6 Tips for Small Business Branding

Branding isn’t just for large corporations. In fact, it’s just as important to brand your small business. While you might do it slightly different than the big guys, the effect is still the same. Here are 6 tips to for branding your small business.

Have a website

Although this might seem obvious, there are so many businesses that think they can get by without one. The truth is, in this day and age, you can’t. Some businesses claim that they rely solely on word-of-mouth, but the truth is, they just don’t know how much business they’re missing out on. When creating your website, make sure it reflects your brand image, has a fresh, up-to-date design, and uses images and language that reflect who you are and what you stand for.

Start a business blog

Your business’ blog is a place where you can share valuable content, making you an obvious expert in your domain. It also has the added bonus of keeping your site up to date. Search engines such as Google reward frequently updated sites. The updates make them more timely and relevant. Your blog is also a great place to encourage feedback, allowing you to really impress your customers.

Use online and traditional marketing tools

According to statistics, potential customers need to be exposed to your brand 7 times before they buy. For this reason, your blog shouldn’t be your sole marketing tool. Launch a direct mail campaign and/or an email campaign. Host a webinar or sponsor (or host) a local event. Don’t forget about networking. You can network online using social media tools, and by attending trade shows and networking events.

Follow through

If you say you’re going to do something, make sure you do it. Brand loyalty comes from consistent experience. There’s nothing worse than having your expectations let down. Meet your customers’ expectations, and if possible, exceed them.

Your logo doesn’t matter, but consistency does

Ultimately, your loyal customers aren’t there because you have a great logo. They’re loyal to your great product or service. With that said, you should be consistent with your brand image. Match colours, styles and images on your business cards, letterheads, envelopes, invoices, ads, newsletters and signs.

Know who’s in control

At the end of the day, you don’t control your brand, your audience does. While you control what you put out – your actions, stationary, website and marketing – you don’t control how it’s perceived. Brand growth comes from understanding that audience. Don’t just send out a slew of material, sit back and wait for the customers to come running. Keep on top of things by asking your customers what they think. Address both positive and negative feedback. If you’re having a hard time doing this, you can hire someone who won’t. Your bread and butter comes from your clients – so you want to make sure that you’re working for them.