Brand Development: 5 ways to create a name for your business

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As I have worked in marketing, I have worked with a lot of small businesses who were struggling with developing their brand. These businesses would approach me and ask me to do their marketing, but marketing cannot happen without a stable brand. If you are wondering why your business's marketing isn't gaining traction, maybe it's time to reflect on the solidity of your brand. Here's 5 simple ways to create a name for your business:

1) Brand's values

Who are you? What do you stand for? Why do you do what you do? These are all questions to consider as you are developing your brand. Questions like these are important not only for your audience, but also for you. Clearly defining your brand's values will help your customers relate to you more and also have more respect as you show who you are and who you stand for. It will also help you as you are developing your brand, recenter on what is important to you, and why you started your business in the first place when times get hard. 

2) What makes your business different?

Finding what sets your business apart is so important. Why would someone buy from you if they could buy it from Walmart for cheaper? Why is your product/service worth it? Setting your business apart will help you create a name for yourself and make your marketing easier as you know what to focus on. What sets you apart will be your selling point. 

3) Develop a brand guide 

Nothing is worse then working with a brand who is all over the place. Just looking at their social media feed give you anxiety because of the all over words, inconsistent colors and old style. Setting a brand guide will change the look and feel of your brand almost immediately. Choose a set color palette that works for you and represents your business well. Do the same with a typeface. Find templates of designs that fit in with what you want to advertise. Scroll through Pinterest to get inspiration! Creating a mood board is a great place to start. 

4) Find your voice

Along with having a brand guide, having a consistent brand voice is just as important. Do you want to communicate mostly through graphics, or do you want to be the face of your company? How do you want to speak to your audience? What do you want them to know? Having a brand voice that is consistent with your brand guide and values will give you the brand recognition you are needing. 

5) Consistency

After determining all of these things, BE CONSISTENT! Nothing is worse that putting together a whole brand kit to change it the next day or never use it again. Make sure you are consistent with your designs, but also when you post. Give your audience a  chance to get to know your new brand a little more. Let them find ways to relate to it, and keep them coming back for more. 

By following these tips, I know your business will stand out immediately. Implementing these things will help you feel strong and ready to tell the world about who you are and what you stand for and why you stand out!