Branding

A brand is a symbolic embodiment of all the information connected to the product and serves to create associations and expectations around it. A brand often includes a logo, fonts, color schemes, symbols, and sound, which may be developed to represent implicit values, ideas, and even personality.

What’s In a Name?
Building your company image requires two items: the identity itself and consistency of its use. Developing a brand requires two more items: your ability to distinguish yourself in the marketplace and your absolute commitment to providing the highest quality/service that your brand proclaims.

Identity
Your corporate identity is comprised of the name of your company and whatever graphic image you have chosen for your logo. Your identity defines visually who you are. Is your name descriptive of your product or service? If you don’t get a good feeling looking at the corporate identity on your business card, your customers aren’t, either. Does your logo create the image you want for your company? It might be time for you to update your identity or create a stronger, more powerful one. Sometimes a simple color change is enough of an update. Sometimes you need to go back to the drawing board and start over. Think carefully about the name and image of your business.

Consistency of Use
Once you’re happy with your corporate identity, it visually represents who you are and reminds customers and potential customers what you do for a living, make sure you use it everywhere! Not just on your business cards, stationery, envelopes, invoices, product packaging and other printed materials, but on ALL your marketing vehicles. Never miss an opportunity to promote your identity.

Setting Your Company Apart
Identifying your competitive advantage is necessary to the branding effort. What is different and better about your product/service than everyone else? Is it less expensive? More durable? In a service business, the real advantage can be in customer service; you under promise and over deliver, every time. Identify your competitive advantage and make that an integral part of your marketing approach.

Although small businesses may not have the marketing budgets to cover the world, the marketing approach needs to have the same elements as a world-class branding campaign:

► The brand is true to the company image
► Be consistent: use the brand everywhere
► Distinguish yourself from competitors
► Live up to your marketing claims