COVID-19 Branding Basics

A recognisable and sought-after brand is one of the most valuable assets any small business or global corporation owns.

A strong brand is essential for businesses to differentiate themselves from competitors and to create a lasting impression on their customers. It helps establish trust and credibility, increases customer loyalty, and drives sales. Building a strong brand takes time, effort, and consistency in messaging and branding across all platforms and channels.

In a crowded and competitive marketplace, a strong brand can help differentiate a business from its competitors and create a sense of loyalty and trust with customers. This can ultimately lead to increased sales, higher profits, and a more sustainable business.

Why

Branding is much more than just a logo or a name. It's about the perception and experience that customers have with your business. A strong brand creates a connection with customers and makes them feel a certain way about the business. It's the culmination of everything from the product or service, to the messaging and visuals, to the customer service and overall experience. Building a strong brand requires careful attention to all of these elements and ensuring they work together to create a consistent and positive impression on customers.

"Your brand is the single most important investment you can make in your business." – Steve Forbes

Adapt

The COVID-19 pandemic has fundamentally changed the way businesses operate, and consumers behave. As a result, brands need to adapt their strategies and messaging to meet the new needs and expectations of their customers. This may involve shifting the focus of their branding to emphasise things like safety, reliability, and convenience, as well as finding new ways to engage with customers in a world where in-person interactions are limited. Brands that can successfully navigate these changes and position themselves as relevant and valuable to their customers will be the ones that thrive in the post-COVID-19 landscape.

Evolve

The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the need for businesses to be agile and adaptable to change. Companies that were able to pivot and adjust their business model to meet new consumer demands and behaviours have been able to survive and even thrive during these challenging times. It's also been an opportunity for businesses to reassess their brand and messaging, and to communicate with their customers in a more meaningful way. Ultimately, those who are able to adapt to the new normal will be the ones who succeed in the long run.

Vision

Establishing a solid brand identity is essential for scaling a business. A strong brand identity helps to differentiate the business from competitors, build trust and credibility with customers, and create a sense of loyalty. When a business has a solid brand identity, it becomes easier to expand into new markets, introduce new products or services, and attract new customers. This is because the brand has already established a reputation and a level of trust with its existing customer base, which can then be leveraged to attract new customers and drive growth.

Plan

Branding is essential for small businesses to establish themselves in the market and create a strong identity. By creating a brand that resonates with your target audience, you can differentiate yourself from competitors and build customer loyalty. A strong brand can also help you charge premium prices for your products or services and expand your customer base, leading to business growth and success. Ignoring branding can leave your business lost in the crowded marketplace, struggling to stand out and attract customers. If you're in business, it's your business to know;

• / purpose /  what problem do you solve
• / reason /  why you do what you do
• / unique /  your point of difference
• / mission /  your business intention
• / consumer /  who your customers are
• / aware /  is your brand well-known
• / recall /  is your brand memorable
• / credibility /  is your brand trustworthy
• / values /  your trading code of ethics
• / identity /  the overall view of your business
• / perception /  the public's opinion of your brand
• / relevance /   are you meeting current market demands

Having a clear brand purpose and identity is crucial for a business to effectively communicate its message and connect with its target audience. It's not just about having a unique logo or catchy tagline, but about defining your brand's values, mission, and personality. A well-crafted brand purpose can inspire employees, attract loyal customers, and ultimately drive business success. It's important for businesses to take the time to define their brand purpose and ensure it aligns with their overall goals and values.

BRAND vs BRANDING vs BRAND IDENTITY

There are many misinterpretations about the use of 'brand', 'branding' and 'brand identity'. Put simply, to build a successful business of any size, you need a standout 'brand', consistent 'branding' and a solid 'brand identity'. Yes, they are interchangeable and equally valuable, but individually play significant roles;

/ brand / is the unique identity and personality of a product, service, or company that sets it apart from its competitors in the minds of consumers. It encompasses all the tangible and intangible elements that make up the company's image, such as its name, logo, messaging, reputation, values, and customer experience. A strong brand creates a connection with consumers and builds trust, loyalty, and recognition over time.

/ branding /  is the process of creating a unique name, design, symbol, and image for a business or product to establish a presence in the market and differentiate it from competitors. It involves developing a consistent and cohesive brand message across all channels, including marketing materials, advertising, and customer experience. The goal of branding is to create a strong and memorable impression of the brand in the minds of consumers, which can lead to increased brand awareness, customer loyalty, and sales.

Inspirational Quotes