Africa magazine or from the many bloggers around ?
Again , nothing that you wouldn ’ t have come across in any marketing class or text book . However , if we are to get African brands to assert themselves then we need to get our communication right . We need to focus on building brands - which is all about increasing brand awareness , improving brand recall and invoking brand love .
Your customer is your biggest brand ambassador . With content being devoured on digital platforms , your customer is your “ promotion .” Digital marketing talks of paid , owned and earned media . The endorsement you earn from your customers when they talk about your brand , when they sing about it from the rooftops - it is invaluable .
But for them to do so , they must have that connection . So building that relationship drives customer loyalty and ultimately drives revenues for the business . Brand reputation is everything .
Here are some of my favorite brands - People and Products
• Digital marketing content - you have
to follow Dave Chaffey . He has a blog called SmartInsights that has plenty of informative articles .
• Up-to-date digital marketing posts - follow Egline Samoei on LinkedIn . A young upcoming marketer who reminds us about the importance of social listening on digital platforms .
• Tech manenos - follow the tech savvy man Moses Kemibaro for current trends in the world of tech .
• Interested in data protection - follow Mugambi Laibuta to get a deep understanding of what you the marketer should and shouldn ’ t do in the wake of Data protection and privacy laws .
• Love animals and want to join a group - Join the Facebook Group Cat Lovers Kenya .
• Interested in independent journalism - check out www . africauncensored . online .
• Love biryani - Look for Khan ’ s Biryani .
• Want to buy in wholesale - Check out Duqha and make your purchases via the Duqha app .
• Want to learn more about marketing - www . cim . co . uk .
• Looking for a PR company to help you tell your story - www . brandspark . co . ke .
You must have a whole list of brands you could swear by . I would like to know which brand you cannot do without .
Let ’ s build African brands . Let ’ s share and drive awareness . And let us embrace excellence when it comes to delivering products or services .
Steve Martin said . “ Be so good , they cannot ignore you .”
Full disclosure : No payment has been received to share these brands . I am affiliated to Chartered Institute of Marketing by virtue of being a CIM Tutor and a longtime advocate of the courses . Some brand owners have been my former students .
Thrity Engineer-Mbuthia is a professional marketer and executive coach with over 25 years ’ experience in corporate and academia . You can engage her vide mail at : Info @ thrityengineer . org .
2023 INTAKE ONGOING