Rachel Begg
When you have a good sense of your brand it can guide your business. From the logo on your bags to the people you hire, your brand will drive the shape of your business. In order to define who you are and therefore grow your business, here are the top things you need to know about your brand.
Why are you in Business
Understanding what purpose your business serves will make it easier to build the brand. Knowing why you are in business is something which you can come back to time and again to make sure you are on the right track.
Who is Your Client
In an ideal world you would be able to match the needs of every client. However, most of the time you will deal with a client from a certain demographic. Who will you be helping? From start-up businesses to stay-at-home moms to businesses established for over 20 years, determine who will be the target of your marketing campaign.
What Do You Stand For
Clients want to know that you are in business for more than the bottom line. How will you make a difference? Are you all about fair trade or giving artists a voice? When you have a cause it can give the client insight into more of who you are.
Be Authentic
The bones of your brand will be something you draw from over and over. These bones can grow but they will be the ones you have when you are starting out and when you are off the ground and running for 30 years or more. Be sure you believe in your message and can stay true to it.
What is your Logo
Your logo should be something established right off the bat. This is the way that you will be recognized. Determine the logo and then decide how it translates to everything from business cards to your website to your email. Think about how iconic the little white apple is. Wherever your logo appears should spark great feelings about your company.
Brand Presence
When considering the different things you need to know about your brand, consider the way that the brand translates. When someone is describing your company to a friend, what will they say? These should be the basics of the brand. The places where your brand builds the image will include:
- Your Website
- In Company Emails
- Blogs
Additional Things You Need to Know About Your Brand
Along with the first half of our list of branding tips you should consider these next six during the building of your business.
- Do Your Employees Believe in Your Brand?
- Is There a Catch Phrase Which Sums Up Your Brand?
- Do You Have Brand Colors?
- Do You Use Your Brand to Guide Your Social Media.
- Can You Connect With Other Companies with a Similar Message?
- Is Your Brand Specific?
Good branding will help you establish a business and stand out as a leader in your industry.