Challenge
Spid the Spider is a character devised by author John Eaton. John asked us to help launch his children’s books and music to the world.
Approach
Ongoing operational and strategic marketing working closely with the author, John Eaton. Initially we researched mums and dads with children across a range of age groups. We asked them to read and review Spid’s books and then discussed and understood their needs and reactions. This enabled us to determine what made Spid’s books different and better, and also guide how to improve the books and promote them.
Subsequently, we’ve worked up series storylines and enhanced the illustrations working with fantastic copy editors and illustrators. Book trade promotion continues to boost listings and consumer and influencer promotion continues to raise awareness and interest in Spid. This includes promotion via Spid’s own website, social media, broader PR, and advertising.
Results
Spid’s first book Spid the Spider Has a Day Off is now available at all good book stores. Spid is attracting a growing social media following and acclaim.
His debut album, features songs from Spid’s first five books, We’re Having Fun. This includes his debut single, I’m Having Fun. Find them at all good music download and streaming services. Watch the music video of Spid’s debut single here.
Having developed prototype ‘business process’ software, our client wanted to explore opportunities for the software, and then specify, and develop a marketing strategy to commercialise it.
3 stage research and software development approach:
First, we worked with our client to create research stimuli bringing-to-life the software idea, what it does, and how it worked. This comprised one page software summaries, a list of features and benefits as well as wireframes or screen-grabs.
Second, depth interviews (over two dozen) with a range of potential business customers and covering a range of industry sectors. The purpose of research was to understand businesses needs, issues and frustrations. Also reactions to the software idea and details. This enabled us to create an outline marketing strategy; target market ‘sweet-spot’ and software development specification to focus coding activity.
In a subsequent stage, we compiled further stimuli covering brand names, communications, more detailed software screen-grabs, and pricing. All was explored with a further sample of the priority target groups (again around two dozen). The aim was to assess what resonated most and what didn’t. This then allowed us to recommend an ‘optimal’ software development specification, brand proposition, communications and pricing.
Our work gave management confidence to establish a new business and software brand. Called Process Bliss, it is a simple way to help teams work together and do great work. It works by embedding simple processes and workflows to undertake key tasks. Thus empowering those new to roles, and boosting business efficiency and effectiveness, while keeping everyone in the loop. Read more about how Process Bliss works and schedule a discovery call or start a free trial.
Back to marketing success stories.
Challenge
To better differentiate Interface, and attract more exhibitions, events and interiors clients. However, mid-way through our work, the world was struck by Covid-19, and the exhibitions’ sector shut-down. The focus of our work therefore switched to both short and long-term planning.
Approach
Multi-stage approach involving close working with the client management team. Also website and search engine performance analysis. Then client and prospect research, strategy development and website revitalisation.
First, management team interviews to understand strengths, weaknesses, what worked and could be improved. Then as lock-down eased, research depth interviews with a score of clients and prospects to understand their experiences and service needs in the future. These covered companies in several countries. As a result this allowed us to develop new strategies to better meet the needs of customers. In particular, to convey Interface’s capabilities and boost business efficiency and marketing effectiveness.
Results
Outcomes included a new advertising campaign targeted at local businesses and which also championed Interface’s interiors capability.
Also a new website promoting their unusual ability to create, build and deliver new brand experiences.
This inspired an immediate and significant jump in search traffic. High search levels and enquiries continue to date. This is despite the exhibition sector and global remaining in lock-down. Check out Interface Worldwide for inspiring exhibitions, events and interiors for your brand.
Challenge
Approach
Results
Back to marketing success stories.
Guys and Dolls Casting provides supporting artistes (SAs) to the television and film business.
To grow the customer base of Assistant Directors (ADs) in TV and film, and also provide even more supporting and featured artistes to TV and film productions.
Guys and Dolls has built an envious reputation for supplying fabulous extras; high calibre supporting srtistes and crowd for feature films, television programmes and commercials.
