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The Never-Ending Story: Why brand building starts with storytelling

Compelling story telling in advertising campaigns

The Never-Ending Story: Why brand building starts with storytelling

Article by Livecom Admin.

Date:
23rd August 2023

The end. In advertising no brand story should have one.

 

A story well-told is one that should resonate far beyond the campaign. It should live on in consumers’ hearts. How this is achieved should be theoretically quite simple for marketers experienced in the art of persuasive communication. And yet, why do some brand campaigns stick while others silently sink? Like any story it all starts in the beginning.

 

Compelling storytelling has always been founded on the 5 Cs: Context; Character; Conflict; Climax; and Closure.

 

Context creates interest: Setting the scene sets the narrative in motion. This is where anyone clicking play on the video decides if the story is worth their scroll time. In just a few seconds the audience needs to know if it’s a journey they want to embark on.

 

Characters generate intrigue: The people featured have to be immediately compelling and relatable to the right audience at the right time. When they can make us laugh, cry, feel inspired or nostalgic, a meaningful connection is made.

 

Conflict captures attention: In every hero’s journey, there is a point where a decision is made and a series of events unfolds. This is where challenges are faced, situations that the audience empathises with. Ideally they’re then invested enough for the outcome to matter.

 

Climax elevates interest: This is a key point in the story where the main character has attained the support of the audience. They now confront the obstacles with an audience keen to see the result. An almighty challenge conquered then becomes a victory for both the character and the viewer.

 

Closure opens opportunities: With a willing audience along for the journey the brand who played a part in the success is now a feature element in the story, one where character, audience and product are intrinsically intertwined. A brand name merely tagged to the closure will not be remembered as much as one that was naturally and truthfully woven into the story.

 

So, the moral of the story is clear: Understanding your audience, finding a human truth they can relate to and executing that message in a way that resonates – creates results. It’s only then that engagement and call to actions become organic – a meaningfully connecting experience that lasts long after the audience has changed the channel or scrolled on.

 

Now that’s a happy ending, in a story worth sharing.

 

Established in 2007, Livecom is a proudly South African independent agency, with a diverse team of forward-thinking, creative specialists dedicated to helping both local and international businesses connect with their target market in a way that truly resonates.

 

We understand that in today’s digital landscape, reaching and engaging the right audience is key to achieving business success. That’s why Livecom is passionate about creating impactful advertising campaigns that capture attention, spark interest and above all, drive meaningful actions.

 

We believe that effective advertising goes far beyond simply showcasing products or services; it’s about telling compelling stories, evoking emotions, and building long-lasting relationships with customers.

 

Let’s create efficient, effective and meaningful solutions that resonate.
If you want to craft a new brand story, let’s make it resonate – together. Contact the creative agency with a story to tell at info@livecom.co.za or lee@livecom.co.za

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Live Communications
Block 1, Ground Floor, 4 Karen Street,
Bryanston

BBEEE Level 2

tel:
+27 (0)10 443 7189
e: info@livecom.co.za

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Exploring dynamic advertising trends in SA’s FMCG Industry

A product display in the FMCG industry

Exploring dynamic advertising trends in SA's FMCG Industry

Article by Livecom Admin.

Date:
7th August 2023

In South Africa’s ever-evolving FMCG industry, advertising is a critical aspect for brands to gain a competitive edge. The landscape of consumer preferences, technology and marketing platforms has shifted rapidly, prompting businesses to adapt advertising strategies accordingly.

Digital transformation

Digital transformation has revolutionised the FMCG advertising landscape in South Africa. As consumers turn to online platforms for information and shopping, you need to embrace digital channels to reach your target audience effectively. Social media, influencer marketing and content-driven campaigns have gained popularity as they provide cost-effective means to engage with consumers, especially the tech-savvy millennials and Gen Z.

LIVE Communications designs cutting-edge digital campaigns that resonate with this market. We assist FMCG businesses in crafting compelling strategies that foster brand awareness and customer loyalty.

Connect with consumers on a deeper level

South African consumers are increasingly demanding tailor-made experiences that cater to their individual preferences. This trend has given rise to data-driven advertising, where you can utilise consumer insights to craft targeted and relevant campaigns.

