4 Critical Elements of Branding a Small Business

"Branding helps build the bridge between you and your people"-Molly Ho.

Here's what your "Brand" isn't. It's not your:

1. Logo

2. Colors

3. Tagline

4. Fonts

These are your "Brand Assets"- important for identifying you in a sea of similar products and services-but not the reason you'll be remembered by your "ideal potential customer".

Walk any aisle in your local supermarket, and here's what's on display:

• price

• quality

• packaging

• design

• marketing

All of which captures and holds that 8-second attention span, determining whether someone will pick up-and purchase from you.

Still not convinced?

Let's dive deeper-and let's discuss 4 Critical Elements of your Branding Strategy.

Element #1:Know your "Why.

As a small business owner your "Backstory" is critical to encouraging others to engage with you. Truth be told, everyone loves a "Superhero Story", how you decided to create a good or service, the challenges you faced-and overcame.

Additionally, knowing "why" also helps you to:

• Make decisions about who you'll work with;

• What you'll offer;

• What you'll say and do;

• What you won't.

This, is your BRAND PURPOSE

Element #2: Know your "Ideal Customer".

Here's the thing. No matter how good you are-some people aren't going to like you.

The solution?

Get over it.

As a #smallbusinessowner most of the time you're bootstrapping your biz-financing most of your operations, and accepting the risk that goes with it. No sense wasting time, energy and resources-you'll just frustrate yourself.

Instead, start by asking yourself:

• What segment of the market am I targeting?

• Who most needs this "Thing" I'm creating?

• Whose problems do I most understand?

This, is your BRAND POSITIONING

Element#3: Be Unique

Remember we talked about that 8-second attention span? To capture and hold your client's attention, you've got to stand out. Your visuals must allow them to instantly recognize you-your story, message and "Unique Selling Position" must be crafted to make THEM not YOU-the heroes/sheroes of your story.

To do this, ask yourself:

• Why should they choose me?

• What benefits of my product/service would be hard to replicate?

Remember, your competition's doing the same thing-ensuring there's no easy substitute for what they're offering.

This, is BRAND DIFFERENTIATION

Element #4: Create an AMAZING Client "Experience".

As a #businessstrategist, my number one piece of advice I give to my clients is this:

"Be Excellent"

Translated, that means:

• Focus on the little things;

• Go the "Extra Mile";

• Under promise - and Over deliver.

Remember, "Word of Mouth" is still your best marketing strategy!

To triangulate your customer experience, ask yourself, "Will your customer say:

1. That you delivered a Fast/"Hassle-Free" service?

2. That you were Thorough and Detail-Oriented?

3. That you paid attention to process?

4. That you were compassionate, empathetic and empowering?

5. That they felt you "Vibed" with them?

That, is BRAND EXPERIENCE

So here it is, 4 Critical Elements of Branding a small business.

And yes, there's more!

For that, Book our 1:1 Coaching Session-in person or virtually, via Zoom.com

We've also introduced a brand new branding package especially designed for medium-sized businesses and startups!

Book today-and let's get you started!