Creating your BRAND

There are so many things to consider when creating a business from the ground up. It takes a lot of factors to line up in order to create a truly successful business, but we are here to help with one of the most important first steps – BRANDING!

Branding isn’t only about your look, your logo or your packaging as many might think. It also includes the ability to solve a missing piece in the marketplace, motivate the buyer and make a strong, lasting connection.

With all these factors on the line, it is important to take the time and consider every angle before establishing your brand – or considering a re-brand!

Here are some areas to consider – and some example questions to help along the way!

Basics

Start by establishing your basics. Start off by considering different names for your newly established business. See if the URL’s are available, and if the social media handles are taken.

Take some time brainstorming a full list of names, leaving it and coming back to consider them all again. You might also want to get an opinion from friends and family, to gage their perception of your company name too!

Example Questions to ask yourself:

• What is your business name?
• Is the URL available for your name, or a variation of the name?

The Market

Second, start to analyze the market you are entering into. What is going on in the space you want to get into? Who are your competitors, what are they offering and what are they doing well?

You will want to consider how you can differentiate yourself from the other offerings out there. Make your brand different, and have a different message. Consider your target market and what they would be attracted to.

Example Questions to ask yourself:

• Who is your ideal customer? Describe them in one to two paragraphs and be specific.
• Who are your top 3 competitors in the marketplace?

The Feeling

The feeling the consumer gets when they look at and engage with your brand is just as important as everything else. Try to consider how you want to come across to those who will become your future customers.

It is also important to do your research on your competitors – how do they make you feel? Try to find your niche within the market with the feeling you are trying to portray. After all – this is what turns customers into repeat customers.

Example Questions to ask yourself:

• What do people feel when they look at/ engage with your brand?
• What s your favorite brand? What makes them stick out in your mind?

The Look

Then, start to think of the overall look of your brand. What will your look portray on your website, print material, business card? What colors will be most prominent and what type of photos will reflect your brand?

Example Questions to ask yourself:

• What companies are you most drawn to for the visuals?
• What fonts are you most drawn towards?

Inspiration

Overall, one of the best things to do when establishing your brand – is to grab some inspiration from others. Try searching on Pinterest for a few hours to see what others are doing that most reflects your direction – and create a board based on that.

Once you find some inspiration, try searching the companies related material (website, FB page, instagram feed) – this will help you grab some more inspiration for all your marketing materials.

Example Questions to ask yourself:

• What companies have inspired you in the past?
• What company would you most like to emulate?

If you need help creating your brand, or want to rebrand your current look – contact us at Alyssa@redbluemarketing.com.  We will help guide you with our Brand Creation questionnaire before taking the steps towards creating the perfect brand for your venture!