We at LIVE Communications enable our clients to create personalised ads that enhance brand relevance and customer engagement. By understanding the specific needs and desires of the target audience, we can help you build lasting relationships and foster brand loyalty.

Make an impact

In recent years, consumers worldwide, including those in South Africa, have shown a strong preference for brands that align with their values and demonstrate a commitment to social and environmental causes. Purpose-driven marketing has emerged as a potent tool for you to connect with your audience on a deeper emotional level.

By showcasing your brand’s positive impact on society, these campaigns not only drive sales but also build brand trust and goodwill, further cementing your brand’s position in the hearts of consumers.

User-generated content

User-generated content (UGC) has gained tremendous popularity in South Africa’s FMCG advertising landscape. Consumers are no longer passive recipients of brand messages; instead, they actively participate in creating and sharing content about their favourite brands and products.

By encouraging consumers to share their experiences with products, this enables your brand to utilise the power of word-of-mouth marketing, which will lead to increased brand advocacy and organic growth.

The omnichannel approach

Consumers interact with brands across various platforms and touchpoints, so an omnichannel approach is very important. You need to ensure a seamless and consistent brand experience, regardless of the channel consumers engage with. By integrating offline and online marketing efforts, you can ensure your brand’s message remains consistent across all platforms, enhancing brand recall and customer loyalty.

LIVE Communications, as a forward-thinking creative agency, plays a vital role in helping FMCG brands stay ahead of the curve. With our expertise in digital, personalised campaigns, purpose-driven advertising, user-generated content and omnichannel strategies, we can empower you to connect with your target audience effectively and thrive in this continuously changing landscape.

Contact us today on info@livecom.co.za for more information on how we can help you grow your brand in this ever-changing industry.

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Live Communications
Block 1, Ground Floor, 4 Karen Street,
Bryanston

BBEEE Level 2

tel:
+27 (0)10 443 7189
e: info@livecom.co.za

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Unveiling dynamic advertising trends in the SA pharmaceutical industry

Livecom medical animation studio adds a creative flair to pharm advertising campaigns

Unveiling dynamic advertising trends in the SA pharmaceutical industry

Article by Livecom Admin.

Date:
26th July 2023

As a trusted creative agency, LIVE Communications understands the needs of various industries and its clients. Once such industry is the pharmaceutical industry where we have extensive experience. The pharmaceutical industry is constantly evolving to meet the growing demands of healthcare consumers.

Advertising trends in the South African pharmaceutical industry

The South African pharmaceutical industry mirrors many global advertising trends, with some unique aspects shaped by the local market dynamics and regulations. Advertising regulations in South Africa, governed by the Medicines and Related Substances Control Act (MRS), restrict direct-to-consumer advertising for prescription medications. However, pharmaceutical companies in South Africa have adapted to these regulations and employ various strategies to create brand awareness and engage with the target audience.

1. Disease awareness campaigns

Pharmaceutical companies in South Africa often focus on disease awareness campaigns, where the emphasis is on educating the public about specific health conditions without explicitly promoting a particular product. These campaigns aim to empower patients, raise awareness, and encourage individuals to seek appropriate medical advice.

2. Healthcare professional targeting

Given the restrictions on direct-to-consumer advertising, locally, pharmaceutical companies concentrate on engaging healthcare professionals through conferences, seminars, and scientific publications. Building relationships with physicians, pharmacists, and other medical practitioners is crucial for generating brand advocacy and product recommendations.

3D Animation: A trend in the pharmaceutical industry?

In recent years, 3D packaging and animation have gained popularity across various industries. While the utilisation of 3D packaging and animation may not be as widespread as other trends, it is increasingly being adopted by this industry to enhance marketing campaigns.

