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“there is no substitute for guts”

— Paul Bear Bryant

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Let us engage you on a journey through a world of creative, inspirational storytelling that motivates us to expand our minds, build on our experiences and humanize the branding process.

We have found that vision—not fear—is the defining factor in whether a business creates lasting impact. Vision is not just inspiration; it is the single most important strategic asset a business has, because it shapes every choice that follows—from market focus and pricing to hiring, branding, and community impact.

Vision Over Fear: The Most Critical Asset for Business Survival

We have found that vision—not fear—is the defining factor in whether a business creates lasting impact. Vision is not just inspiration; it is the single most important strategic asset a business has, because it shapes every choice that follo…
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<p>I care deeply about copyright because this is how my clients eat. I’m Michael Blevins, owner of Blevins Creative Group in Southwest Virginia. For nearly three decades, my team and I have created the original work that drives real business growth: photography, video, brand language, and social posts that move people to click, call, visit, and buy.</p> <p>But I haven’t just <em>made</em> creative work—I’ve <strong>made a living licensing</strong> it. I’ve also served as an <strong>expert witness</strong> in copyright cases, helping courts understand how creative work is used, valued, and misused in the real world.</p> <p>This work isn’t “just content.”<br>It’s property. It’s how small businesses survive.</p> <p>And that’s why I’m writing this—especially to nonprofits, tourism offices, chambers, and destination marketing organizations.</p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">The Problem: “We’re Promoting You!” (No, You’re Not.)</h3> <p>Across Southwest Virginia, I see a troubling pattern—especially with nonprofits, tourism groups, and Main Street organizations:</p> <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>They download a business’s photo from Facebook or Instagram.</li> <li>Then re-upload it to their own page.</li> <li>With no link, no tag, no credit—often not even a hashtag to the original business.</li> </ul> <p>On the surface, it looks like support:<br>“Look at this great restaurant / shop / gallery in our region!”</p> <p>In reality, it’s copyright infringement <strong>and</strong> bad destination marketing.</p> <p>Instead of driving traffic to the business’s page—where customers can see hours, menus, booking links, or reviews—the attention stops cold on the nonprofit’s page. The business loses reach, loses engagement, and often doesn’t even know their image was used.</p> <p>For many small businesses around here, Facebook is their only “website.”<br>So when you cut them out of their own photo, you’re not promoting them.<br>You’re quietly hurting them.</p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Let’s Be Clear: Pulling and Reposting Is Usually Illegal</h3> <p>Here’s the reality, in plain language:</p> <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li><strong>Copyright is automatic.</strong><br>The moment a photographer presses the shutter, or a writer publishes a caption, the creator owns the copyright. No special symbol or registration is required.</li> <li><strong>Social media doesn’t make it “free.”</strong><br>Posting on Facebook or Instagram doesn’t put a work in the public domain. The platform has a license to display it—you don’t.</li> <li><strong>“We gave you exposure” is not a defense.</strong><br>Good intentions don’t erase infringement. You can mean well and still break the law.</li> <li><strong>Credit alone doesn’t fix it.</strong><br>Even if you tag or credit the business, downloading and re-uploading their image without permission can still be infringement. Credit is good manners; it’s not a license.</li> </ul> <p>For years, I’ve seen these choices show up as <strong>evidence</strong>—as an expert witness in cases where businesses face copyright claims or seek damages. The pattern is always the same: “We thought it was okay” meets “Here’s the law and the invoice.”</p> <p>In the U.S., copyright is governed by federal law. A business in Virginia whose images are misused could sue in federal court for copyright infringement. Depending on the circumstances, they might seek:</p> <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>Actual damages (lost licensing fees or harm caused), and/or</li> <li>Statutory damages, which can range from $750 to $30,000 per infringed work—and up to $150,000 per work for willful infringement, plus attorney’s fees.</li> </ul> <p>I’m not a lawyer, and this isn’t legal advice, but the bottom line is simple:</p> <p><strong>When you lift images off someone’s social media and republish them as your own post, you’re taking a legal risk—and potentially exposing your nonprofit, tourism office, or destination brand to serious financial liability.</strong></p> <p>And for what? A “like” on a post that didn’t even help the business you claim to support?</p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">What’s the Right Way to Share?</h3> <p>The good news:<br>It’s incredibly easy to support local businesses <strong>legally and effectively</strong>.</p> <h4 class="wp-block-heading">1. Use the Platform’s Built-In Sharing Tools</h4> <p><strong>On Facebook:</strong></p> <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>Hit <strong>“Share”</strong> on the business’s post.