Branding basics 

Brand can be the deciding factor between great success and miserable failure. 

Branding plays a pivotal role in the business landscape, as every entrepreneur strives to establish a distinctive and memorable brand. This strategic pursuit is justified given that a brand has the potential to produce an extensive customer base with unwavering loyalty, consequently gathering trust between the business and the customer. 

However, branding is not a simple process; it can take a significant amount of time and even capital to reach a recognisable level. 

What exactly is a brand? 

Brand is a term widely used, but most people won’t be able to give you a definition of it. 

It is a product or service that is publicly different from other products or services so that it can be easily marketed to the public. In essence, branding encapsulates how you position your business in the market. For instance, if your target audience is of a more mature age, you would tailor your branding and product to showcase professionalism. This can encompass various elements, spanning from the product design to the choice of fonts on labels. It’s crucial to note that every decision influencing your business’s public perception will invariably shape the brand it portrays. 

Importance of a strong brand  

The significance of a public brand is today just as crucial as the actual product it represents. This is because the majority of customers tend to correlate the quality of the product with the reputation of the business’s brand. For instance, even if a company devotes substantial effort to develop an exceptional product, it will struggle to attract potential paying customers if the brand image is perceived negatively. 

There are a wide variety of benefits for having a strong brand and some of the more prevalent are: 

Recognition: When your brand becomes widely recognised, it will not only make advertising easier but also increase brand awareness among potential customers.  

Trust: Establishing a reputable brand builds trust with consumers, as they are more likely to have confidence in trying new products or services you may offer. By delivering high-quality products and services, you can cultivate a loyal customer base who trusts your brand. 

Status: Working for a well-known business grants employees and the owner a certain level of status within their respective industries.  

Loyalty: A strong brand cultivates loyalty among its customers, resulting in repeat purchases over an extended period. These loyal customers not only provide a consistent flow of revenue but can also become brand advocates, promoting your products or services to others.  

To learn more about reputation and brand we suggest listening to Emerging Europe Talks She’s Next with Dan Baxter podcast.