Too often I see small, local businesses that haven’t established a strong brand identity. They use stock standard fonts and imagery for their signage and online presence, which may work with informing potential clients of their business, but doesn’t hold any uniqueness to portray themselves through their business. Yes, creating a Facebook page and getting likes on your page may give your the opportunity to build a client base, but doesn’t unleash the full potential your business can have with proper branding. Here are five reasons why, as a business owner, you should consider establishing a strong brand for your small business.
It’s Your Business Brand
That in itself should speak volumes. It is the face of your business: the first thing a potential customer or clients see and could very well help them decide whether or not to hire you. Before any client even considers contacting you for products or services, they’ll gather first impressions of your business. Why not let those impressions be positive, professional, and in line with your product and service?
It’ll Help You Stand Out From Your Competitors
Depending on your type of business, you could have many competitors in just your local community alone. It’s human nature to be loyal to a great experience, service or product (whichever you offer), so all you have to do as a business owner is get your customers coming to you, rather than your competitors. If your business has a strong brand identity that not only portrays your business goals/mission but also creates the right mood and aesthetic, you will gain an advantage over your competitors.
You’ll Appear Professional and Serious as a Business
Your small business may very well be a side gig, but it doesn’t have to look like one. Taking your branding seriously will boost your image, your business mission and identity, and also improve your chances of being recognised by your customers and clients. Picture this: driving on the highway and you drive past a billboard at 100 kms/hr. All you notice is that the billboard is red and that there is a burger on it: what brand do you think of? Now I’m not saying that your small business will get the same recognition as Macca’s, but in a local community it can be excellent for your business.
Mood and Aesthetic of Your Business is Important
I mentioned in point #2 about creating mood and aesthetic for your business. These are important elements of your business mission and identity. Aesthetic is concerned with how your brand appears, and mood is how people feel when engaging with your business. Your aesthetic draws the attention of the potential client and the mood your branding creates will be what keeps them engaged enough to become a client/customer.
Professional is Always Better
Designers like myself study long and hard to know the things that we do for branding. I understand that cheap doesn’t always mean “cheap” but in the way of logo design and branding, it’s always a wise choice to go with a professional who understands their craft and can get you the best bang for your buck. Sure, you can get yourself a cheap logo from an online logo generator, but this will give you a stock standard result that won’t grab the attention from your target audience.
It’s important to really consider your business brand as it is the face of your business. This will help your business gain recognition and grow throughout your local community. What experience have you had with your local business and its branding?