</li> <li>Add your own supportive caption.</li> <li>Don’t crop out logos, watermarks, or text.</li> </ul> <p><strong>This keeps:</strong></p> <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>The original source visible.</li> <li>All likes, comments, and reach attached to the business’s post.</li> <li>A clear, clickable path back to the business.</li> </ul> <p><strong>On Instagram:</strong></p> <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>Use the <strong>“Share to Story”</strong> feature or a proper repost app.</li> <li>Tag the business clearly in the Story.</li> <li>Encourage your audience to tap through to the original profile.</li> </ul> <p>This is real destination marketing: you’re sending people to the business, not stealing the spotlight.</p> <h4 class="wp-block-heading">2. Ask for Permission in Writing</h4> <p>If you need to use an image in your own standalone post:</p> <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>Message or email the business or creator.</li> <li>Ask: <em>“May we have your permission to use this photo on our page and website to promote your business and our region?”</em></li> <li>Save the response.</li> <li>In the post, add: <strong>“Photo: @businessname”</strong> or <strong>“Photo courtesy of [Business Name]”</strong>.</li> </ul> <p>If the <a href="https://www.blevinscreativegroup.com/photography/" data-type="page" data-id="2479">photographer</a> is separate from the business, you need their permission too. Many commercial photographers license usage for specific purposes—“social media only,” “website only,” etc. That license rarely includes “anyone can take this and post it however they want.”</p> <h4 class="wp-block-heading">3. When in Doubt, Commission or Collaborate</h4> <p>If your nonprofit, tourism office, or DMO needs a steady stream of visuals:</p> <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>Hire a photographer or creative agency (yes, like mine, but there are many talented creatives in our region).</li> <li>Or form a content partnership with local businesses where you clearly outline: <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>Who owns the images.</li> <li>Who can post them.</li> <li>How credit and tagging will work.</li> <li>Where the content can be used (social, web, print, etc.).</li> </ul> </li> </ul> <p>This protects everyone—and gives you better, on-brand, high-quality content that actually represents your place well.</p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Why This Matters in Southwest Virginia</h3> <p>In big cities, businesses often have full marketing stacks—websites, PR firms, digital teams.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="alignright size-large is-resized"><img src="https://www.blevinscreativegroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/man_pushing-copyright-683x1024.png" alt="Copyright Southwest Virginia" class="wp-image-5131" style="aspect-ratio:0.6670065137354857;width:326px;height:auto"/></figure> </div> <p>Here in Southwest Virginia, many small businesses:</p> <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>Live and die by a single Facebook or Instagram page.</li> <li>Rely on their latest photo as their menu, storefront, booking system, and first impression.</li> <li>Don’t have spare money for lawyers when something goes wrong.</li> </ul> <p>When you strip that photo away from their page and post it as your own, you’re:</p> <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>Stealing their intellectual property, and</li> <li>Stealing the chance for customers to discover, follow, and book with them.</li> </ul> <p>If you truly care about local economic development, entrepreneurship, and Main Street revival, you can’t be casual about copyright.</p> <p><strong>Respecting creative ownership is economic development.</strong><br>It’s how we keep dollars, attention, and opportunity flowing to the people actually taking the risk of running a small business.</p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">This Is a Call-In, Not Just a Call-Out</h3> <p>My goal isn’t to shame anyone.</p> <p>Most nonprofits and destination organizations doing this simply don’t know better. They assume “we’re helping” because the intent is promotion.</p> <p>So here’s my invitation:</p> <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li><strong>If you manage a nonprofit, tourism, or destination page:</strong><br>Review your recent posts. If you see images that were downloaded from another business’s page and re-uploaded, reach out, apologize if needed, and start doing it the right way.</li> <li><strong>Build a simple social media policy for your organization, such as:</strong> <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>“We only share posts via native share tools,” and/or</li> <li>“We only re-use images with written permission and proper credit.”</li> </ul> </li> <li><strong>Educate your staff and volunteers.</strong><br>One “helpful” volunteer post can expose your organization to real legal risk.</li> </ul> <p>I’m passionate about copyright laws because I’m passionate about people—the business owners, artists, and makers whose work tells the story of Southwest Virginia.</p> <p>If we say we want to lift them up, then we need to respect the very work that makes our region look so good in the first place.</p> <p>Don’t steal it.<br>Share it right.<br>And let’s actually help the businesses we claim to celebrate.</p>

