New Look For Diva Marketing
08/16/2005
Welcome to a virtual launch party for Diva Marketing (blog)!
After trying on many different styles Diva Marketing finally is ready to unveil the new look! There are still a few backend threads to be snipped but I was so excited that I wanted to wear it right away. Thank you, thank you Peter Flaschner of the Blog Studio.
To bring you up to date, several weeks ago I met Peter Flaschner, one of the blogosphere's most creative designers, when we were both guest blogging at Pro Blogger. Another example that blog networking works.
Peter liked my approach to strategy but he questioned if the graphic elements of Diva Marketing Blog were doing more to harm rather than support my branding efforts. He kindly offered to re skin (ouch!) the blog. Thus began the start of a beautiful friendship.... (and I fear far more than Peter bargained for).
We agreed to blog the process in pure blogger form - with honesty and transparency - which meant allowing y'all to see all comps, the rationale of our strategy and with comments opened. Very brave of Peter! Take a look at the evolution of the comps on Peter's post at the Blog Studio.
We listened and learned. In doing so I learned lessons about branding and customer perceptions that went far beyond the redesign. I learned that I had created a Blog Brand. I learned that people cared about the image of Diva Marketing ... some very passionately. I learned that although a brand might be controlled by the customer ... shame on you if you don't provide cues to help guide that perception. (Gulp)
So now Diva Marketing has a new do. Peter and I feel it meets the objects we set: elegant, sassy, sophisticated keeping the fun but with an eye to capturing more business opportunities. And like any Diva with a new do I'm excited to show it off to you!
Your feedback was invaluable. Peter and I both thank you for your generosity in sharing your insights and expressing your creative ideas. This is as much your blog design as it is Peter's and mine.