How Understanding The Enneagram Can Help Your Customers

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The modern workplace has no shortage of personality tools and diagnostic frameworks designed to help companies better understand their employees. From DISC and StrengthsFinder to Myers-Briggs and CliftonStrengths, these tools can play a vital role in helping teams collaborate more effectively, leverage their strengths, and achieve better results.

At Green Apple Strategy, two tools have become foundational for how we work and grow together: the Culture Index and the Enneagram. Each offers a unique perspective on human motivation and behavior. In this post, we’re diving into how the Enneagram, in particular, has helped shape our understanding of team dynamics and marketing itself.

What Makes the Enneagram Different?

Unlike many personality assessments that focus solely on external behavior, the Enneagram is a typology rooted in core motivations and fears. It explores why we think, feel, and act the way we do. 

Over the past several years, we’ve taken a deep dive into the Enneagram, reflecting on how each type contributes uniquely to our team and the marketing industry as a whole.

Enneagram Types and the Value They Bring to Marketing

Here’s a high-level look at each of the nine Enneagram types, along with the unique perspective and strengths they offer marketing teams:

NOTE: You can also take a deeper look into each number by following the links below. 

Type One: The Reformer

Type Ones are principled, responsible, and improvement-oriented. They hold themselves and others to high standards, always striving to do what’s right.

In marketing, they bring integrity, organization, and a sharp eye for detail, making them essential for marketing project management, quality control, process improvement, and ethical branding.

Type Two: The Helper

Twos are caring, generous, and relational. They’re tuned into the needs of others and naturally offer support.

In a marketing context, Twos thrive in client-facing roles, bringing warmth, empathy, and deep listening skills that build strong relationships and uncover meaningful insights.

Type Three: The Achiever

Threes are driven, adaptable, and success-oriented. They’re natural motivators and high performers who set and crush goals.

On a marketing team, Threes bring energy and vision. They’re ideal for business development, leadership, and campaign execution, always looking for ways to align marketing goals with the big picture.

Type Four: The Individualist

Fours are creative, introspective, and emotionally intuitive. They seek authenticity and meaning in everything they do.

Fours contribute unique, emotionally resonant ideas that help brands stand out. Their creativity and vulnerability bring depth to storytelling and design.

Type Five: The Investigator

Fives are analytical, curious, and independent. They value knowledge and are energized by deep thinking.

In marketing, Fives offer research-driven insights, smart strategies, and thoughtful problem-solving. They’re invaluable for creating a data-driven culture and long-term planning.

Type Six: The Loyalist

Sixes are responsible, loyal, and security-oriented. They’re vigilant and thoughtful, always preparing for what might go wrong.

On a marketing team, Sixes are your risk managers and process builders. They anticipate challenges, create contingency plans, and work hard to keep things running smoothly.

Type Seven: The Enthusiast

Sevens are optimistic, spontaneous, and full of ideas. They bring a sense of fun and adventure to everything they do.

Sevens shine in brainstorming sessions and during the creative ideation process. They’re great at coming up with your next great marketing idea or keeping campaigns fresh and relevant.

Type Eight: The Challenger

Eights are confident, assertive, and protective. They stand up for what they believe in and aren’t afraid to take charge.

In marketing, Eights make strong leaders and advocates. They bring bold thinking, clear direction, and the ability to challenge assumptions and push projects forward.

Type Nine: The Peacemaker

Nines are calm, supportive, and agreeable. They see multiple perspectives and often serve as mediators.

On a team, Nines bring cohesion and balance. They’re natural collaborators who boost employee morale and make sure everyone is aligned. That alignment can be especially important when teams are working under tight deadlines and juggling input from multiple stakeholders.

How to Leverage the Enneagram for Marketing Teams

As with any tool, the Enneagram isn’t a magic fix. But when used thoughtfully, it can serve as a powerful resource for building stronger teams and doing better work. Here are a few ways we’ve found it particularly helpful:

Cultivating Empathy 

Recognizing the distinct lenses through which each Enneagram type views the world and the core values they prioritize can foster greater empathy and understanding within your team. This awareness can improve communication, reduce conflict, and create a more inclusive and collaborative environment.

Strategic Role Alignment

By understanding the natural strengths and tendencies of each Enneagram type, you can strategically align individuals with roles that best suit their inherent abilities and talents. For example, the goal-oriented nature of Threes can make them an asset for business development, while the detail-oriented focus of Ones can be invaluable for quality control and project management.

