Turning strategy into results: the WowBooks brand launch

A step-by-step brand and marketing strategy that delivered international results

When a Kent-based digital printer approached me to help diversify their business and break into new markets, I knew this would be a chance to build something special. They had spotted a clear opportunity in the personalised publishing space — but needed an impactful brand, a strategy to reach international audiences, and a launch campaign that could deliver results fast.

This project was a great example of how a clear marketing plan, executed with intent and energy, can unlock real commercial value.

The challenge: creating a page-turning brand to drive new business

The client was looking to move beyond their traditional services and launch a new brand — one that offered a fast, cost-effective and highly personalised production solution for global publishers.

The brief? To develop a distinctive brand and integrated marketing strategy that would:

• Position the company as an innovative publishing partner

• Generate high-value leads — on a limited budget

  
  

And all of it had to be developed and delivered within three months.

The approach: strategy, creativity, and a little bit of magic

The first step was a deep dive into their market and competitors — not just locally, but internationally. This allowed us to identify whitespace opportunities and benchmark best practice.

What stood out was a lack of personality in the sector. Many competitors were overly technical and faceless. We decided to take a bold, consumer-inspired approach that reflected the tactile, visual nature of the product. The result was WowBooks, a brand built around simplicity, colour, and the “wow” factor of beautifully crafted, personalised books.

Building the brand

• Developed a vibrant brand identity, tone of voice and messaging

• Created a clear proposition: WowBooks delivers integrated digital print and logistics for consumer publishers, from website to doorstep

• Designed and launched a responsive, visually engaging website

• Produced a launch video, brand photography and social media assets

• Rolled out an innovative direct mail campaign

  
  

Targeting high-value prospects

We researched and built a database of publishing brands across the UK, Europe and the US. Using a scoring system, we prioritised the most valuable prospects, focusing on C-suite decision-makers.

Our hero tactic was a highly personalised direct mail campaign featuring a printed sample, video mail pack and a strong call to action. This was supported by LinkedIn Messenger outreach and follow-up content.

We launched in the run-up to Christmas, the busiest time in the print industry, knowing our prospects would feel the pressure and be open to smarter solutions.

The results: a 33:1 return on initial marketing investment

The campaign delivered measurable impact across every channel:

• 33:1 ROI: the launch generated qualified leads and real commercial outcomes, delivering exceptional value for the investment made

• 38% response rate: our direct mail campaign secured 11 new meetings with senior decision-makers including CEOs and Marketing Directors

• 400% increase in new contacts: LinkedIn targeting helped us connect with 76% of those who received the mail pack, increasing awareness and consideration

• Global brand awareness: the combined campaign helped establish WowBooks as a serious player in international publishing

• PR exposure: we secured coverage in 5 key trade publications reaching an online readership of 966,000 and estimated views of nearly 7,000

• Structured marketing with purpose: the client had a clear strategy, focused execution plan, and consistent messaging, giving clarity to their next stage of their growth and development

  
  

“I want to thank you for all your hard work, passion, drive and energy to get us to this point... the efforts of you and the talented people you’ve involved have given us the best chance of success.” 

— Andrew Balcombe, Founder, WowBooks

Ready to launch something new?

Whether you’re looking to create a new brand, reach high-value clients, or bring structure to your marketing, I’d love to help. As a marketing consultant and fractional CMO, I offer strategic thinking with hands-on delivery — tailored for small businesses with big ambitions.

Get in touch for a free  consultation — and let’s start writing your next chapter.