It’s fall again, and we are welcoming Natalia Meave, our newest intern rocker, to our marketing team. We’re so excited to learn more about Natalia, aren’t you? We asked her a few questions to get to know her better. She’s a student at The University of Texas at Austin majoring in advertising and minoring in business. Natalia loves creative strategy, storytelling and finding fresh ways to connect with audiences. We love that you chose us Natalia!

What is the biggest misconception about marketing today?

The biggest misconception about marketing today is that it’s just a tool to sell things to people. Marketing is way more than just transactional; it connects people across cultures and shapes the way we view the world!

What advice would Natalia give to her younger self?

Let go of self-doubt. True growth only happens when you aren’t confined to limiting beliefs!

What is one of the biggest lessons you’ve learned so far at school?

The art of “boiling” problems down to their essence in order to reach solutions more efficiently, as taught by my business law professor. Identifying a clear, main reason behind an action clears the way for creativity and strategy to blossom.

What does good brand strategy look like?

Good brand strategy starts with knowing your audience deeply. Genuine connection between brands and customers is crucial in building the loyalty that is foundational to long-term brand success. 

If you could be anywhere in the world right now where would it be?

I would go to Mexico City right now. Cool sunny weather, gorgeous architecture, unbeatable vintage shopping, and endless options for the best food you’ll ever have in your life — you just can’t beat it!

If you could go to dinner with one person living or dead who would it be?

Probably someone like Morgan Freeman. I’d like to hear all of the Hollywood stories and secrets with objectively the best voice in the history of narration. 

If you could describe Natalia Meave in three words what would they be?

Authentic, vibrant, and driven.

Tell us about a major milestone in your life?

One of my proudest milestones has been taking on leadership roles in the various organizations I’ve been involved in. 

From your perspective, how does Front Porch Marketing differentiate itself from other marketing companies?

Front Porch does the hands on work that drives real results for our clients. We work closely and personally with every client, getting to know their business from the inside out to deliver unique results.

What is a fun fact about you?

I’m a triplet! 

This summer, we’re welcoming a second high school intern from Ursuline: Lucy Sanders. Lucy is a rising senior at Ursuline Academy in Dallas. She is interested in expanding her knowledge of advertising and marketing while collaborating on creative, impactful projects. We asked Lucy a few questions so our readers could get to know her a little better.

What makes you want to have a career in marketing?

I want to have a career in marketing because I have always been a creative person and enjoy coming up with new ideas. Marketing gives me the chance to use my creativity to help businesses connect with target audiences and share their messages.I think a common misconception about marketing is that a brand’s reputation relies mainly on a marketer’s direct efforts. Instead, positive brand perception is built through intentional relationships between the brand and its consumers.

What is one of the biggest lessons you have learned so far in your life?

Stop worrying about what others might think. Do what makes YOU happy because those who love and accept you won’t judge you for being yourself.

If you could describe Lucy Sanders in three words what would they be?

I would describe myself as creative, optimistic, and compassionate.

What are your goals for your time at Front Porch Marketing?

My goals during my time at Front Porch Marketing are to expand my knowledge of marketing and gain hands-on experience in a professional environment. I am excited to learn new skills and apply them while working on real projects.communicating that voice is for the marketer to see their brand through their consumers’ eyes.

What do you think a good brand strategy should look like?

A good brand strategy focuses on the core principles of the brand’s actions and decisions. From there, the brand can establish a visually appealing identity through the color palette, logo, and overall aesthetic that appeals to their target audience.

Tell us about a major milestone so far in your life!

Educational Outreach (CLEO), a program that helps senior citizens learn how to use technology. This experience taught me the importance of patience and service in my daily life.

What is a fun fact about you?

One fun fact about me is that I have ridden in a helicopter before!

We hope Lucy has learned a little more about a possible future profession in our industry at Front Porch Marketing. We’ve certainly enjoyed working with her this summer and wish her well in her senior year at Ursuline!

This summer, we’re once again welcoming high school interns from Ursuline: joining us first this summer is Sarah Muck. Sarah is a rising senior at Ursuline Academy in Dallas. She is interested in pursuing a business degree in college, potentially with a marketing focus. We love that! We also love paying it forward every summer by sharing the wonderful world of marketing with the next generation. As we usually do, we asked Sarah a few questions so our readers could get to know her a little better.

