3 SMALL BUSINESS BRANDING TIPS Owning and operating your own business can be truly rewarding. It can easily turn into a lot of work and frustration without the proper marketing plan in place. This includes branding your business to help people remember your company. There are several best practices for Small Business branding. However, it generally comes down to three important factors, including a logo, tagline and overall image of your business. Together these things can create a powerful brand strategy. Typically businesses already have a name, but if you are planning to start a new business you need to come up with a company name that represents that business. It should be memorable to the public.
SMALL BUSINESS BRANDING TIP #1: LOGO The first step in creating a powerful brand is your logo. This is usually where businesses begin when they create a marketing plan. Similar to your company name you’ll want the logo to be memorable. It should help consumers and the public recognize your company. A logo is a graphical representation of your business. Be sure to keep it simple and uncluttered for the maximum effect. Many business owners hire a graphic designer to create their logo for them as they want a professional logo to represent their company. This can easily become expensive so be sure to shop around and look at examples of the designer’s work. Another option for having your logo designed is to “host a design contest” at 99designs.com. Instead of hiring one designer to create one look you will have several professional designers competing for your business. Starting at $299 you give direction to the designers. You only pay for the logo you want to use and keep. This is a relatively inexpensive way to have a logo designed if you think about the number of logo designs you’ll have to choose from.
SMALL BUSINESS BRANDING TIP #2: TAGLINE After your logo is designed you’ll want to create an unforgettable tagline. Typically taglines are shorter. This means keeping your tagline between 3 and 7 words. You should use the tagline as a way to help customers remember your business and what they enjoy about your company. Here are some samples of famous taglines:
“I’m lovin it” – McDonald’s “Every kiss begins with Kay” – Kay Jewelers “Maybe she’s born with it…” – Maybelline “It’s the cheesiest!” – Kraft Macaroni & Cheese “Eat Fresh” – Subway “Just Do It” – Nike
SMALL BUSINESS BRANDING TIP #3: OVERALL IMAGE Business owners often forget or neglect the importance of the overall image your brand evokes. This is not enough. You need to properly manage your branding to ensure it is seen in a positive way. You want people to think positive thoughts when they remember your business. This is why providing quality customer service can be so important for businesses, especially smaller local businesses. Brand strategies are important for any business owner, but the small business owner needs to remember they need a proper strategy too. A strong brand can take time to be recognized, but once properly implemented it can greatly add to your bottom line. Start with the three tips above to get a good start and continue to satisfy your customers. You’ll see your brand grow with word-of-mouth advertising over the years.
Even small businesses can create big business branding on a shoestring budget. Whether you are looking to promote your local business or dominate your industry online, you can benefit from this helpful series of video tutorials.