Everybody seems to be jumping in on the idea of being “inclusive”. Over the past few years, more and more have been focusing on transforming their practices and processes to exhibit more inclusion, changing the way brands communicate and how the whole marketing and advertising fields work in general.
It’s an important consideration and, taking into account global cultural shifts as a result of the continuous process of globalization, incorporating a more inclusive approach when it comes to your branding and messaging can help better align your business with more relevant audiences and channels.
It doesn’t even have to concern your specific niche, as the majority of young people today show an awareness of prevalent social issues and events, instilling in them a strong sense of urgency to do something. Such insight into a specific behavioral trend is what will help you shape your strategies and marketing approach, not only to be more effective from an operations standpoint, but also to bring yourself more in-line with the goal of inclusivity — showing active response towards all concerns, be they big or small.
LinkedIn is a powerhouse when it comes to publishing credible and highly impressionable in-house entrepreneurial guides. Such is the case with its 7-page ‘Inclusive Language’ guide that presents key points to consider when formulating brand messaging.
LinkedIn had this to say:
“We define inclusive language as that which does not exclude or stereotype people based on race, sexual orientation, age, gender identity, ability, socioeconomic status, or any other characteristic. In other words, it’s about making your brand feel welcoming and accessible to all.”
A More Sensitized Approach
You might be surprised to learn that certain terminology and words that sound seemingly neutral are now branded as either “discriminatory/derogatory”, offensive, just a whole spectrum of statements that are now compiled under the umbrella term “Politically-Incorrect”.
Messaging – words and “language” – are very important when it comes to inclusivity. Regardless of intent, if you want as many people to positively perceive your brand, the way you get your brand’s message across has to be unbiased and all-encompassing. In the simplest sense, inclusivity equals “For Everybody”. No barriers, as they say.
Besides giving you a basic idea of what it means to be inclusive, the guide also provides some tips to consider, along with a couple of examples. We highly recommend going through the guide as it’ll have more details on important elements.
The Wrap
Inclusivity is defined more as a process rather than as a tangible effect. Brands, people, groups have to Become inclusive, they don’t just ARE from the get go. More than refining the words and language used, an inclusive approach modernizes outdated norms and practices to be more “transcendent” in a way that it can speak and appeal to everyone, regardless of ethnic background and social status.
In time, as more people get “woke”, inclusivity will hopefully seep out of every nook and cranny of every brand and establishment. Although that’d be wishful thinking at best, it’s good to have an idea and incorporate even just some of what LinkedIn’s guide offers to ensure that your brand starts or, at the very least, stays on the right track.
Subscribe to our ‘Bottoms Up!’ Newsletter. Get the latest social media news, strategies, updates and trends to take your business to the highest level.
Please note:
This action will also remove this member from your connections and send a report to the site admin.
Please allow a few minutes for this process to complete.