Copyright, Tourism, and the Way My Clients Eat

I care deeply about copyright because this is how my clients eat. I’m Michael Blevins, owner of Blevins Creative Group in Southwest Virginia. For nearly three decades, my team and I have created the original work that drives real business gr…
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Running a business in Southwest Virginia without a professional website is like trying to compete in NASCAR with a horse and buggy. You might get some attention for being different, but you won't win the race. While social media platforms have their place in your marketing toolkit, they should never be your only digital presence. Here's why building your business solely on social media is a losing strategy – and what you should do instead.</h2> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">The Social Media Mirage: Why Platforms Aren't Enough</h2> <p>Social media feels easy. You can set up a<a href="https://www.facebook.com/help/www/104002523024878" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.facebook.com/help/www/104002523024878"> Facebook page</a> in minutes, post some photos on Instagram, and start connecting with customers right away. For many Southwest Virginia businesses – from <a href="https://discoverbristol.org" data-type="link" data-id="https://discoverbristol.org" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bristol </a>barbecue joints to Wise County manufacturers – social media seems like the perfect solution for getting online quickly and cheaply.</p> <div class="wp-block-group"><div class="wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained"><div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="alignright size-large is-resized"><img src="https://www.blevinscreativegroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/rented-space-1024x576.jpeg" alt="Why Your Business Needs a Website" class="wp-image-5065" style="width:513px;height:auto"/></figure> </div> <blockquote class="wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow"> <p>But here's the harsh reality: social media platforms are rented land. You don't own your Facebook page, Instagram account, or TikTok profile. These platforms control everything about your digital presence, from how many people see your posts to whether your account exists tomorrow.</p> </blockquote> </div></div> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Algorithm Changes Can Kill Your Reach Overnight</h3> <p>Remember when Facebook promised that posting regularly would help you reach all your followers? Those days are long gone. Facebook's algorithm now shows your posts to only 2-5% of your followers unless you pay for promotion. Instagram has followed suit, and other platforms are heading in the same direction.</p> <p>This means the 1,000 followers you worked hard to build might only see 20-50 of your posts. That's not a marketing strategy – that's digital quicksand.</p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Platform Dependency Creates Dangerous Vulnerabilities</h3> <p>What happens when Instagram goes down for a day? Your entire marketing operation stops. What if Facebook decides your industry violates their terms of service? Your business disappears from the platform overnight. These aren't hypothetical scenarios – they happen regularly.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="alignright size-large is-resized"><img src="https://www.blevinscreativegroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/website-strategy-1024x629.jpg" alt="Southwest Virginia Businesses" class="wp-image-5069" style="width:453px;height:auto"/></figure> </div> <p>Regional businesses in Southwest Virginia face unique challenges. When the Appalachian region experienced internet outages during recent storms, businesses with only social media presence completely lost their ability to communicate with customers. Those with websites could still be found through search engines once connectivity returned.</p> <p></p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Why Websites Give You the Competitive Edge</h2> <p>A website is <a href="https://www.blevinscreativegroup.com/storytelling/is-branding-an-art-science-or-a-little-bit-of-both/" data-type="post" data-id="4477">digital real estate</a> you actually own. It's your business headquarters on the internet, working for you 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Unlike social media platforms, your website follows your rules, displays your content exactly as you want, and can't be taken away by algorithm changes or platform policies.</p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Search Engine Visibility That Social Media Can't Match</h3> <p>When someone in <a href="https://visitabingdonvirginia.com" data-type="link" data-id="https://visitabingdonvirginia.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Abingdon</a> searches for "custom manufacturing near me" or "best restaurant in<a href="https://bigstonegap.com" target="_blank" data-type="link" data-id="https://bigstonegap.com" rel="noreferrer noopener"> Big Stone Gap</a>," Google doesn't show them Facebook posts. Google shows websites. Businesses without <a href="https://www.blevinscreativegroup.com/storytelling/the-personality-of-branding/" data-type="post" data-id="4450">professional websites</a> miss out on thousands of potential customers who are actively searching for their services.</p> <p>Local SEO is particularly powerful for Southwest Virginia businesses. When you optimize your website for local search terms, you can capture customers not just from your immediate area, but from the entire tri-state region. A manufacturing company in Lebanon can attract clients from Tennessee and Kentucky. A restaurant in Norton can draw tourists traveling the <a href="https://www.virginia.org/things-to-do/arts-and-entertainment/music/the-crooked-road/" target="_blank" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.virginia.org/things-to-do/arts-and-entertainment/music/the-crooked-road/" rel="noreferrer noopener">Crooked Road heritage trail</a>.</p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Professional Credibility That Builds Trust</h3> <p>A professional website signals that you're a legitimate, established business. When potential customers are choosing between a company with a sleek, informative website and one with only a basic Facebook page, which do you think they'll trust with their money?</p> <p>This <a href="https://www.blevinscreativegroup.com/storytelling/the-good-the-bad-and-just-good-enough/" data-type="post" data-id="4110">credibility factor</a> is especially important for B2B companies in Southwest Virginia's manufacturing and distribution sectors. Decision-makers expect to find detailed information about your capabilities, certifications, and track record. A website lets you showcase case studies, technical specifications, and client testimonials in a professional format that social media simply can't match.</p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Complete Control Over Your Message and Brand</h3> <p>Your website is your digital storefront. You control every aspect of the customer experience, from the colors and fonts to the information displayed and the path customers take through your site. You can create dedicated landing pages for different services, build email lists, and guide visitors toward specific actions.