What do you think the biggest misconception about marketing is today?

I think a common misconception about marketing is that a brand’s reputation relies mainly on a marketer’s direct efforts. Instead, positive brand perception is built through intentional relationships between the brand and its consumers.

What is one of the biggest lessons you have learned so far in your life?

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that it’s never too early to network. Building meaningful connections can be as simple as initiating a conversation in the hallway or inviting someone to sit with you at lunch.

If you could describe Sarah Muck in three words what would they be?

I would say balanced, goal-oriented and creative.

What do you think a good brand strategy should look like?

Good brand strategy starts with understanding your consumers. Every brand has their own unique voice and the key to effectively communicating that voice is for the marketer to see their brand through their consumers’ eyes.

Tell us about a major milestone so far in your life!

When I was a freshman at Ursuline, I got my first job at a local juice bar. Working a real-world job was one of the first “adult” experiences I had, and I’ve loved working there for the past three years.

What is a fun fact about you?

I have the best two older sisters!

We hope Sarah learns a little more about a possible future profession in our industry at Front Porch Marketing. We’re certainly enjoying working with her this summer!

This summer, we are welcoming Alexa Sims, our newest intern rocker, to our growing team. As with all our new team members we love to find out more! So we asked her a few questions to get to know her better. She’s a student at Baylor University in Waco majoring in economics and communications. Alexa is passionate about creating engaging content and building authentic connections with audiences. Way to go, Alexa!

What is the biggest misconception about marketing today?

I think a big misconception in marketing is that it is simply getting your product out there. In reality, marketing is about forming personal connections with customers and letting them see how your product would benefit them more than other available options.

What advice would Alexa Sims give to her younger self?

Don’t be afraid to try new things. Even if you don’t enjoy it, you learn something new about yourself!

What is one of the biggest lessons you’ve learned so far at school?

College has taught me the importance of the community you build and connections you form with those around you. Seemingly unimportant conversations can pave the way for lessons learned and opportunities given. 

What does good brand strategy look like?

Good brand strategy looks like personality, showing people who you are as a brand and the things that set you apart. It allows people to connect with and trust you as people behind a brand. 

If you could be anywhere in the world right now where would it be?

On the lake with my 3 younger siblings!

If you could go to dinner with one person living or dead who would it be?

I would love to be able to talk with C.S. Lewis! I grew up reading Narnia and some of his other works and I feel like I could rally learn a lot from a conversation with him.

If you could describe Alexa Sims in three words what would they be?

I would describe myself as compassionate, dependable, and creative.

Tell us about a major milestone in your life?

One of my most recent milestones was going overseas for the first time! I went to Italy for a week through Baylor and I had so much fun learning more about the history and culture and more about myself. 

From your perspective, how does Front Porch Marketing differentiate itself from other marketing companies?

What differentiates Front Porch Marketing is the relationships, both among those who work here and with our clients. There is an atmosphere of kindness, friendliness and helpfulness that cannot be found anywhere else.

What is a fun fact about you?

I do competitive gymnastics through Baylor!

You might have a love/hate relationship with summer when you’re in marketing. Either you’re working six months ahead and now is your busy season ramping up for the holidays. Or, your clients are on vacation, you’re on vacation, your kids are at home with you and it feels like nothing is getting done. Time to manage everyone’s expectations.

If you’re in the latter camp, then you’re probably looking for ways to do less but still be effective while everyone is most definitely not on a regular schedule. At Front Porch Marketing, most of us are this person. So we’ve gotten really good at being efficient AND effective in the summer. So we’ve rounded up all our summertime tips from the past few years for you, and hopefully this will help.

Summer-fying Your Brand

Maybe you want to change things up slightly for the summer? Make your brand colors lighter and brighter, or brand voice more laid-back? Try this article for tips on making your brand have more summer feels.

And hey, you’ve done A LOT of work, visually and verbally, on your brand this year. So we’re thinking “What can you re-use, re-work and re-up for the summer?” One way to do more with less in summer marketing, is to rework the assets you already have into something fresh, instead of starting from scratch. Who has time for that!

