In my March 1 Clif’s Notes, I discussed the introduction of the brand refresh, the process behind it and the upcoming campus introduction.
How to Make Your Missouri Statement
If you recall, a brand is more than a logo or a tagline. It’s the look and feel and messaging that helps to build the brand essence, which essentially is how we feel about the university, whether we are prospective or existing students, faculty, staff, alumni or community partners.
I am happy to announce the new brand website launched on May 20, which you can also access via the marketing and communications website. On the new website, you can learn more about design and messaging and how to incorporate the brand into your day-to-day materials with assets such as branded email signatures, PowerPoint templates and memo templates.
Tips for writing branded content
Also available now are messaging maps that provide supporting points regarding the university specifically for communication to prospective students, the campus, community and industry partners, or government and policy makers. One of the goals of the brand refresh was to create messaging that communicates the public affairs mission in a way that resonates with prospective students and those who may not necessarily understand what we mean when we discuss the three pillars of public affairs. These messaging maps will enable you to accomplish this.
Why is this important? When we talk with our constituents, it’s important we convey similar messages about the university. We have experienced consistent growth and expansion since we became Missouri State University in 2005. Missouri State is an exciting place for our students, faculty and staff.
We want to ensure that those who aren’t regulars on campus are able to experience the excitement and growth that has been taking place and how our campus community is making a very positive statement and impact on Springfield, Missouri and across the U.S. We can accomplish this via the content of the materials we use to communicate, whether it’s a print piece, the website or a blog.
Replace print materials strategically
As we all know, we are a frugal group when it comes to spending university funds. So don’t replace existing materials with new branded pieces until it’s time to restock or reprint. However, if you walk down your hallway and see a prominent display utilizing the old “Follow Your Passion, Find Your Place” tagline, let’s think about an update. You can reach out to the office of publications for guidance.
You will also notice our websites will be transitioning over to the new look and feel of the brand with messaging that aligns with a more accessible discussion of our public affairs mission. Our web and new media group can answer questions regarding your website or social media.
Other things will be transitioning more publicly over the next year, such campus banners, billboards and other signage. It’s an exciting time at Missouri State and our transition to the new branding reflects it. So, once again, I ask you to think about how you can Make Your Missouri Statement.
Don’t forget to attend the campus celebration of the brand from 9-10:30 a.m. Friday, June 24 in the Davis-Harrington Welcome Center.
Thanks for all you do for Missouri State!