1. 7 Basic Branding Rules For Small Businesses In America
2. 7 Basic Branding Rules For Small Businesses Near Me
3. 7 Basic Branding Rules For Small Businesses Use

Are you looking to create the next best brand?

Every business owner knows that branding is the bread and butter of your business. After all, your brand tells a visual story about your business and allows you to connect with your consumers.

When a consumer feels that your brand is a reflection of their own likes and values, they’re all the more likely to support your business. First and foremost, this going to help develop your business and allow it to become successful. But, it’s also going to create a more positive relationship between yourself and your consumers.

If you’re interested in learning more about branding, you’re going to want to read this. We’re uncovering nine simple branding tips that every business owner should know.

Let’s get started on creating the best brand possible!

1. Establish Your Story

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First and foremost, you’re going to want to begin by taking a long, hard look at your business.

What’s the story of your business?

Consumers generally like to support businesses that have a compelling story. In knowing your story, your consumers are better able to connect with your brand in a personal way.

At the end of the day, consumers like to engage with brands that they feel personally connected to. The best type of brand is one that feels more like a story as opposed to merely a brand.

2. Consider Hiring an Expert

If your budget allows for it, hiring an expert to assist in your branding is incredibly advantageous.

Remember, creating effective brands is what these experts do all day every day. They know exactly how to create a brand is speaks to consumers both mentally and visually.

As branding becomes increasingly important to businesses today, there’s certainly no shortage of branding experts available. From beverage and food designers to clothing and furniture designers, it’s safe to say there’s an expert in every field.

3. Separate Yourself From the Competition

When it comes to branding, it’s important to create a brand that is unique.

Unless it stands out from the competition, it’s unlikely that consumers are going to recognize your branding. On the other hand, consumers are all the more likely to remember a brand that is unique.

In choosing your brand, challenge yourself to step outside of the box. For example, if your business that specializes in all-natural cleaning products, resist the urge to create a brand that is simply represented by a green leaf.

Instead, try opting for an image that is perhaps more unexpected yet still fitting.

4. Hire a Graphic Designer to Create your Logo

Next, it’s time to hire a graphic designer.

While there’s no denying that graphic design work can be costly, this is a worthwhile investment. This designer will be able to craft a logo that is going to become the forefront of your business.

The goal is to create a logo that is going to be affiliated with your business for a long time coming. Rather than creating this graphic yourself, hire a professional that knows how to develop a logo that is eye-catching, memorable and timeless.

5. Opt for Simplicity

When it comes to branding, it’s always best to opt for simplicity.

Not only is the minimalist aesthetic visually appealing, but simple design is often more timeless than a more complex design.

You also don’t want to complicate your branding and confuse your consumers.

6. Be Consistent

Once you establish your brand, it’s important to remain consistent in this brand.

The truth is, consumers crave consistency.

Let’s consider what is considered to be the most successful brand in the world: Apple. With a 205.5 billion dollar brand value, it’s safe to say that Apple knows a thing or two about establishing a great brand.

One reason that Apple is so popular is that its branding is consistent. Sure, there have been small changes over the years, but the overall branding has generally remained the same.

At the end of the day, consumers long for the ability to easily recognize a brand. When recognition takes place, a sense of trust in that brand often follows.

7. Create a Killer Website

Any killer brand needs a killer website.

After all, this is one of the best places for you to showcase your brand and connect with consumers. Without a solid website, your audience is far less likely to take your business seriously.

This is why it’s so essential for your website to be visually appealing. Let’s consider that 38% of interest users will stop engaging with a website if they consider it to be unattractive.

Use your website as a platform for establishing your branding. Spend time and money creating a website that showcases your branding in the best light possible.

8. Practice Your Pitch

Once you’ve established your brand, it’s time to get comfortable in delivering your elevator pitch.

The best way to do this?

7 Basic Branding Rules For Small Businesses In America

Create a pitch for your business that is thirty seconds or less. Rather than trying to sell your business, this is simply putting words to your brand. Tell your audience about the story behind your brand and what your mission is.

9. Stay True to Yourself

At the end of the day, authenticity is key.

In developing your brand, it’s tempting to focus your story upon the desires of your consumers.

While consumer opinion is important, it’s also crucial to develop a brand that is true to yourself. When your branding is authentic, your consumers are going to pick up on this authenticity be more inclined to support you.

Simple Branding Rules

Good branding is essential for each and every business today.

