So you’ve started a business- yay! While a lot of people who start businesses have imaginative, passionate, well thought out ideas for products or services, many fail miserably with brand identity and positioning.

Why is branding so important? Because business is all about relationships- especially the saturated world of online businesses! Your branding is what establishes a connection with your customers, something emotional to resonate with. It helps you establish a unique identity, attract loyal customers, and helps you stand out from your competitors.

So brand identity is important. But how do you build a successful brand?

1. Be 10000% clear on your unique selling proposition (USP)

Articulate exactly what sets your brand identity apart from competitors and why customers should choose you. Do it concisely using PLAIN language, not industry jargon! This USP should be your “leading lady” of content marketing, your website, your advertisements, etc. Pick one really strong, unique thing that sets your product or service apart and craft your brand around it!

2. Define your story (brand identity pillar!)

How did your brand come to be? Highlight pivotal moments, challenges overcome, and what drives your passion! Storytelling has been proven over and over to be the most effective way to connect with consumers. By telling your story, including the struggles, with vulnerability, you can connect with the right audience for your product or service. If you’re struggling with telling your brand story, check out the exact formula we use to help clients build theirs!

3. Know your audience

Understand your target audience inside out. What are their pain points, desires, and aspirations? Tailor your brand identity and brand story to address these aspects and create an emotional connection with your audience. What do they look like? What do they care about? What problem do they wish they had a solution to?

4. Create consistent branding elements

Consistency is key in branding! Develop a cohesive visual identity including your logo, colors, typography, and imagery. Ensure that these elements are consistent across all touch points, from your website and social media to packaging and marketing materials.

But, don’t get too hung up on the elements themselves. People often over think and over complicate their logo, colors, and thematic brand elements. Sometimes less is more, and it’s better to launch with something simple than to delay launching because of indecision, unnecessary picking and redesigns, and perfectionism. Just start, then iterate!

5. Be authentic

Authenticity builds trust and loyalty. Genuine brand storytelling and interactions with your audience serve you both, and consumers can sniff out a phony from a mile away.

6. Encourage user participation

Invite your audience to be part of your brand story. Encourage user-generated content, host contests or challenges, and foster a sense of community around your brand. This not only engages your audience but also strengthens their connection to your brand.

7. Deliver exceptional experiences and provide value

Every interaction with your brand should be memorable and delightful. Whether it’s the user experience on your website, the packaging of your products, or the customer service you provide, strive to exceed expectations at every touchpoint.

8. Listen and adapt

Pay attention to feedback from your audience and be willing to adapt your brand story and strategy accordingly. Brands that are responsive to their audience’s needs and preferences are more likely to succeed in the long term.

What questions do you have? We want to hear from you! Let us know in the comments or contact us to learn how we can help you build a brand, optimize your current website, or build you a brand new website in less than 1 week or 1 day!