Enhancing Collaboration and Communication

Recognizing different communication styles and potential conflict triggers associated with each type can lead to more effective collaboration. Remembering a Six’s need for reassurance or a Four’s desire for authentic expression can improve team dynamics and project workflows.

Tailoring Client Interactions

Incorporating the Enneagram types of your clients (even intuitively) can provide valuable insights into their motivations and communication preferences, leading to more compelling marketing strategies and stronger client relationships. 

Fostering Creative Innovation

The unique perspectives and creative approaches of different Enneagram types can spark innovation and drive new ideas. Encouraging the intuitive insights of Fours, the problem-solving abilities of Fives, and the enthusiastic brainstorming of Sevens can lead to more original and successful marketing campaigns.

Using the Enneagram to Unlock Your Team’s Inner Marketing Genius 

At Green Apple, we’ve found the Enneagram to be a powerful tool. It’s helped us better understand ourselves and each other, making us a more cohesive, creative, and supportive team.

It reminds us that great marketing doesn’t come from one-size-fits-all thinking. It comes from leveraging the diverse strengths of individuals who see the world—and the work—differently.

Want help exploring how your team’s strengths can align with your marketing goals?  Let’s talk.

“Great Idea! Now What?” How to Plan and Execute Marketing Campaigns That Drive Results

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If you’ve worked in marketing for more than five minutes, you know the drill: Someone from leadership walks in with an idea they’re really excited about. “Let’s launch a new campaign next month. We can call it X!”

You smile and nod while you’re silently wondering, “How do I fit this in with everything else on my plate? What does success even look like for this idea?”

Sound familiar? You’re not alone. One of the biggest challenges in marketing is staying focused on the plan while also staying open to great ideas that pop up along the way.

At Green Apple, we’ve helped companies across a wide range of industries take good ideas and turn them into great campaigns. Along the way, we’ve learned a few lessons. We believe that the secret sauce for marketing isn’t just about the initial spark of creativity; it’s about the thoughtful process of developing that spark into a well-defined campaign concept that’s primed to deliver real, measurable results. 

In this post, we’re sharing a handful of best practices to help you take that next campaign concept and shape it into something creative, effective, and aligned with your business goals.

Designing a Marketing Campaign That Delivers Results

1. Start With the Big Picture

Before you even start thinking about taglines or visuals, take a step back. Why does this campaign need to exist? How does it ladder up to your overarching business objectives? A successful campaign isn’t a standalone project; it’s a strategic piece of the puzzle that contributes to your larger goals. Those goals could be increasing brand awareness, generating qualified leads, or nurturing customer relationships. By grounding your campaign in the “why,” you’ll ensure it resonates authentically with your audience and makes strategic sense for your business.

2. Align the Campaign With Your Brand Story 

Your brand story is the heart and soul of your business. Every marketing campaign should be a chapter in that ongoing narrative. When your campaigns align with your brand story, they feel more genuine, build stronger connections with your audience, and reinforce your core values. Think about how you can weave your brand’s unique voice, values, and mission into your campaign messaging and visuals. This consistency creates a cohesive brand experience that resonates on a deeper level than a standalone promotion.

3. Craft Messaging That Speaks Their Language 

High-level messaging isn’t about catchy slogans; it’s about understanding your ideal customer profiles inside and out. Your messaging should speak to their pain points and their aspirations and should be delivered in their preferred communication styles. Once you have a firm grasp on your audience, you can craft campaign messaging that speaks directly to their needs and resonates with their challenges. After the messaging is solidified, you can strategically choose the channels you’ll use to get the word out. Where does your target audience spend their time? Are they active on LinkedIn? Do they prefer email updates? Choosing the right channels ensures your message reaches the right people, maximizing your impact.

4. Embrace a Process-Driven Approach 

That brilliant campaign concept needs to be brought to life effectively and efficiently. This requires a process-oriented approach to creative execution. Will you be relying on your in-house team, bringing in an experienced marketing agency, or exploring AI-powered tools to streamline content creation? Develop a clear plan that outlines responsibilities, timelines, and approval processes. A well-defined workflow minimizes bottlenecks, builds brand consistency, and keeps your campaign on track, ultimately leading to a smoother and more successful launch.

