GKE MEDIA'S MARKETING HOT TAKES & why you should use them

Hot Takes That Might Hurt Your Feelings (But Will Help Your Brand’s image and marketing)

Let’s cut the fluff. At GKE MEDIA, we believe in marketing with clarity, conviction, and culture. That means telling the truth—even when it stings.

In this issue, we’re serving 5 hot takes that challenge the usual marketing advice, backed with strategy (and a few receipts).

🔥 HOT TAKE 1: Not every brand needs to be on TikTok.

TikTok is the trendiest platform right now, but that doesn’t mean it’s right for your brand. The reality? Short-form content takes time, creativity, and consistency. If your audience isn’t on TikTok or your product doesn’t translate visually in 15 seconds, you're better off investing that energy elsewhere. You should focus that creative energy on the platforms where your auidence is waiting for someone like you!

Why it matters: Social media strategy should start with audience mapping, not platform popularity.

“Only 14% of users follow brands on TikTok, compared to 49% on Instagram.” — Hootsuite Social Trends Report 2024

The GKE POV: Go where your audience is—not where everyone else is going.

🔥 HOT TAKE 2: A good logo means nothing without strategy.

We’ve said it before: visuals don’t carry meaning unless they’re rooted in something.Looks will only last you in the short term if you don't DO something with it. A nice logo won’t save a brand that doesn’t know who it’s talking to or what it stands for. Strategy comes first. Always.

Why it matters: Branding without messaging is just decoration.

“Strategic clarity is the predictor of brand performance.” — Harvard Business Review, 2023

The GKE POV: Before we design, we define. Every visual should be a mirror of your message.

🔥 HOT TAKE 3: No one cares about your business until you make them feel something. Emotional connection is king.

Consumers are emotionally driven and customers don't want to support an unfeeling; unpersonal brand. In fact, people make buying decisions based more on feeling than fact. If your brand doesn’t spark connection, it won’t spark conversion. Though there is a risk with influencer marketing or forming a parasocial relationship, having NOTHING will not support your brand.

Why it matters: Emotion increases brand recall by up to 70%. — Nielsen Consumer Neuroscience, 2021

The GKE POV: We use story, tone, and visuals to build emotional relevance. That’s what turns followers into fans.

🔥 HOT TAKE 4: Influencer marketing is broken.

Brands are still pouring budgets into influencers with high numbers and low authenticity. The result? Mismatched collabs, unclear disclosures, and audiences that tune out. You don't have to look far to influncers with undisclosed ads or a brand crumbling from their sole use of influncer marketing to see the damage effect it has. Trust takes years to form and all it takes is one, 2 minute tiktok to make it crumble.

Why it matters: 61% of Gen Z say they’re tired of inauthentic influencer content. — Morning Consult, 2024

The GKE POV: We don’t chase clout. We find creators who align with your brand values and genuinely connect with your community.

🔥 HOT TAKE 5: A pretty feed isn’t branding.

Cohesive colour palettes and Canva carousels aren’t enough. If your content isn’t rooted in brand purpose and strategy, your audience won’t care how nice it looks.

Why it matters: Content strategy outperforms aesthetic by 3:1 in lead generation. — HubSpot, 2023

The GKE POV: We design for connection, not just cohesion. A brand is more than a vibe—it’s a voice.

OUR Final Thoughts:

At GKE MEDIA, we don’t just say what looks good. We tell you what works.These hot takes aren’t just opinions—they’re rooted in years of creative strategy, cultural insight, and real-world impact.

Want a marketing partner who tells you the truth (and then helps you glow up)?

Let’s talk.