Using 3D animation in the pharmaceutical industry offers an innovative and captivating approach to advertising that appeals to both consumers and the medical industry. By leveraging the power of visual storytelling, 3D animation can effectively convey complex scientific concepts, mechanisms of action, and the benefits of pharmaceutical products in a visually engaging and easily understandable manner. This medium allows pharmaceutical companies to showcase their products’ features, demonstrate their mode of action, and illustrate the potential therapeutic outcomes with remarkable accuracy and detail. For consumers, 3D animation brings a sense of realism and immersion, helping them visualise how a medication or treatment works and comprehend its potential impact on their health. Simultaneously, healthcare professionals and researchers can benefit from this technology by gaining in-depth insights into drug interactions, anatomical structures, and disease processes. By providing visually compelling and educational content, 3D animation becomes an exceptional tool for promoting awareness, creating an understanding, and driving informed decision-making in both consumer and medical communities within the pharmaceutical industry.

Advantages of 3D

1.Visual appeal

3D animation offers a visually captivating experience to consumers. It allows you to showcase products in an engaging and interactive manner, which can significantly impact brand perception and recall.

2. Product demonstrations

3D animations enable you to demonstrate the mechanism of action, efficacy, and benefits of your products more effectively. This immersive experience can help your target audience better understand complex medical concepts and foster trust in your brand.

3. Enhanced patient education

Through 3D animations, you can develop informative videos and interactive content to educate patients about their medical conditions, treatment options, and medication usage. This empowers patients to make informed decisions and improves medication adherence.

Notable examples

Several pharmaceutical companies globally have incorporated 3D animation into their advertising campaigns. For instance, companies have utilised 3D animation to demonstrate the mode of drug delivery, visualise the impact of medications on the body, and showcase the benefits of specific treatments. These visual techniques have proven effective in creating memorable and persuasive marketing content.

As the pharmaceutical industry continues to evolve, advertising trends are adapting to the changing landscape. 3D adoption is steadily growing within the industry. Leveraging the advantages of visual appeal, product demonstrations, and patient education, you can create compelling campaigns that resonate with your target audience and drive brand success in the dynamic world of healthcare advertising and stay ahead of your competition.

Choose LIVE Communications: South Africa’s leading expert in 3D animations and advertising

When it comes to creating top-notch 3D animations, LIVE Communications stands head and shoulders above the rest. With a proven track record of excellence, working with LIVE means partnering with the absolute best in the industry. Our expertise in creating captivating 3D animations and delivering impactful advertising campaigns is unmatched. Trust LIVE Communications to bring your vision to life and make a lasting impression on your audience.

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Live Communications
Block 1, Ground Floor, 4 Karen Street,
Bryanston

BBEEE Level 2

tel:
+27 (0)10 443 7189
e: info@livecom.co.za

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5 Reasons to choose 3D over photography

Generating packaging in 3D is cost effective when compared to traditional photography

5 Reasons to choose 3D over photography

Article by Livecom Admin.

Date:
12th July 2023

In today’s fast-paced and highly competitive business landscape, the way you showcase your packaging is crucial to capturing your customer’s attention and driving sales. Traditionally, businesses have relied on product photography. However, with the advancements in technology, 3D has emerged as a compelling alternative. By leveraging three-dimensional virtual models of products, companies can get stunning visuals of their unique packs that surpass the limitations of traditional photography. If you’re contemplating whether to embrace 3D or stick with photography, here are five reasons why you should consider making the switch.

1. Cost-effective solution

One of the primary advantages of generating your packaging in 3D is its cost-effectiveness compared to traditional product photography. Product shoots can be an expensive and time-consuming process. It involves hiring photographers, arranging props and settings, and conducting multiple photoshoots to capture the perfect shot. In contrast, 3D packaging eliminates the need for physical production, allowing businesses to save money on materials, logistics, and model procurement. Additionally, once a 3D model is created, it can be easily adapted for different purposes, such as various marketing channels or packaging variations, without incurring additional costs.

2. Enhanced flexibility and customisation

Unlike photography, 3D packaging offers unparalleled flexibility and customisation options. With 3D models, you have the freedom to experiment with various angles, lighting conditions, and textures, creating a truly immersive and engaging visual experience for consumers. Moreover, 3D packaging allows for easy modifications and updates, empowering businesses to quickly respond to market trends, incorporate feedback, or showcase product variations. This agility is especially crucial in industries where rapid product iterations or seasonal releases are common, such as fashion, cosmetics, or consumer electronics. FMCG companies will mainly benefit from this advantage.