</p> <p>Social media platforms force you to work within their design limitations and constantly compete for attention against cat videos and political arguments. Your important business announcement gets lost in the noise of a cluttered feed.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">The Data Advantage: Why Analytics Matter</h2> <p>Websites provide detailed analytics about your customers that social media platforms don't offer. You can see which pages visitors spend the most time on, where they're located, how they found you, and what convinced them to contact you. This data helps you make informed decisions about your marketing and business development.</p> <p>Social media analytics are limited and often focused on vanity metrics like likes and shares rather than business outcomes like leads and sales. Website analytics tell you what's actually driving revenue.</p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Lead Generation and Customer Nurturing</h3> <p>Your website can capture leads 24/7 through contact forms, newsletter signups, and downloadable resources. You own these leads and can communicate with them directly through email marketing. Social media platforms limit your ability to export follower information and often restrict how you can communicate with your audience.</p> <p>For Southwest Virginia businesses, this lead capture capability is crucial. Tourist season brings visitors who might need your services months later. A website with lead capture keeps those potential customers connected to your business long after they've left the region.</p> <div class="wp-block-group is-vertical is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-8cf370e7 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex"> <div class="wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex"> <div class="wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow" style="flex-basis:100%"> <div class="wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex"> <div class="wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow" style="flex-basis:50%"><div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="alignleft size-large is-resized"><img src="https://www.blevinscreativegroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/website-strategy-edited.png" alt="Website vs social media" class="wp-image-5078" style="width:422px;height:auto"/></figure> </div></div> <div class="wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow" style="flex-basis:50%"> <div class="wp-block-group is-content-justification-right is-nowrap is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-fd526d70 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex"> <div class="wp-block-group"><div class="wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained"> <p></p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">The Integration Strategy: Website as Your Digital Hub</h2> <p>Smart businesses don't choose between websites and social media – they use social media to drive traffic to their websites. Your social posts should tease interesting content and direct followers to your website for the full story. This strategy lets you use social media's engagement features while building traffic to the digital property you actually own.</p> <p>Think of social media as your business development team and your website as your sales closer. Social media introduces people to your brand and builds relationships. Your website provides detailed information and converts visitors into customers.</p> </div></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Content Marketing That Builds Authority</h3> <p>A blog on your website positions you as an expert in your industry. Regular, helpful content improves your search engine rankings and gives you material to share across social media platforms. A blog post about manufacturing innovations in Southwest Virginia can be turned into multiple social media posts, email newsletters, and speaking topic ideas.</p> <p>This approach works particularly well for the diverse industries in our region. A distribution company can blog about logistics challenges in Appalachian terrain. A restaurant can share stories about local suppliers and seasonal ingredients. Each post builds your reputation and improves your website's search rankings.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Making the Investment: ROI of Professional Websites</h2> <p>A professional website requires upfront investment, but the return far exceeds the cost. Unlike social media advertising, which stops working the moment you stop paying, website improvements continue generating value for years.</p> <p><strong>Consider the math: </strong>Social media ads might cost $500-2000 per month with temporary results. A professional website costs $3000-10000 upfront but works for years with minimal ongoing costs. The website pays for itself by capturing leads that would otherwise be lost to competitors with better web presences.</p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Local Success Stories</h3> <p>Manufacturing companies in the Mount Rogers region have used professional websites to attract clients from across the Southeast. Restaurants along the I-81 corridor have increased tourist traffic by ranking high in local search results. Service businesses throughout Southwest Virginia have reduced their dependence on expensive advertising by generating steady leads through their websites.</p> <p>These success stories share common elements: professional design, local SEO optimization, clear calls to action, and regular content updates. None of these businesses would have achieved the same results had they used only social media.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Taking Action: Your Next Steps</h2> <p>The digital landscape isn't waiting for Southwest Virginia businesses to catch up. Every day you operate without a professional website is a day your competitors gain ground. Customers are searching for services like yours right now, and if they can't find your website, they'll find someone else's.</p> <p>Start by auditing your current online presence. Do a Google search for your services in your area. Where does your business appear? If you only show up on social media, you're missing the majority of potential customers who expect to find professional websites.</p> <p>Next, consider what your ideal customer needs to know before choosing your business. This information should live on your website, not buried in social media posts that only a few people will see.</p> <p>The businesses thriving in Southwest Virginia's competitive marketplace aren't the ones avoiding <a href="https://www.blevinscreativegroup.com/case-study/blp-case-study/" data-type="post" data-id="1309">digital transformation</a> – they're the ones embracing it strategically. A professional website isn't a luxury or a "nice to have" feature. It's essential infrastructure for modern business success.</p> <p>Your competitors are already online. Your customers are already searching. The only question is whether you'll meet them there or let someone else capture the business that should be yours.</p> <p><strong>The choice is clear:</strong> invest in a professional website or watch your competitors win the customers you should be serving. In today's digital economy, there's no middle ground.</p> <p></p>

