Last Updated on March 11, 2023 by Awais Aftab
Branding isn’t just a big business issue. Any small business can embrace the principles of branding, the aim of course being to increase sales and customers. If you have little experience in marketing and branding, then it’s probably best to get the experts in to help. Here at 118businessdirectory.co.uk we can help you build the perfect brand identity which works for both you and your business. What sorts of things can we look at?
Corporate Identity
This might sound fancy and only for larger organisations, but really it’s just about making sure that everything that is out there with your company name on has the same “look”. It’s about being consistent in the use of colours and fonts across your website, company brochure, social media sites and advertising. In a small business which has grown organically over time, it’s common to find that all these elements don’t really tie in together. The choice of colour on your letterhead or your logo is just half the battle; it’s essential that your identity is consistent so that customers recognise you among the many other companies competing in that field.
Creating a Brand
If you’re starting out in business and haven’t thought about creating your website or brand identity, then this gives you greater flexibility over branding. Think about what image you want to portray in your website, brand name or advertising. A lawyer or accountancy firm will probably opt for professional identity, using a classic website layout and fonts. A company operating in a more creative industry might make different choices. That’s why it’s important to work with a branding expert which has a very sound understanding of both your business and the industry in which you are operating. Once you have created your fantastic new brand with logo and website, you are going to want to protect that brand from people who may be tempted to copy you. We can give advice on legal protection for your branding too.
Brand Name
Many small businesses just use their owners name as their brand name and this is often an appropriate choice. But if you don’t want to use your own name as the brand, then we can help you come up with something more innovative. A good brand name is clear, unique, and describes in some way what your business does. It’s always a good idea to develop two or three concepts for your branding and run them, past colleagues and friends, before making the final decision. You are also looking for a brand name which works well on a logo, which you can then use on your website, packaging and advertising.
Review
A good brand will stand the test of time with perhaps only a few tweaks to keep it looking modern. But if you find that your brand isn’t working for you, then any good branding or marketing company will build in the opportunity to refine or adapt your branding as your business develops and changes too.
How do you brand a small business?
Branding a small business is a crucial aspect of marketing that can make or break its success. The first step in branding a small business is to define its unique selling proposition (USP), which is the factor that differentiates it from competitors. This USP should be clear, concise, and easily understood by potential customers. Once the USP is defined, it can be incorporated into the company’s logo, website, and all marketing materials.
Another important factor in branding a small business is consistency. The brand should be consistent across all channels, including social media, advertising, and customer interactions. This consistency helps build customer trust and establishes the business as a reliable and reputable source in their industry.
In addition, it’s important to understand the target audience and tailor the branding to appeal to them. This includes creating messaging that resonates with their needs and values and using the appropriate tone and language to connect with them.
Overall, branding a small business requires a clear understanding of the USP, consistency across all channels, and tailoring the branding to the target audience. By creating a strong and recognizable brand, a small business can establish itself as a leader in its industry and build a loyal customer base.
