You’ve spent the last couple of months getting all of the necessary paperwork together, setting up your place of business, and coming up with the perfect name and slogan. Now is the perfect time to market your new venture so that you can begin to bring your products and services to people who need them. But, you need to develop your brand before anything else. In the past, companies sought to make their look as clean and precise as possible: in other words, boring. The present, however, encourages companies to be creative and have fun with their brand. Continue reading for several ways to brand your small business.
Developing Your Image
Your first step towards branding your business is to do some self-discovery. Then, you have to find ways to physically portray what your company stands for so that your clients can understand what you are trying to depict.
Define Your Brand
Before you begin advertising your name and getting the message out, you have to first be able to identify just that. You have to start to understand who you are as a company and what it is you are trying to accomplish. Think about how you would answer the following questions while you are defining yourself:
– What is your mission?
– What are the benefits of your products or services?
– What perspective to existing customers already have of your company?
– What qualities do you want to be associated with your business?
Once you know the answers to these questions, you can begin to develop your brand.
Humanize Your Company and Be Yourself
People do not want another faceless multi-million dollar corporation – especially if your business is a small one. Give your business a face: a man behind the curtain. People will respond to honesty and humility over those stuffy big wigs and suits. Differentiate yourself from the rest by being quirky and relatable. You have something new to offer, so embrace your unique image.
Develop Memorable Names, Logos, and Business Cards
Your potential customers will remember your name if it is a clever one. Opt for a play on words or something clever that can be easily interpreted into a visual logo. If you aren’t as creative as you’d like to be, the internet has a plethora of ideas. I, of course, am referring to Pinterest. If that doesn’t work, you can always hire someone who specializes in creativity. Creativity doesn’t stop with words. Use color to help with branding. Find the color that best matches your message and personality, and incorporate it into your business cards, websites, logos, etc.
Opt for Content Marketing
Gimmicks are a thing of the past. The newest trend in brand development and promotion is content marketing. Do not insult your customers by trying to trick them into buying your products. Instead, provide your clients with honest information (or content) so that they can have the right data to aid them in making the right decision.
Stand For/Against Something
You obviously started a business for a reason. You are trying to do something. What is the bigger picture? Your clients will respond more to your company if your vision matches up with theirs. You will also differentiate yourself from the multi-million competitors if you stand for (or against) something more than just corporate greed.
Spreading Your Image
Now that you have a brand in mind, it is time to bait your hook and bring in the customers so your small business can be profitable.
Social Media Is a Must
Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter, and Instagram are your best tools to reach as many people as you can. It is a free (or at least cheap) way to get your name out there along with promotions and new products. It is the digital age, after all. Use pictures and wit to capture an audience. Use promotions to help attract target audiences. Remember to provide original content for the best effect. Learn to use WordPress to get your name out there – further than ever before.
Develop Partnerships
Target a broader client base by working with other companies to help spread your name to their customers while you do the same. You can house each other’s business cards, so if you find a client who needs the services of one of your partners, you can refer them, and vice versa. Besides, small businesses need to stick together.
Establish Long-Term Relationships With Your Customers
Repeat customers will make up the bulk of your business, so you want to ensure that they are satisfied. Moreover, they can help spread your name through word of mouth. The best way to keep them happy is to make sure they know you are thankful for their business. Have special promotions for long-term customers, perhaps involving referrals. You’ll also want to keep good on your promises and provide excellent customer service. They will remember you and your efforts to make them happy in the future.
Sell Your Brand
Talking the talk is not enough. You have to embody your brand – and that includes your employees. Make your employees brand ambassadors. Provide them with the correct training and core values of your company and have knowledgeable supervisors further establish the procedure that allows them to express your brand.
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