Brand Tone

Knowledgeable, Experienced, Community-Focused, Friendly, Traditional, Reliable, Helpful, Service-Oriented, and Approachable.

Brand Values

• •Customer Service Excellence
• •Community Engagement
• •Quality Products
• •Knowledge & Expertise
• •Tradition & Heritage
• •Adaptability & Growth

Best Practices

• •Develop a Brand Voice Guide: Create a simple internal document outlining the key elements of Ritchie's tone (knowledgeable, friendly, community-focused, helpful, traditional yet approachable) with do's and don'ts for communication.
• •Train Your Team: Ensure all staff, especially those interacting with customers online or creating content, understand and can apply the brand voice. Share examples of good and bad copy.
• •Prioritize "Helpful Expertise": In all communications, aim to share knowledge and provide genuine assistance rather than just hard-selling. Frame product information around customer benefits and solutions.
• •Embrace Community Storytelling: Continue to share stories about local customers, community events, staff expertise, and the brand's heritage. This reinforces the friendly, local, and trusted aspects of the brand.
• •Review and Adapt: Regularly review your online content (website, social media, ads) to ensure it aligns with the defined brand tone. Solicit customer feedback to understand their perception and make adjustments as needed.

Social Perception

Trusted Local Institution, Go-To Source for Expertise, Community-Minded, Quality Service Provider, Slightly Traditional but Evolving.

Copy Examples

• •Facebook Post (Seasonal Gardening Tip): Ottawa gardens are waking up! 🌷 Wondering when to *really* start planting those tender annuals? Our experts recommend waiting until the last frost has truly passed (usually around [mention typical local timeframe]). Got questions about specific plants? Drop by any of our locations – we've been helping Ottawa grow for nearly 100 years, and we're always happy to share what we know! #BecauseRitchieKnows #OttawaGardening #SpringTips
• •Instagram Post (Pet Promotion): Happy pets, happy life! 🐾 Whether you've got a playful pup, a curious cat, or a flock of backyard chickens, we've got the quality feed and supplies to keep them thriving. Our team isn't just knowledgeable, many of us are pet parents too! What's your furry (or feathered!) friend's favourite Ritchie find? Share in the comments! #RitchiePets #OttawaPets #LocalPetStore #QualityFeed
• •Website Banner (Highlighting Expertise): Your Project, Our Expertise. Since 1927. From planning your dream garden to choosing the right feed for your hobby farm, the Ritchie Feed & Seed family is here to help. Visit our 'Ask the Expert' section online or chat with our friendly staff in-store! [Link to Ask the Expert/Locations Page]
• •Local Ad (Community Focus): Rooted in Your Community. For generations, Ritchie Feed & Seed has been more than just a store – we're your neighbours. Supporting local growers, gardeners, and pet lovers with quality products and advice you can trust. Find a location near you and experience the Ritchie difference. #OttawaProud #SupportLocal #RitchieFeedAndSeed
• •Email Newsletter Snippet (New Product/Service): Just Arrived! 🌱 Get a head start on a greener lawn this year with our new range of eco-friendly lawn care solutions! Our team has carefully selected these products to be effective and kind to our local environment. Want to learn more? Our in-store experts are ready to guide you. Because at Ritchie's, we're passionate about growing together, sustainably. [Link to Product]