Do you have a business? Do you plan on launching one? Have you been interested in building a platform for yourself or perhaps, you just want to stand out from everyone in your line of business? You may also just want to be remembered by your customers. Time to build your brand!
Your question at this point may be; is it necessary to build a brand? You are not Dangote or KFC and neither are you ShopRite. You think branding is for big business? Think again!
Branding is critical for every business. It is what makes you stand out from the rest. Your brand represents you and portrays what the world thinks about you. Branding is not just for big names like Coco-cola and KFC. It is equally and maybe even more important for your small business.
Here are four reasons why you should be more intentional about building your brand this year.
1. Your brand speaks for you
Jeff Bezos once said “Your brand is what other people say about you when you’re not in the room”. Your brand speaks for you. When people see KFC, they think fried chicken. That is the brand speaking for itself. People remember your business based on your branding – it develops your image.
2. Your brand differentiates you
You would agree with me that there are a lot of people offering the exact same service you offer. With so many people doing the same thing you do, it is harder to be heard or noticed. Having a brand and a brand strategy is a way to cut through all the noise. Consistently presenting your brand makes it easier to stand out from the competition.
3. Your brand builds your credibility
If you want people to trust your services and expect you to deliver accurately, then you must have a brand. To attract clients and customers who will grow to be lifelong and loyal clients, you need a brand; a brand that communicates your beliefs and values and will build trust with your clients.
4. Your brand makes you look more established and bigger
A lot of people are skeptical about patronizing small business, especially in a field where there are a lot of brands offering the same service. Also, people might want to pay for your service based on how they view your business. Having a brand makes people believe in your credibility and also improve your pricing. Brands like Apple, Nike and many other big brands are expensive because of this. Due to the branding and marketing strategies, people believe their standards and pay a lot of money for their services.
Ultimately, branding is like visiting a professional makeup artist to glam you up. It is still the same you but there is this classy and sophisticated touch that the makeup adds to you. This is the same with branding. The same business but a more elegant and professional look.
