THINK – Our THINK MAKE MOVE Methodology
THINK: The First Step in Launching Your Brand or Product
So, you’ve got a killer idea for a brand or product, but now what? Well, at Mertz, we’ve got a tried-and-true methodology to turn that idea into a success story. We call it THINK, MAKE, MOVE, and today, we’re diving deep into the first (and arguably most important) phase: THINK. This is where it all begins—building your strategy and laying down a solid foundation.
What Is THINK, Anyway?
THINK is all about getting your head in the game. It’s the planning phase, the brainstorming, the “Aha!” moments where everything starts to come together. Before you start designing a logo or posting on social media, you need to know who you’re talking to, what you’re saying, and why anyone should care. That’s where we come in.
During the THINK phase, we dive into consumer insights, define your mission, vision, and values, and conduct the critical market research that will guide everything that follows. It’s about making sure you know who you’re talking to and why you exist. Think of it as building the blueprint before you start constructing the house. Without a solid foundation, the whole thing could crumble.
Consumer Insights—The Secret to Knowing Your Audience
The first step in the THINK phase is gathering consumer insights. Why? Because if you don’t know what your audience wants, needs, and loves, how are you going to sell to them? This is where you dig deep and learn about your target market’s habits, preferences, and pain points.
Real World Example: Let’s say you’re launching a new line of eco-friendly skincare products. During the THINK phase, you might run a survey asking people about their skincare concerns, what they look for in eco-friendly products, and where they typically shop. Maybe you discover that your audience is willing to pay more for sustainable packaging, but they’re not sure which brands to trust. Boom—now you’ve got valuable insights that will guide your branding and messaging.
Tip for Success: Start simple! You can gather consumer insights through online surveys, social media polls, or even face-to-face feedback at local events. The more you learn about your audience, the better you can tailor your brand to meet their needs.
Define Your Mission, Vision, and Values
Next up, it’s time to get philosophical. What’s your mission? Why does your brand exist? These aren’t just buzzwords—they’re the core of your brand identity. Your mission, vision, and values should act as your guiding star throughout the entire launch process. They tell your audience who you are, what you stand for, and why you’re different.
Example: When Mertz worked with a local coffee brand, they started by defining their mission: to bring the joy of a quality coffee experience to everyone, from casual drinkers to caffeine connoisseurs. This mission shaped everything from the brand’s visuals to their marketing strategy, and it all started with THINK.
Tip for Small Businesses: Write down your mission, vision, and values. Seriously, put pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard) and get it out of your head. Revisit these statements often, especially if you’re feeling lost or unsure about your next step. They’re your brand’s compass.
Conduct Market Research—Be Strategic, Not Spontaneous
This is where you dig into the nitty-gritty. Market research might not sound as glamorous as designing a logo, but trust us, it’s essential. During the THINK phase, we analyze competitors, study industry trends, and look for gaps in the market that your brand can fill. This is how we identify opportunities and make sure you’re positioning yourself in a way that resonates with your audience.
Real World Example: Remember that ice cream brand we mentioned in a previous blog? During the THINK phase, we didn’t just come up with cute names for their new plant-based line. We analyzed the competition, researched trending flavors, and even conducted A/B testing with focus groups to see which names resonated best.
Tip for Success: You don’t need a fancy research team to get started. Start by looking at your competitors—what are they doing well, and where are they falling short? Read industry reports, dive into online forums, or even hit the streets and talk to people. The more data you gather, the more strategic you can be.
THINK Before You Make
Here’s the bottom line: the THINK phase is where you build the foundation for your brand. Skipping this step is like trying to build a house without a blueprint. Sure, you can throw some walls up, but they probably won’t stand for long.
What can you do right now? Start asking yourself the big questions. Who is my target audience? What makes my brand different? How am I going to communicate that to the world? And if you need a little extra guidance, we’re here to help. Visit mertzdesignstudio.com to learn more about our THINK process and how it can set your brand up for success.
THINK Is the Foundation of Every Great Brand
At Mertz, we live by the THINK, MAKE, MOVE methodology because we know that a solid strategy leads to smooth execution. The THINK phase is where everything starts. It’s where ideas are born, where the groundwork is laid, and where the success of your brand begins to take shape. So, before you rush into designing your logo or setting up your social media, make sure you’ve done the thinking. Your brand (and your audience) will thank you for it.
Kristy Sieve
president
