Archive for August, 2007
Your brand identity is not a trend (or it shouldn't be)
Posted by: | CommentsI just read a post by Ryan Imel over at Church Communications Pro about “Make Your Church Logo a Flexible Logo” and I think Ryan has some great ideas but I would disagree on some of his points.
First, branding is not a trend that we change like dirty underwear. The reason John Deere, Coke, Nike, BMW, and Harley Davidson are globally known brands is because of consistency. There is no doubt that these companies have adapted their logo and image over the long haul but the core of the brand has always been concrete. If they changed every time there was a culture shift then we may not know them as we do today. But then remember that a brand is not just a logo – it is the attitude, the style, the beliefs and emotional experience of the total package.
You should have a logo or brand identity developed that can stand the test of time. Trends come and go and you may look cool and hip today but be an ancient relic a year from now. I agree that your logo should be one that can easily be adapted to bean bags, t-shirts, a wall mural or sign, or even look great as a tattoo (and this is all more difficult than you think) but be careful of modifying it just to be creative. One of the biggest mistakes I see in branding, advertising, and marketing is that people always want to change things up in order to be creative, but if you are always changing your brand image it will be almost impossible for people to “see” you. You can become a chameleon and blend in with the environment – which is not what you want to do!
Your brand and your identity also needs to reflect who you really are. I love the weathered look and some of the cool effects you can do in Photoshop and Illustrator. I love that there are unlimited ways you can communicate your brand image to the people inside and outside your church. However, it would behoove you to make absolutely sure that it matches up to who you truly are. If you “tell” people through your branding and marketing efforts that you are a young, exciting, and emerging church and they walk in and see the Great Depression you are going to bear some bad fruit every time.
What I want to leave you with is that there is nothing wrong with being flexible and open to change with your logo (especially if it stinks) but to be wary of trends and changing just to be all things to all people with your brand. There are new rules and ideas of value, but there are also old ones we need to remember because they are proven and are a solid foundation to build upon.
—————————————————–
Nominate An Innovative Church In Your Area
Posted by: | CommentsTony Morgan is asking for nominations for his second annual America’s Most Innovative Churches list.
He’s asking also: What makes a church innovative? One of his desires is to find churches that aren’t on a lot of people’s “radars” right now. And the ones that come to mind for me are church plants. They’re young but extremely innovative as they seek to be reach their community for Christ.
So go nominate an innovative church in your area here.
Make Your Church Logo a Flexible Logo
Posted by: | CommentsThe logo used to be something that remained unchanging and resistant to the elements around it. Many franchises and brands that have existed for quite some time (I’m thinking of brands like Wendy’s and Coke) don’t adapt their brand all that much. This used to be the standard. Guess what.
It isn’t anymore.
Logos are not the unchanging monoliths they used to be. They are, anymore, dynamic within their environments. Churches need to be ready to mold their branding to fit their environments if they want to be a part of the new trend in branding. If you don’t know what I’m talking about, start looking into recent brands and see how they let their branding mold into its surroundings. It’s pretty cool. Read More→
Ryan’s Guest Post for CopyBlogger
Posted by: | CommentsMy Friend Ryan Imel Has a Guest Post on CopyBlogger… called Buckets and Chunks: Write Everything Down.
My Resource List of Great Church Web Design Firms
Posted by: | CommentsIf you’ve been reading this blog for long, you know that one of the services I’ve offered is church website design … but I’ve decided to discontinue doing that service and to, instead, recommend some great firms …
So now, the link at the top that says “church website design” will now go to a list of church web firms that I’ve personally met, or had extensive contact with and know that churches and ministries will be treated with great care and service.
Here’s a bunch of disclaimers though:
- There are more church design firms out there that do great work, who are not listed. Why? Again. These are the ones I know in some way or fashion. Most of them, I have met personally. And I feel good about sending churches to them … end of story.
- Each firm does not offer the exact same service. Yes, they offer the same product category: church website design. But each is different in both services offered, and price. I highly suggest you review their work … email the person mentioned … and pick the best firm for your church.
- Why is my wife’s firm on the top of the list? Obvious answer: She’s my wife … and I pay for this blog. I think I can do that and simultaneously, list other firms … (see the previous disclaimer)
- I don’t want to do church web design personally anymore … I’d rather do blog design and leave this work for people who can do a far better job than I can. The content I offer here is provided for free and that is my personal ministry to churches, pastors and ministry staff.
- I’m always open to hearing more about church web firm and those who run them. I like to make friends and network. You are welcome to email me. But I cannot guarantee you’ll get on the list.
By the way, many of their designs are profiled on Cool Church Websites. Blessings!
