"Make the font smaller!" That's what the brand police told me to do.
I reminded them that the supporters we were targeting for the CGA lead generation effort were over 70. But they just didn't care.
"Make it smaller!" they commanded.
I tried again. I sent them information to support my claim that our audience won't be able to read the promotion. I implored them to change their minds. I sent them data from the American Optometric Association about how people over 60 are much more likely to experience the following (in addition to basic vision deterioration):
- Age-related macular degeneration
- Diabetic retinopathy
- Retinal detachment
- Cataracts
- Glaucoma
- Dry eye
They didn't care.
In the end, our campaign failed. I knew the decision to make the font smaller was a recipe for disaster. And, I was right.
Bottom line: Stop trumping your donors' needs with silly brand guidelines that were probably written by a Generation X'er or a Millennial who doesn't wear glasses.
If you would like to read more about donor-centricity, click here.