Reaching Your Audience in the Summer

It’s not just you and your clients that are in a summer frame of mind, your customers are too! Whether that’s a B2B customer or a consumer, it helps to put yourself in their shoes when planning your marketing in the vacay months. There’s definitely a psychology to summer shopping so keep that in mind.

If you’re in PR, your audience is the media and believe it or not, this is a hot time to pitch your PR stories. And you’ve probably got more time to do it, and less competition. Fine tune your strategy in the summer time to get the most response from your efforts.

And for service-based businesses, we’ve got a whole cheat sheet of summer strategy tips to keep right on growing your business right through this season and into fall. You can never go wrong focusing on your customers’ needs and answering their summertime questions.

Keep it Steady, Rockin’ the Summer Season

Ready for a successful summer of marketing? Slow down, get done what you have to, and if you need help with any of it, let us know!

Need to polish up your social media? Want to get started on LinkedIn to help reach customers for your small business? We’ve got you covered! Front Porch Marketing handles social for several B2B businesses to help them build their brand. We help then reach new and old customers and grow their bottom line.

Often, this marketing endeavor is a lot to figure out, so here is a cheat sheet of some of our tips and tricks. Get started using a marketing channel that is cost-effective, targeted and can help make a difference.

Social Media Beginnings

How to Create an Audit: Start by taking stock of your current digital situation. Then set up your next steps. This article walks you through an audit.

Social for Small Business: First, we advise you to start small and use this article to help you assess the assets you already have. Repurpose them and figure out a game plan to optimize with less.

Where and What to Post

The Best Platforms for Your Business: Focus on your goals, your audience and what you are willing to create. Read this article to pick the right platform.

Post That Perform Best: Top 5 for Social Media: Don’t know what kind of content to create? There’s a tutorial article that can help you decide and tackle your next step.

Making Your Digital Efforts Efficient

Automating Your Social Media: Why & How to Do It: Work smarter, not harder. Use automation to help you get more done. When done properly, it saves your valuable time.

Spring Cleaning Your Social Media: Much like an audit, a good spring cleaning helps you focus your business intentions on social media.

Extras to Build Your Brand

How Social Media PR Works: Combining the efforts of digital and PR is a dynamic duo. Take advantage of this marketing partnership with tips from this article.

Team Activation: Elevate Your Social Media Engagement to Benefit All: Finally, when your business team is involved, you make your company’s social media stronger.

There’s No Better Time to Start Than Now

Overall, social reaches your audience whether your business is direct to consumer, a service or B2B. So if you’ve always wanted your small business to have more presence, strong messaging, clear goals and connection with customers, consider social media as a great channel choice. With the articles we share every week, gathered here, we hope that you’ll be able to take some of this insight into building your company’s voice in the digital world. And of course, if you need more guidance or help getting it done, let us know!

This month, we are welcoming Peyton Gray, our newest intern rocker, to the team. So as we always do, we asked her a few questions to get to know her better! She’s a student at The University of Texas in Austin majoring in journalism. Peyton is passionate about thoughtful communication, creative collaboration and building meaningful connections through media and storytelling. We love that!

What is the biggest misconception about marketing today?

I think a common myth is that good products will sell themselves and success will happen immediately, which I believe overlooks human behavior and crowded markets. Marketing is even more important today than it ever has been because brands must work to intentionally capture their audience and build trust. 

What advice would Peyton Gray give to her younger self?

If I could talk to my younger self, I would tell her that everything works out, even if it doesn’t happen exactly how you planned it!

What is one of the biggest lessons you’ve learned so far at school?

College has taught me how important it is to build a strong community. Finding people you can relax, study, work and have fun with creates a space where you not only survive but begin to thrive. 

What does good brand strategy look like?

A good brand strategy begins with a steady and strong brand identity. Using this as an anchor, a brand can establish a clear presence and cohesive image. 

If you could be anywhere in the world right now where would it be?

I would be in Paris, France! I visited the summer after my senior year of high school with my mom and was lucky enough to return for the Paris Olympics the following year — I am already planning my trip back after I graduate and CAN’T WAIT!

If you could go to dinner with one person living or dead who would it be?

I would have dinner with Princess Diana. Aside from the fact that I think she is absolutely the most elegant woman of all time, I really admire her strong character and love for those around her.

If you could describe Peyton Gray in three words what would they be?

I would describe myself as optimistic, determined and creative.

