The top 10: Branding and your business

Successful branding is all about creating a captivating business identity.

When done right, it attracts clients, builds credibility and gives your business a memorable edge over the competition. Here are 10 top tips for developing and refining a brand that truly speaks to your market.

1. Simplify your message

Your brand message needs to answer a number of things: Who are you? What do you represent? What sets you apart? It's a lot to convey, but focus on finding a simple, unfussy way to explain your brand.

2. Create a voice

It's not just about what you say, it's how you say it. Think carefully about the language and tone you use to deliver your message.

3. Stand for something

Being everything to everybody can undermine your brand's integrity and credibility. Carve out a niche, find your expertise and position yourself as a brand that stands for something valuable and unique.

4. Position yourself

Look closely at your competition's market position. Instead of trying to mirror and topple the competition, try to establish your own unique competitive advantage.

5. Be genuine

People will spot spin from a mile away. Promise only what you can deliver and you'll build an invaluable bond of trust with your market.

6. Create a strong visual identity

Choose a logo design and colour scheme that complements your message and makes your business instantly recognisable.

7. Be consistent

Once you've locked in your brand's message, logo and design, be sure to work this consistently across all print and online marketing materials. Consistency across all mediums creates a cohesive image that speaks volumes about your brand.

8. Accept that you can't control your brand image

You can create the brand, but your audience decides how to interpret it. This balance between who you are and how your client perceives you (your brand image) is an ongoing process of marketing, research and communication.

9. Stay in touch

Social networking is a great tool for staying in touch with your client base. If certain aspects of your branding aren't working, you can be quick to respond.

10. Measure your success

Draw on analytics software and sales results to measure your brand's success and keep track of any significant changes that could inform your marketing efforts.

Contact your local Snap Centre to find out how we can help you design a memorable and meaningful brand identity for your business.