Is it obvious to say, your brand is your image?
Your brand is what people will recognise, it's what drives your business, and it has your key to success. Your brand isn't just a few colours you like or a catchy name, your brand is everything and anything to do with what you are trying to promote. That is why you have to take it seriously.
As the owner of a Creative Studio, here are some of the main cringe-worthy things I notice:
There may be six different types of fonts used across a variety of posts and graphics that do not match or correlate.
There may be a distinct colour theme used for the majority of content and graphics until I see a handful of pages that use the opposite colours.
There may be multiple logos, each with completely different designs, text and imagery.
There is ONLY stock photography used and no visuals capturing the people behind the brand, the office, or the experience that the business provides.
There is a bunch of useless words on their website that don’t say anything about WHO they are, just what they do and ticking the SEO box (which is super important, but not enough if you can’t compel your ideal clients to stay once they get there!)
When this happens I shake my head, cringe and usually ‘exit tab’ praying that they will someday see the light and invest in personalising their brand.
So if you're reading this and cringing because you may be guilty of these crimes, then fear not. I'm going to share with you some typical mistakes and ways to avoid them.
First off, DON'T LOOK FOR CHEAP, YOU'LL ALWAYS GET CRAPPY
I think this goes without saying. In this case, I'm referring to those discreditable online logos and branding generators. The ones where you put in a few keywords you think relate to your business and fifty dollars later you're kicking yourself for the piece of crap you received. If you haven't fallen down that rabbit hole then I give you a pat on the back, if you have then hold on because there is still hope!
Your logo is essential; it stands for everything your brand promotes. Without a strategically planned and designed logo, you will be utterly forgettable. So I recommend doing a bit of research before you do anything else. Have a look at the current branding trends that are particular to your business interest, and then have a look at your competitors. See what they're doing and take note of what works, your own opinion of their brand, and their audiences (what are they saying about it). Do these things so you can grasp a clearer idea of what you want for your brand. Then consider your own style, what would you want YOUR logo to translate to your audience or potential clients?
The main thing here I want to express to you is not to worry about the money. Definitely take it into consideration with your budget, but if you can create a solid brand strategy and identity from day-dot, it will help you solidify your brand for years to come. So look around for services online or in your area that do this for a living. Make queries, talk to someone who wants to help you - and trust me there will be people who make it their mission just to achieve what YOU want. You've just got to look in the right places… (we are totally the right place by the way!)
Okay, so here are the actual tips:
As I’ve said a million times, branding is crucial for any business or organization, as it sets the tone for how your audience perceives your products, services, and company values. But, it goes without saying, there are too many common branding mistakes that businesses make, which can have a negative impact on their brand and reputation.
Let's explore these five common branding mistakes in more detail:
Not Defining Your Brand: Your brand is more than just a logo or tagline. It's the personality, values, and mission that define your company's identity. Without a clear definition of your brand, you risk sending mixed messages to your audience and losing their trust. Your brand should reflect your company's unique voice and set you apart from your competitors.
Ignoring Your Target Audience: Your brand should always be tailored to your target audience. Understanding your audience's needs, desires, and pain points is essential to crafting a brand that resonates with them. If you fail to understand your target audience, you risk creating a brand that is irrelevant to their needs, leading to missed opportunities and lost customers.
Inconsistency: Consistency is key when it comes to branding. Your messaging, visuals, and tone should be consistent across all platforms and channels. Inconsistency can lead to confusion and mistrust in your brand, making it difficult for customers to connect with you on a deeper level. Everything I said about quality design and an aligned logo… It’s so damn important.
Failing to Monitor Your Reputation: Your brand's reputation can be easily tarnished by negative reviews, social media comments, and other online content. It's important to monitor your online presence and address any negative feedback or comments promptly. Ignoring negative feedback can damage your brand's reputation and hinder your ability to attract and retain customers.
Copying Your Competitors: While it's important to keep an eye on your competitors, copying their branding strategy will not differentiate your brand in the marketplace. Instead, focus on developing a unique brand identity that sets you apart from your competition. By developing a unique brand, you'll be able to stand out in the marketplace, attract more customers, and establish a loyal following.
Avoid these mistakes and you'll be able to create a brand that resonates with your audience, builds trust, and drives growth.