Between the ubiquity of e-commerce and the raft of small businesses that have been started this year in the wake of the Coronavirus pandemic, competition has never been tougher for SMEs.
Even with a stellar product and a great team behind it, these days, there’s still no guarantee a small business will be successful. That’s why it’s imperative for a business to be able to set itself apart. And why branding for small businesses has never been more important than it is today.
Establishing a unique and recognizable brand is key in making your business stand out in what is now an untenably large crowd. Read on to find out why branding is so important, and how to build a brand for a small business.
Why Branding Is Important for a Small Business
Apart from all of the reasons mentioned above, branding is important because consumers respond well to it.
Consumers are more likely to buy a product from a brand they know and trust. Much more likely. One survey found that almost 60% of shoppers said they preferred to buy products or services from brands they like. That’s a number that can’t be ignored.
Having strong branding is the first step toward becoming a brand consumers know and like. Establishing a strong brand voice and aesthetic will make your business more memorable, more likable, and more unique.
Tips on Branding for Small Businesses
We’ve spoken on our blog before about how to create a unique brand identity. One of the most important parts of creating a strong brand is maintaining a level of consistency throughout your brand’s mission, aesthetic, and creative content.
Decide what you want your brand to be about, and then make sure that everything associated with your business – from your website to your marketing content to your social media profiles – accurately reflects this.
Speaking of social media channels, these are vitally important branding and marketing tools. So much so that some businesses have found that consistent brand representation across all channels resulted in revenue increases of over 20%.
Aside from social media, one simple but effective way of boosting your brand is through content marketing.
This, as the name suggests, is the practice of getting your brand name out there through the use of various different types of content. Try creating a corporate branding video. Or starting an informative and engaging blog surrounding your area of expertise. The opportunities are endless, and it’s a great way of both boosting your brand and winning new customers.
The Number One Rule? Keep It Real
One of the most important things to remember about branding for small businesses is to make sure to be authentic. Stay true to yourself and your brand’s vision, and the rest will naturally shine through. It’s much easier than being something you’re not, and consumers actually prefer it. In fact, 86% of consumers told one survey that they like a brand better when it’s authentic.
If you’re looking for more branding help for your small business, don’t hesitate to get in touch, that’s exactly what we’re here for.