Why Your Business Needs a Website (Not Just Social Media)

Running a business in Southwest Virginia without a professional website is like trying to compete in NASCAR with a horse and buggy. You might get some attention for being different, but you won’t win the race. While social media platforms ha…
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://www.blevinscreativegroup.com/services/" data-type="page" data-id="6">BRAND POWER</a> / The symbolism of brands is powerful. Even if it is not always intentional, the value that a brand brings to our lives can be captured through symbolism in many ways. The branding process goes way back in history. Still, the most prominent example of this is probably the Ancient Egyptians with their pyramids and obelisks surrounding temples to represent protection, power, or even immortality.</h2> <p>The Incas used quipu to catalog information on strings knotted together based on their numerical properties. The quipus were divided into categories where knots represented physical things like animals, plants, etc. </p> <p>These numbers acted as mathematical operations by combining counters with other numbers to form hierarchical structures to keep track of events in certain societies.</p> <p>However, others have tried and failed because, despite the Western belief that numbers could not possibly be used for anything other than mathematical operations, they can hold much more profound meaning in different cultures if you look closely enough.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Visual Imagery</h2> <p>So, let's look at one of the most prominent examples of how brands use symbolism is imagery. A great example is <a href="https://www.coca-colacompany.com/au/news/trace-the-130-year-evolution-of-the-coca-cola-logo" rel="nofollow">Coca-Cola's famous logo</a>: Two gentle waves forming a dynamic ribbon.</p> <p>Yes, it's open for interpretation, and some people will argue whether it is a nod to the past or a symbol of modernity. Either way, it still creates an emotional reaction in most people when they see it.</p> <p>So, another great example would be Nike's <strong>"swoosh" logo. </strong></p> <p>It might just look like something that a child drew, but it has meaning behind it as well. The logo can be interpreted as an arrow running through the "O."</p> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://www.blevinscreativegroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/nike-logo-on-wall-1024x682.jpg" alt="Brand Power" class="wp-image-4199"/><figcaption>Just do it. Really means, just do it and buy those nike's</figcaption></figure> <p>In this case, the swoosh represents moving forward and progressing in life while overcoming obstacles along the way. Then once you add "Nike" to the brand, this brings a whole new set of meanings into play with its symbolism associated with Greek mythology: victory and gods of war which makes sense considering their slogan is, <strong>" Just do it."</strong></p> <p>So, you might think that these brands have a massive budget for advertising and have plans to incorporate symbolism into their logos. However, the truth is that most companies today still use text-based logos rather than imagery.</p> <p>However, suppose a brand can pull off an effective logo that well represents its company. In that case, it gives them a distinct advantage over similar brands simply because they are making strides towards solid branding. </p> <p>Their strong branding allows them to resonate with consumers deeper because what they represent goes way beyond just selling products.</p> <p>The brand effect is the idea that merely exposing a person to an arbitrary logo can lead them to make assumptions about the quality of products in other categories.</p> <p>A study done once performed in 2007 found that participants who were exposed to a fake Mont Blanc pen were more likely to think they'd be successful, even when controlling for class, education, and income and that participants who were exposed to a fake $3 off coupon for an expensive food item associated the food with higher status than those in the control group.</p> <p>The likelihood of deciding against doing business with a company increases when the amount spent is more significant. Consumers may feel more comfortable spending less money on products from companies they perceive as less reputable.</p> <p>A study performed at the University of Wisconsin found that as brand strength increased among consumers who had bought products from those companies were more likely to purchase their following product because they know what to expect and are thus more satisfied with them than those who had less invested or not bought anything.</p> <p>But, as brand strength increases among those who have not bought products from the company, they may be most likely to be turned off by negative advertising or news reports. This is because they have little to no experience with them and thus have nothing invested in them, so less favorable information affects their company perceptions.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Branding in Business = Brand Power</h2> <div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="alignright size-large is-resized"><img src="https://www.blevinscreativegroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/luxury-brand-power-875x1024.jpg" alt="Brand Power " class="wp-image-4872" width="287" height="336"/><figcaption>LAMBORGHINI</figcaption></figure></div> <p>Employers are looking for workers who can help their businesses grow, and they often look to the education system to find them. While attending college is certainly not a requirement to work in many industries, it is an effective way for professionals aspiring to rise the corporate ladder to differentiate themselves from their peers.</p> <p>A prime example of this is the perceived superiority of a firm, product, or service due to its association with an attractive institutional identity. This branding concept is most associated with luxury products and name brands but may be used in any industry or organization, including college diplomas and university logos.</p> <p>The Pew Research Center (a non-partisan think tank) recently investigated this phenomenon. In a series of phone interviews, researchers asked people from various educational backgrounds to rate two fictitious products based on their quality and price compared to their competitors.</p> <p>The first product was described as "a French bicycle that costs $1,500," The second was "a German bicycle that costs $1,500." Participants were asked to assume that both bikes are part of the same company, the standard fare, and an upscale version.</p> <p>Some 80 percent of respondents declared that they would purchase the French bicycle over its German counterpart, citing reasons such as superior craftsmanship and better materials in addition to a more attractive price tag.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"> </h2> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Social Media added Brand Power</h2> <p>In today's world, you can't walk two feet without being bombarded by an advertisement. With the ever-increasing amounts of ads daily, it's easy to lose sight of the purpose of ads. Companies must find different ways to sell their products in a world where products are mediocre. So, one way that is becoming increasingly popular is using brand power to achieve their implicit aims.</p> <p>Brand power has become an increasingly important tool in advertising because of the widespread usage of social media. </p> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://www.blevinscreativegroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/do-something-great-1024x418.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-4873"/></figure> <p>So, today, more and more people are sharing their opinions about products they use or have used, making it increasingly important for companies to build a positive reputation. </p> <p>Studies have shown that brand power is highly influential in persuasive communication, and thus, the use of brands has become extremely important in advertising.</p> <p>People are more likely to trust other people's opinions over advertisements, making social proof a powerful, persuasive tool. Building a good reputation for a brand can be highly beneficial. If people believe that an advertised product will work because others have trusted it, they are more likely to purchase it.</p> <p>When a company has more power over its competitors, it is more likely to persuade consumers into buying its products. The power of the brand is used as a persuasive tool on social media to try and influence consumers' opinions. How often a post about a brand is shared or how many likes it receives can be affected.</p> <p>Companies need to keep their brand power up to maintain control over other brands, persuading their customers the most.</p> <p>So, the more powerful the brand, the more likely other people are to share posts, making it more influential on social media.</p> <p>Whereas product features are concrete and verifiable, brand image is fluid and more open to interpretation. Thus, people may be more influenced by what the brand means than what it offers. This is because the brand is connected to the product and its use, and people can easily connect specific ideas or feelings with a particular brand. </p> <p>Most definitely, this has become more prevalent in the last decade because of the increased usage of social media.</p> <p><strong>Conclusion</strong></p> <p>The marketing process has been around for thousands of years and has only changed physically as it advances technologically. While this is important for businesses to keep up with the times, it is also great to see that brands still find ways to stay connected with people on a deeper emotional level through symbolism which gives them an advantage over similar competitors.</p> <p>Brand power is one of the most persuasive tools in the business! </p>

