Every marketing person who sees this image always has the same initial response – ouch! What a contradiction in brand personality.

Marketers are finding it harder and harder to keep tabs on how their brand is used (or abused). With the amount of user-generated content online, it is becoming more and more difficult to protect brands from unfavorable exposure. Like it or not — and whether we initiate it or not — our brands will be involved in many conversations.  With Facebook reaching over 200 million users, and Linked-in growing by 146%  from 2007-2008, there is no doubt your brand will discussed in cyberspace.

The best way to steer the conversation in your favor is to be part of that conversation on a regular basis.

These days, social media must be a part of every marketing plan. Make sure your company is represented on industry related blogs. Conduct webinars on important industry issues, and be very clear about your company’s position on matters that are shaping your industry’s future.  The more you initiate conversation, the stronger your brand becomes.

One way to protect your brand from an OUCH!

Sometimes the placement of your advertising is just as important as the creative message.  Great example of both in this simple idea for a floor sticker from Saatchi & Saatchi in Jakarta, Indonesia.

Get them off your dog.

Image from The Cool Hunter