TOP 4 BASICS OF STATRUP BRANDING

 The Basics of Branding.




Branding is one of the most important aspects of any business, large or small, retail or B2B. An effective brand strategy gives you a major edge in increasingly competitive markets. But what exactly does "branding" mean? How does it affect a small business like yours?

Defining your brand is like a journey of business self-discovery. It can be difficult, time-consuming and uncomfortable. 

Let's take a look at what makes each element so vital to successfully branding your business.

#1. Create a Logo

A logo is a design or symbol that is created by an organization and identifies its offerings and services. Iconic logos, like the Nike Swoosh and Coca-Cola script, are instantly recognizable to consumers. Beyond recognition, logos play several important roles in branding for small businesses: 
  • They make a strong first impression. Even at a distance, it will always remind you that you are close to a certain brand's location.
  • A logo can help convey the company's values and personality. 
  • Logos provide credibility. Customers build trust with logos and their associated brands. 
  • Logos create familiarity over time. 
How do you create a logo? New startups generally have their logos created from scratch. Companies already in business may refresh their existing logos. When the time comes to register a trademark for your logo, you'll need to conduct a logo search prior to filling out the application. This ensures you are not infringing upon a registered trademark with a similar or exact logo design.

#2. Create a website

A website is crucial. This is the first place where potential customers and investors will search for you. If your company does not have a well-maintained site, you'll most likely be left behind, while prospective customers move on to the nearest competitor. More than anything, a lack of web presence reflects poorly on your brand. It sends the message that the startup is not equivalent and is most likely not worth investing in. Designing and programming a website may seem time and energy consuming. But with website builders such as fnfcom, it can actually be done quite simply, without requiring large budgets or hiring designers and programmers.

#3. Domain name

A domain name, for anyone unfamiliar with the term, is a component of the URL used to access websites. For example, www.fnfcom.com is my company's domain name. It's the address where users can access our website and find us online. Choosing the best domain name for your business ties back in with its brand. When possible, it's preferable that the name of the business matches its domain name. However, this is not always the case for all businesses. Brands do not always have to opt for an exact match domain name. Some chooses to create domain names that are rich in SEO optimized keywords. Ideally, these keywords also tie in to your company's offerings and location so customers can easily search for and find your business online. Outside of using keywords, also keep in mind that domain names should be short, memorable and easy to pronounce by customer base.

#4. Utilize social media

Social media presence is much more than a part of a good branding effort. It is the main platform for outreach and a major part of a brand's online existence. Operating social media accounts on multiple platforms, while maintaining the voice and aesthetic previously established, helps solidify the brand's identity. It increases visibility and improves communication with both investors and customers. This makes social media an extremely powerful tool for any brand in general, and startups in particular. Although part of a broader effort, social media branding has its own set of guidelines, to help maximize reach and optimize public perception.

Final Thoughts...

Nearly everything about your business can contribute to your brand; from the colors used in your marketing materials to your marketing materials to your mission statement and values you strive to practice every day.

Once you start thinking of your business as a brand, you can shape how customers perceive it and these 4 elements will help you get there.


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Written by: Antony Moturi


   About the Author: 


Antony is a professional DJ, Pianist, Social Media ManagerContent Creator and a Blogger. Besides that he does professional Sound Engineering, Public Speaking and is a Youth Leader.

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