136. When Branding Goes Bad… Avoid This Mistake

Let's talk about why strong brand strategy should guide creativity—not restrict it.

Brand strategy is meant to bring clarity, consistency, and confidence to how you show up—but sometimes it gets taken too far. In this episode, I talk about the "dark side of strategy"...i.e. what happens when brand strategy becomes so rigid that it starts to backfire.

Instead of guiding the team, it boxes them in...so then instead of helping your brand stand out, it causes your audience to tune out.

I share a real-life example of a brand that fell into this trap and walk through what to do differently to keep your brand recognizable, interesting, and fully aligned with your core strategy.

Whether you’re a food business founder, marketer, consultant, or creative, this episode will help you rethink how to bring your brand to life!

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• What brand strategy is really meant to do (and what it’s not)

• Why consistency does not mean sameness

• A real-world example of a brand that became invisible by going too far on "consistency" (or so they thought, but they faded into the dreaded sea of sameness).

• How to avoid creative stagnation while staying on-brand

• What it looks like to treat your brand strategy like a sandbox—not handcuffs

• How to build trust and recognition without being boring

• Practical ways to invite more creativity while keeping your brand aligned

 

Related Resources:

 👉 Download your free guide to avoid 4 common brand strategy mistakes (and how to fix them if you're making them) : www.realfoodbrands.com

IG: @realfoodbrands

LI: let’s connect!

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✨ Ready to see where your brand could be stronger as you get ready to scale up? Explore the Brand Review or the Brand Success System to move forward with clarity and confidence.

Let's go shake up shopping carts!

Katie Mleziva

Host & Food Brand Strategist | Real Food Brands