Converse’s Post

Embracing Diversity in Brand Representation. This helped brands connect authentically with the LGBTQ+ community. Tokenism is out – real stories are in. Learn how to move beyond tokenism with these insights: ☑ Discover impactful campaigns: 1. Nike's "Be True" – Celebrating LGBTQ+ athletes 2. Skittles' Pride packs – Colorless candies, colorful message 3. Absolut's "Kiss with Pride" – Highlighting historic moments 4. Levi's Pride Collection – Inclusivity in fashion 5. Starbucks' "What's Your Name?" – Supporting trans identities ☑ Understand key elements for authentic representation: 1. Genuine storytelling 2. Diverse casting 3. Inclusive language 4. Community involvement 5. Long-term commitment ☑ Leverage powerful strategies for inclusive marketing: 1. Collaborations with LGBTQ+ creators 2. Supporting LGBTQ+ causes 3. Transparent and honest messaging 4. Consistent representation across platforms ☑ Optimize your brand's approach to inclusion: 1. Internal education and training 2. Inclusive workplace policies 3. Celebrating LGBTQ+ events 4. Listening to LGBTQ+ voices 5. Continuous learning and improvement ☑ Take in top tips for authentic representation: 1. Avoid stereotypes 2. Show, don't tell 3. Engage with the community 4. Be mindful of intersectionality 5. Celebrate diversity year-round ☑ Ensure every campaign respects and uplifts LGBTQ+ experiences. Embrace a strategy that includes: 1. Thoughtful content creation 2. Meaningful partnerships 3. Transparent communication 4. Consistent support for LGBTQ+ rights Save and study this today, to start your journey towards authentic representation tomorrow.

Diverse people rarely see ‘someone like me’ in brand communications, research finds. The first Brand Inclusion Index study by Kantar was just published in the U.K. There’s a lot companies can learn from it: 1. Duty to act - more than half of respondents revealed they have experienced some level of discrimination during a brand touchpoint. Pause on this stat. 2. 53% of Respondents report that their shopping choices are influenced by a brand’s diversity, equity and inclusion efforts. 3. Money talks - ethnic minorities, the LGBTQ+ consumers and People with Disabilities have a combined consumer spend of £150 billion - this impacts your P&L. 4. Nike and Dove ranked the most inclusive brands in the U.K. - their comms and inclusive advertising were key. Photo from WBS’s national campaign showcasing diverse changemakers, inside one of London’s busiest stations - a great example of an inclusive approach! What brands/companies stand out for you?

As Pride Month 2024 concludes, brands have shown strong support for the LGBTQ+ community through various marketing campaigns: 1. Google led a multifaceted campaign, partnering with LGBTQ+ organizations and launching Pride-themed AR effects in Google Meet, along with highlighting LGBTQ+-friendly businesses on Maps and Search. This year saw a 50% increase in corporate sponsorships for Pride events compared to 2023. 2. Media and Entertainment: Platforms like Hulu, ABC, and Tubi featured extensive LGBTQ+ content. For example, Hulu’s Pride programming attracted millions of viewers, showcasing the community’s diverse stories and voices. 3. Corporate Initiatives: Major brands like Nike and Adidas launched interactive campaigns. Nike’s “Be True” collection and Adidas’ Pride apparel supported LGBTQ+ athletes and influencers, promoting inclusivity in sports. Over 70+ major brands launched specific Pride Month campaigns this year. 4. Educational Content: Apple featured stories of LGBTQ+ individuals, while Microsoft provided training and resources to foster inclusive workplaces. The NYC Pride Parade alone saw over 1 million participants, with numerous brands involved in sponsorships and floats. It was inspiring to see brands supporting the community during Pride Month, but it’s crucial to continue this authentic support all year long. 🌈💪 #PrideMonth2024 #InclusiveMarketing #LGBTQ+ #Support #Diversity

I find it promising that brands are more willing to actively promote pride in their branding - a trend that reflects changing consumer trends. My hope is that such campaigns are not performative, but involve active engagement with the LGBTQ+ community. A McKinsey report showed that many employees do not feel fully included at work and want their organizations to do more to advance inclusion and diversity. I harbour hope that companies can consider LGBTQ+ inclusion beyond a marketing tagline, in the pathway towards genuine acceptance 😊 🌈 👍 https://lnkd.in/gV7Zi79j

“Beyond coverage and exposure, partnership itself can be a metric if the stated objective is to connect to a community that’s leading progress. The journey will yield interactions, discussions, policy, personal sharing, community engagements, hand-raising and more—all of which can be quantified beyond media impressions relative to spend.” ✨ “Goals can [also] mean education… If your brand used its information and networks to educate rather than publicize, what would be the impact? What new objectives become possible? All these efforts lead to impressions, reach, exposures, sponsorship assets and conversions. They build business and revenue. But they’re not architected solely to generate revenue; that’s why they’re effective.” 👏🏻 #LGBTQ #Branding #Marketing #Representation

