Running Creek Beef
The Challenge:
Running Creek Beef started as a small, family-owned business that prided itself on providing high-quality, locally sourced beef to the surrounding community. As they gained popularity and demand grew, they realised the need to expand their brand beyond their immediate reach. However, they were concerned about losing the essence of their brand that had resonated so well with their local customers.
Our Approach:
At Branded Design Studio, we understood the importance of preserving Running Creek Beef’s roots while helping them scale up (and eventually scale down) their brand. We took a strategic approach that focused on maintaining their authenticity as we worked with them over a period of five years from business inception through to sale.
Logo and Branding:
We started by creating a simple yet impactful logo that captured the essence of Running Creek Beef. Colours were pulled directly from photos of their lush pastures and the iconic Running Creek. Owners Deb and Rod understood the importance of branding and also engaged us to work on key messaging and tone of voice, supported by a comprehensive brand style guide to always keep them on brand.
Basic Website:
As Running Creek Beef began to attract customers from outside their region, we developed a basic website that showcased their products and highlighted their unique story. The website served as a digital storefront where potential customers could learn more about the brand, browse an events calendar for farm gate events and place orders via email.
Adding an Online Store:
As Running Creek Beef added more and more products from other local producers to their offering, it became clear that an online store was essential. We worked closely with them to seamlessly integrate an e-commerce functionality into their website. This allowed them to reach more customers and fulfil orders efficiently while showcasing not only their products but also those of other local producers.
Scaling Back:
The demand for Deb and Rod’s premium beef soon outstripped supply, presenting a completely new challenge for the couple. They made the decision to remove the online store from their website and instead only supply to existing customers. This gave them greater control over ordering and allowed them more flexibility in managing deliveries. It also allowed them to scale back their orders gradually when they eventually decided to sell up and start a new business venture.
The Impact:
Our approach had a significant impact on Running Creek Beef’s brand expansion journey. By maintaining their authentic brand voice and visual style, they were able to attract a wider audience while still resonating with their local customers. Here are some of the key impacts:
Increased Reach:
Running Creek Beef’s online presence and e-commerce functionality allowed them to reach customers beyond their immediate region. They were able to expand their customer base and generate more sales.
Preserved Authenticity:
Despite their growth, Running Creek Beef remained true to their roots. Their brand continued to reflect their commitment to quality, local sourcing, and community values.
Adaptability:
Running Creek Beef were able to scale up and back down again as it suited them with us taking care of their needs throughout their business journey. This flexibility to adapt as needed was crucial as their business evolved.
At Branded Design Studio, we take pride in helping businesses like Running Creek Beef scale up their brands without losing their rural roots. We understand the importance of maintaining authenticity while expanding reach, and we’re here to support you every step of the way.
