One: Logo
Every great brand has a terrific looking logo that your target audience will remember and want to know more about.
There are big players in your industry which you can study their tactics and branding campaigns. However, large corporations cannot provide the mid-size business service that you can. So in a lot ways, they cannot compete with you.
Three: Narrow Your Target Audience
Start by thinking of one person that would be perfect for your service/product. Describe that person in detail. Create your brand based on that one person. Then, research where you can find a million more people just like the one you described.
Four: Be Willing to Adjust
You may start off with a clear mission and detailed goals. However, the world changes fast and you must be willing to adjust your business…and your brand.
Five: Social Media
Every single post you make on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, etc…should benefit your target audience in some way and represent your brand.
Six: Show, Don’t Tell
It’s impossible to build a brand if you are telling people about your company. Instead, show your brand by your actions. Do not say, “Like us on Facebook.” Instead, use your website to show your recent posts on Facebook. Customers will see how you are benefiting them and they will indeed “Like” you.
Seven: Remember Your Value
Your company has value in providing a terrific service or product. You’re an expert in your industry. Grow your brand around that value.
Eight: Create a Tagline
Can you describe what your business does best in twenty words? How about ten words? A successful brand is introduced by a well thought out tagline.
Nine: Get out of the Office
Social Media and Internet Marketing are certainly ways to introduce and grow your brand. Nevertheless, nothing is better than meeting your target audience face-to-face, even if this includes volunteering.
Ten: Keep Going
I once heard that it takes 10,000 hours to reach your dream goals. The amount of time you spend each day on your brand will nimble away at those hours.
Eleven: Hire a Branding Company
The best investment you can make is hiring a company to build your brand. (With your help of course.) If it takes 10,000 hours to reach your dream goals, just image if a branding agency is assisting with over half of those hours!