Branding is difficult to create and maintain. You may think that your brand is defined and accurate, but it could also be all over the place. Or worse, your brand could be completely non-existent.
When faced with this situation, you must take a step back and plan for the bigger picture. This starts by first understanding what you are working for, and how you will achieve it. In simpler words, you need a brand strategy.
Brand strategy is the plan that houses all the long-term goals and specific needs that can be achieved with the evolution of a successful brand. A well-designed brand strategy is the backbone of branding success.
Because your brand is much more than the product, logo, and website, you need to pay attention to all the essentials of company branding. Specifically, you should pay attention to the following requirements for strong company branding.
In business today, it is no longer just about making a promise to your consumer. Your company has to have a purpose for its existence. Your goal serves as a differentiator between you and your competition. It can be viewed in two ways; functional or intentional. Functional is based on commercial and immediate reasons such as to make money. Intentional, on the other hand, relates to the ability to make money and do good in the world.
Consistency is only achieved when you filter out what is not necessary for your company. Everything that goes onto your website and social media should match with the brand, product, etc. before you post, consider what it means for your company.
Flexibility allows you to make adjustments that are beneficial to your business and can separate you from the approach of your competitors. Flexibility will enable you to be creative with your campaigns and marketing.
Provide consumers with the opportunity to feel like they will be part of something bigger. Find ways to connect with customers on a deeper level, such as making them feel like they are part of the family or will be joining an elite group of people when they decide to work with you.
If you already have consumers who like your products and services, keep them there by rewarding them. After all, they have made efforts to show you that they want what you have. By rewarding them, you will cultivate loyalty and bring in more consumers. It could be something as simple as a thank you on a post, or you could write a personalized letter. If they are part of an email newsletter, ensure you address them by their name.
Ensure that your employees know how they should communicate and engage with customers. It prevents issues of off-brand representation and promotes consistency. Get employees involved in your branding.
Competition has and will always be around. However, this should not annoy or demotivate you. Instead, take competition as an opportunity to improve yourself. Since you are in the same industry sharing the same consumers, take note of what they do and what it does for them.
There are a lot of important factors to consider when constructing your brand strategy. Contact us and we'll implement a branding approach that will Perform with Precision!