A brand is a set of values and images that help people identify a product or service with a particular company. The marketing concept of branding refers to associating a brand with a product or service to create an instant identity, which helps in creating demand and value for an item or service.
A strong branding strategy helps startups stand out from competitors and increase their chances to succeed in the market. The branding should be clear, concise and memorable. Startups should avoid overusing symbols and blatant slogans, as this could limit their creativity, alienate customers and hinder sales. Instead, they should use subtle messaging to inform customers and increase sales.
A lot of entrepreneurs are often eager to jump into sales tactics and performance marketing to kick off their business operations. They then slowly move towards prioritising sales goals rather than building a solid brand foundation for future organic growth. Brand storytelling is a marketing technique that helps businesses establish a strong connection with their customers. It can be used to create memorable stories, tell compelling anecdotes and build a better understanding of the company.
People are more likely to remember a company if they have been told a story about it. This is because humans are hardwired to respond to stories and we use them as tools for storing information. The story can be about the company’s history, the product or service they offer, or the values they stand for. A good story has three components: an introduction, where and why you started the business; a rising action, what are the problems you want to resolve with your company; and finally the climax, how are you solving those problems.
Here are 4 reasons why a strong brand is important for any small business:-
- Branding improves recognition One of the main parts of your brand is your logo, which is also the “face” of the company that people will recognise and remember. A logo design is supposed to be simple enough to impress, yet powerful enough to make a permanent.
- Branding creates trust Brands are a representation of a company and its values. They can also be seen as a promise to the customer. It is the first thing that a customer sees, and it’s what makes them trust your brand.
- Branding inspires employeesEmployees today need more than just work – they need to be motivated and inspired that they are working towards a bigger goal. When they feel connected to the company’s mission and values, they are more likely to work better and be happier.
- Branding generates organic growth Branding is not just about a logo or a catchy slogan. It’s about the experience of the company and what makes your customers choose you over your competitors. It cultivates brand loyalty in the long run that promotes organic growth in sales.
A brand story can be anything from an advertisement on TV to an article in your company’s blog. It doesn’t need to be long – in fact, it should be short and sweet with enough detail for people to understand what your business does without being too complicated or confusing. Startups need to understand the importance of branding so they can actively engage with their customers and build up their brand equity.