5. Understand the Power of Project Management

Everyone loves the thrill of brainstorming big ideas, but campaigns that truly make an impact require meticulous attention to detail in the day-to-day execution. This is where project management becomes your best friend. Implementing tools and processes to track tasks, manage deadlines, and ensure clear communication within your team is crucial. From scheduling social media posts to coordinating email sends and monitoring campaign performance, conquering the “daily grind” means that no crucial detail is overlooked and your campaign stays on course to deliver results.

6. Build Multi-Touchpoint Momentum 

Think of your audience as busy individuals with a lot vying for their attention. Rarely does a single message cut through the noise. Instead of relying on a one-and-done approach, strategically build in multiple touchpoints across different channels over a reasonable timeframe. This consistent reinforcement of your message, whether through a series of emails, complementary social media posts, or website banners, increases brand recall and gives your campaign the time it needs to truly resonate and drive action.

7. Repurpose Content Creatively 

Embrace the power of repurposing content to maximize your investment. That insightful webinar you hosted? Turn key segments into short, engaging video clips for social media. That in-depth blog post? Extract compelling quotes for shareable graphics or create a concise infographic. By creatively reimagining your existing content in different formats, you can reach new audiences and reinforce your message across multiple touchpoints without significantly increasing your workload.

Do You Need to Take All These Steps? Determine What’s Essential

Before you dive headfirst into design software or schedule that first social media post, it’s important to recognize that not every campaign requires the same level of heavy lifting. Some initiatives are large-scale, strategic endeavors that demand significant intentionality, while others are more ad hoc or time sensitive. What’s important is being proactive rather than reactive. 

So, how do you determine which best practices are essential for your specific campaign? Here are a few diagnostic questions to consider:

  • What are the primary goals of this campaign? Are they focused on brand awareness, lead generation, sales enablement, or something else?
  • What is the intended reach and duration of this campaign? Is it a short-term promotion or a longer-term initiative?
  • What are the budget and team resources allocated to this campaign?
  • How critical is it for this campaign to align with our overarching brand strategy and messaging?
  • What level of measurability and reporting is required for this campaign’s success?
  • What is the potential impact of this campaign on other areas of our business, such as sales and customer service?
  • What target audience segments are we trying to reach?

Answering these questions will help you gauge the scope of your campaign and determine which best practices will be most critical for its success.

Find Your Marketing Sweet Spot

Developing marketing campaigns that truly drive results isn’t about chasing fleeting trends or executing random acts of creativity. It’s about a thoughtful, strategic process that starts with understanding your “why,” aligns with your brand story, resonates with your audience, and is executed with precision.

Ready to gain a deeper understanding of our strategic planning process and get an inside look at how Green Apple Strategy develops impactful marketing campaigns for our clients? Let us share our expertise and help you turn your creative ideas into tangible results.

Stop the Scroll: How to Create Eye-Catching Content That Converts

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The internet in 2025 is not just a vast sea of information. It’s more like a roaring ocean of data, opinions, facts, media, and more. Your audience isn’t just swimming in content; they’re being bombarded by a relentless tidal wave. Think about it:

  • On average, Americans consume about six hours of content per day. (Source) 
  • Brands have mere seconds—often less than 10 seconds—to capture a user’s attention online before they move on. (Source) 

So, how do you make your content the lighthouse in that storm or the signal that cuts through the noise? Grabbing attention is the price of entry in today’s digital landscape.

At Green Apple Strategy, we get it. You’re busy running your business, and the thought of creating truly scroll-stopping content can feel like another overwhelming task. But it doesn’t have to be! We’ve helped countless small to mid-sized businesses cut through the clutter and connect with their audiences in meaningful ways. Consider this your guide to crafting content that captures attention AND drives action.

The 7 Essential Elements of Eye-Catching Content

So what makes content eye-catching in 2025? Here are seven essential elements to keep in mind:

1. Be Ruthlessly Concise

    Time is the ultimate currency online. Your audience is likely multitasking, scrolling on their phone during a coffee break, or quickly scanning headlines. Get straight to the point. Cut the fluff, eliminate jargon, and deliver your message with laser-like focus. Think short paragraphs, impactful sentences, and a clear takeaway.