Tell us about a major milestone in your life?

One major milestone in my life was leading the recruitment of a pledge class of 95 members into my sorority at UT.  I learned so much about leadership, relationship building, analytics and teamwork all while making 95 freshmen comfortable and confident in a new place! 

From your perspective, how does Front Porch Marketing differentiate itself from other marketing companies?

What drew me into Front Porch Marketing, and what I believe sets the company apart, is how personable and intentional each member of the team is. Even in my interview I could tell how much each member was valued and supported, making me eager to join and get started. Front Porch is collaborative, intentional and genuinely people-oriented. 

This week, we’re welcoming Sydney McKinney to our team as our newest rocker! She is our new guru of problem-solving and detail, and who doesn’t love that! Sydney says she is thrilled to join the Front Porch team and looks forward to helping make everyone’s life a little easier every day.

Sydney sat down with us on the Porch for a chat:

1. What is the biggest misconception about about the work you do?

The biggest misconception is that all I do is color code and look at a calendar.

3. What advice would you give to younger Sydney McKinney?

Don’t worry so much and trust in the Lord.

4. What is one of the biggest lessons you’ve learned in your career?

When asked to do something outside of your comfort zone in a job, always say yes. You never know what opportunities might come out of it.

5. What does good work team look like?

A team that communicates well and can rely on each other.

6. If you could be anywhere in the world right now, where would it be?

Sydney, Australia. I have always wanted to visit the location matching my name!

7. If you could go to dinner with one person, living or dead, who would it be?

I would have dinner with my grandma. She passed away when I was too young to have taken advantage of conversations with her so I would love to be able to chat with her now as an adult!

8. If you could describe Sydney McKinney in three words, what would they be?

Motivated. Planner. Friend.

9. Tell us about a major milestone in your life.

Becoming a mom in the last year has been a huge milestone and I am loving every second of it. My daughter is a true joy and an “easy” baby, so I have been so blessed in that regard as I navigate the new season of motherhood.

10. What is a fun fact about you?

I have been to all 50 states!

What’s coming up for Sydney McKinney on The Porch?

Well, we sure hope that Sydney gets to see Sydney sooner than later! We’re super excited to have her expertise on our team, as our client roster continues to grow and we take on more and more challenging assignments. Welcome Sydney!

How Small Surprises Build Lasting Brand Loyalty

The brands we love most rarely win us over all at once. Instead, they unfold over time. They reveal thoughtful details, unexpected moments, and small surprises that make the experience feel personal. Like finding an Easter egg hidden in plain sight, these moments create a sense of discovery. And more importantly, they give customers a reason to keep coming back.

In marketing, those “Easter eggs” aren’t accidental. They’re intentional touchpoints designed to surprise, delight, and deepen connection.

What Is a Brand “Easter Egg”?

A brand Easter egg is any unexpected detail, feature or moment that adds value beyond the obvious. It’s something a customer discovers rather than something you loudly promote.

It might be:

• A clever line of copy hidden on packaging
• A personalized follow-up email that feels human, not automated
• A thoughtful freebie included in an order
• A subtle visual detail that rewards repeat viewers
• An inside joke or reference your audience recognizes

These moments don’t need to be big. In fact, the smaller and more organic they feel, the more impactful they can be.

Why Easter Egg Moments Matter

Easter eggs work because they tap into emotion. They create a feeling of being “in on something”. It’s a quiet connection between brand and customer.

When done well, they:

• Encourage repeat engagement (“What else have I missed?”)
• Build emotional affinity, not just awareness
• Make the brand feel more human and thoughtful
• Turn passive customers into active fans

In a crowded marketplace, that kind of connection is what sets brands apart.

Where to Hide the Magic

The best part? Opportunities for these moments exist everywhere in your marketing.

In Your Messaging

Look beyond the headline. The body copy, subject lines, and even disclaimers are all chances to add personality and warmth. A well-placed, unexpected line can turn standard communication into something memorable.

In Your Customer Experience

From onboarding to follow-up, think about where you can exceed expectations. A simple thank-you note, a check-in that isn’t sales-driven, or a resource shared “just because” can leave a lasting impression.

In Your Design

Visual Easter eggs like subtle illustrations, hidden icons or layered details reward customers who take a closer look. These touches show care and craftsmanship, even if not everyone notices them right away.

