Branding is powerful!

Entrepreneur magazine defines Branding as: The marketing practice of creating a name, symbol or design that identifies and differentiates a product from other products.

What that definition does not say is that your brand is a commitment to your customers, a promise of consistency in the quality of your products or services. It's about recognizing you and your message so they know they are purchasing from a company they can trust and one in which they should invest.

As a business owner, I understand that in order to make the world go 'round, I need to not only make money, but spend money. And that means going to a brand I trust when I need something. Whether it be a small local business or a larger national chain. So, I go to places where I have had a good experience, and will be confident of a positive outcome. And I want to be able to find them easily. That is where branding comes in. Because it's all about recognizing your brand.

Branding can be very powerful. It can make or break a company. But it's not just a logo, it's a lot more.

First, you need a strong aesthetic, with your brand being recognizable on any and all products, communications, etc put out by your company. Each piece should be strong enough to stand on its own and even stronger when all put together. In the picture above, we used our business as an example. Our marketing looks like a cohesive collection. Each piece is strong enough on its own, yet looks great together.

Next, you need a clear message. This is just as important as the visual aspect. Your message should be clear, steady and consistent. It should leave a lasting impact that people will remember the next time they need your products or services.

Now lets talk about behind the scenes. Your internal communication also needs to by clear. Make sure your employees and anyone representing your business understands your brand, it's message and what it stands for, which is your reputation. It's up to you and your people to make sure it's upheld to the highest standard.

Below is a list of random branding stats for those of you who like numbers:

63% of new-car buyers have a specific brand in mind when they begin to shop

60% of online consumers follow or give feedback to brands on social media sites

45% of millennial women who follow beauty product brands on social media have received discounts from doing so

58% of consumers share positive experiences and seek advice from friends and family when they talk about brands on social media

14% of media ad buyers consider themselves pure brand buyers

31% of US consumers prefer to purchase certain products because of brand advertising

52% of US consumers believe an insurer's brand name matters when choosing health insurance

The top 10 sports fashion brands have an average of 12.5M Facebook likes.

If your small business needs a boost with branding, call Digital Ink today at (321) 723-8005.