In this article, you will learn the best branding strategies and why they are important for your online marketing success.
Every company would like to think of itself as being in the first place in the industry, but we know that’s not true.
People want to buy from businesses leading in the market. Only on rare occasions do consumers consider sellers in second or third place.
This same applies to Google SEO – where websites compete for the first position.
There is a reason brand names dominate around the world. It’s because people associate quality with industry experts. And so, they will pay a high price.
Most people using the iPhone do that because of the brand name, APPLE.
It gives them a sense of recognition and importance. The same applies to Gucci and many others.
While selling is good; becoming a leader in your industry is better. During tough times, people go to leading businesses even though the price may be higher.
They are not willing to risk their money for a product or service they have no full trust for.
So, to dominate your niche and develop your brand name, you need to have proven branding strategies at work in your business.
Before we continue, let’s see…
What is branding and why are they important for small business owners to include it in their marketing strategies?
Meaning Of Branding And Why It is Important As Marketing Strategies?
The word ‘brand’ was from the word ‘brandr’ which means to burn.
In the early days of cattle rearing, owners will burn marks on their cattle for easy identification.
Branding as a base of marketing strategies is enforcing an idea about the product you are promoting, so people can remember you for future purchase.
It is the act of promoting not just what you sell but how you want to customers to perceive you via the use of text, audio, and visuals.
Online branding is important because it increases your brand’ visibility, reach more customers, and get you more future sales.
- Increased Visibility: Website branding gives you a higher visibility than traditional branding using banners and fliers.
- Solid credibility: If you properly manage your branding, you will earn customers’ trust. This will result in more people willing to do business with you.
- Competitive Advantage: One of the major benefits of website branding is that where others struggle, you will excel. When people want a product, your name comes to their mind.
- Reputation Management: With online branding, you address feedbacks immediately, helping you build an excellent reputation before your audience.
- Marketing Effectiveness: It compliments your overall marketing efforts hereby increasing sales.
Best Branding Strategies for Your Business Online
1. Know Your Customers
Understanding your targeted audience is the first step to creating an effective branding strategies in marketing.
Most time when I mention to business clients the need to Know Your Customers (KYC), I hear questions like,
- Is KYC not for banks?
- But I sell to everybody?
- Would KYC not mean I am invading my customers’ privacy?
No, sir/ma. We do not restrict KYC to banks.
And in this case, it is not about getting their personal information but about knowing their needs. So, you are not invading their privacy.
About your products being for everyone, I am sorry. There is none as a thing for everyone. The more reason you need to know who your customers are.
The primary essence of knowing your audience is to meet them at the very point of their needs.
That sounds like a prayer, though, but it’s the truth.
Who you don’t know, you can’t help. What you don’t know, you can’t give.
By knowing your audience, you know how to reach them and what products resonates best with them.
It is the reason you will meet new generation banks at youth carnivals but meet traditional banks at every nook of public offices.
Each understood their audience. The youth want flexibility while older adults want safety.
So, KYC removes the guess of branding strategies in marketing and replaces with clarity of who your customers are and what they want in business.
You didn’t start a business for yourself or friends, but for strangers.
And because they are strangers, you need to know what drives them so as to make them friends.
Because whatever drives a man, he will spend money on without a second thought.
2. Define your brand identity:
Brand identity is another of the best branding strategies you use to differentiate your marketing online.
Because it tells who you are, what you stand for, and why you do what you do.
There is a man in my neighbourhood who will never forsake FirstBank no matter the exploration of the modern banks.
What was his reason? He said, “I trust FirstBank than I trust tomorrow”.
Don’t be judgemental. It’s what we call customers’ loyalty.
FirstBank may not be the best in technological operations, but they have sold the believe of safety to their customers.
In a coaching session, I told one of my clients who is into shoe making.
You must create an image of help and not profit if you want to succeed. As a fashion entrepreneur, tell me about the long-term effect of wearing certain materials. Educate me on why some shoes are the best for a prolonged health. Talk to me, connect with me. And I will become loyal to your brand.
So, it is important that your online branding connects with your targeted audience on emotional ground.
And that’s because people buy with emotions and justify with logic.
And a good way to this is to rewrite your USP
3. Rewrite Your USP
USP stands for Unique Selling Proposition. It is good for website branding and sometimes serves as a sales pitch.
A USP does not need to be lengthy. As little as a one sentence will do great.
And it should mention three things: who you are, your ideal customers, and what you sell.
Example:
Who are you? Digital Agency.
Who do you serve? Government Organizations.
What do you do? Web Design and Marketing.
USP: We are a digital agency helping government organization and public offices with their media and online marketing services.
Example:
Who are you? Fashion Store.
Who is your customer? Working women.
What do you sell? Corporate Wears.
USP: We are a fashion store beautifying working women with corporate wears.
4. Use Digital Marketing
What is branding without digital marketing strategies? Absolutely nothing.
Digital marketing is promoting your products or brand on the internet using electronic devices.
