Branding is not having a flashy website or a cool logo. Nowadays, you have to engage your customers by telling your story otherwise your brand will be nothing more than a wasted opportunity. That’s the reason branding is important. Many small businesses only look at the present and don’t see any long term success and growth. Branding is not a one-size-fits-all type of thing. It is what differentiates you from your competitors.
If you risk neglecting branding then your small business might die shortly after the start. To earn a name in the market and build a brand is a process. So, what should you consider when deciding how to brand your small business?
Brand Identity
The “face” of a brand is known as brand identity. Think of a brand as an emotion, and brand identity is the visual part of that brand that basically represents the ideas behind that brand. Brand identity design is the course of creating a brand logo, website, typography, color palette, etc. With these concepts in mind, let's see an overview of a few useful elements you need in creating a brand identity that is attractive, consistent and strong.
1. Unique Name and Memorable Logo Design
Famous brands are easily recognizable, and it all begins with a unique name for your business. This Brand Name will appear on your website, business cards, social networks, letterhead, products, promotional materials and pretty much everywhere online and in print to identify your brand. However, only having a brand name will not be enough. A Brand Logo will make the name more memorable. Your brand logo is central to your brand identity! Do consider the following things in making a memorable logo:
Include an element of emotional appeal related to your brand
Make it simple. When a logo is simple, it turns out to be open canvas clients can fill with constructive experiences they have with it.
The final thing to consider is that the logo design is flexible and it can possibly fit on a tiny social media icon and a huge billboard and still be recognized.
2. Attractive Color Palette
Consider the following points before making a color palette:
Make it simple with only one to three colors.
Try to link colors with emotions. For example, warm colors (red, orange and yellow) show emotions ranging from warmth, power, passion, and action. Cool colors (green, blue and purple) spark feelings of trust, honesty, and dependability.
3. Professional Typography
Fonts are powerful. Famous fonts are identifiable even without context. Can you think of any fonts and immediately associate a brand? (Coca Cola, Burger King, American Apparel, Netflix, etc.). If you want to learn about the basic tips of typography, read below:
Use a font hierarchy
Keep it readable
Select the right font size and line length
Choose alignment rules and stick with them!
Be cautious of widowed words
Be consistent with capitalization
4. Develop a Professional Website and Social Media
Creating a professional website is crucial, you need to measure up online. Most people purchase or view online before buying directly from stores, so a professional website that explains who you are, what you offer and how to contact you is a must when you brand your small business. Your website must contain the following in order to be successful:
Brand Name and Logo
A summary of “who you are”
Mission statement
Brand highlights
Summary of product and services
Contact information
Testimonials from happy customers
Your business absolutely needs to use social media like Instagram, Facebook and Twitter as a tool to promote your brand, create a community, connect with your audience and drive traffic to your website. Your social media accounts need to match the branding guidelines we set earlier in this article. When your online presence is complete and matches, your brand appears strong and consistent.
For more help developing your brand view our website www.phantomeye.net
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