Brand Tone

Friendly & Welcoming, Passionate & Enthusiastic, Knowledgeable & Curated, Community-Oriented & Inclusive, Slightly Whimsical & Creative, Supportive

Brand Values

• •Community: Creating a gathering place for book lovers and being an active part of the South Philadelphia neighborhood.
• •Love of Reading & Literature: Promoting the joy and importance of books.
• •Curation & Discovery: Offering a thoughtful selection of books that allows customers to discover new favorites.
• •Inclusivity & Diversity: Providing a wide range of voices and stories on their shelves and creating a welcoming environment for all.
• •Localism: Championing the "shop local" ethos and supporting the local economy and literary scene.
• •Customer Connection: Building relationships with their customers through personalized service and engagement.

Best Practices

• •Embrace "We" and "Our Community": Consistently use language that fosters a sense of shared experience and belonging (e.g., "We're excited to share...", "Join our community for..."). This reinforces the store as a collective space.
• •Lead with Passion: Let genuine enthusiasm for books and reading shine through. Use evocative and positive language when describing books, events, and the joy of reading. Avoid overly formal or dry descriptions.
• •Be Genuinely Helpful and Approachable: Whether it's offering recommendations, answering questions, or describing store services, the tone should always be friendly, patient, and eager to assist. Mirror the helpfulness of the in-store staff online.
• •Highlight Curation and Discovery: Emphasize the thoughtful selection process. Use phrases like "hand-picked," "curated collection," "discover hidden gems" to communicate the value they bring beyond just stocking popular titles.
• •Engage Authentically: Ask questions in social media captions, respond thoughtfully to comments, and share user-generated content when appropriate. This shows they are listening and value their customers' input, reinforcing the community aspect.

Social Perception

"A Novel Idea" is widely perceived as a beloved local independent bookstore. Customers see it as a valuable community asset, more than just a retail store – it's a place for connection, discovery, and events. It's respected for its curated selection, differentiating it from larger chain bookstores. The staff are seen as a key strength, being both friendly and well-read. There's a strong sense of loyalty and a desire among patrons to support the store's success. It is generally viewed as a warm, inviting, and essential part of the South Philadelphia cultural landscape.

Copy Examples

• •Philly, your next great read has landed! 📚✨ We've just unboxed a fresh batch of literary treasures, from page-turning thrillers to heartwarming tales. Swing by A Novel Idea on East Passyunk and let our team help you discover your new favorite story. What genre are you diving into this week? #ANovelIdeaPhilly #SouthPhilly #IndieBookstore #NewReleases #PhillyReads
• •Meet your next favorite author! 🖋️ We're thrilled to host [Author's Name] for a signing and Q&A of their new book, '[Book Title],' on [Date] at [Time]. Come support a brilliant voice and get your copy personalized! It's more than a book; it's a connection. See you there, Philly! Full details on our website. #PhillyEvents #AuthorSigning #SupportLocalAuthors #ANovelIdeaCommunity
• •Welcome to A Novel Idea: Your South Philly haven for books, community, and inspiration. Explore our curated shelves and find your next adventure.
• •(Image of a staff member holding a book) Our very own [Staff Member's Name] can't stop raving about '[Book Title]'! They say: '[Short, engaging quote about the book].' Perfect for fans of [Similar Author/Genre]. Grab your copy and tell us what you think! 🌟 #StaffPick #BookRecommendation #ANovelIdeaLoves #ReadMore
• •More than just books, A Novel Idea is your cozy corner to escape, explore, and connect. We believe in the magic of a good story and the warmth of a welcoming community. Stop by this week, browse a while, and let's talk books!