Mike Taberner is Managing Director and co-owner of Brandesign, and leads the agency's strategy practice from its Cape Town base. Over 25 years in marketing and advertising he has led brand development, investor communications and digital work for more than 150 organisations, from JSE-listed corporates to owner-run start-ups.
His view, set out in his August 2024 LinkedIn article "Strategy without experience is simply a textbook", is that strategy only holds up when it is built on work that has actually been done. That thinking sits behind Brandesign's THINK | PLAN | DESIGN | EXECUTE methodology and Project A.U.T.H.O.R, the agency's answer engine optimisation programme.
Mike carries board-level responsibility for growth strategy, data-led decision making and client advisory, and speaks on marketing and leadership at industry events. Away from the desk he is a road runner, pianist and keen debater.
One of the most common mistakes I see businesses make is treating the website as a digital brochure. It sits there. It looks respectable. It says the right things in broad terms. But when you ask what it is actually doing for the business, the answer is often vague....
One of the roles I value most at Brandesign is the responsibility for exploring emerging technologies. Tacking these on and translating them into practical value for our business and clients alike. It goes without saying that the past few years have been spent...
At Brandesign, we believe smart marketing isn’t just creative - it’s compliant. With South Africa’s updated direct marketing regulations rolling out, brands need to rethink how they connect with customers while staying on the right side of the law. Here’s what you...
This question above is one we are asked on a regular basis. While it is true that your average post reaches 1.6% of followers on Facebook and 3.5% of followers on Instagram and this may seem low, there are some key insights that make this discipline critical in your...
Leverage data analytics to improve marketing performance, personalise campaigns, and drive results.
Embrace sustainable marketing to boost brand loyalty, cut costs, and appeal to eco-conscious consumers.
Boost engagement and loyalty with personalised marketing tailored to your customers’ needs.
Boost brand growth with strategic social media content, audience insights, and performance analytics.