Discover the 7 Steps for Success in Branding Your Business
1. What is Brand Creation?
What does Branding Your Business mean? Branding or Brand Creation is perhaps one of the most important elements you need with any business. Branding is usually demonstrated in the form of a logo, symbol, wording, image or other type of medium which is used to identify who the business is. For example, a typical logo for a Pizza Shop might be an image of a Pizza with the words Joe’s Pizza above it. This tells the consumer that the business belongs to Joe and it is a Pizza Shop. Pretty simple example, but I am sure you get the picture. Essentially, the main point here is that it isn’t just big business that needs a brand; every business should have one. Having a brand doesn’t always mean a logo, your brand could be just words. A brand is what makes a business memorable to the customer, an identifier which allows them to quickly recognize and remember who you are.
Essentially, brand creation is all about YOU, your personality…it differentiates you and your business by telling a consumer who you are. Brand recognition is one of the quickest ways to build a following and create customer loyalty.
2. Why Is A Brand So Important?
Creating a brand or logo for your business is essential to tell consumers who you are but it isn’t enough! Yes, consumers will quickly start to recognize your brand or logo but you also need to have the goods to back it up. For example, great customer service, follow up, ability to produce and deliver your goods. Without all of these elements, you may potential damage your brand and reputation and by doing so, quickly erode any following you might have built up. You will also risk consumer confidence in your product and once that has gone, it is very difficult to rebuild. Consumers by nature are driven by emotional response and providing the services and/or products you provide is consistent and meeting their requirements, your brand will remain strong and continue to grow.
3. How Do I Get A Brand?
Before you race out and find a logo to brand your business with, there are several things you need to consider first.
For example:
– What is the product or service you are trying to market?
– Do you know who your target market is?
– Do you know the estimated age of your audience?
– Are you marketing to males, females or both?
– Are you aware of what your audience is interested in?
– Do you know where your audience sources your potential product or service now?
– Do you know how much money they make?
– Are you planning on promoting your business to Corporate, Small Business and/or Mums and Dads?
Without these basic elements answered, it will be very difficult to determine the type of brand you need to promote your business. Understanding the type of audience you intend to market to is crucial. Once your questions have been answered, you will be provided with the relevant material you need to establish the framework for your brand. Only then, can you decide what you want to do with your branding.
4. How Will Your Brand Be Used?
The next important component to contemplate is “HOW” and “WHERE” you want your brand to be used. Branding your business is great, but in order to justify the type of marketing you need to promote your business and decide what type of brand you want, you will need to decide WHERE your business is going and HOW the brand will be used.
WHERE
HOW
Taking all of the above into account may take days, you need to be vigilant with your brand and make sure that your business is well covered from every angle. A good rule of thumb is to consider carefully the brand you want to use and then sit on it for a while and really think it through. Be sure you have chosen exactly what you want because once you release it to the public, it is not only costly to change but difficult. Remember, a brand is your identity and how consumers recognize your business.
5. What Will Your Brand Be?
Choosing a brand can be a challenge, especially if you have no idea what you want. A great way to start and find a name for your brand is to consider something catchy, simple and easy to read. Another useful tip is to use the same letters for each word, like the letter “C” and sticking to no more than 3 words. For example “Craig’s Curry Cave”. This is catchy, simple and easy to read and very memorable. The words describe what the business is, who owns it and is very much targeted to an audience looking for food.
Additionally, another great method is to write down a list of words related to your business and look for other words that may be associated with your name. A thesaurus could also be very useful when undertaking this task. Once you have chosen several ideas, say them out loud and see how they sound to you. Always ask others for their advice so you can compare and see which one stands out the most.
When you have narrowed your choices down to a couple, you should undertake a search on godaddy.com to establish whether or not the domain name would be available. If it isn’t I would strongly suggest that you search for another name because having your brand name the same as your domain name will strengthen your branding influence and capacity on the internet.
6. Does It Matter What Colour Your Brand Is?
It most certainly does matter what colour your brand is when branding your business. Communicating the right colour to the right audience is essential for building trust and appeal to your target market.
For example, it is known that the following colours communicate and epitomise trust to these particular markets and/or audience:
Red – (Gentle & Love)
Blue – (Professional, Trusting)
Green – (Natural, Environment)
Orange – (Optimism)
Purple – (Imagination)
Black – (Secretive)
Yellow – (Smart, Cheerful)
We all know that Facebook is blue and that is no accident, blue represents professionalism and trust and as we all see, has a huge following.
Decide what colour appeals to your market. Whilst you are doing this, you also need to consider the image or logo you are going to use because this will have an impact on your brand as well.
Images are equally important, you want a strong positive image, not something that emphasizes negativity and will turn your audience away. Again, keeping it simple is usually the best motto however, associating your brand with your name may require something a little more complicated and if that is the case, it is always recommended that you have continuity all the way through.
7. Review Process
Once you have decided on your brand, colour, type, image, market, audience and any other component required to complete the process, it is time to review and finalize.
You can prepare all of this work yourself; however consulting with a professional is always a good idea. Not only do you get an unbiased opinion but you also get a “qualified” eye to look over your work.
Of course, there is a cost and it is up to you whether or not you choose to take that path.
If on the other hand, you are seeking professional advice, always make sure you understand the costs before any work is started, be specific with your instructions and get everything in writing. It is essential that you are happy with the end result. Don’t be afraid to ask questions.
Once you have your brand in place, you can start marketing and promoting your business.
To Your Outstanding Success
