Building a business is a lot about brand building and it’s as important for big and well-established companies as it is for smaller businesses and start-ups. Interestingly, a number of corporate brands make an effort to look like smaller, independent brands so as to appeal to the masses and build a larger customer base.
Most companies are aware that branding is very important if they want their business to flourish. Here are 10 ways in which you can build a very strong Brand Identity.
Tips to Successfully Implement Branding
#1 Define Your Brand
Review the product/service that your company offers; identify the niche that it occupies in the market & research the rational & emotive needs and concerns that your customers have. Ideally, the character of your brand should promote your company, connect with customers and differentiate you in the market
#2 The Right Perspective
When you are building a brand, look upon it more as if it’s a person that has certain values, beliefs & purposes which define who he/she is and the people you connect with. The manner in which you react to market conditions and the way customers perceive you, is a lot about your perception about yourself
#3 What Drives your Business?
Focus on what your company believes in, what its purpose is and who its brand heroes are. These aspects will help you build a very strong emotive brand that has a solid identity & character which people trust and rely on
#4 Long-Term Relationships with Customers
The best way to build your brand in a very consistent manner is to work steadily on your offerings- do not overpromise and under-deliver. This will only break the trust that your customers have built in you. Be true to your values and clear about what your company is and your customers will appreciate you better
#5 Consistent Communication
Consistency in communication is about ensuring that your customers are clear about your offerings- this gives them a clear idea about what they can expect from your service or product
#6 Aim to be Unique
Though it’s alright to learn from the branding success of large companies and successful brands, it’s not okay to mimic them. Regardless of how small your company is/how niche your market is, if you focus on developing a unique brand identity, the impact will be greater and long-lasting. Today, there is a large opportunity in the market for independent establishment. Though competition is high, if you are able to bring to market products that are attractive and ones that appeal to customers, it’s also in your interests to build a brand that is unique in every way
#7 Innovation Matters
Big brands are shackled by layers of bureaucracy- this prevents them from making changes and they do not have the freedom to be flexible in the manner that smaller brands can be. But smaller companies do not have to be bound by these restrictions and they can be very daring with the manner in which they position their brand
#8 Branding in Communication
When you are communicating with customers, it’s very important that you keep your branding in view. Instead of slashing prices, offer more. Promotions and offers are an excellent way of reinforcing your brand mission
#9 Try Something New
If you want to be in-step with the times, it’s important that you be fluid and engaging with your branding efforts. Do not give everything away in the branding message. Let there be a hint of mystery in your marketing. It’s a great way of fostering ambassadors who will revel in telling people they know, about the things they have discovered
Be Truthful and Consistent
Above all, be truthful with your branding and build credibility amongst existing customers. Very soon you will find that your brand differentiation efforts have paid off and the loyalty and advocacy will protect you even when your competitors are relying only on promotional tactics to drive their sales. In addition to building your customer base it will help you extend your current range or offering too. Branding is about being smart and getting the vibe of the market conditions right. It’s also a lot about experimentation and consistency.
