For those outside the marketing realm, let me help define “branding”. Branding is a signature ‘look and feel’ that leverages all of the resources our industry has to offer to make sure that you will be noticed and recognized by consumers and like industry companies.

  •  Branding is an essential component to any business therefore it’s something you should consistently think about and ensure it evolves on an ongoing basis.  Taking time to think about and employ opportunities to promote your brand is both fundamental and key to its success.
  • Your brand and marketing materials should precisely detail & sell your product and/or service.  If they’re not, they’re wrong.  You know the old adage of “if it isn’t broke don’t fix it”…well if it is, it’s time to re-think and re-brand.
  • C’mon, get focused!  Your view of your product/service can sometimes be narrow and if it’s your “baby”, it can be hard to be a tough critic. So if you can’t afford to pay for a professional focus group, here is a suggestion.  Get together a group of professional friends from various industries and present your products/service. Offering hors d’oeuvres and beverages is a nice form of compensation. What’s most important though is getting their feedback in writing and implementing their suggestions (if they are good ideas…) into your brand/marketing strategies and promotions.
  • Know your street credibility ~ Your brand image as well as its reputation is vital.  It’s super important you know what your client base is saying about you…and even your competition.  Being armed with this information will allow you to evolve your branding & marketing strategies to thwart the effects of the good or bad press.
  • Promote your brand across all landscapes. This should include at a minimum:
    ∞ direct marketing via mailers;
    ∞ email campaigns and promotions;
    ∞ online & in-store promotions; and last but surely not least…
    ∞ social media, etc.