What is Branding and is it important for my business?
Great Branding typically will go above and beyond simply just a logo or graphic element.
When thinking about your brand or idea, you should think about your targeted audience. From the visual element of a logo, a website, social media platforms, how you answer calls, respond to emails and how you interact with your customers and staff.
When looking into a broader definition of branding, there are many factors which in hindsight can be overwhelming to decide what to involve in your brand.
To put briefly, your brand is how you want to communicate to your audience.
It is vital to be aware of your business DNA structure and to be prepared to create the correct steps in order to achieve the goals you aspire to. A good brand takes research and patience which in turn requires time. It does not happen over night and it definitely does not happen without a plan.
Many small start-up companies and businesses overlook the path prior to launching their brand which ultimately can have a harsher impact and may require to re-brand shortly after.
Here are a few reasons why investing time into your brand is crucial.
People find it relatable to do business with brands they are already familiar with. If your branding is consistent and recognisable between platforms, physiologically, people feel more comfortable therefore translating to more conversions.
Imagine a business that has a website and no social media pages. It might leave you a little skeptical, however, if you come across another business who has a website along with the top common social media platforms with the appropriate brand points such and colours/colours and themes, how would those 2 brands appeal to you disregarding the inner workings and meaning they are trying to portray?
The stronger your brand is, the stronger you are from your competitor.
It is important to stand out from the crowd in an over-crowded market. Sometimes tuning back the dial can help when the market has become over saturated with graphics, features and services. Sometimes this can be overwhelming for your audience and hence why the phrase “less is more” comes back into fashion to show clear objectives with less noise.
Your brand is your DNA.
Visual elements to the way emails are answered, everything plays a part when it comes to show what type of company and brand you are.
Your brand should motive and keep you and your staff focused.
A crystal clear branding strategy provides clarity that you and your staff require to drive for success. It tells you to look sharp, it speaks your language, it directs to you win and how to reach your goals.
A strong brand will generate referrals.
People love telling their friends and family about a brand. People wear brands, drive brands, consume brands, listen to brands, and constantly telling others about the brands they love. On the contrary, you struggle to tell someone about a brand when you just can not remember.
A solid brand will reflect on what your audience will expect.
A brand with a clear and consistent message will attract the right audience every time. Your audience will know what to expect each time they experienced the brand.
Your brand is your promise to your audience.
It is important to realise that your brand represents you. You are the brand, your staff is the brand, your marketing is the brand and your product is the brand.
What does your brand say about you, and what does your brand promise?
Your brand will help you find focus and clarity.
It can be easy to stray from your original DNA without a guide. Before you know it, your brand has gone to a complete different audience and can confuse both your audience and yourself.
A clear brand strategy will help guide you and ultimately saving you time and money invested.
Emotionally connecting to your audience?
A great brand will connect to people in many ways. Connecting with people in an emotional level is very powerful. When you look at tech nerds or car fanatics, they generally have a strong emotional connection with these brands.
When you think about brands such as Coca-Cola, Apple, Nike and KFC do these companies weigh their worth from their physical assets such as equipment, products, warehouses and factories? These companies are worth much more than their physical assets, their brand has created a value that exceeds their physical assets.
The best guide to branding is a strong idea. An idea that you and your team can grasp, commit to and deliver.
If you need help with your idea or brand from creating your initial strategy to the visual identity elements, contact us for a chat! We love branding and we would be honoured in identifying and sharing your story!
