Branding – Have you Nailed It?

When starting your business is critical to your success that you ensure your branding is well established so that your customers can instantly recognise your company.

As one of the most important aspects of business an effective brand gives you a competitive edge and will dramatically effect the way that your customer engages with you.

Encompassing all that you are and that you represent, your brand should tell your customers exactly what to expect from your company.

However, when starting out many businesses do not see the importance in their branding and will instead opt to design it themselves or pay a design student to just ‘get the job done’. But if you want to be taken seriously and have a successful business, this is a step that should not be discredited from your business plan.

Invest in Experts

We’re not saying that by paying heavy design fees you’ll have a brand logo more recognisable than Coca Cola, but it’s essential that you do your research a find a reputable company that are well versed in branding.

As experts in their field they will understand what makes a great logo, and be able to tap into the ethos of your business without an overly detailed brief.

Look back at the most recognisable logos we know of today, and you’ll notice there’s nothing over the top about them.

Their design has seen the brand survive many years, and although adapted slightly for each era it has not wavered in it’s original integrity.

Know Your Customers

You may have the best looking logo out there, but it doesn’t mean it will make your business relatable to your customers.

If you don’t know your customers then how are you going to know the shapes, colours and styles that will engage them. This infographic gives a great example of how some of the world’s well known brands built their logos and the phycology behind them. It’s not just a pretty picture you’re creating, it’s a way of thinking.

Every logo has a reason behind it, Volvo built its brand on attracting people concerned with auto safety. So who’s your brands target customer and what are their concerns?

Encompass the Values

Your brand should instantly put across the message of what it is that you do and why you do it. When a logo is instantly recognisable there is no need for a cheesy strapline to go alongside the image.

Ensure that the designer has a clear understanding of your business values, may be even get them to hot desk in your office for one day so that they can get a real feeling for the place and the company.

Market Your Brand

We hate to use the most common phrase in business, but ‘think outside the box’ when it comes to your logo as it won’t just be appearing on headed paper. Wherever you decide to market your business you will need to know that your branding fits well into the industry and will work well in all mediums. Be it an advert, a billboard, a website, or even a simple branded USB business card such as this.

Making your brand completely adaptable will keep your brand looking professional at all times, and continue to portray the message on any platform.