Your logo is not your brand. This is a common refrain from designers that combats the common misconception that all you need for a brand is a logo. Our Creative Director, Janna Fiester, shared an article with the rest of the team recently that talked about building an unforgettable brand outside of the logo. It makes a great point that we wholeheartedly agree with. Now this doesn’t mean the logo isn’t important (it is!), but there are definitely other factors to consider when it comes to your brand identity—copy being one of them.

A recognizable voice and tone is as important to the brand identity as the logo. Think about Allstate, for example. You always know an ad is theirs long before you see their logo. That’s the brand in the copy. On your web site, blog, brochure and other marketing materials, the copywriting should capture your differentiator in the marketplace. Your content should reflect any marketing objectives and initiatives currently in place. (Are you reaching out to new audiences or offering new services? Is your voice changing to speak more directly to these new objectives?) And, of course, the voice and tone should be consistent.

To insure we build a complete brand, our copywriters are vital members of the marketing and creative teams here at Sandstorm Design. They work directly with designers during the branding phases, giving each company’s unique identity a unified presence—in the visual elements, the marketing copywriting, and everything in between.

MIT has challenged students all over the world to give their best elevator pitch with the YouPitch Contest. This is the first year they’ve taken the elevator pitch competition to YouTube, requiring students to upload 60-second elevator pitches to compete to win $2000 and international glory. The winner was announced on Facebook, and will receive their award at the grand finale show on May 11 at MIT’s Kresge Auditorium.

So, what makes an elevator pitch good enough to win a contest­—or for many of us, good enough to win business? First off, it should be conversational. It should clearly point out the need you are filling, the competitive solution you are offering, and how the solution will be carried out. And it should be short, sweet, and to the point. The student competition at MIT called for 60-second pitches. At Sandstorm Design, we do ours in 30… but maybe our elevators are just faster here in Chicago!

You never know what opportunities could be opened with the right pitch. Whether the challenge is a competition or a new client, this part of marketing is always fun and exciting. Learn more about our take on marketing strategy.

Check out our favorite marketing elevator pitches from MIT’s YouPitch contest:

We’re Hiring – Looking for an exceptional wordsmith who is a strategic thinker with a creative mind. User-experience marketing agency is looking for a talented and motivated full-time copywriter. Must play well with others and be willing to work in a team atmosphere to create unique, vibrant and strategic online and offline experiences. Some current projects include website writing and strategy, blog writing, ads and direct mail campaigns, marketing collateral, and conducting interviews. PR and social media experience a plus.

Applicant must be versatile and able to take on everything from script writing for an upcoming online experience to Facebook ads. Excellent grammar skills and proofreading abilities required. Must be a great communicator, and able to work directly with clients. Bachelor’s degree with 4+ years experience required.

Our firm is a thriving interactive agency with great clients in a variety of industries. Our team is a dedicated and hardworking bunch that enjoys witty banter, free snacks and takes the annual guacamole contest very seriously. Other perks of the job are 401k, profit sharing, health insurance, two paid volunteer days and birthdays are paid holidays! We are only steps away from the Metra and Brown lines.

If you are up for the challenge please send your cover letter, resume, writing samples and salary requirements to jobs@sandstormdesign.com with “Chicago Copywriter” in the subject. These materials are required for consideration. Local candidates only. No phone calls please.