Time and again, we find that our clients choose to work with us not only because of what we do, but because of how we do it. Any agency with a thimble’s worth of talent can make the work look halfway decent. It takes something more to create a campaign that actually matters.
From the startup down the street to the statewide nonprofit to the publicly traded company with an international presence, our process balances structure with flexibility, resulting in creative solutions that are tailored to meet each client’s individual needs, regardless of size, reach, industry or objectives.
Each phase of our approach is driven by the science of behavior. To put it another way, we focus less on raising awareness about your brand or getting attention for your cause than we do on compelling people to take action.
Here’s how it works: You tell us what you want people to do – buy your product, become a member, use your services, donate, volunteer, vote, drink more, eat less, etc. – and we’ll tell you how to get them to do it. These are the four primary factors we’ve identified that influence behavior.
People must have a clear understanding of what you’re asking them to do, how that behavior will benefit them or someone they care about, and why complying with your request is better than any alternative behavior (which includes inaction).
People need to connect emotionally with whatever it is you’re asking them to do. Sometimes, you can set the hook with humor, nostalgia, fear or another sentiment, but ultimately, people must feel good about – and comfortable with – the action you want them to take.
The desired behavior must be logical, easy and convenient. If what you’re asking people to do requires too much work (either in thought or action) or doesn’t fit into their worldview or lifestyle, they will be less likely to do it.
What are people required to give up in order to do what you’re asking of them? Money, time, credibility, status, reputation? People are willing to give up a lot more when an organization effectively addresses the feeling, function and compatibility associated with the desired behavior.
When employed successfully, we’re able to merge these practices in a way that has proved to be effective many times over. Our work looks good, yes, but it also produces real, purposeful change.