Don't Be Afraid to Be Quirky or Unexpected:
Surprise your audience with unexpected content that challenges industry norms and showcases your creativity, like our client, Sunny Dublick Marketing in their primary brand promo for B2B businesses incorporating favorite one-liners from the iconic “Office Space” and memes.
Why it works:
Grabs attention: In a sea of sameness, something different will always stand out.
Creates buzz and excitement: People love to share things that are new, unique, and interesting.
Positions you as an innovator: Being bold and different can set you apart as a thought leader in your industry.
Actionable Social Media Prompt:
"Forget PowerPoint presentations – we're sharing our latest project updates in a rap battle! Drop a comment with your favorite tech-inspired rhyme."
The Science Behind It:
Building personal rapport with clients is crucial for success in the professional services industry. A study by the Harvard Business Review found that companies with a strong emphasis on relationship building outperform their competitors by 23%. By showcasing the human side of your brand, you're creating opportunities for genuine connection and trust.
Don't let your company's awesome culture and personality go to waste. Ready to Transform Your Brand?
Embrace your unique quirks and let them shine through in your marketing. We can help you craft a visual story that captivates your audience, attracts top talent, and drives business growth.
Schedule a free consultation today and let's unleash the full potential of your brand.