Brand Power is one of the most persuasive tools in the business

BRAND POWER / The symbolism of brands is powerful. Even if it is not always intentional, the value that a brand brings to our lives can be captured through symbolism in many ways. The branding process goes way back in history. Still, the mos…
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="the-psychology-behind-strategic-marketing-in-branding">The psychology behind strategic <a href="https://www.blevinscreativegroup.com/storytelling/is-branding-an-art-science-or-a-little-bit-of-both/" data-type="post" data-id="4477">marketing in branding</a>, is really what we're talking about, when it comes to; What is marketing strategy.</h3> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="many-factors-may-influence-brand-success-but-one-thing-is-sure-it-has-everything-to-do-with-psychology-brand-awareness-seems-so-easy-to-achieve-yet-its-complex-misdirection-makes-it-challenging-to-pinpoint-just-exactly-what-happens-behind-the-scenes-during-a-successful-marketing-campaign"><strong>Many factors may influence brand success, but one thing is sure:</strong> it has everything to do with psychology. <strong>Brand awareness seems so easy to achieve, yet its complex misdirection makes it challenging to pinpoint just exactly what happens behind the scenes during a successful <a href="https://www.blevinscreativegroup.com/storytelling/create-a-legacy-with-marketing/" data-type="post" data-id="4776">marketing campaign</a>. </strong></h2> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>It starts as a good idea:</strong></h2> <ol class="wp-block-list"><li>Create a product or service.</li><li>Find a target audience.</li><li>Advertise until your company is well known.</li></ol> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="what-could-be-simpler-what-could-be-more-logical">What could be simpler?  <br>What could be more logical?</h2> <p class="has-drop-cap">A marketer's job is more complex than simply creating a product or service. They must make this product or service need in customers' minds by playing with their emotions and cognitive biases. But why are these psychological tactics so essential to marketing success? The following blog post will answer that question and give examples of these techniques at work. </p> <p>The first step involves knowing your audience; understanding what they're looking for, whether it's something tangible or not. This brings into play a vital principle discussed earlier: association. Associating your brand with values that are highly valued by your target demographic can help increase customer engagement (similarities). </p> <p>Using the same principles that advertisers and marketers use to convince people to purchase toothpaste brands can create similar effects for your brand.</p> <p>Once customers are <a href="https://www.blevinscreativegroup.com/services/" data-type="page" data-id="6">engaged</a>, it becomes easier to convince them of the need for your product or service. So, this is where repetition comes into play; continually showing customers how they will benefit by using your brand over competitors' brands helps solidify the fact in their minds <strong>(cognitive consistency). </strong></p> <p>They begin to engage more with your advertisements because these messages seem familiar. By continuously running ads with this branding message, customers eventually start looking out for these benefits when shopping around for future purchases (neglecting cognitive biases).</p> <p><strong>This brings us to our following principle: perceived scarcity.</strong> Marketers have been using this principle since long before you or I were born. Its why products are still sold at "buy one get one free" deals, even though they're not free because there is no way to buy just one. The same principle applies to limited edition items, flash sales, and other successful marketing strategies. So, by creating that sense of urgency around your product or service, consumers are forced to make decisions more quickly (without thinking about it).</p> <p>We all know how powerful word-of-mouth can be regarding branding, but this isn't the only application for <a href="https://www.blevinscreativegroup.com/storytelling/organic-traffic-vs-paid-traffic-why-you-should-care/" data-type="post" data-id="4509">psychology in branding strategies</a>. For example, customer reviews have been shown to affect consumer confidence in brands immediately; seeing positive reviews about your product or service immediately makes you feel better about the purchase (even if it's something that you've never tried before).</p> <p>These principles are constantly in play whenever a company advertises its products. Great marketers know how to play on our emotions, fears, and cognitive biases. They use association to convince you that your life will be better by purchasing something they want to sell you; repetition ensures that this message becomes ingrained in your mind; perceived scarcity forces you to make decisions quickly; and lastly, word-of-mouth is used as an immediate endorsement for customers who have had positive experiences with brands.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="more-people-get-interested-in-learning-how-to-create-fantastic-personal-brands"><strong>More people get interested in learning how to create fantastic personal brands.</strong></h2> <p><strong><em>When it comes to branding yourself, you're essentially selling yourself as the product, which is why many call self-branding "personal marketing." Like any other form of branding, this process is based on creating a positive impression in the minds of others but with one significant difference: the person who's doing the branding is also doing the buying. </em></strong></p> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://www.blevinscreativegroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Marketing-strategy-1024x683.jpg" alt="what is marketing strategy " class="wp-image-4824" width="843" height="457"/></figure> <p>This means that your <a href="https://www.blevinscreativegroup.com/storytelling/why-good-stories-storytelling-is-the-key-to-your-success/" data-type="post" data-id="4621">reputation</a> reflects directly on your brand, and if you want to be taken seriously in most situations, you need to think about how people will react whenever you do something stupid or embarrassing. </p> <p>It doesn't matter if everyone else makes mistakes, too; just because someone else gets away with making mistakes doesn't mean that you should follow their example. </p> <p>No one likes the person who flaunts their mistakes in everyone's face because it makes you feel like they're trying to prove that they're better than you. So even though making mistakes is something that we all must do at some point or another, if you want people to take you seriously, it should be done as infrequently as possible (or ideally, not at all).