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How to Grow Your Brand

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Published August 8, 2025 • Updated August 8, 2025
How to Grow Your Brand

Quick Facts

What is the 95-5 Rule in marketing?
The 95-5 Rule, as explained by Ty Heath, focuses on building a memorable brand to ensure it's the first choice when customers are ready to buy.
How can small brands leverage their size?
Dr. Mark Ritson advises using a 'Versus Position' and niche marketing to turn small brand size into a strategic advantage.
What does Les Binet say about competition?
Les Binet notes that fierce competition requires brands to be easy to find, as consumers will choose alternatives if not easily accessible.
Why is AI crucial for small brands?
Peter Weinberg and Jon Lombardo highlight AI as a disruptive tool that makes marketing more affordable and effective for smaller brands.
Where to learn more about business growth tips?
Download the full report to explore expert insights on thriving in competitive markets, as suggested by marketing leaders in the article.
Can a small business really compete with big brands?
Yes, absolutely. With the right strategy, small brands can be just as powerful as larger competitors. The key is focusing on what makes you unique, building strong customer relationships, and using smart marketing tactics tailored to your size and resources. Many successful small businesses have outcompeted larger rivals by being more agile and personal.
What's the best way to market a small business on a tight budget?
Small businesses can punch above their weight by leveraging their natural advantages—like authenticity, flexibility, and closer customer connections. Focus on targeted marketing strategies, build a loyal community, and use tools that give you more impact per dollar spent. Quality over quantity is often the winning approach for smaller brands.
How do I know if my marketing strategy is actually working?
A good strategy focuses on sustainable growth and building real customer relationships, not just short-term wins. Track metrics that matter to your business, listen to customer feedback, and be willing to adjust your approach. The best strategies are based on data and insights about what resonates with your specific audience.
Do I need fancy tools and AI to grow my brand?
While modern tools can help, what really matters is having a solid strategy and understanding your customers. AI and automation can save time and improve results, but they work best when paired with genuine business strategy. Start with the fundamentals, then add tools that support your specific goals.
Do I need to be a big company to have a successful marketing strategy?
No, you don't need to be a large company to have powerful marketing. With the right strategy, brands of all sizes can compete effectively. The key is focusing on what works for your specific business, understanding your audience, and using targeted approaches rather than trying to do everything at once. Many small and medium-sized brands have seen great results by being strategic and intentional with their marketing efforts.


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Industry leaders give practical business growth tips

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As a small or mid-sized brand with growth ambitions, you need a solid strategy to be a standout competitor and a worthy opponent in your industry. How do you develop the right playbook and who do you turn to for advice?

Our latest report reveals essential strategies, crafted by top marketing minds, that are designed for small and mid-sized businesses. Learn how to turn your brand’s size into a competitive advantage and thrive in today’s crowded marketplace, especially during the holiday sales period...

Inside the report, you'll discover:

  • How smaller brands can grow: Les Binet highlights custom approaches for new, niche, or underfunded brands.

"Remember that competition is fierce, and people are lazy," says Binet. "If your brand is not easy to find and buy right now, people will choose something else."

  • Leverage your size: Dr. Mark Ritson explains how to use a “Versus Position” and niche marketing to your advantage.

“Being smaller is difficult,” says Ritson, “but there are some strategic advantages to be had.”

  • The 95-5 Rule: Ty Heath outlines why building a memorable brand is key to long-term success.

“Demand-generation ads target a small pool of customers actively looking to buy now,” she says, “but building a memorable brand helps ensure that, when customers are ready to buy, you’re the first brand that comes to mind.”

  • Harness the power of data: Jamal Miller shares tips on using zero-party data to personalize experiences.

“Zero-party data isn’t just about targeted ads,” Miller explains. “It’s about transforming how companies engage with their most valuable stakeholders.”

  • AI for small brands: Peter Weinberg and Jon Lombardo show how AI can make marketing more affordable and effective.

"AI is as disruptive, and perhaps more disruptive, than any [other] breakthroughs," they write."But history suggests that smaller brands will be the biggest beneficiaries of this efficiency revolution.”

Ready to dive deeper into these strategies? 

Download the full report now to unlock expert insights tailored to help your brand thrive in a competitive landscape!

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