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Confessions of a Marketing Mixologist: Why “Safe” Brands Deserve to Die

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Brand Philosophy Confession Time: Brands Playing it Safe Deserve to Die

My brand strategy philosophy? Playing it safe is a death sentence for your brand. Here’s why I do it differently—and you should too.

Let’s Get This Straight: Playing It Safe is Playing to Lose

You know what the most boring brands have in common?

→ They’re terrified to offend.
→ They want to appeal to everyone.
→ They sound exactly like their competitors.

When you play it safe, you’re not being “professional.”

You’re being forgettable.

And in a world where attention is currency?
Being forgettable is fatal.

My Confession: I Don’t Want “Nice” Clients

Let’s be real.

→ I don’t want clients who want to blend in.
→ I don’t want clients who are scared to pick a side.
→ I don’t want clients who see branding as window dressing.

Because my whole philosophy is this:

Branding is rebellion.

It’s saying:

“We’re not for everyone. We’re for them.”

The Truth About Playing It Safe

Safe brands:
→ Use “authentic” as a buzzword with no proof.
→ Choose muted colors because they’re “professional.”
→ Write copy that could belong to literally anyone.

They’re so worried about being liked by everyone, they forget to be loved by anyone.

What Playing It Bold Looks Like

It’s not about being edgy for the sake of it.
It’s about being real.

→ Saying what others won’t.
→ Taking clear stances.
→ Using your actual voice, not corporate jargon.
→ Being consistent enough that people recognize you instantly.

Because brands with a point of view aren’t just noticed.
They’re remembered.

Why I Refuse to Water Down Brands

Here’s what I tell every client:

“I will not help you build a brand that’s safe, beige, and forgettable.”

If you’re paying me, you’re getting:
→ Honest feedback.
→ Strategy that sounds like you.
→ A brand that polarizes on purpose.

Because you can’t be loved without risking being disliked.
That’s the deal.

My Brand Strategy Philosophy in 5 Rules

Want the TL;DR? Here’s how I do it:

1. Know Who You’re For—and Who You’re Not

If you try to appeal to everyone, you’ll stand for nothing.

2. Embrace Your Voice

Your real voice is an asset, not a liability.

→ Quirks.
→ Opinions.
→ Humor.

These make you memorable.

3. Say Something Real

→ No vague claims.
→ No jargon.
→ No corporate speak.

Say what you actually mean.

4. Prove Your Promise

Don’t just tell me you’re “the best.”

→ Show me testimonials.
→ Case studies.
→ Real results.

Trust isn’t given. It’s earned.

5. Be Consistent as Hell

Your brand isn’t just a logo.
It’s an experience.

→ Every touchpoint.
→ Every platform.
→ Every message.

Same vibe. Same promise.

If You Want Safe, Hire Someone Else

Because here?

→ We choose sides.
→ We make noise.
→ We build brands people actually care about.

Need more on bold branding? Check out Blurb’s take on creative risk.

If you’re ready to stop playing it safe and start playing to win, let’s talk.

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Brand Philosophy Confession Time: Brands Playing it Safe Deserve to Die

Confessions of a Marketing Mixologist: Why “Safe” Brands Deserve to Die

My brand strategy philosophy? Playing it safe is a death sentence for your brand. Here’s why I do it differently—and you should too.

In the Mood

Can’t find what you’re in the mood for on the menu? Type it in. We’re serving strategy, hot takes, and branding rituals on demand.

book-hoarding, linguistics-loving, main character energy with the audacity of a plot twist.

I didn’t start Marketing Mixology to serve up safe, forgettable branding. I’m here for the brands that want to stir the plot like an espresso martini—the drink that leaves them buzzing, the story they dog-ear, highlight, and can't stop yapping about.

My approach? Equal parts strategy, storytelling, and a heavy pour of unapologetic clarity. We’re not doing templated nonsense. We’re crafting your signature brand—layered, voicey, and here to cause a scene

Ready to stop being the supporting character in your own brand story? Let’s make them absolutely feral for yours.

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