Branding In Marketing : 5 Strategies For Your Business
What is branding and why is it importance for small business owners to include it in their marketing?
Branding now has a new meaning in marketing beyond what you used to know – logos, visuals and influencers’ endorsement.
Before now, businesses have focused on sales of their products with no consideration of what happens next.
So, you see an entrepreneur running Facebook ads to sell a shoe. All she cares about is selling that shoe on the spot.
There is no interest in repeat sales, retention or customers’ win-back. One she can sell the shoes, nothing else matters.
What she does not know is that forming an identity in the mind of the potential customers is more important than they buying at the moment.
Does this mean immediate selling is bad? No! Who doesn’t want sales?
But beyond sales, creating an image of you in the mind of your customers is most important.
They may not buy now. Trust me, they will buy someday.
So, how do you form this identity? What do you do to create a lasting image at first sight?
And that leads us to the new meaning of branding in marketing.
What is Branding in Marketing?
The word ‘brand’ was from the word ‘brandr’ which means to burn.
In the early days of cattle rearing, owners will burn their mark on their cattle for easy identification.
Branding in marketing 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 who you are via the use of words, audio, and visuals.
It’s a way of increasing your brand’ visibility, reaching more customers, and getting more future sales.
Right from the day of John the Baptist, winning in business is not a battle of the best products; but the perceived best product.
And only with branding can you create this perception.
Importance of Branding In Marketing
Every company would like to think of itself as being in the first place, 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 in your marketing plan.
Just before you design your logo and putting colours together. You need to understand the factors that create a lasting brand.
How to Do Branding In Marketing
1. Focus on Value:
Do you know who your customers are? What are their motivations for buying?
This is important to creating a brand that will last.
If you need people to engage with your business online, then you need to communicate your value.
That is:
- 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.
As much as profit is important to keep your business running, seek first to help.
2. Rewrite Your USP
USP stands for Unique Selling Proposition. It is good for business 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? Ecommerce Company.
Who do you serve? Small Businesses.
What do you do? Web Design and Marketing.
USP: We are an eCommerce Company helping small businesses with their web design and 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.
3. Engage More
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 you are most 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 thing about business branding in marketing is to create a perception you are the best with proofs.
4. Start Creating Content
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.
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.
5. Fuel Your Passion
What do you dream about all day? What do you love doing? Start it, fuel it.
Passion is the 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.
A product you don’t love or believe in, you won’t promote or associate with. Also, it is what you love you spend time, energy, and resources on.
It sounds casual, but it is a powerful truth.
I guess the first. If so, 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 for branding in marketing.
I love delivering eCommerce Services and the business of buying and selling online. And that’s why I am here.
Branding In Marketing Examples
For copywriters, your brand is “intellectual”. You want business owners to know you change help convince customers 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 “healthy”. 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.
Learn how to start a successful online coaching business.
If you sell online courses, your brand is “knowledge”. You want people to know your course can educate them on the subject.
Conclusion On Branding In Marketing
Business branding needs you to share more information to create more awareness about your products.
Stay current about what’s happening in your industry. Read blogs, attend seminars, network with others.
If you are ever at a crossroad on what to do, reach out for help.