Branding is often overlooked, or put on the back burner for WHEN the business starts rolling. When in fact it should be the other way around. Having the right brand identity from the get-go can help you achieve your goals quicker.
Let’s look at some pointers to consider when branding your business to maximise your efforts and return on investments:
What’s your mission?
Before you start branding, think about what you want to achieve from this business and why. What sparked the need to start this business and what gap in the market are you trying to fill. And as much as you might think that you have those in your head, it’s a good idea to write them down so that you have a point of reference and your team has a clear picture of your brand values and goals.
Who will want your service?
When you thought of starting this business – what kind of customer did you have in mind? What’s their age, their lifestyle, their hobbies and where are they located? Are they artists or corporates, students or entrepreneurs ? This will help you determine the price points of your products or services also filter the ways you will market your business at a later stage.
What is your personality?
Think of your brand as a person and define what this person is all about. Is it hip and young or glam and sophisticated? Is a man or a woman? Is it outspoken and bold or reserved and quiet. The way you define your brand is the kind of client you will attract. This is where step 2 comes into play –
You want to put out there,
what you want to attract.
What is your competition upto?
Not only in services but also in branding, it’s important to see what your competitors are doing to get their message across to their customers. Look for images and info graphics and even their logos and how they are used. Is it working or not – and why?
What’s your Unique selling Proposition?
Now that you’ve researched the market to see who your customer is, think about what you have to offer, that sets you apart from your competitors. Why will an existing customer shift to you? It could be because you have a better product, or a better service, or maybe you’re cheaper. Sometimes location can make all the difference. However all these things depend on the kind of business you are in to.
Let’s make the logo!
There are many websites online where you can buy ready made logos and change up the colours and text to get the job done. But cutting corners on your own brand at the start of the business is like shopping at a dollar store for an iPhone cable! Sooner or later it WILL blow up!
DO IT ONCE and DO IT RIGHT!
Hire a Graphic Designer to bring your thoughts and ideas to life. Your logo / icon should be able to communicate all those thoughts through that one little image. What more is that the logo should work across all medias – print and digital, colour and black and white, Big and small. Don’t forget to think about your social media profiles – It’s your key to Marketing your business for FREE
Have a read through Why you should hire a Graphic Designer
Create your online presence
Having an online presence not only is the most economical way to market your business, but has becomes a necessity, especially for new businesses. People don’t think you’re legit till you have an online presence. So make sure you get your online presence going as soon as you have your branding sorted. A website to showcase your business and social media profiles to engage with your prospective clients. Don’t feel that you have to be on every social media platform – Choose the right social media for your business!
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