You have poured your heart and soul into making your business a success, but you can't help but feel that something's missing from your advertising strategy. Odds are, you are missing a clear brand identity.
Branding can have a massive impact on your overall success, but you will have to make a positive impact fast. It only takes about seven seconds for a customer to make up their mind about your company.
To make sure your branding is up to snuff, include these five elements of a brand!
1. Differentiation
At the risk of oversimplifying the art of branding, you can boil down its purpose into one word: divergence. A good brand helps you stand out in a crowded field and separates you from the competition.
If your logo or voice is too similar to the competition's, you'll run the risk of creating confusion.
2. Trust
Branding is so much more than a logo. Establishing your company's identity requires you to create a unique, vibrant voice that resonates with your audience and establishes trust.
In short, don't be something your business isn't. Think about what your company represents and how you can use those values to create something that speaks with your audience—not at them.
3. Clarity
How many times have you come across a sign for a business that says nothing about what the company does?
Don't make your customers guess, because they won't waste their time. Instead, make sure your branding covers the following topics:
• Who you are
• What you do
• What makes you different
• How customers can reach you
Keep it simple. An eye-popping logo is great, but if it doesn't inform the audience, it's pointless.
4. Reliability
If a customer finds your business on Facebook, then visits your website, they should experience a singular, clear message.
Customers crave reliability, so make sure you're using the same voice across all platforms.
Don't forget to incorporate your logo and voice into things like email headers and invoices, too. If you're interested in finding out more, check out free invoice generator websites that specifically help brands on a budget.
5. Memorability
This is both the hardest and most important aspect of branding. In a perfect world, your brand should stick with customers, long after they have made their initial purchase.
For example, think of how Coca-Cola and its polar bear mascots are practically synonymous with Christmas at this point. Or how McDonald's has the golden arches that you can always count on.
These bits of branding are things customers can recognize within seconds, even if a brand name isn't directly attached.
The Elements of a Brand Your Company Can't Go Without
Branding is so much more than a marketing buzzword. Brand building is an essential business component that ensures differentiation, personality, trust, clarity, and memorability.
As you further assess your business goals, make sure you are including these elements of a brand identity. Branding for business is big!
And if you would like to learn more about marketing your website, including how you can build a great website or learn more about the essential elements of a brand, be sure to check out the rest of our site and get in touch! We have a wide variety of articles and guides about business branding on a budget!
