Branding is a definite buzzword these days, but what does it actually mean and how do you use your brand to achieve success? Today, I’m sharing key pieces of advice that will give you a better understanding of what branding is, how you can separate from the competition and what you’ll need to attract your ideal customers.

Business = Brand

Your brand is the visual channel between your business and your audience. Your brand conveys your business’s purpose and mission. It immediately sets the bar of what your client can expect in value and experience.

It takes 1/10th of a second for a potential client or customer to form an impression and you’ll need to optimize every possible millisecond. This is why it’s necessary to put the time in. Invest in your business (and ultimately yourself). If branding is not your forte, or the thought of getting started throws you into a panic attack, hire a brand designer. Leverage their skills so you can focus on what you do best. Hire someone who is going to walk you through the process one step at a time. Hire someone who will invest their time in your brand. You want someone who will listen to your needs, dive deep into your goals, and then use their knowledge and expertise to create one hell of a brand identity that is your business’s best self. You want a brand that will WORK for you and attract your ideal customers.

Focus on the Fingerprint

Your brand’s identity should paint the picture for your potential customers and clients before they even meet you, use your products, or purchase your services.

Think of branding as a business’s fingerprint. A fingerprint creates a one-of-a-kind impression. It’s the unique identifier. There can never be a duplicate. Your brand voice, imagery, social media, web presence, and print materials all play a part in creating that single fingerprint, and you want it to leave a lasting impact. You want clients and potential customers to come back again and again. You want to create dimensional brand loyalty.

Separate from the Competition

Chances are you’re not the only one in your market.

Pair your brand’s unique identifier (from the previous step) with quality and expertise. Define the details and you’ll create the best kind of separation from the competition.

Connect + Build

Everyone has favorites.

When you combine quality, value, and engagement, you create brand loyalty amongst your fans and potential customers alike

Connect and serve your audience, and you will build success.

Law of Attraction

Circling back to the first step, what you put into your brand is what you will get back. Take the time to identify and develop your brand. Hire experts. Use your brand’s new identity to create a strong, conceptual strategy. Examine the foundation you now have, who you know you want to attract and decide how your brand will go about engaging those ideal clients. Focus on this, and you will achieve ultimate branding success.

Are you looking to elevate your branding, website or social? Let’s chat! lauren@lraedesign.com | Schedule a call with me

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