</p> <p>If someone does choose to create a negative impression of themselves, no matter how small or insignificant the transgression may seem, don't make the mistake of thinking that this provides an opportunity for them to redeem their reputation. They've already lost your respect and trust, so any further opportunities for redemption are likely going to be discarded by most people whenever they're presented. </p> <p>That doesn't just mean that good things won't happen if you give second chances; it also means that, more than likely, bad things will happen instead of good things. When you think about it in terms of probabilities and statistics, the likelihood of seeing a positive outcome is much higher when you don't give anyone a second chance at all.</p> <div class="wp-block-cover is-light" style="min-height:473px;aspect-ratio:unset;"><span aria-hidden="true" class="has-background-dim-0 wp-block-cover__gradient-background has-background-dim"></span><img class="wp-block-cover__image-background wp-image-4828" alt="" src="https://www.blevinscreativegroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/What-is-marketing-strategy-down-1024x683.jpg" data-object-fit="cover"/><div class="wp-block-cover__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-cover-is-layout-flow"> <blockquote class="wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow"><p>As marketers, we understand how powerful these principles can be for shaping public opinion, so why don't we use them to our advantage whenever possible?</p></blockquote> <p></p> </div></div> <p>Check out the "<a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/sap/2016/07/07/the-psychology-behind-marketing/?sh=16e627b8d156" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Psychology Behind Marketing</a>" article at the <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/sap/2016/07/07/the-psychology-behind-marketing/?sh=16e627b8d156" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">forbes.com</a> website.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="power-in-principles">Power in Principles Marketing Strategy</h2> <p>As marketers, we understand how powerful these principles can be for shaping public opinion, so why don't we use them to our advantage whenever possible? For example: did you know that the amount of time advertisers spends promoting their product has minimal impact on how well they do during advertising campaigns? </p> <p>According to many <a href="https://www.blevinscreativegroup.com/case-study/hurst-home-company-case-study/" data-type="post" data-id="1420">studies</a>, spending twice as long promoting something yields no more significant benefits in generating consumer interest in the product. So, as a result, some people think that this is a waste of time at best and that it's counterproductive to spend more time promoting something when the results end up being no better than the results would have been if you had put in extra time and effort.</p> <p>This happens because marketers are often very good at creating positive associations with their products through advertising alone, which means that there's no need to sell people on the product itself. </p> <p>If anything, spending twice as much time promoting something can make people lose interest in what you're selling simply by giving them too many reasons to avoid buying it even if they don't understand why your product needed all those explanations to begin with! </p> <p>This isn't intentional, mind you, but it does show you how even those who understand the principles of branding can still get it completely wrong when they don't think about the psychology behind them.</p> <div class="wp-block-image is-style-rounded"><figure class="alignright size-large is-resized"><img src="https://www.blevinscreativegroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/good-vibe-marketing-e1645633792229-1024x1024.jpg" alt="What is Marketing Strategy" class="wp-image-4830" width="405" height="405"/></figure></div> <p>The next time someone tries to reinvent themselves through self-branding, pay attention to what they're saying and doing and pay more attention to their actions than their words. Once we learn that we need to always look for consistency between a person's words and actions, we quickly realize that people generally only lie through their words, not their actions. </p> <p>If there is a mismatch between what an individual says and what they do, then that is the opportunity for us all to call out the inconsistency. In some cases, you'll be rewarded with praise from others if you're calling out something they've been experiencing for years, but at the very least, you'll be able to save everyone from wasting their time and energy hoping that someone will finally change.</p> <p>If they somehow manage to pull off a successful reinvention, then all of this is just a waste of your time. Unfortunately, it doesn't work that way either. If you know something about a person's past actions and behavior, there's no reason to think that the future version will be different. </p> <p>There may have been some reasons in the past for why it made sense to behave in whatever manner the person chose, but once those benefits are taken away by circumstance or choice, nothing is stopping them from being exactly who they were. </p> <p>The only thing left standing between a person, and their past behavior is the fear of being exposed, not the lack of desire to do what they used to do.</p> <p>Actions speak louder than words, and this is especially the case when people get together. Attempting to "brand" yourself as something new may feel like a good idea, but often, it falls short of making any real change happen. If anything, all it takes is one person around them calling out the inconsistency between actions and words, and suddenly they're right back where they started: with nothing having changed at all.</p>

