Reach your target audience without disturbing the peace

Steve LipentaWe are growing insensitive to online advertising, and recent studies reveal the challenge that advertisers face when planning and recommending online ads. According to conversion optimization company Invesp, the average Internet user is served 1,700+ banner ads per month but views only half of them. Of the ads viewed, 85% of those clicked came from a measly 8% of Internet users.

What does this mean? It means that, on average, only one in a thousand ads in a campaign is ever clicked. These seem like some scary numbers for advertisers, especially as they focus more and more on digital platforms and are forever seeking ways to make the most of a client’s budget. LevLane Media Manager Steve Lipenta shares his perspective on breaking through online without disturbing the peace:

Q: Does it worry you that consumers are becoming less perceptive of ads when searching the Internet?

SL: Consumers have become used to seeing ads where they expect them, and when they show up in a new place — creating a new roadblock for their experience — they get upset.

Q: From a media standpoint, how can we break this barrier in a considerate way, while still giving the client what they want?

SL: There’s a delicate balance to standing out without being too intrusive. It’s important to position your message in an engaging way, as opposed to just shouting offers at them.

Q: What would be your best advice to give in regards to placing ads on social media platforms such as Facebook?

SL: Know your audience and target smartly. Minimize waste where you can, and focus your efforts on the users most likely to want your product or services.

Q: How can we regain the consumers’ trust when advertising online?

SL: Try not to disrupt their experience too much. Thirty-second mid-roll ads in streaming will make them resentful. Brands have done a great job of using “bait-and-switch” ads that start out as though they are only thirty seconds and include a produced ‘fast-forward’ effect, reducing the spot to a :05 branding spot. Consumers will be grateful for the reduced disruption to their experience, and will be more likely to seek out your product.

Q: Is there one rule of thumb you live by working in media?

SL: How about three? Check your math, get everything in writing and don’t leave added value on the table.

No more confusion: Rebranding PIDC from the inside out

PIDC-logo-phila-3-1.png (1)Since its inception in 1958, the Philadelphia Industrial Development Corporation (PIDC) has best been known for playing an integral part in the growth and development of the city’s industrial and manufacturing sectors.

As the makeup of the economy changed in Philadelphia, so did PIDC. It began helping many different types of businesses in Philadelphia: from small to large, for-profit to non-profit, in every business sector. The name they had been known by was no longer reflective of their breadth of work. Their brand identity had become confused, and they looked to LevLane to help them tell their story.

Conduct, Create, Change: LevLane began rebuilding the brand from the inside out, determined to uncover everything from the products and services that were offered, how employees and outsiders spoke of PIDC, to how the receptionist answered the phone. After conducting many interviews with internal and external key stakeholders, the LevLane team began to uncover the brand’s perceptions and truths.

It was evident that different Philadelphia businesses, as well as PIDC employees, had varying awareness of all the work of PIDC, causing brand recognition issues. LevLane’s rebranding campaign would soon help to solve this problem.

LevLane suggested that Philadelphia Industrial Development Corporation solely be referred to as PIDC, then crafted an external positioning statement that described exactly what PIDC does: “Driving growth to every corner of Philadelphia.” In addition to its industrial heritage, PIDC wanted to focus on its small business lending and community development initiatives.

Next, it was crucial that the internal key messaging be clear for all. LevLane developed new brand messaging that ensured each PIDC employee would be communicating the same consistent message.

Finally, LevLane developed a comprehensive, multi-year marketing and communications plan that included a re-branding with a media plan to support it. The creative team stayed busy, and launched PIDC’s new website and campaign in October 2014. Complete with a new logo, messaging, color pallette, website, corporate brochure and collateral, it was out with the old and in with the new!Screen Shot 2014-11-06 at 6.18.47 PM 1

“It’s been a long process, but well worth it for the results. We’re excited by the refreshed PIDC brand and how it better reflects our story,” said Jessica Calter, PIDC Director of Marketing Communications. “Our new website is fresh, user-friendly, and showcases our clients and the faces behind the scenes.”

“It’s important for the community to hear our client success stories firsthand and the ways in which they’re contributing to Philadelphia’s economy. With the creative direction of LevLane and other partners, we were able to put together a great video showcasing our clients and the work we’re proud to do every day,” said Anne Bovaird Nevins, Senior Vice President, Marketing and Business Development for PIDC.

LevLane is confident that PIDC will continue to flourish for years to come, driving growth to every corner of Philadelphia!