    2. Structure for Skimmers (and Deep Divers)

      Imagine your content as a choose-your-own-adventure book. Users want to be able to quickly scan headings and subheadings to find the information they need now. But for those who are truly interested, don’t forget to provide the depth and detail they crave. Use clear sub-headers, bullet points, numbered lists, or even a table of contents for longer pieces. Make it easy to navigate at a glance and rewarding for a deeper dive.

      3. Focus Your Topic

        In a world of endless information, specificity is your superpower. General content gets lost in the noise. The more targeted your topic, the more likely you are to attract an audience actively searching for that exact solution or information. Think niche, think problem-specific, think providing an answer to a very specific question.”

        4. Become a Multi-Platform Maestro

          Content isn’t confined to your blog anymore. Think of it as adaptable building blocks. That well-written blog post can become a series of engaging social media snippets, a compelling email newsletter, a thought-provoking podcast episode, or the foundation for a webinar. Diversify your content to meet your audience where they are and in the format they prefer.

          5. Visuals That Pop (and Inform)

            In 2025, visuals are often the first thing people notice. High-quality images, captivating videos, informative infographics, and even animated GIFs can stop the scroll and make complex information digestible. Think beyond stock photos and invest in visuals that are authentic to your brand and enhance your message.

            6. Meet Your Audience Where They Live (Digitally)

              Your amazing content is useless if your audience can’t find it. Understand their preferred platforms and make your content readily available there. Is your B2B audience on LinkedIn? Is your B2C audience glued to Instagram or TikTok? Optimize your content for each platform and ensure it’s easy to access and share.

              7. Find the Fresh Angle

                Originality is the ultimate attention-grabber. Look for unique perspectives, challenge conventional wisdom, and find creative ways to approach familiar topics. Tap into your daily experiences, client interactions, and industry trends for fresh inspiration. Think about how you can solve problems in a new way or offer insights others haven’t considered.

                Putting Eye-Catching Content into Action: Key Marketing Areas

                Understanding the elements of great content is one thing. Knowing how to apply them across your marketing strategy is what drives results. Here’s how you can use these principles in your day-to-day marketing:

                Your Website

                • Home page and landing pages: Keep messaging clear and benefit-focused. Use strong visuals and short paragraphs to guide visitors.
                • Resource libraries or blogs: Break content into scannable sections. Use tags and filters to make articles easy to find.
                • Calls to action: Be direct and persuasive. Make it clear what the visitor should do next.

                Thought Leadership and Blog Content

                Social Media

                • Use short-form videos, reels, or carousel posts to stop the scroll.
                • Mix educational content with behind-the-scenes, human-centric posts.
                • Keep captions concise. Lead with a hook.
                • Use branded visuals consistently to build recognition.

                Advertisements

                • Focus on one clear message per ad.
                • Test visuals that capture attention and communicate value fast.
                • Use platform-specific best practices (e.g., vertical video for Instagram stories).
                • Link directly to highly relevant landing pages to reduce friction.

                Make Your Content Work Harder

                Creating content that catches your audience’s eye in 2025 takes a combination of strategy, creativity, and adaptability. By using these seven elements and applying them across your core marketing channels, you can increase engagement, build trust, and drive measurable results.

                Need help creating content that actually works? Let’s talk. At Green Apple Strategy, we help businesses like yours turn big ideas into meaningful marketing. 

                Contact us today to schedule a consultation.

                How to Start (and Scale) a Newsletter Your Audience Actually Wants to Read

                woman sitting on a couch looking at her emails on laptop

                If there’s one marketing channel that doesn’t get enough love, it’s the humble email newsletter. It’s not flashy like social media. It doesn’t promise instant leads like digital ads. But it works.

                For small to mid-size B2B businesses, a well-done newsletter just might be your most underutilized tool for staying top of mind, building trust, and driving real business results.

                In this post, we’re unpacking why newsletters deserve a front-row seat in your marketing strategy, how to get one off the ground quickly, and how to make your email newsletter better over time.

                Why an Email Newsletter Should Be at the Core of Your Marketing Strategy

                When someone signs up for your newsletter, they’re raising their hand and saying, “Yes, I want to hear from you.” That’s a rare and valuable thing in today’s attention economy.

                Unlike social media, where visibility depends on algorithms and timing, email is an owned channel. That means you control the message and the delivery. When it’s done well, a newsletter builds trust, demonstrates expertise, and keeps you top of mind week after week and month after month.

