LimitlessE Branding Blog
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10 Branding Tips for Small Businesses
I like practical branding advice for entrepreneurs so when I read this list, I knew I had to share. I don’t quite agree with #9…and not quite sure about #1 either, but we’ll discuss that later.
- The design of your logo really doesn’t matter.
- Have a professional website.
- Blogs are good.
- Blogs are good, but they’re just one tool.
- Prepare a one page corporate overview.
- Participate in local business events.
- Do what you say you’re going to do.
- Stand for something.
- Realize that you’re not in control of your brand.
- Branding is as much about your people as anything else.
Read the entire article here: http://www.smallbusinessbranding.com/655/branding-tips-small-business/
My only concern about tip#1 is that while a logo does not have to cost a fortune, it can’t just be a mess. It can’t support your “anti-brand.” It HAS to be consistent with your brand…which is why your image should not be completed until you know who you are fundamentally as a brand first.
So, why don’t I agree with #9? Because I am a firm believer that you do own your brand. Yes, you create it and set it in the right direction. Yes, it will grow and it is organic. But your audience does not control your brand…you do. You have to learn to manage their perception…AND you have to go beyond that to actually manage their expectations as well. The best gift you can give your clients and your audience is the gift of expectation. Let them know your brand CAN work. Let them know your brand WANTS to work for them. Finally let them know your brand WILL work for them.
If you want to know more, contact us at www.limitlesse.com for more information about branding for entrepreneurs and small businesses.
The Best Global Brands of 2009
The Best Global Brands of 2009
Each year InterBrand publishes a list of the top brands. This year Coca-Cola tops the list as it has for the past 9 years. Check out the list here:
http://www.interbrand.com/best_global_brands.aspx?year=2009&langid=1000
Brand Strength is one of the things considered when determining the top brands. Outside of financial data, how can you assess the strength of your brand? Better yet, how can you make your brand stronger? When you look at brands like Coca-Cola, McDonalds and Disney, they all consistently give their customers what they expect. Coke should not taste different on the west coast than on the east coast. McDonalds’ fries should not be curly in New York and straight in San Francisco. Disney’s cartoons should not be Winnie the Pooh and Transformers. These brands have identified a set of attributes that describe their brand and ALL extensions of their brand are consistent with the attributes. Subsequently customers return because they ALWAYS know what to expect. How consistent is your brand?
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