zencity

Hotel reliability and amenities meet Airbnb flexibility and fun.

Brand strategy // brand messaging // website // print collateral // video

Zencity provides suites for travelers, delivering hotel-grade amenities, service and privacy with the neighborhood, thick-of-it-all flexibility and excitement of an Airbnb unit.

I helped develop the initial brand messaging and tone of voice, then wrote their website (including writing and overseeing the writing of all unit listings), video scripts and more.

the challenge

Zencity wanted to provide the perfect combination of hotel-style services and Airbnb-style flexibility. To get off the ground, they needed a web presence that would exude charm, sophistication, tidiness and professionalism.

the solution

I underwent a thorough competitive landscape analysis in conjunction with our design team to understand what others in the space were doing well, and where they fell flat. From there I developed brand messaging that would speak to a variety of audiences, from social influencers looking for a couple nights in Chicago’s hippest neighborhoods, to a visiting professor looking for a four-month rental close to a university.

the result

I developed a cheery, sometimes cheeky tone of voice that shines particularly bright and unique in the listing descriptions for each unit and harmonizes well with the beautiful, minimalist color palette that exudes calm and warmth.

Since delivering the messaging and design for the site, we have gone on to develop in-room collateral, social and email campaigns and a whole other site geared toward property owners and developers, for which I also scripted a video.

See below for examples from the website, email campaigns and a social campaign we did during the pandemic that highlighted Zencity as a clean, safe way to get out of the house.