Branding. What does that mean to you? Some people see branding as the logos that represents the company. Others may include packaging or presentations of products and services. If any of those ideas were on your mind, then you are on the right track. Those are all major parts of branding and every detail of those areas should be given a lot of attention. After all, the way your business looks and how you present it helps to market your brand.
In today’s market, your audience wants to be connected to you. They are not just interested in the products or services you’ve created. They are interested in your values, the things that motivate you, the things that make you tick. You become relevant and connected (or not) to your audience when they know who you are.
I had an experience the other day that help to re-define what branding is to me. I was looking for a coach to help me flesh out some thoughts and figure out the direction in which I wanted to take my company. I checked out a few people. I looked at websites, read reviews, looked at the packaging that presents each coach to me and nothing! I continued to look and okay, I found a company that may fit the bill. I read up on them, checked the Instagram account and made the decision that I would go with this company.
After putting my info into their landing page and downloading my free-bee, I got a follow-up e-mail. This e-mail was apologizing for something. I’m okay with apologies. As I continued to read, I realized that I couldn’t do business with this company. What they were apologizing for was something that was unagreeable to me. To top it off, there were a couple of bombs and dropping to make their writing colorful. I knew that our values didn’t align and I wasn’t willing to do business with whom I may be uncomfortable with down the line. I mean if THIS was the apology…
Everything that we know about branding is correct. Also know that the words you choose when you are communicating are a part of your brand. The images you use on your website or social media are a part of your brand. Everything you put forth in and about your company represent the brand. Ultimately, your brand is YOU! It is all an extension of you. When your client chooses your company, it is because that person is somehow connecting to you. So go ahead, set the table with the best representation of yourself. The world is waiting!