Forgettable Brands Die Quietly. Here’s How to Stay Loud!

Quick reminder: I’ve got a Q&A platform where you can ask me any digital marketing question—no filter.

I’ll answer as many as I can (if it’s relevant, I’m on it).

Drop your question here → Slido Q&A

Hey, it’s Arvin.

You ever walk into one of those restaurants that’s… fine?

Clean enough.

Lighting’s nice.

Plays the same playlist—probably Ed Sheeran.

The menu?

Chicken Caesar salad. Cheeseburger. Grilled salmon. Maybe a steak.

You order.

You eat.

Scroll your phone because there’s nothing else to do.

And by the time you’re walking to your car?

You don’t even remember what you ate.

Or if you liked it.

A few days later, you won’t remember the name of the place.

Just another forgettable meal.

That’s what happens to most brands.

They’re fine.

They check the boxes.

But they give no one a reason to remember them.

If people don’t remember you?

They won’t choose you.

Or they’ll pick you because you’re cheap.

(And who wants to be the cheap option?)

Be the Place They Can’t Stop Talking About

Now think about that place.

You know the one.

Not fancy.

Not trendy.

But different.

Maybe the owner greeted you like an old friend.

Maybe the weird dish on the menu became your new favorite.

Maybe the vibe was so good you forgot to check your phone.

You told everyone about it.

You planned to go back before you even left.

That’s what a standout brand does.

It sticks.

Great brands give people a reason to remember.

Not by shouting louder, but by being real and different.

People stay loyal to what they feel.

Forgettable doesn’t get picked.

How to Actually Stand Out

1. Have a Real Point of View

Most brands play it safe. Don’t.

👉 Take a stand on something that matters—even if it’s not popular.

(Example: “Discounts are lazy marketing. They cheapen your offer and attract the wrong audience.”)

A strong point of view attracts the right people—and filters out the rest. And that’s exactly what you want.

2. Make It Personal

Personal sticks.

👉 Speak directly to them. Use their name. Reference what they care about. Make it feel like you’re talking to one person, not an audience.

What makes you different? What makes them feel seen?

(Example: Use CRM segmentation to send emails that reference their recent actions. “Hey Sarah, saw you checked out our webinar—here’s something extra to help you out.” Or offer something personalized: “Since you’ve been with us for 6 months, here’s a sneak peek of what’s coming.”)

The more personal it feels, the more they’ll trust—and remember—you.

3. Tell Stories

People remember stories, not stats. Stories connect, teach, and stick with us long after numbers fade.

👉 Share your wins, your fails, the awkward stuff. Bring them behind the scenes. (Example: “I ran a campaign that bombed. Here’s what I learned—and how we turned it around three months later.”)

Give people a reason to see themselves in your story. That’s what builds connection.

4. Talk Like a Person

No corporate speak. No jargon. Just you, being real.

👉 Write like you text a friend. Use contractions. Keep it simple. Short sentences. Real voice.

Example: Instead of “We are excited to announce our new service offering,” say, “Hey, we’ve got something new I think you’ll love.”

Imagine you’re explaining it to a friend over coffee, not pitching at a board meeting.

5. Have a Signature Thing

One thing that’s yours. Something that makes people go, “Oh yeah, that’s their thing.”

👉 Name your method or framework. Create something repeatable they associate with you.

Example: “The Pizza Slice Method” for content strategy. Or “Friday Wrap-Ups,” a weekly email breaking down lessons learned. Even something like “The 7-Minute Funnel Fix.”

This gives people a reason to talk about you—and makes your brand stick.

Quick Recap:

• Say what you really think.
• Make it personal.
• Tell stories, not stats.
• Talk like a human.
• Create a signature thing.

So… where are you right now?

Blending in with the crowd?

Or standing out as the one they can’t stop talking about?

Wherever you’re at, I’m rooting for you. Hope your next move brings something amazing your way!

Talk soon,

Arvin

P.S.

Got a question you want me to answer?

I’m launching a reader Q&A section in my next article (finally!).

While I’m waiting for your questions to roll in, I’ll kick things off with a few from my students… but I’d much rather feature yours.

Here’s how to send one in (super easy):

1. Open this link → Slido Q&A
2. Type your question
3. Add your name if you want a shoutout (or leave it blank to stay anonymous)
4. Hit send. Done.

Oh! And there’s a fun upvote thing—if someone’s already asked a question you’re curious about, give it a nudge and upvote it. I’ll prioritize the ones that get the most love.

That’s it. Think of something you’re stuck on and ask away. I’m here for it!