                For relationship-driven industries like construction, consulting, or B2B services, this is gold. Because when a prospect is ready to make a decision, they’re going to think of the company that’s been consistently showing up with something useful to say.

                5 Simple Steps to Launch a B2B Newsletter 

                The key is to start simple, collect your results, and improve over time. Here’s how:

                1. Don’t Overthink It—Just Start

                The fastest way to figure out what works is by sending your first few issues and listening to the feedback. You can always pivot and adjust as you go.

                2. Define The Value

                Ask yourself: Who is this for? What one problem will it help them solve? It’s helpful to be very specific about your target audience and get clear on why they’ll want to read your content every time it hits their inbox. Ask these questions every time you’re brainstorming content for your newsletter. 

                3. Build a Repeatable Structure

                Most effective email newsletters have a consistent framework—usually 3–5 short sections that can be read in under five minutes. If you’re struggling to come up with ideas, take inspiration from newsletters you personally enjoy. What do you like about them? What makes you open and read them consistently?

                4. Choose a Frequency that Fits

                How do you stay top of mind without becoming “white noise?” There’s no one-size-fits-all answer here. Start with monthly or every other week. You can always increase frequency as you gain traction and capacity.

                5. Consider Segmentation as You Grow

                If your audience includes different personas or industries, you might consider segmenting content down the line. More personalized emails tend to perform better, but not having a segmented email list shouldn’t stop you from starting.

                How to Build and Grow Your Newsletter Subscriber List

                A great email newsletter is only effective if people see it. Here are a few ways to build momentum:

                1. Announce Your Arrival (Early and Often)

                Don’t wait until your first newsletter is published to start talking about it. Reach out to your existing email list with a personal, concise note announcing your new venture. Explain what your newsletter will offer and why they should subscribe. 

                2. Craft Compelling Newsletter Capture Pages or Pop-Ups

                You need a dedicated way for people to sign up for your newsletter—whether that’s a dedicated landing page or a pop-up window on your website. This makes it easy for your audiences to understand the benefits and subscribe. As you build it, aim for a conversion rate of at least 50% by clearly articulating the value proposition and focusing on your audience’s needs. 

                3. Optimize Your Digital Real Estate

                Make subscribing a breeze across your website and social media platforms. Include clear and compelling calls-to-action in multiple locations, including your website footer, blog sidebars, contact pages, and even pinned posts on social media. Don’t make people hunt for the sign-up form!

                4. Tease and Tempt with Pre-and Post-Newsletter CTAs

                One effective way to cross-promote your newsletter is to give your social media followers a sneak peek of the valuable content dropping in your newsletter about 24 hours before it’s sent. A “teaser” can be a highly effective way to convert social followers into loyal subscribers.

                5. Offer Irresistible Lead Magnets

                Create valuable, downloadable resources (e.g., checklists, templates, guides) that require newsletter signup to access. Aim to create a new lead magnet once a month or once a quarter to continuously attract new subscribers who are interested in your expertise.

                Creative Ways to Improve Your Email Newsletter Engagement

                Once you’ve built a rhythm for distributing your newsletter, here are a few tactics that help you look for ways to make it even better:

                1. Dive into the Data (Beyond Opens and Clicks)

                While open and click-through rates are important, digging deeper into metrics can improve your overall content strategy. Implement creative ways to gather qualitative feedback. Include polls or short surveys at the bottom of your newsletters to understand what your audience truly enjoys and finds valuable.

                2. Listen to Your Social Cues

                Your social media content also provides a fantastic, real-time feedback loop. Pay attention to which topics and formats resonate most with your audience on social. Collecting this information can give you valuable insights into what content your newsletter subscribers might also find engaging.

                3. Remember: Engagement Fuels Everything

                The more engagement you generate through your newsletter, including replies, forwards, and shares, the more effective it will be in nurturing your audience’s attention and ultimately transitioning them into valuable leads and customers.

                Ready to Start Your Newsletter?

                If you’re thinking about starting a newsletter or revamping one that’s gone stale, now is the time. It doesn’t have to be perfect—it just has to be useful, consistent, and authentic to your brand.

                Need some inspiration?

                If you need a few ideas to get started, check out The Core, Green Apple’s monthly newsletter filled with marketing tips, resources, and strategies designed to help growing businesses get smarter and stronger.

                Ready to start or scale your newsletter strategy? Let’s talk about how our team at Green Apple Strategy can help.