Branding should not be an after thought. Your marketing efforts should be calculated and precise to prevent the headaches involved with correcting poorly guided branding. Below are a few pitfalls that can be avoided through methodical planning.
Lack of Structure
Creativity is paramount to any marketing venture but, without structure, expect the chaos to ensue. Branding is more than being creative. It is easy to get ahead of yourself when a new idea of how to promote your business pops into your head, but taking the time to work the idea into your current marketing efforts will save you from taking a step backwards, as well as money.
While being creative plays a big role in developing a strong brand, having a structured business strategy of how you want your company to be viewed will prove to be beneficial. A business strategy is not just for the financial planning of you company, but also for adopting brand guidelines of how you conduct yourself in the public eye. Take the time to fully develop your ideas and how you will show them to the world. This structure will be the first impression for many.
Lack of Focus
Multitasking is great skill and is a much need quality when branding your business, but you need to be able to promote across multiple platforms while being clear, concise, and consistent with your marketing message. Often times, a company's message can become watered down or, even worse, counterproductive to the original vision of the company.
Before you begin to brand your company, take the time to sit down and write out what your company is about. Is it quirky, laid back, luxurious or professional? Know how and why you want people to relate to your company before you begin your marketing efforts, in order to not confuse your customers.
Lack of Connection
No one likes talking to robots, unless you're at a sci-fi convention, so why do companies continue to ignore customer interaction? While this is a feat that is easier with smaller companies, it is always possible to engage your audience and make them feel that you genuinely care. People are not going to invest their time and money in your company if they are ignored.
Social media is a great resource that allows you to interact with customers on a daily basis. The goal of branding through social media should be to connect and develop relationships. It gives your customer a voice within your company, and allows their voice to be heard. They are able to give feedback on your products and services, and express why they love you. Think of your social media efforts as a conversation. Personal connections are how you build life long customers.
Every company makes mistakes, it's inevitable; do not be overwhelmed by portraying your company in the right way, instead remember to plan carefully and be consistent. Everything in branding will always point back to being consistent.
Lack of Structure
Creativity is paramount to any marketing venture but, without structure, expect the chaos to ensue. Branding is more than being creative. It is easy to get ahead of yourself when a new idea of how to promote your business pops into your head, but taking the time to work the idea into your current marketing efforts will save you from taking a step backwards, as well as money.
While being creative plays a big role in developing a strong brand, having a structured business strategy of how you want your company to be viewed will prove to be beneficial. A business strategy is not just for the financial planning of you company, but also for adopting brand guidelines of how you conduct yourself in the public eye. Take the time to fully develop your ideas and how you will show them to the world. This structure will be the first impression for many.
Lack of Focus
Multitasking is great skill and is a much need quality when branding your business, but you need to be able to promote across multiple platforms while being clear, concise, and consistent with your marketing message. Often times, a company's message can become watered down or, even worse, counterproductive to the original vision of the company.
Before you begin to brand your company, take the time to sit down and write out what your company is about. Is it quirky, laid back, luxurious or professional? Know how and why you want people to relate to your company before you begin your marketing efforts, in order to not confuse your customers.
Lack of Connection
No one likes talking to robots, unless you're at a sci-fi convention, so why do companies continue to ignore customer interaction? While this is a feat that is easier with smaller companies, it is always possible to engage your audience and make them feel that you genuinely care. People are not going to invest their time and money in your company if they are ignored.
Social media is a great resource that allows you to interact with customers on a daily basis. The goal of branding through social media should be to connect and develop relationships. It gives your customer a voice within your company, and allows their voice to be heard. They are able to give feedback on your products and services, and express why they love you. Think of your social media efforts as a conversation. Personal connections are how you build life long customers.
Every company makes mistakes, it's inevitable; do not be overwhelmed by portraying your company in the right way, instead remember to plan carefully and be consistent. Everything in branding will always point back to being consistent.
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