Connecting Messages
The mind has an uncanny way of connecting text and images; some would say you store everything you’ve ever seen or read in the “file cabinet” of your brain. It stands to reason that during the consideration of an instrument or pro audio purchase, a consumer should be reminded repeatedly of a brand’s high-level values and a product’s unique selling propositions. In many cases, that begins at your website — often the starting point instigated by search queries or a customer’s familiarity with your company. Your website’s messaging accurately reflects what you want buyers to absorb. But does that same messaging extend to your retailer partners? If it doesn’t, sales will suffer.
Collaborate with your dealers
It’s critical to work with stores and websites selling your products. Look, feel and messaging must be consistent. If a buyer sees a product or lifestyle image that they recognize from a previous touchpoint, corroboration occurs, and the “safe buy” mentality is reinforced. The retailer’s site or storefront needs to echo the messages carefully crafted by your product marketing teams. If the opposite occurs, and the experience at retail is inconsistent or, worse, a contradiction, retailers could lose the purchase. Retailers need a style guide to ensure your brand’s look and feel are accurately presented. Providing carefully crafted taglines and product descriptions is important; customers need to “connect the dots” to feel reassured about buying your products.
Retail is detail
Whether you’re a musical instrument or pro audio vendor dealing with brick-and-mortar stores, e-commerce retailers, contractors or systems integrators, the same principle applies. You need to proactively engage your resellers to ensure you’re using Corroborative Selling Techniques. If a customer picks up the phone and speaks to a contact center sales associate, the key selling points must be accurate and boiled down to an “elevator pitch.” Distribution and use of your approved images and messaging can’t be ignored, or the customer journey will be filled with stumbling blocks. Think about your best buying experiences, and chances are many of these guidelines have been part of the process — a seamless transition of brand messages from manufacturer to retailer. You may recall a company jingle, unforgettable tagline or specific image stuck in your head, all of which keep your brand top of mind. Yes, it’s work, and the devil is in the details — but well worth the effort to get sales increases.