Your Marketing and Design Reading for The Weekend

By kellyglass

It's Labor Day Weekend. I should be outside grilling something and concocting a signature cocktail for my guests. Or I should be poolside, reading a novel I will forget the moment I finish it. Or I should at a giant mall, snatching up bargains so big the cashiers are awed and want autographs. Nope, I'm catching up on work because we are in one of our most intense periods of the year. But that is okay, as there will be other barbecues and I have some good material to share!

Here's your recap of the articles I found this week. I hope you read this post while some attractive server brings you a cocktail in a coconut (or at least pretend)!

Don't Stop A-Meme-In'--Using Memes for Lead Generation and Buzz Building

This was a fun post and a very timely one for Affinity Express. It advised using a meme tied to a specific offer because this tactic works well in B2B social media. Funny, nostalgic or other content hooks prospects and generates leads and buzz. But there must also be a strong offer or piece of content. If done right, you can improve the likability of your business.

Let's hope Marketo is right. We took a slightly different tack and created a series meme postcards we mailed to CMOs, creative directors and directors of digital marketing at major retailers. Our offer is an assessment and free month of service. It's still early but we've already connected with one CMO and are exploring possibilities. So we couldn't agree more with this post. Memes can show you understand someone's perspective and are willing to show some personality.

A Tongue-in-Cheek Guide to Branding Terms

DesignTaxi pointed out this guide to branding terms that has some pretty amusing made-up terms.

Brandiose: a glaringly obvious overestimation of a brand's importance in the world. Also referred to as Delusions of Brandeur.
Brandicapped: a brand that has the courage to soldier on for decades despite its crippling issues. Relevant cases: MySpace, America OnLine.
Raisin Brand: a flaky, corn-based brand, promoted principally via a single distinguishing feature of dubious uniqueness or value.
Brandellabra: an archaic brand with a multi-pronged strategic approach and tendency to fizzle out over time.