what is branding?

It’s not an easy question to answer because branding is often misunderstood. Full of misconceptions and varying expert opinions, it is a buzzword and a popular topic that is too important to ignore. While complex and abstract, it is crucial to your business’s success.

Let’s start with what branding is NOT…

It’s not just a logo or your favorite colors
It’s not just about how your brand looks or how it feels
It’s not a tagline or catchy slogan
It’s not your website
It’s not social media posts/reels/stories
It’s not your business card
It’s not immediate
It’s not a product or service you offer
It’s not static

Branding is ALL OF IT!

Branding is…

The look and feel of your brand
How your brand speaks to its target audience
How you stand out from the crowd
A consistent customer experience
An emotional connection
Trust you build over time
The story you tell
The values you believe and follow

Your brand and your business are the same thing; you can’t have one without the other.

Understanding your brand is pivotal to your business's success and can determine whether you thrive or fail. This journey of building and refining your brand can be challenging, but it is essential.

Not understanding the importance of branding and its impact on your business will take you on a stressful, heart-sickening journey that will have you cursing the day you decide to start your business… Sound dramatic?

Not when you realize that most small businesses fail within two years of business; almost half fail within only five years!

Branding is Essential!

what is Owl Simply Design's holistic approach?

Owl Simply Design recognizes that a simple, strategic approach can make the difference between success and failure. Understanding and implementing a FOUNDATIONAL BRAND STRATEGY is essential to elevate your business effectively.

But before we get to strategy, we need to ask...

what is a foundational brand?

Before a strategy can be developed, a foundational brand is needed. A foundational brand is at the core of your business that combines the business’s identity, message, and marketing. Establishing a foundational brand involves a deliberate and thoughtful process that integrates the following key elements:

Brand Identity

• Character: The purpose of your business, its goals, and mission. It defines why your business exists and what it aims to achieve.

• Personality: The visual aspects of your business, including the logo, colors, and fonts. It creates the visual look and first impression of your brand.

Brand Message

• Story: This involves how you communicate with your target audience and the content narrative of your story about your brand and its values.

• Process: The customer journey - both the seen and unseen. It includes the experiences customers have with your brand, from first contact to post-purchase support.

Brand Marketing

• Substance: Your marketing assets include your website, social media, and email list. They serve as the platforms through which your brand interacts with your audience.

• Relationship: This involves sharing your expertise, building trust, and networking with intention. It’s about creating and nurturing relationships with your audience and stakeholders.

what is a foundational brand strategy?

Once you have your brand's foundation, you can implement the FOUNDATIONAL BRAND STRATEGY. This strategy aligns your business goals with your target audience through impactful branding that utilizes identity, message, and marketing.

Implementing

• Aligning Business Goals: Allows you to move forward initially to meet objectives and growth to eliminate costly mistakes and loss of time.

• Target Audience Engagement: Understanding the needs and preferences of your target audience to create emotional connections and tailor branding efforts effectively.

• Consistent Branding: Builds a cohesive and recognizable brand to foster engagement and trust.

• Continuous Improvement: Regularly assess your brand strategy to stay relevant and effective in a changing market.

• Clarity and Consistency: A clear and consistent brand identity helps build trust and recognition among customers.

• Enhanced Communication: A well-defined brand message ensures effective communication with your target audience.

• Competitive Advantage: A strong foundational brand differentiates your business in the marketplace.

• Customer Loyalty: Building a strong emotional connection with your audience fosters loyalty and long-term relationships.

Benefits

Owl Simply Design’s holistic approach ensures that every aspect of your brand is thoughtfully designed and strategically aligned, providing a solid foundation for your business's success. We believe branding should be an immersive experience for your customers. It should attract your audience, bring them into the fold, and share how your products and/or services benefit them.

Discover Your Brand’s Potential – Download Our Free Brand Audit Guide!

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