Building a solid brand for your small business doesn't have to be complicated or expensive.
Branding is as important for small businesses as it is for multinational conglomerates and a solid brand identity can differentiate and help small businesses build trust and command premium prices.
The key to building a brand identity when starting a business is to begin with your “why”, the purpose and values that drive the enterprise forward.
A solid branding strategy should include a firm foundation built on core values, a brand personality with a distinct visual identity, a consistent brand voice, and a compelling brand story.
A professionally-designed logo is essential for creating a strong, positive brand impression that reflects a brand's personality and values.
To develop brand voice, businesses should be intentional about their written content's tone, language, and personality and ensure that it fits the brand's core values and personality traits.
Telling a brand story that weaves a narrative of the business's experiences, quirks, and passions is important as it gives depth to the brand and makes it more relatable.
Once businesses have established a solid foundation with a clear brand strategy, they should bring their brand to life across their marketing channels, including on-brand website design, visually striking social media content, and powerful, emotional copy that taps into their brand story.
Small businesses can hire a professional branding agency like Inkbot Design to help build a smart, memorable brand identity that connects with their ideal customers emotionally.
It's crucial to regularly review and update branding every three to five years, solicit customer feedback to understand how they perceive the brand, and avoid common mistakes like being inconsistent with messaging and visual identity or trying to be many things for too many people.