What is marketing strategy?

The psychology behind strategic marketing in branding, is really what we’re talking about, when it comes to; What is marketing strategy. Many factors may influence brand success, but one thing is sure: it has everything to do with psychol…
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<p>Snow is a big part of any ski resort, but some places in the United States receive more snow than others, and some of us want a <strong>snow day!</strong></p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Here are the top five snowiest places in the United States:</h2> <p>5. Sundown, <strong>Vermont</strong></p> <p>Sundown is a small town located in southern Vermont. In February 2015, this place received an enormous amount of snowfall - 111 inches!</p> <p>4. Red Lodge, <strong>Montana</strong></p> <p>This city in southern Montana receives an average of 539 inches of snow per year. That's even more than the town known for skiing, Jackson Hole, Wyoming (495 inches). Yes - more than 500 inches! This is because Red Lodge sits at 6,700 feet while Jackson Hole only has 6,400 feet of elevation.</p> <p>3. Pavlof, <strong>Alaska</strong></p> <p>This is an island town just off the coast of Alaska, In the United States. Pavlof receives over 700 inches of snow every year! This is because it's at a much higher altitude than other places in North America, sitting right next to the ocean - perfect for creating vast amounts of snow.</p> <p>2. Valdez, <strong>Alaska</strong></p> <p>Located on the coast in southern Alaska, Valdez averages over 800 inches of snow every year! Since it is located next to the ocean and surrounded by mountains, it gets hit hard with snowy weather.</p> <p>1. Thompson Pass, <strong>Alaska</strong></p> <p>The Thompson Pass in Alaska is the snowiest place in the United States - getting an average of 1,300 inches of snow every year. Located in southcentral Alaska, it sits right on the coast and is surrounded by glaciers that constantly give this city incredibly high amounts of snowfall.</p> <p><strong>Ultimately, snowflakes are unique, beautiful, and short-lived formations.</strong></p> <h1 class="wp-block-heading">Winter is Here — Snowiest Cities in the World</h1> <p>Check out the <strong>Average</strong> snowflakes for these snowiest cities in the world.</p> <div class="wp-block-cover has-background-dim has-custom-content-position is-position-top-left"><img class="wp-block-cover__image-background wp-image-4758" alt="" src="https://www.blevinscreativegroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Niseko-edited-1-1024x638.jpg" data-object-fit="cover"/><div class="wp-block-cover__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-cover-is-layout-flow"> <ol class="wp-block-list"><li>Niseko, Japan a Avg. 50 feet of snowfall</li><li>Alyeska, Alaska USA Avg. 33 feet of snowfall</li><li>Chamonix, France Avg. 31 feet of snowfall</li><li>Washington, New Hampshire, USA Avg. 23 feet of snowfall</li><li>Akita, Japan Avg. 12 feet of snowfall</li><li>John's, New Foundland and Labrador, Canada Avg. 10 feet of snowfall</li><li>Syracuse, New York, USA Avg. of 10 feet of snowfall</li></ol> </div></div> <h1 class="wp-block-heading">The top three snowiest research areas on Earth are all located in Antarctica.</h1> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Dome A</h2> <p>The number one spot is a summit called Dome A, an average annual snowfall of 19 feet.</p> <p>Researchers from the Joint Institute for Regional Earth System Science and Engineering have monitored this area since 2009 with un-crewed weather stations, each equipped with Global Positioning Systems (GPS).</p> <p>In the last seven years, they have recorded a total of 762 feet of accumulated snow.</p> <p><strong>Dome A</strong> is about 3250 meters above sea level and can be found near the Australian research station Casey Station. This unique location gets approximately 50 inches of precipitation per year – 10 times more than New York City!</p> <p>Most information about <strong>Dome A </strong>is highly protected to prevent damage to instruments placed around the site.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Vostok Station</h2> <p>Number two on the list is:</p> <p><strong>Vostok Station,</strong> which lies at 3488 meters above sea level. It has an average snowfall of 18 feet every year. Not only does it get tons of snow, but temperatures can reach as low as -128 degrees Fahrenheit!</p> <p>Temperatures are so cold that scientists who study there must sleep in capsules under heat lamps to stay warm enough to function.</p> <p>The site was discovered by Russian scientists back in 1958 and has been under continuous observation ever since.</p> <p>While <strong>Dome A</strong> shows just how much snow can accumulate over multiple decades, Vostok proves that the continent of Antarctica is definitely home to some of the harshest weather on Earth.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Dome Fuji</h2> <p>The number three spot goes to:</p> <p><strong>Dome Fuji </strong>with 14 of snow per year on average and, it is also located in the same East Antarctic ice sheet as <strong>Dome A </strong>and <strong>Vostok Station.</strong></p> <p>The Japanese built a research station there back in 2005. Since then, researchers have been digging through three meters of snow to measure temperature increases at least four times per year, which has helped them better understand climate change in Antarctica.</p> <p>Many animals live in this snowy desert, including snails, mites, and nematodes.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Dome Argus</h2> <p>Coming in fourth place is:</p> <p><strong>Dome Argus</strong> with an average annual snowfall of 13 feet 7 inches. This unique Dome lies in Western Antarctica and rests atop a relatively flat expanse of ice called the interior layered deposits (ILD).</p> <p>Its summit is about 3400 meters above sea level, but experts expect it to increase by 2100. Dome Argus is in the center of West Antarctica that has experienced some of the greatest warmings on Earth since the 1970s.</p> <p>If this trend continues at <strong>Dome Argus,</strong> it will melt and result in a global sea-level rise.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">The Byrd Station</h2> <p>The <strong>Byrd Station</strong> in East Antarctica makes number 5 on the list with 12 feet 4 inches of snowfall each year. This research station holds the coldest temperature (-135 degrees Fahrenheit) and the most incredible wind speed (2240 km/h).</p> <p>Scientists at this site monitor climate change all around Antarctica by measuring meteorological, magnetic, seismic, and other variables. They also record ice core samples left behind by earlier explorers who visited the region before advanced weather monitoring systems were available.</p> <p>The 2002-2003 Antarctic winter recorded the most snowfall accumulation in this location. This was also the coldest period on record since researchers started keeping track back in 1957.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Dome C</h2> <p><strong>Last but not least is:</strong></p> <p><strong>Dome C </strong>with 12 feet of snow per year. Every place mentioned thus far only gets an average of about 12 feet of snow each year because there are so many other locations where less precipitation falls annually.</p> <p>Located near the French-Italian Concordia Station, this Dome is made up of two distinct areas:</p> <p>A northern and southern plateau (with altitudes at 3300 meters and 3600 meters, respectively). While this area at <strong>Dome C </strong>may not get as much snow as its counterparts, it has been under continuous observation since 2004–2005 by scientists from all over the world.</p> <p>The site was chosen because of its location in the center of East Antarctica and near Concordia Station. It also receives less snowfall than <strong>Dome Argus</strong> but more than <strong>Dome Fuji,</strong> making it ideal for research purposes.</p> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://www.blevinscreativegroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/antarctica-2-scaled-e1642013407491-1024x677.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-4752"/></figure> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Wow, that's a lot of snow!</h2> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">"To appreciate the beauty of a snowflake, it is necessary to stand out in the cold." - Aristotle.</h3> <p>So, as the snow falls outside wherever you are this winter, I hope at some point during the winter season, as we are watching the beautiful white stuff descend upon us, we will enjoy time to curl up by a fire with a good book or movie and have a nice piping hot cup of cocoa.</p> <div class="wp-block-cover alignleft has-background-dim-30 has-background-dim" style="min-height:548px;aspect-ratio:unset;"><img class="wp-block-cover__image-background wp-image-4759" alt="" src="https://www.blevinscreativegroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/grannys-hot-cocoa-819x1024.jpg" data-object-fit="cover"/><div class="wp-block-cover__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-cover-is-layout-flow"> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Grandma's Old-fashioned cocoa recipe.</h2> <p>1/4 cup. granulated sugar<br>1/4 cup. un-sweetened cocoa powder<br>pinch of salt<br>1/4 cup. hot water<br>Two cup milk</p> <p></p> </div></div> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Favorite toppings:</h2> <p>Whipped cream, chocolate shavings, ground cinnamon, cinnamon sticks, cloves, marshmallows.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Instructions:</h2> <p>In a small saucepan, whisk the cocoa and the sugar with the salt. Whisk in hot water until it is smooth. Add the milk and stir very well until combined.</p> <p>Continue to heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring until hot. Divided into your favorite mugs and add toppings to your specifications.</p> <p><strong>Enjoy!</strong></p> <p></p>

Snowiest Places in the USA

Snow is a big part of any ski resort, but some places in the United States receive more snow than others, and some of us want a snow day! Here are the top five snowiest places in the United States: 5. Sundown, Vermont Sundown is a s…
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