Branding on a Budget(3 basic tools)

Apr 23, 2018
2 min read

Branding Defined

Many small business owners don't understand the concept of branding and as such new customers and niches are left undiscovered.Branding is more than just having a logo, website or getting the right target market; it is a moving target and evolves with the behavior of consumers, I think of it as the mental picture of who you as a company represents to consumers, it’s influenced by the elements, words, and creativity that surround it.

It is crucial to have a brand strategy in place to help you create the best brand experience for your customers because a great brand doesn't happen over night. It takes strategic preparation before launching off.

Why is important?

It is important because: it promotes business recognition, gives customer insight on what to expect from your brand, With that being said here are a few ways to start branding as a beginner using simple strategies.

Build a website:This is one of the many ways companies/ businesses establish themselves on a larger scale. This tool enhances awareness of your products or services and business value. In addition, provides a platform for business to be conducted efficiently at the customer's convenience via online stores and blogs. There are a number of ways to get started but it all depends on what you want for your business. However, most site builders allows for free website creation nevertheless if you wish to have your own ad free domain then a small fee is attached. Some of these site are wordpress, wix or weebly.
Logo: This is the first thing customers are cognizant of your business; some say it is the face/front of your business. For example, Nike's brand is easily recognised by persons when they see a black arrow anywhere. Still not sure what a logo is?A logo is a recognisable and distinctive graphic design, stylized name, unique symbol, or other device for identifying an organization. It is affixed, included, or printed on all advertising, buildings, communications, literature, products, stationery, and vehicles. Not to be confused with a brand, which identifies a product or family of products. Also called logotype. So whether you opt to hire a graphic designer or simply use a cheap software to design it yourself take note of how you would want your customers to perceive you.
Social Media: In a technologically driven society, social media has made branding so much easier and cost-effective. Extending your reach as never been so easy as before, made possible via social media accounts( Facebook, Twitter, Instagram,etc.) and by utilising these tools branding can be successful however it requires consistency and a great deal of groundwork. One tool to have is a social listening platform like Hootsuite which allows you to monitor three social media accounts for free. Understanding your brand and audience is essential to choosing the right social media platforms to use brand successful. Do your research, stick to it and reap the benefits.