The Ins And Outs Of Branding (Beginner-Friendly Tips)

The Ins And Outs Of Branding (BeginnerFriendly Tips)

If you are a new business owner, you are probably faced with daily challenges. Figuring out your team's dynamics, establishing a harmonic culture, and budgeting are all valid concerns.

Perfecting your product and focusing on impeccable customer service is also not to be neglected.

What about your branding, though?

In today’s competitive marketplace, a solid branding strategy is imperative to success. If your prospective clients cannot recognize your product and/or remember your brand name, you are doomed. That is why you should carefully curate your branding efforts and ensure they are aligned with your vision, mission, and long-term goals.

Understanding branding before doing it.

You may have heard the term ‘branding’ a thousand times. You may have also never investigated what it means, as you consider yourself a tech or financial person. Hence, your plan has been to contact the top branding companies in your respective niche and outsource

your creative tasks. While there is nothing wrong with such decisions, having a foundational understanding of your branding game will ensure your expectations and vision are met.

You do not need to become a marketing expert to define the critical elements of your branding strategy: company name, slogan/tag line, logo, and color scheme. Do not worry if you cannot finalize your ideas. Have a rough draft and seek professional help when necessary.

4 Practical Tips for a Solid Branding Strategy Here are some useful tips that every new business owner wishes he knew before jumping onto their branding journey:

1. It is all about how your (potential) customers perceive your brand.

Though having a clear vision and goal for your business are great starting points, they are not the main driving force behind your buyers' purchasing decisions. Your clients will translate your messages through their own prism. Understanding the customers’ perception of your brand could be a gamechanger for your marketing strategy.

If you have been straying away from a survey about your business, you may want to reconsider.

It will provide you with valuable insight into your clients’ preferences and opinions. It will give you the unique opportunity to tailor your brand to your supporters' liking.

2. Keep your branding strategy strong across all channels.

Consistency across all marketing channels is imperative to business success. The way you portray yourself, and your brand (both online and offline) directly impacts your customers' shopping choices. Choose your words, images, and other public content relevant and appropriate for your target market.

Make sure that your logo and tag line are catchy and visible across all branding/promotional materials. Creating a mood board for your color and design preferences will bring your branding game up a notch. Implementing it in every aspect of your business will impress your customers.

3. Choose your business partners wisely, as they are part of your branding, too.

When you are just starting out, various business challenges may arise. Finding reputable partners is one of the most common adversities companies go through. Getting burnt by dishonest businesses could not only cost you lots of money but also ruin your brand's reputation. Investigate your suppliers, distributors, representatives, and other associates before partnering with them. They are an indispensable part of your brand, and you should strive to collaborate with similarly minded businesses.

When you establish strong bonds with your network of trusted partners, your chances of success increase, as you gain more exposure.

4. Pursue every opportunity to promote your brand.

Whenever you get an opportunity to present your brand, you should go for it wholeheartedly. If the situation seems inappropriate, remember that you are often an obstacle away from materializing your goals. You just gave up a step too soon. So do not ever miss a chance to connect with your existing clients, and possibly, attract new ones.

An entrepreneurial spirit and a positive mindset are prerequisites to building a strong brand.

Weave your personal story in and give an insight into your vision for an authentic brand identity. Allow your customers to understand you better by sharing your ideas, thoughts, and dreams about your brand.

Bonus Tip: Accept that you will not appease to everyone.

Even when you have implemented the most carefully curated branding strategy, some people will be displeased with your business. That is normal. Your company is here to maximize your profits and not to please everybody. The sooner you accept that the more energy you can invest in refining your brand's profitability strategy.