Why You Have To Invest in Branding— Especially for Startups and Small businesses

Having a business means juggling multiple tasks all at once (which is admirable!). A long list of deliverables welcomes you every single day. Marketing plan? Check. Logo design? Check? Packaging? Check. Website? Check. Social media presence? Check. What about branding strategy, do you have one? Lucky you, if you have a virtual assistant on your side who can make everything simpler.

When you talk about branding, what’s the first thing that comes to your mind? Is it the logo? The packaging? Or the tagline? Well, it’s more than that. If I am being honest, I think of branding as a shallow strategy in marketing. But lo, that’s was before and I learned the important lesson that we all should — branding is fundamental, it is the soul of any business. That’s why investing in strong and effective branding plays a vital role in catapulting your business growth.

I bet many of us have this notion that branding is just a small chunk in marketing and often focus on refining a product to introduce in the market. Predominantly, startups and small organizations get blinded by the wrong belief that branding only means big fish in a little pond and is like pouring money down the drain. Business challenges are inevitable, and to be on track in today’s innately fast-paced environment you must start on rule #1: Your Branding.

To highlight the importance of this point, research shows that around 50 % of consumers suggest that they make a perception about the brand when they first buy a product of that brand. Branding creates an emotional bond between your target market and your product.

Let me share with you a guide to start a strategic branding for your small business. It’s your time to flourish!

• Know and set your goals.

o This involves creative thinking and analysis of how you wanted to convey your brand. This should tackle your overall positioning — your brand’s mission, your target market, what makes you unique among the competition, and the solution you will provide to your customers. Defining these gives you a clearer picture of the brand’s purpose and, most importantly, who you want to engage with.

• Identify your Brand Promise

o This outlines how you want to present your brand to the world. Find a way to connect with your customers on a deeper level. It must communicate authenticity, quality, and benefit to them. Customers most of the time aren’t rational. They avail of a product or service when they feel a connection to your brand.

• Consistency is key.

o Be consistent in all messaging, style, and values you want to provide. This is how your brand gets distinguishable — most eminently this is how you can build trust and loyalty with your target audience.

“Your brand is the single most important investment you can make in your business”

— STEVE FORBES, EDITOR IN CHIEF OF FORBES MAGAZINE

As a Brand Marketing professional, I believe that the success of any business underlies to having a solid branding strategy. It’s the first step forward to introduce yourself, connect with your audience, and create a cut above the rest.

Now, do you need branding for your business? DEFINITELY!

Let me help you understand further the importance of branding for your business. Get to know your why, your value proposition, the brand persona you want to connect with, and how to create a meaningful and ROI-worthy brand experience.

Because, BRANDING MATTERS.

Are you ready? Which aspects do you need the most help with? Let’s connect!