3. Realistic and consistent representation

When it comes to product photography, achieving consistent lighting, shadows, and reflections across a range can be a challenging task. In contrast, 3D provides unparalleled control over these elements, ensuring a realistic and consistent representation of the product. By meticulously designing the lighting setup within the virtual environment, you can showcase your products with unparalleled precision and create a cohesive brand identity. Additionally, 3D models can be rendered from any desired angle, enabling your customers to explore products from all perspectives, mimicking an in-store experience.

4. Time efficiency and faster time-to-market

In today’s rapidly evolving marketplace, time is of the essence. Traditional product photography requires meticulous planning, multiple iterations, and significant post-processing to achieve desired results. Conversely, 3D packaging streamlines the process by eliminating the need for physical product samples and multiple iterations. Once the 3D model is created, it can be easily reused and adapted for various marketing purposes, such as e-commerce websites, social media campaigns, or print materials.

5. Sustainability and reduced environmental impact

Sustainability has become a significant concern for both businesses and consumers. Traditional product photography often involves excessive material waste, such as disposable props, packaging, and backdrops. On the other hand, 3D packaging operates entirely within a digital realm, significantly reducing material consumption and environmental impact. By embracing 3D models, you can actively contribute to reducing waste, lowering carbon footprint, and aligning with the growing demand for eco-friendly practices. This commitment to sustainability can also resonate positively with environmentally conscious consumers, leading to increased brand loyalty and reputation.

It is evident that going 3D is an increasingly attractive choice for companies aiming to stay ahead in the competitive marketplace of the future. Live Communications excels in Packaging Design and Packaging Innovation. We also specialise in Campaign Creation, delivering comprehensive TTL Marketing Campaigns. Moreover, we offer exceptional 2D and 3D animation services encompassing 3D modelling, 2D animation, Character Design, and How-To Videos.

One of our key strengths lies in our in-house 3D Modelling and animation capabilities. We take pride in our swift and accurate work, ensuring client satisfaction. Building enduring relationships with our clients is also a core value we uphold. With 16 years’ industry experience, our longevity is a significant factor in providing reliable and trustworthy services.

Contact us today on info@livecom.co.za or lee@livecom.co.za if you would like your brand to stand out from the competition.

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Live Communications
Block 1, Ground Floor, 4 Karen Street,
Bryanston

BBEEE Level 2

tel:
+27 (0)10 443 7189
e: info@livecom.co.za

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Stuff the mushroom – LIVE’nisims

Stuff the mushroom – LIVE’nisims

Article by Livecom Admin.

Date:
17th October 2022

This little saying is something our ECD, Wim Spronk lives by and makes sure that what the agency produces you can see it.

So, what does it mean?

As explained by Wim “Anyone can make a mushroom – bit of butter, a bit of garlic & it’s done.

But what happens when you add some creamy gorgonzola, a touch of pesto and a sprinkle of breadcrumbs? Now that’s sounds so much better, doesn’t it?

Well, that’s the way we think at LIVE, we are always looking at ways to “stuff the mushroom” on every project, how we can elevate the ideas, the executions, the outcomes. It is very important to us to go beyond the brief.”

A great example of this is the ISUZU Samurai Shó Dealer Campaign. Our initial brief was to create a certificate – you know those ones in a clipper frame. Instead, we went back to the client with an internal dealer campaign that included beautiful certificates that dealers are happy to hang up in their reception areas, gongs that are awarded to top dealers as well as dealer conferences every year. The ISUZU Samurai Shó Dealer Campaign has been driving sales and some great competitiveness between dealers for the past 3 years.

Have a look at the campaign here

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Live Communications
Block 1, Ground Floor, 4 Karen Street,
Bryanston

BBEEE Level 2

tel:
+27 (0)10 443 7189
e: info@livecom.co.za

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Quirky characters

Quirky characters

Article by Livecom Admin.

Date:
17th October 2022

Using characters can be a fun & interesting way to engage with your audience. They can also break the barriers to people feeling excluded or not represented.

