Welcome to Wakeen

Marketing is like...
Picture Day

Remember school picture day? That one morning each year where you had to look your best, even if everything else was chaos? You got up a little early to make sure your hair and outfit were just right, smiled nervously, and hoped the final image reflected your best self.  Marketing can feel like one perpetual picture day … here’s why:

You Only Get One Shot (First Impressions Matter): One awkward blink or weird angle and that’s the photo in the yearbook forever. In marketing, your audience’s first impression of your brand is just as fleeting and just as lasting. Whether it’s your website, a social post, or a first email – it needs to be polished and purposeful.

You Prep Before You Show Up: Nobody rolls out of bed and crushes picture day (unless you’re a unicorn). You plan what to wear, maybe get a haircut, and check the mirror five times before heading out. In marketing, the same level of preparation matters. You need:

  • A strategy (aka your outfit plan)
  • A clear message (your smile)
  • Tools that work (your camera-ready gear)

A rushed campaign without prep will show—just like bedhead on picture day.

You’re Capturing a Moment, but Representing Something Bigger: That picture? It is one moment in time, but it represents your whole school year. It’s going to be in the yearbook, on fridge magnets, and floating around in grandma’s purse. Marketing content is the same. A single campaign can reach thousands – and live online forever. So, put in the effort to get it right the first time. Think beyond the snapshot. Make sure everything – from tone to visuals – reflects who you are, not just what you’re selling today.

Finally, Smile Like You Mean It: Authenticity is magnetic. Marketing doesn’t have to be perfect, but it should be intentional, authentic, and ready for the flashbulb.

We want to help you capture and communicate the best of your brand.  If you’re looking for a partner who is just out of frame holding the comb, hairspray and encouraging words before you step in front of the lens, then let’s talk! 

More about Wakeen & Company

We help companies be intentional.

We’re the first ones to admit that there are many ways to communicate and market.  There are also lots of agencies doing really good work.  In fact, we collaborate with many of them on behalf of our clients.  Our approach is to understand your overarching business goals and then align your marketing resources to drive better outcomes.  We are methodical, nerdy, experienced … and a little fun!

MARCOM Blueprint

Foundation for success.

Do you have a well-defined, aligned and clear marketing and communications strategy? The Wakeen MARCOM Blueprint will equip you with the research, analysis, tactics and organization required to go from NOW TO NEXT.  From non-profits to global manufacturing, the blueprint has proven to be an essential resource in developing intentional and accountable action plans.

Managed Service

Collaboration and accountability.

We collaborate with in-house teams, other media/marketing agencies, and best-in-class partners to provide turnkey solutions, capacity and accountability to your marketing programs, so you can focus on your business.

Video Production

Engaging audiences to take action.

We offer commercial video production, photography and graphic design services. We've found success working with both direct clients and agency partners to not only create compelling stories and visuals, but to effectively communicate purpose and spur engagement with target audiences.

We'd love to meet with you