It is so beneficial to your business that you cannot and must not ignore it.
Below are some benefits of digital marketing you should know:
- Flexible and adaptable to changes in the market.
- It cost less yet produces better fast and sustainable results.
- It gives you measurable results than the traditional marketing.
- With measurable results, you enjoy a higher rate of conversions.
So, how do you start your online brand with digital marketing? Simple.
- Design an ecommerce website or any other type to secure your space on the web and communicate your brand.
- Optimize your site so you can rank top when people search your products keywords on Google with the best SEO practices.
- Create and share quality contents that educates your audience based on their needs during customer discovery.
- Increase your engagement on social media sites with these social media marketing strategies and tools.
- Win new customers and gain more repeat sales from old customers with these email marketing strategies.
- While SEO is a long-term marketing strategy, paid advertising will help you reach more people in a shorter time.
- Track key digital marketing metrics to know what is working and what needs your review.
- Solidify your reputation by maintaining a constant online presence to respond to users’ feedback and enquiries.
Embrace digital marketing today for your business success.
5. Provide Value Like No Other
Any successful salesperson knows that establishing a relationship first before selling is the key to never-ending sales.
Publishing content gives your readers a taste of who you are and how you can help.
And your blog is the one place where people can get to know you better. It is an excellent platform for closing deals and getting repeat sales.
Use the actual picture of you and your team on your website. Talk about daily life. Be Real.
- Educate the people on the benefits of using your products.
- Position as an expert by providing key thoughts and value-driven resources.
- Help customers understand the markets and options available to them.
- Throw the spotlight (status, fame) on your buyers.
Your recognition is essential if you want to dominate your field. You need to stop hiding and get your name out there.
Selling online requires you to bring yourself to the limelight. Be the face of your brand. And your blog is one of many platforms to do this.
If you need people to engage with your business online, then you need to communicate your value.
As much as profit is important to keep your business running, seek first to help.
6. Be Present and Be Active
How often do you interact with customers? Do you wait days before replying to comments?
A study shows that businesses who respond faster to enquiries win more customers than their fellows who don’t.
And the reason is simple. When some make inquiry, most likely they have found an interest in your products.
If you reply when the passion to buy is still burning, then there is a greater chance to win them.
Also, a quick reply makes customers perceive you as one who is serious about business. Therefore, increasing your perception.
The whole importance about branding strategies is to create a perception using marketing that your business is the best..
7. Fuel Your Dream
What do you dream about all day? What do you love doing? Start it, fuel it.
Passion is very vital to starting a successful business online.
And the reason is simple: people will see through your actions. Your passion for your business forces people to believe in it.
No wonder it’s been said that passion awakens one’s senses.
A product you don’t love or believe in, you won’t promote or associate with.
Also, it is what you love you that you spend time, energy, and resources on.
It sounds casual, but it is a powerful truth.
You are the first CEO and employee of your own business.
So be passionate about your work as it encourages you to put in the effort needed to build marketing strategies for your branding.
And one way to make your employee become passionate about your business is to help them see it as their own. You will find that in the book, Leaders Eat Last.
I love helping business owners sell more online while living their best life. And that’s why I am here.
Branding In Marketing Examples
For copywriters, your brand is “intellectual”. You want business owners to know you can convince their prospect to buy through your words.
If you sell fashion products, your brand is “styles and beauty”. You want people to know you have what it takes to make them look good.
If you sell food and nutrition products, your brand is “health”. You want people to know you can satisfy their appetite and help them live healthy.
If you are a life coach, your brand is “positive emotion”. You want people to know you can help them leave the state of bitterness and anger to love, happiness and self-confidence.
If you sell online courses, your brand is “knowledge”. You want people to know your course can educate them on its subject.
FAQs on Branding Strategies
What is online branding?
Online branding is the process of establishing and managing the online identity of a business, an individual on the internet
Why is branding strategies important in online marketing?
Online branding give you a higher visibility and get you more sales than traditional branding using banners and flyers.
How do I do online branding on my website?
Know your target audience, craft your brand identity, execute digital marketing strategies, and remain consistent. You can contact us here.
How can I handle negative online reviews and feedback?
Response to these unpleasant reviews professionally. Apologize for the inconvenience, and attend to the complain promptly.
What is SEO, and how does it affect my online brand?
SEO stands for Search Engine Optimization. It increases your organic visibility on the internet and helps you reach a broader range of people. Here is a list of the SEO strategies you can learn from the best company.
Conclusion on Online Branding Strategies for Marketing
Right from the day of John the Baptist, success in business is not a battle of the best products; but of the perceived best product.
And only with effective branding strategies can you create this perception via online marketing.
A major reason for website branding is to build trust and stand out from the pool of businesses on the web.
The key elements of online marketing to a successful branding are people, platforms, products, and more.
These elements will increase the visibility and credibility of your brand.
If you are ever at a crossroad on what to do, reach out for help.
Stay current about what’s happening in your industry. Check this blog for update, attend seminars, and network with others. Bye!
