As 2025 winds down, it’s the perfect time for organizations—including churches like Gloria Dei Lutheran Church—to think ahead. A yearly marketing plan isn’t just about filling in a calendar; it’s about creating a roadmap that aligns goals, tells your story, and connects meaningfully with your audience. Here’s how to map out a successful marketing year.
When people think of branding, they often jump straight to logos, fonts, and color palettes. And while those are essential ingredients, branding is so much more than aesthetics—it’s the story, the personality, and the feeling that a brand leaves with you. Strong branding is what makes us remember, connect, and even belong. It shapes how we perceive businesses, universities, restaurants, and communities. And when branding and website design work hand in hand, that’s when the magic happens—when a brand doesn’t just exist, it comes alive. One of my favorite ways to think about branding is through “brand spirit animals.” Every memorable brand has a personality, a vibe—almost like a mascot living in the background. Here are a few of mine that have stuck with me over the years and continue to influence the way I think about branding and web design.
As a marketer (and a longtime Swiftie), I can’t help but be amazed every time Taylor Swift launches something new. Her 12th studio album, The Life of a Showgirl, wasn’t just a music release — it was a perfectly orchestrated marketing moment. From cryptic countdowns to friendship bracelets and theater premieres, she turned an album drop into a global event. Here are the biggest lessons I took away from her campaign: