Image CreditBranding is not just something for big businesses to focus on. Even if you run a one-man band where you work entirely alone, it’s still important that customers are able to clearly recognise your business through its logo and colour scheme. However, your brand is so much more than just a look. It encapsulates everything your business stands for; its values, identity and history. Customers form an emotional attachment to a brand, and are often loyal to it, as well as advocating it to people close to them.
If you are in the process of branding your business, here are some tips for how to make it a success.
Define Your Brand
Work out exactly where your brand will sit in the marketplace and establish the messages you would like to convey. Once you have worked this out, research your competitors and find out what they are doing. Think about what you will do differently in order to make your business stand out from the crowd. Ask yourself what is the central purpose of your company and how your brand can speak to people. If you are struggling yourself, there are a whole host of branding agencies out there who can help you out with this process.
Don’t Overcomplicate Things
Think about some of the most successful brands in history – the Nike ‘Swoosh’ is a good example. As logos go, it couldn’t really be much simpler but think how unbelievably effective it has been. If branding is straightforward, it is much easier for people for people to understand and appreciate. Though you want your brand to be unique, you should also try to make it simple.
Use Your Brand Everywhere
Image CreditOnce you are happy with the brand that has been created, make sure to use it as many places as you can. This can include everything from company vehicles and signage, to corporate stationery. When you make payments, you can even get branded checks through https://www.checkomatic.com/business-checks/printed/. The more you use your brand, the more people will see it and the more business you are likely to generate through it.
Think About Your Tone of Voice
A brand isn’t just about the logo and colour scheme; you also need to develop a clear tone of voice and use it throughout your website, social media and any written correspondence. You need to decide whether to make it fun and informal, or more professional and knowledgeable. That way, people can begin associating your tone of voice with your brand as well as your logo.
Write Brand Guidelines
Image CreditThis document will set out the voice and personality of your company, as well as governing all communication about the brand. If you’re running a small business, it doesn’t necessarily have to be pages and pages long, but there should be enough information regarding the use of the logo itself, social media, personal communications and advertising. If you’re struggling to know where to begin, there’s plenty of advice available online.