They are great mascots for a brand as they can be customised to represent the brand’s essence and tonality. They can also feel like they are part of the team.

We created some cool characters for our clients, like A.C.E – the bot that helps the FNB frontline team stay up to date with any changing information through an intranet platform that includes a chat-bot that engages with staff & asks them questions to drive product offering knowledge.

We have also created Samurai Max – he’s used by ISUZU to spread the news across the business via videos, emailers & other internal platforms.

As a proactive idea the Maestro Mosquito was born with his annoying violin & his stage being your bedroom.

Check out our website to have a look at what we can do.  

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Live Communications
Block 1, Ground Floor, 4 Karen Street,
Bryanston

BBEEE Level 2

tel:
+27 (0)10 443 7189
e: info@livecom.co.za

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How going behind the scenes keeps your product “top of mind.”

How going behind the scenes keeps your product “top of mind.”

Article by Livecom Admin.

Date:
17th October 2022

People are curious creatures. We don’t just want to go to the concert; we want to go backstage. We don’t just want to watch the series; we want to watch the “behind the scenes.” And you can take advantage of this in the advertising you create.

But how do you do that?

Introduce them to the people who make the product. Take them to where the product is created. Maybe it’s an assembly line. Maybe it’s a farm. Maybe it’s an art studio. Whatever it is, it’s going to pique the consumer’s interest.

Don’t think your “behind the scenes” is a very interesting place? Make one up. There are no rules and people enjoy a little fun. Create a Willy Wonka-type factory where you claim your chairs are made. Tell people you miraculously farm your strawberries in the desert and then end your TV spot with a twist.

Or you can show people the secret ingredient that makes your sauce unbelievably delicious. Get the makers to tell their stories.

And why does it work?

Because taking people behind the scenes introduces more emotion. You see the passion of the people behind the product. You see the determination. You see the disappointments. And people relate to this humanness.

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Live Communications
Block 1, Ground Floor, 4 Karen Street,
Bryanston

BBEEE Level 2

tel:
+27 (0)10 443 7189
e: info@livecom.co.za

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How someone else can inadvertently boost your brand

How someone else can inadvertently boost your brand

Article by Livecom Admin.

Date:
17th October 2022

Hanging onto someone’s coat tails isn’t normally considered a positive trait. But what if there was a way to flip this on its head in a positive way? Turns out, there is. And it makes for incredibly effective advertising.

People are bombarded with stimuli. Digital content, streaming services and celebrity “tea” are all vying for their attention. There are fewer and fewer reasons for them to give your campaign the time of day. But you still need to advertise, right?

This is where the coat tails come in.

You don’t latch onto another brand; you capitalise on a trend that your target market is interested in and strategically place your product in that environment. People do a double take when they see something unexpected in a familiar environment.

The trick is to do it intelligently so that consumers don’t mind you crashing the party.

A great example is when Unicef capitalised on the Instagram trend of food photos. They created Instagram profiles for children living in food scarce countries, they interacted with people who were posting food photos via these profiles, and, when the foodie clicked through to the profiles, Unicef used them as a platform to appeal for donations to feed the hungry.

What made this work was that there was a smart connection between the brand and the trend. People were posting food. Kids needed food. Unicef brought the two together.

Geniusly simple. Undeniably effective.

This is why, when a brief lands on our desk, one of the first things we ask ourselves is, “Is there a conversation we can join to make people sit up and take notice?” We go to Instagram. Facebook. Twitter. We look at the psychology of how people are interacting with each other and with the world around them.

Because, where there are trends, there’s an opportunity to do truly creative work.

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Live Communications
Block 1, Ground Floor, 4 Karen Street,
Bryanston

BBEEE Level 2

tel:
+27 (0)10 443 7189
e: info@livecom.co.za

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Telling a story with conflict in the spotlight

Telling a story with conflict in the spotlight

Article by Livecom Admin.