🚀 Day 4/50: Marketing Insights from Converse 🌈 Converse's "Proud to Be" campaign celebrates authenticity, self-expression, and the LGBTQIA+ community. In this campaign, Converse features voices like Big Freedia and Converse All Stars, highlighting diverse identities and experiences within the community. Each sneaker in the Pride collection offers unique designs with gender-neutral sizing, emphasizing individuality. Why it’s effective: - Features real voices and diverse identities, enhancing authenticity. - Emphasizes individuality with unique designs and gender-neutral sizing. - Demonstrates a genuine commitment to inclusivity through partnerships and financial support. - Empowers customers to express their pride and identity through customizable sneaker options, fostering a sense of belonging. - Champions authenticity, freedom, and love, resonating deeply with the queer community. Since 2015, Converse has donated nearly $3 million to LGBTQIA+ organizations, going beyond marketing with their Pride campaigns. Key takeaways for your brand: - Create eye-catching designs that celebrate LGBTQ+ pride and diversity. - Use clear, authentic messaging that resonates with LGBTQ+ communities. - Collaborate with organizations aligned with your brand values. - Tap into LGBTQ+ community creativity by collaborating with LGBTQ+ artists and advocates, ensuring authenticity and relevance in your campaigns. Ready to celebrate authenticity and diversity in your marketing? Let's discuss in the comments! 🌟 #MarketingInsights #DigitalMarketing #ConversePride #BrandCampaigns

Check out this save-worthy article on Creative Salon Worldwide about brands should be thinking about pride events this year. Edelman's LGBTQ+ taskforce, Out Front, the Human Rights Campaign to offer guidance and insights to brands on authentic inclusivity in 2024 (and beyond). What's cutting it, what's not, and what GenZ buyers and employees are prioritizing. They've simply and beautifully said: "Allyship is action, and culture is king." Whether you're a leader in a large corp working on Pride event activations this summer, or the owner of a boutique start up wanting to do the right thing, give this a read 👇 and save for future conversations.

🏳️🌈Happy Pride Month to everyone who is celebrating🏳️🌈 As we welcome Pride Month, it's a time to reflect on the progress we've made towards equality and to recognize the work still ahead. Let’s stand togeather as An LGBTQ+ community in celebrating diversity, fostering inclusion, and championing the rights of every individual to be their true selves. Pride is not just a celebration but a reminder of the resilience, courage, and contributions of LGBTQ+ individuals. It's about creating spaces where everyone feels valued and respected, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. 1. **Educate Ourselves**: Understanding the history and struggles of the LGBTQ+ community helps us become better allies. 2. **Support LGBTQ+ Voices**: Amplify the voices of LGBTQ+ individuals and support their causes. 3. **Create Inclusive Workplaces**: Promote policies and practices that ensure a safe and welcoming environment for everyone. 4. **Engage in Active Allyship**: Stand up against discrimination and advocate for equal rights. Let's use this month to commit to continuous learning and to support the LGBTQ+ community not just in June, but every day. Together, we can build a world where love and acceptance are the norm. Happy Pride Month! 🏳️🌈 #PrideMonth #LGBTQ #Inclusion #Diversity #Equality #LoveIsLove #Pride2024 #DYSON

🌈 Wonderful afternoon yesterday attending a unique event and partnership between Moët Hennessy & NielsenIQ in celebration of PRIDE month, titled 'Uncover Hidden Opportunities: Embracing LGBTQ+ Consumers for Business Growth'. NielsenIQ's Kymberly Graham and Kaleigh Theriault led a thought- provoking presentation on NIQ’s LGBTQ+ Diverse Report, highlighting trends and insights within the LGBTQ+ community. The event concluded with an audience Q&A and a panel discussion featuring LGBTQ+ associates from NielsenIQ, Moët Hennessy, and Christian Dior Couture, who shared their perspectives as consumers and industry leaders. Some key takeaways: 💰 LGBTQ+ represent $69B in spending in the market 💹 In 15 years, it's predicted that 13-24% of the US will identify as LGBTQ+ 👨❤️👨 Authenticity in inclusion and diversity is key for brands and retailers to succeed in marketing to this audience 👉 Over 58% of LGBTQ+ consumers feel invisible in the US 🌈 For brands and retailers, be cautious of 'rainbow washing' and only supporting the community and your consumers during one month of the year. "Know your truths and stick to your audience." 👑 Beauty is a space where brands and retailers have raised the bar in showing up authentically to support the community- great examples are SEPHORA and MAC Cosmetics 🌍 Within international organizations with strong cultural differences, the best way to advocate for support of LGBTQ+ initiatives is to use data 💪

How To Build an LGBTQ+ Inclusive Brand (Beyond Pride Month Promotions) #commercewise. Share your thoughts about this. Upgrading your Brand New Adventure with @Commercewise. Let Commercewise bring this thoughts & ideas to your team, Book Dr. Tony Astro at www.commercewise.us.