In Your Process

Sometimes the “Easter egg” is how you work. Being unusually organized, communicative or thoughtful as a partner or provider can feel like a surprise in itself, especially in industries where that’s not the norm.

Practical Ways to Add Easter Eggs to Your Brand

If you want to start building these moments into your marketing, keep it simple and intentional:

• Think beyond the main message. Where are the overlooked spaces you can enhance?
• Reward loyalty. Give repeat customers something new to discover over time.
• Stay true to your voice. Surprises should feel natural, not forced.
• Focus on the audience. What would they find delightful or useful?
• Be consistent. One great moment is nice, but many small ones build a reputation.

The Long Game of Delight

Brand loyalty isn’t built through one campaign or one interaction. It’s built through a series of small, meaningful moments that accumulate over time.

When customers feel like there’s always something new to discover they don’t just engage. They stick around. So as you think about your next campaign, email or piece of content, ask yourself: Where can we hide a little Easter egg? Because sometimes, the smallest details are what people remember and what they come back for again and again.

The best marketing doesn’t feel transactional, it’s really love. It feels intentional. Considered. Human. At its core, great creative work is rooted in love. Love for the craft, caring about the message and most importantly, caring for the people on the other side of it. When brands lead with that mindset, the work resonates more deeply and the message lasts longer.

In an industry built on deadlines, deliverables, and data, it’s easy to forget that love still plays a critical role in effective marketing, design, and strategy. Since it’s close to Valentine’s Day, we thought we would remind you.

Love the Craft to Do the Work Well

There’s a difference between producing content and crafting it. Loving it. The latter takes time, curiosity and pride in the details.

Loving the work means:

• Choosing words carefully instead of settling for filler
• Designing with intention, not just jumping on trends or settling for trite
• Thinking through strategy instead of jumping straight to execution

When teams genuinely enjoy what they do, it shows up in the final product. The work feels thoughtful instead of rushed, confident instead of generic. Audiences may not know why it feels better but they can definitely feel the difference. It’s love.

Showing Love For Your Audience Means Making It About Them

One of the biggest shifts brands have to make is moving from “What do we want to say?” to “What does our audience need to hear?”

Loving your audience means:

• Respecting their time with clear, concise messaging focused on them
• Understanding their challenges before offering solutions
• Speaking in a voice that feels approachable, not know-it-all

When messaging is built around empathy and love for the audience, it stops feeling like marketing and starts feeling like service. The most effective brands don’t talk at people, they listen first and then respond. They’re helpful. They’re kind. They’re loving.

A Strong Brand Voice Is an Act of Love and Care

A brand’s voice is often the first relationship it builds with its audience. When that voice is inconsistent, overly polished or impersonal, trust quickly erodes.

Brands that love and care invest in:

• Defining a voice that reflects their values
• Writing copy that sounds human and relatable
• Staying consistent across channels and touchpoints

A thoughtful brand voice signals reliability. It tells the audience, “We know who we are and we respect you enough to show up clearly every time. Because we love you.”

Strategy With Heart Is Strategy That Works

Data and insights are essential of course, but remember that they’re not the whole story. The strongest strategies balance logic with intuition and empathy. Look at your audience, your research, your approach through the eyes of love.

A strategy with heart means:

• Looking beyond metrics to understand behavior (not just demographics, but psychographics)
• Asking why people respond, not just how
• Creating work that feels relevant, not opportunistic

When strategy is grounded in a genuine understanding of human needs and motivations, creative work becomes more meaningful and more effective. It’s a demonstration of not just your love of your product or service, but your care for the people you are helping with your product or service.

Doing Work You Believe In Changes Everything

When teams care about the work, the audience feels it. At Front Porch Marketing, we always say we are doing what we love, with people we love, while we take care of our loves. That’s our thing. We help clients who really care about their audience, and their audience loyalty grows. When marketing is rooted in connection rather than noise, it earns people’s attention instead of demanding it.

At the end of the day, the most impactful marketing isn’t built on cleverness alone, it’s built on intention, empathy and a real respect for the people it’s meant to reach. It’s built on love. Because when creative work comes from a place of caring, it doesn’t just perform better, it means more. And isn’t that why we do what we do?