Whenever I visit a restaurant, I find myself highly attentive to every detail. The aspects I prioritize? Service and food—in that order. Excellent service can compensate for mediocre food to a certain extent, creating a memorable experience. But even outstanding food struggles to offset poor service, unless it’s one of those unique places where indifferent or brusque staff is part of the charm.
However, when both service and food are merely “okay” or “not great,” my mind looks for reasons not to return. This isn’t about the choice of music or interior design. It’s about something far more telling—the bathroom.
Consider this: when entering a bathroom that is less than pristine, with sights and odors that are best left unmentioned, it’s natural to wonder about the cleanliness of the kitchen. The state of the bathroom—paper towels strewn across the floor, soaked towels in the sink (or worse), and the unspeakable conditions of the stall walls—these details speak volumes about the overall attention to detail, or lack thereof, in the establishment.
Here’s the crux of the matter: brand neglect isn’t just about failing to maintain a visually appealing facade; it’s about what your brand represents at every touch point. If your customer-facing elements like your website, brochure, or billboards are top-notch, but other aspects are neglected, what does that say about your brand? This is the essence of brand neglect: a conscious or unconscious acceptance of mediocrity or decline in how your brand is perceived and experienced.
At Red Mallard, our core value is to “Strive for Better.” This ethos is vital because our medium is inherently subjective. A logo we create and love might inadvertently remind a client of something less than pleasant. We work to set expectations and avoid unforeseen issues, but sometimes surprises are inevitable. How you respond in these moments, and whether you have a process to address them, directly impacts your brand.
Take a moment. Reflect on how your brand might be experiencing neglect. Consider all the ways customers, stakeholders, students, or alumni interact with your brand—physically, emotionally, spiritually, mentally, even metaphysically. Where might your focus have wavered?
Common signs of brand neglect include:
- An outdated blog with the last entry from years ago.
- Email signatures that are relics of past circumstances.
- Litter in your business’s surroundings.
- Lack of basic amenities (like paper towels) in your facilities.
- Repeated unfulfilled promises.
Your Brand Deserves Continued Excellence
Just as a neglected restaurant bathroom can ruin the dining experience, overlooked aspects of your brand’s presentation can diminish customer trust and loyalty. In a competitive market, your customers, much like discerning diners, will turn away if they sense any hint of brand neglect.
This is where Red Mallard makes its entrance. We understand a brand is more than a one-time project; it’s a continuous journey of storytelling and excellence. Whether you’re a small business aiming for a significant impact, a marketing director with a vast array of responsibilities, or a university striving to distinguish itself, we’re here to be your steadfast partners. Our commitment to crafting and maintaining high-quality, consistent content ensures your brand always receives the care and attention it deserves.
With a roster of world-class organizations that trust us, we’re well equipped to meet your unique challenges and goals. Together, let’s turn every customer interaction into a chance for your brand to shine, from your digital presence to your physical footprint. As we step into 2024, join hands with Red Mallard, and embark on a journey where your brand is not just maintained but elevated to unprecedented levels of recognition and respect.
Your brand’s story shouldn’t be a tale of “what could have been.” Contact Red Mallard today, and let’s begin to craft a future where your brand is not just seen but remembered and revered.