Date:
17th October 2022

There’s a lot of significance placed on how a brand conveys its brand story. For some, it’s in their humble beginnings. Their origin story. For some, it’s in the good deeds they do for their communities. Their social responsibility story. For some, it’s their features and benefits. Their product story. For some, it’s in how they break the mould. Their disruption story. There is no right or wrong to conveying this to an audience,  but they’re also not complete or compelling without these brand stories finding their meaning and resonance. This is why at LIVECOM, we tackle each project by diving deep into the intricacies of each brand story. So how do we get to the root of a captivating brand story? The most significant element of any story is ‘conflict’. Conflict is when we identify a problem or challenge and become compelled by the process of solving it. Embracing conflict is crucial to keep an audience invested in how a storyline unfolds and how your brand can shine through the resolution. Why does conflict fuel every brand story?
  • It gives your main character a challenge to overcome
  • It creates tension that keeps an audience on the edge of their seats for what will happen next
  • It propels the story forward towards a grand confrontation and a resolution
  • It forces characters to make tough choices, to transition, evolve and ultimately emerge in a new place which may be better or worse
All while having the audience along for the unfolding and resolution of the story – making it that much more rewarding in the end. While most brands value the significance of brand storytelling, very few understand that bringing conflict to life animates a brand’s purpose and can help define who the brand is. The idea of highlighting conflict within a brand story may seem like a negative approach, but it’s actually what hooks an audience, sparks their curiosity and holds their attention. The following conflict paths can be used to yield the most suitable story for your brand:
  1. Character vs Self – give your character some flaws
  2. Character vs Character – let your character face opposition from one or more than one characters in your story
  3. Character vs Natural World – have your character battle a natural force
  4. Character vs Society – have your character struggle to either stand out or fit in
  5. Character vs Technology – have your character struggle to keep up with technology
  6. Character vs Fate – pit your character against his own destiny
From the above, you would need to figure out what role your brand plays in the story. Does it actively help the character overcome its challenges? Does it simply recognise or support the characters struggle? Sure, conflict may seem like another term for a problem or pain point, but here at LIVECOM, we look at this through a different lens. To us, the crucial difference between a problem and conflict is that conflict wakes up a feeling of action among an audience. Conflict is a problem that the customer is motivated enough to resolve, whereas a problem can simply be ignored. Conflict must be decided. Many businesses go wrong when they focus their brand story on a problem the customer can tolerate vs a conflict they have to resolve. We know dramatic conflict is essential to connecting with an audience’s emotional intelligence. So why shy away from uncovering and telling your whole brand story? Let’s collaborate and help you crack the hook that will capture the imagination of your audience and believe in what your brand represents.

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Live Communications
Block 1, Ground Floor, 4 Karen Street,
Bryanston

BBEEE Level 2

tel:
+27 (0)10 443 7189
e: info@livecom.co.za

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Harnessing the power of analogies to inspire creativity

Harnessing the power of analogies to inspire creativity

Article by Livecom Admin.

Date:
17th October 2022

So you’re ready to solve your brand problem, a problem that may be unfamiliar, uninteresting, complex, controversial or even unmentionable. Before you set off and dive into connecting the dots and plotting the way forward, perhaps consider; would an analogy help.

Analogies are part of the human experience. We need them when we’re too young to comprehend complex realities, and as grown-ups, they come in handy in helping us relay these complexities to young children. Think the birds and the bees.

In the creative space, analogies are a valuable tool for creative problem solving to help move away from the obvious and encourage ‘out of the box’ thinking that gives us fresh new ways of looking at the environment around us. Analogies work because our brains use patterns and shortcuts to understand and deal with the world. And with the correct analogy in place, you can give your brand problem:

  • fresh insights
  • relevance
  • comprehensibility
  • social acceptance and, most importantly
  • resonance with your brands audience

The key to harnessing the power of an analogy is getting the connecting line just right, which links the analogy problem with the real-world problem you want to highlight. Exploring unrelated concepts for insights that you can apply to your brand problem creates endless creative possibilities.  

Let’s turn your brand problem into a refreshed, memorable way of capturing the attention and imagination of your audience and building a rewarding conversation that resonates. 

LET'S COMMUNICATE

Live Communications
Block 1, Ground Floor, 4 Karen Street,
Bryanston

BBEEE Level 2

tel:
+27 (0)10 443 7189
e: info@livecom.co.za