Branding is one of the most important aspects of your business. An effective strategy give you a major edge in competitive markets. But what does "branding" mean? Your brand is your promise to your customer. Your brand tells them about your products and services and it can help you stand out from your competitors.
Your brand is who you are, and who you should be based on your target audience. You can't be all things to all people.
Defining your brand is a journey of business self discovery. You need to ask yourself the following questions:
What is your business mission?
What are the benefits of your products and services?
What does your target audience already think of your business?
What qualities do you want your target audience to associate with your business?
Do your research and know your audience.
How to you get the word out?
Get a great logo, simple is better, so that it can cross over on to different media platforms.
Write down key messages you want to communicate about your brand.
Integrate your brand to extend to every aspect of your business, email signature, voicemail greeting, uniforms, etc.
Create a "voice" that reflects your brand and incorporate it visually throughout all media, online and offline. Are you a friendly, ritzy, casual, formal, etc.
Develop a tagline that captures the essence of your brand.
Your marketing materials should be consistent with the same color scheme, logo placement, throughout all media platforms.
Be true to your brand, otherwise customers won't return. Refer to someone else if needed.
Most important tip: Be consistent