Nonetheless, quality branding isn’t something that all businesses knock out of the park. After all, this type of branding requires serious skill, time and effort.

Of course, hiring an expert to help establish your branding is always beneficial. But, this doesn’t mean that you can’t take some steps on your own. These simple branding rules are sure to help guide you toward a brand that is authentic, appealing to consumers and successful.

Go on, it’s time to get started on establishing a killer brand! Check out our webpage for inspiration or help on where to begin.

What is a slogan? A slogan is a catchphrase that represents a product or company and communicates the key benefit you want consumers to associate with your business. And if crafted with care, it can keep your brand front and center in the minds of consumers — until they’re ready to buy. Read on for inspiration and tips to help you create a compelling, unforgettable slogan:

7 Basic Branding Rules For Small Businesses Near Me

Slogans with staying power

If you’re creating a new product or business slogan, you want something that represents your brand and is easy to remember. Some well-known slogan examples are:

• Just Do It. (Nike)
• I’m Lovin’ It (McDonald’s)
• Finger Lickin’ Good (KFC)
• Melts In Your Mouth, Not In Your Hand (M&Ms)

Although the above slogans are likely already at the tip of your tongue, there are many other great ones. Recognize these?

• Because You’re Worth It. (L’Oreal)
• What’s In Your Wallet? (Capital One)
• Shave Time. Shave Money. (Dollar Shave Club)
• They’re G-R-R-REAT! (Kellogg’s Frosted Flakes)
• M’m! M’m! Good! (Campbell’s)
• Get In The Zone (AutoZone)
• The Quicker Picker Upper! (Bounty)
• Save Money. Live Better. (Walmart)
• Maybe She’s Born With It. Maybe It’s Maybelline. (Maybelline)
• Challenge Everything (EA)

To help you create catchy slogans for your business, here are seven tips to get your creative juices flowing:

1. Keep it short and simple

If Las Vegas had tried to use “Whatever you do while you’re in Las Vegas, Stays in Las Vegas” instead of “What Happens Here, Stays Here,” it might never have caught on as one of the most popular slogans of all time. Keep your slogan under 9 or 10 words.

2. Be consistent

Consistent branding is key whether you’re a small business or household name. Make sure your business slogans complement your existing logo, company name and projected image. For example, General Electric’s slogan “Imagination at Work,” draws attention to their brand with a simple, yet powerful logo that celebrates human imagination and innovation. All of their products from lightbulbs to CT scanners, bare this testament to creativity and quality.

3. Focus on what makes you different

Figure out what your unique selling proposition is and use it. Is your delivery business done with a fleet of electric cars? Does your dental practice cater to those with high anxiety? Crossoak Family Dentistry features a big chicken on its website, along with the slogan “We cater to cowards.” Incorporate what makes you special into your slogan if possible.

4. Make it timeless

Verizon had a good run with “Can You Hear Me Now?” but it was only a matter of time before technology made nearly all cell phone calls clear. You have to change with the times, but when you’re working on a slogan you want to think of its longevity. That’s why references to technology and phrases like “the only” are risky. Good slogans use wording that can stand the test of time, like Rolaids and their “How Do You Spell Relief?”

5. Ensure it can stand alone

Your slogan shouldn’t be a mystery! You want a slogan that tells your audience what your business is without needing any additional information. For example, Cartoon Network’s “The Best Place for Cartoons” tells people exactly what they’ll get when they tune in.

6. Consider your target market

You’ll also need to consider if your customers are local, national or international. While some locals get Philadelphia’s new slogan, “PHL: Here For The Making,” it may have left tourists scratching their heads. And if you do business internationally, keep in mind that translating your slogan to another language can significantly change the meaning. When KFC launched in China, their “Finger Lickin’ Good” slogan translated to the less appetizing “Eat Your Fingers Off.”

7. Get input

Being creative is a tough job, but there are ways to avoid going it alone. Use VerticalResponse’s Surveys feature to get opinions from your followers. Take to social media like Facebook or Twitter to host a slogan contest with a designated hashtag to track entries. Or consider some free tagline generators, like Slogan Generator, to get your brain warmed up.

Done right, a memorable slogan will stick around long after consumers interact with your brand. Use these tips, or leverage expert designers, to create a catchy slogan that fits your business.

7 Basic Branding Rules For Small Businesses Use

Editor’s note: This article was originally published in 2015 and has been revised for accuracy and relevance.

© 2019, Contributing Author. All rights reserved.