Branding Your Business with a Consistent Look
Your business should have a consistent look across all platforms that customers and potential buyers will see. From menus to signage, interior to your website, all of these areas are a chance to brand your business and show a consistent look that scores an impression.
Having a consistent look will brand your business in the customer’s eye. Does you menu design adequately represent your business? Does your signage communicate what you want your customers to think about you? Do you have a million dollar a year business but marketing with a $500 dollar website? All of these items cause buyers to form impressions about you and you should strive to carry a consistent message across these platforms.
Potential customers form first impressions of your business on look alone. Does the message of your business convey your business goal? What are you selling? Comfort, professionalism, speed, convenience? Your business signage, website, décor and marketing materials should also closely match your selling points.
When marketing across different platforms such as direct mail, newspaper, Facebook, Twitter and your website be sure to have these mediums all have the same look and feel. Include the same colors and graphic design, type fonts and tag lines. Low quality conveys the image that there is nothing special for buyers to take advantage of or spend money with. Your business cards also carry this image and should not be taken for granted as a powerful sales tool.
Take a look at your business brand image today and compare your look to be sure you carry a consistent marketing image across all platforms. It will increase your brand recognition and leave potential and existing customers with a great lasting impression that stands out from the competition.
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Christopher6:52 pm on August 2nd, 2010
Indeed. I’ve seen to many small businesses make an initial investment in branding activities (their identity, stationary, etc..) only to drop the ball in later activities by opting to utilize predefined templates or the like that do not maintain the consistency needed to solidify their brand image. The end result is such a mish mash of materials that people participating in the brand are left feeling confused and uncertain about the message they are receiving.
Rolf Guiel5:00 am on August 12th, 2010
I think that sometimes business branding can be more important than the business activity. Many people buy because of a professional look.
Vince11:40 pm on August 12th, 2010
First impressions last, specially when it comes to a potential customer’s perception. A company’s image as what the public at large perceives; can make or break it’s business. I think of branding as my company’s front-liners, so I try to find ways to further improve it. Thanks for the suggestions!
Vic Nelson7:25 pm on September 4th, 2010
I am just about to start my business but we still don’t have a branding look or a design for the business. I am glad I came across this website, I’ll follow your advice. I’ll make sure that our business has a special look that brands our name in customer’s minds. I’ll make sure I pay attention to details, to advertisements, and to the message we want to convey.
U Williams7:26 pm on September 4th, 2010
This is true. I am a consumer myself and I have noticed that when I am not familiar with a certain brand, all that I depend on is my first impression and how the products or the brand is presented. Very important aspect of business indeed.
john7:27 pm on September 4th, 2010
I’ve seen businesses fail because of lack of proper branding. Wanting to save money in branding and advertisement resulted in a tragic failure and loss of the business altogether. One major lesson that entrepreneurs should be aware of, the customer’s perception of the business cannot be overlooked.