Marketing collateral, processes and resources put in place to grow the business. As a result, in 2019, the team smashed previous records for getting SAs and featured artistes on set. Lots more artistes are also being lined up for 2020 productions.
If you need professional supporting artistes or want to be one, get in touch with Guys and Dolls Casting.
Back to marketing success stories.
The Pauline Quirke Academy for Performing Arts is a small business with big ambitions. Their success to date has been driven by their entrepreneurial team. With no professional in-house marketing competence PQA also relied on management judgement and design agencies to grow. Concerned about becoming stale they wanted to make sure they had effective plans to drive growth.
To double turnover and the number of academies from 50 to 100 in 3 years.
Identified the most motivating ideas to position and promote the brand and deliver a distinctive brand experience. As a result, we launched a new performing arts marketing campaign and student numbers increased c. 20% after the Autumn opening season. Since the first marketing hire, the team has grown to 7 executives over four years. All are highly motivated, and also focused on delivering an amazing brand experience. In addition, overall student numbers, and sales have more than trebled.
Read more about The Pauline Quirke Academy online.
Back to marketing success stories.
To create an engaging event for the local community, boost interest and trial of new sports, and local clubs. Also to raise the profile of Marlow Sports Club, and raise funds to pay back the land purchase cost
It all started with an idea from a tennis club member who is a qualified pyrotechnician. Thereafter, we set out to fill a gap in the local market. Also to create a distinctive experience to inspire kids and adults alike. Nearly 9 months of planning goes into staging the show. It is an organisational challenge led by members of Marlow Tennis Club, and also involving help from all other sporting sections.
Marketing promotion aims to reach over 90% of the community half a dozen times in the 2 weeks before the show.
The offer itself is also designed to involve local sports clubs, great music, as well as purveyors of fine local beers, wine and food.
The Marlow Monster Fireworks Show is now in its 6th year. From a standing start, attendance has grown every year, and visitors now include over 10% of the local community. As a result, it has raised over £30,000 to pay back Marlow Sports Club’s land purchase cost. Thus also helping to provide a lasting legacy for the local community.
The 2021 show is on Saturday 6th November; for advance tickets, visit the Marlow Monster Fireworks Show ticketing website. Thankyou for supporting the cause.
Back to marketing success stories.
Parkinson’s is a charity focused on promoting awareness of, research into and help to alleviate Parkinson’s disease. In particular, they wanted help to understand needs and motivations to take part in events and generate and assess ideas for new events to raise awareness of Parkinson’s disease.
To research why participants take part in events, and also provide guidance to develop new events to promote Parkinson’s.
Revealed a clear picture of the type of event participants, their event needs and factors that drive participation. Also reactions to a range of events and what would most stand-out, appeal to event goers and match Parkinson’s objectives. Our work ultimately focused Parkinson’s UK communication and fundraising strategies and event development strategies.
Read more about and then support Parkinson’s great work.
Back to marketing success stories.
Ovo Energy is a small energy supplier who also wanted to create a new service to take on the might of the ‘Big Six’.
Identified widespread unmet need for a new brand to challenge the ‘Big Six’, and also the ingredients for a new service. Since launching the new service, and energy marketing campaign, the number of Ovo customers increased three-fold. In addition, Ovo became uSwitch ‘Energy Supplier of the Year 2017’, winning 11 out of the 12 awards.
See Ovo Energy’s refreshing new energy services.
Back to marketing success stories.
With pressure on public finances, both national and local Government wish to contain costs and also maximise cost recovery.
To understand family information and service needs and assess awareness. Also usage, drivers and barriers to use Buckinghamshire Family Information Service.
Our work bench-marked Buckinghamshire Family Information Service performance, information and service needs, usage and drivers and barriers. As a result this revealed many insights on geo-demographic penetration differences. It also spotlighted opportunities to improve online information provision, service value, develop new business services and help recover costs.
The Buckinghamshire Family Information Service provides lots of ideas on fun family activities in Buckinghamshire.
Back to marketing success stories.