Welcome to the Brand Boost Blog! This weeks brand challenge is all about doing away with the guess work to grow a thriving business with a strategic game plan.
As an entrepreneur it is easy to get caught up in the excitement of a new adventure. We have a pretty good hunch this brand is going to be big! But, with financial constraints, time constraints and the screaming need to do it all, it is easy to skip straight to the visuals—the logo, colors, and website—and call it a brand.
But, let’s face it, your logo, colors, and website are not your brand. Your brand is so much more. So let’s look beyond the logo and get to the heart.
WHO WE ARE
Our brands aren’t just what we say we are. They aren’t what we wish to be. It also isn’t the products or services we sell. While those are a part of our brand, a brand goes deeper.
Our brands encompass the entire perception and experience we provide for our customers. It is how we make them feel, how we seek to connect with their values, and what they say about us. Now, we can’t entirely control these things, we do have an opportunity to help shape their perception through our
- Values
- Messaging
- Visuals
- Customer Experience
BRAND BOOST CHALLENGE
So today, let’s define those brand core values. Our core values are the principles that we rely on to define and determine how we will do things in our brands. Defining your brand’s core values begins with asking yourself “Who are we?” Defining your core values is essential for building an authentic, consistent brand identity that will resonate with your ideal customer. Your brand values serve as the foundation for your messaging. It influences your visuals. And, it directs the experience you build for your customer interactions. So, take a few minutes and write out three to five words or phrases that support your purpose and culture.
WHAT DO WE STAND FOR
Defining what we stand for helps our brands to stand out and establishes a distinct identity. It gives our brand’s purpose, attracting customers that align with our values ultimately creating a stronger sense of trust and loyalty.
Knowing where we stand keeps us on track as we make decisions for our brands. It enhances brand image and improves long-term financial performance.
BRAND BOOST CHALLENGE
Make sure you are on track by outlining your mission and your vision. Answer the questions, “What problem does our brand solve?”, “What positive impact do we want to or already have on our customers’ lives, our community, or the world?”
Now that we have the heart of our brand defined, we can ditch the guess work and begin building a growing and thriving brand strategically. Each of the components above influence our brand message, visual identity, and so much more.
AUDIT, REFRESH AND GROW
Run a brand audit. Is your brand living up to who you are? Are you communicating, consistently, what you stand for? Checking in on these brand foundations will give you the boost to continue growing a thriving business. And remember, as your business grows, it will change. You may need to re-evaluate these foundations as you go.
GROW FURTHER
Check out the blog post How Your Messaging Supports A Growing and Thriving Business to take what you just learned and craft a truly magnetic message.
