How To Make Sure That Your Branding Is On Point
Branding is more than just the latest marketing buzzword. According to the American Marketing Association, a brand is a “name, term, design, symbol, or any other feature that identifies one seller’s good or service as distinct from those of other sellers.” This definition shows that branding goes deeper than an eye-pleasing logo or a clever catch phrase. Your brand is what sets you apart from your competitors.
Jeff Bezos, the founder of Amazon says, “Your brand is everything that people say about you when you’re not around.” This means that whether branding is done on the personal or professional level, it pretty much sums up the essence of who you are as a person or organization. Bezos’ analogy identifies the reason why branding is so important and it gives us one more clear reason for ensuring that we have control of our own brands.
Another reason why your branding should not be ignored is because it represents the promises that you make to your customers. Effective branding should be gauged on whether you are consistent in delivering on that promise. This promise is based on the fact that you are who you say that you are and that you can be trusted.
When planning your branding strategy, you need to first ask questions like the following: Do you offer the best customer service in the industry? Does the quality of your products outshine your competitor’s products? Are your prices the lowest around?
In reality, it’s impossible to be all things to all people. Your business can only do one or two of these things really well. Effective branding will position your company to be exactly what your target market needs you to be. This must be done in an authentic way that shows the human side of your brand. This sense of authenticity gives birth to credibility which will lead to long-term growth and sustainability for your business.
Great tips – I know I really wanted to think and be original in branding my carpet cleaning business — instead of a guy with a machine, I focused on puppies and kids … most of my clients have children and pets… it makes it a lot more fun too!
Thanks Shelly!
Sometimes it’s difficult to stick to your branding isn’t it? I remember last year I wanted to re-brand my blog and only post about certain things so that visitors would know what to expect. For the most part I’ve kept it up, blogging about certain things (Pomeranian Friday’s and Beauty Tuesdays). It’s easier for me to not get stuck in a rut and know what to blog about – because it’s already set out for me!
Absolutely Nancy!
What a thought provoking post. I am just building my blog and starting to work with a graphic designer to create my own logo. It sounds silly, but it is so tricky to narrow it down because I want to be very specific and clear with my branding strategy.
Amanda
http://www.queenofthelandoftwigsnberries.com
It doesn’t sound silly at all. Your branding is a very important factor in what you do. It sounds like you’re taking it seriously.Good luck with your branding strategy Amanda!
Thanks. It has been helpful seeing other people’s blogs and seeing what tends to work and what doesn’t. Looking forward to hearing your other tips.
Amanda
http://www.queenofthelandoftwigsnberries.com
I’ve always built myself as an eclectic single mom. I’m not really sure if I’ve branded myself, so to speak, but I’ve made my mission clear. While my site covers a lot of different topics, my underlying theme has always been about giving easy, practical information in a fun way so that other busy moms (especially single moms like me) can use it without much extra effort on their part. Authenticity is an absolute must, which is why I’ve never really had a strategy. I’ve always just kind of been me! But I think for those with specific niches, branding is incredibly important.
I think tat you’re on point Nicole! As long as you are being authentically you, your branding will fall into place.
I have been working on “rebranding’ myself sorta speak. I started out as a coupon blog and now am
just more so frugal and life in general. This is great advice for anyone starting out with their company.
Good luck with the re-branding Jennifer!
This is such a great post!! I am always trying to make sure all of my accounts associated with my blog look the same! I feel like it’s a constant improvement that I’m making, but it’s getting there!
Thanks Lauren! You’re absolutely right, branding is an uphill battle. 🙂
Branding helps you to make or break it. I have been working hard on my branding. I appreciate the tips and understand the frustrations in rebranding as well. Sometimes your blog starts out as one thing and morfs into another. 🙂
Welcome Cindy! Let us know how the rebranding goes.
Branding is like chasing your tail – you finally think you have it right and then something else catches your eye and you want to change again! I wish I could settle and be happy!
I love that Analogy. You’re absolutely right!
I think that its so important for brands to always re brand themselves. Gotta keep up with the times!
That’s certainly for sure Kristen!
Branding is so important especially these days. I try to be consistent with my imaging and messaging and stick to particular subjects as I grow my brand.
You make a lot of good points about the branding experience. I think a lot of companies really need to stop and rethink some decisions that may have worked ten years ago, but aren’t as relevant now. That’s what sets a company apart from the competition – keeping up with the current trends and advertising delivery methods. Great piece!
There are so many components to branding, both large and small, that we sometimes forget it’s all part of the big picture. This is a great article!
This is great information. It is funny, I was just giving my 9 year old a lesson on branding the other day!
This is a lot of great information about branding. I’ll have to start asking myself these questions.
It’s definitely important to make sure your brand is on point. I’m not sure if mine is or not…but I hope so.
i agree. branding is very important and you definitely can’t please everyone. i think we’re still learning how to create an effective brand.
These are great tips on branding. It is important to establish yourself and your brand right away.
I just recently rebranded my blog, and oh my, it can be so difficult. Thanks for the tips.
Thanks for the awesome tips! I am so swamped I just dont have the time to fully execute branding!
Companies don’t seem to worry about their branding much these days. They just assume that they will always have customers. I’m glad that I’m not the only one that thinks this isn’t true.
This was one of the most difficult tasks when I decided to get into blogging…starting with my blog name, my philosophy, and how everything comes together to identify my niche market. 🙂
Branding is definitely a hard task. I did it with my blog and also with my photography business. It’s so important though, because it’s your “face” in the business world. Great tips! 🙂