Why do companies use branding in the first place?

Branding is important to companies because it makes sure that their products and services that they provide are easily identifiable.

Imagine two different brands of coffee being poured into two white mugs. Without tasting the coffee and just by looking you wouldn’t be able to identify which is which.

However, once the Starbucks coffee is poured into the Starbucks cup and the Tim Horton's coffee into the Timmy’s cup, the difference becomes obvious.

The point is, anytime you see a branded product you know in an instant the company it represents.

It doesn’t matter if it appears on their website, social media platforms, TV, billboards, or anywhere else.

This is why it’s important to keep your branding consistent, it’s your way of differentiating yourself from the competition and solidifying your identity. Branding is important because not only is it what makes a memorable impression on consumers but it allows your customers and clients to know what to expect from your company.

Branding can change how people perceive your brand, it can drive new business, and increase brand value – but it can also do the opposite if done wrongly or not at all. So be consistent on your branding between platforms, because failure to do so can communicate a business identity crisis and create confusion, a huge turn-off for customers.

Marketing on social media allows your business to build trust. Its’s also the perfect arena to generate future business. Your strongly established brand can increase the value of your business by giving the company more leverage in the industry. Your brand should echo throughout your company and flow through the organization. It should be loud enough for consumers to hear — which makes design, marketing and public relations critical.

Strong branding via your digital marketing channels will have no trouble drumming up referral business. From brand exposure to customer retention, and you will see measurable results.

Ask yourself the following questions:

• What defines your brand identity and how does it differentiate from the others?
• What does your brand seek to achieve?
• Who and how does your brand want to impress?

The clearer you are about your brand identity, the easier it will be to craft the right message in your online marketing.

If you are looking to get clear on your brand’s message on social media and take it to the next level, we can help you with this.

Use video to leverage your online presence.
Video Do's and Dont's. Where and hashtag tips too.

Normal Business Produces Normal Results

What challenges do you face as you promote your company online?

• Are you unsure of how to reach your audience?
• Do you find growing your list a complicated task?
• Do you find it difficult to obtain leads?
• Are you maintaining your business as normal? You know... Following the rules, always using "best practices", or reaching back to the experiences that were learned in your past 9 to 5?

Sadly, there is no room for small business owners wishing to be normal. Business as usual leads to mediocre results. So I ask you. What can you do to make your brand more distinct? Here are 3 tips to help your brand stand out:

1. Network
Typically, we turn to others in our industry to find out what has worked for them. Financial professionals visiting an event regarding finances or photographers visiting an event for photography. And that is OK. Just not all the time. Being new to the world of networking, I have discovered the benefits of visiting events that involve small businesses professionals of various fields.

A room of like minds with many ideas as well as the opportunity to make many connections.

I have really been able to expand my own business while networking with individuals with unique businesses. As I learned more about my ideal customer's struggles, I have been able to tailor and expand my services.

​2. Be Like The Big Companies
Another way to step out of the norm is to watch what the big companies are doing. Have you shopped the Dollar store or the Bulk Barn? Notice that they are always prepared for national celebrations months in advance? In August a very small section will be dedicated to Halloween. By September, it's an entire row! December 24th, you will find a small section for Valentine's Day. Three weeks later it's Valentine's in 2 rows.

What if you were that strategic in your planning? When I create online strategies for entrepreneurs, they are built around upcoming goals that allow a business to grow and see measurable results. For example, I am working with a professional DJ who would like to be booked for the spring. It's December and we are connecting his social media platforms to event planners while using hashtags such as #torontobride and #torontoweddings.

3. Find Out What Your Customers Want
​Be a step ahead by asking questions. Conduct surveys and find out from your current customers what their struggles are. What type of service would they like to see?

My husband was shopping for a gift card for his neice. She LOVES Bubble Tea. He visited 5 different Bubble Tea franchises and asked if they carried gift cards. The answer was no, but they all totally thought that it would be an amazing idea. I wonder who will be the first to implement this service.

Normal business produces normal results.

This is your time to be creative and think outside of the box.
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The fact that you are an entrepreneur who runs their own business makes you awesome!