Knowing what you need to start your business can be confusing and overwhelming
3 minute read
Congratulations, you’ve gone from idea to business and now you are ready to take your idea out to the market. But what do you need to be successful? Does it all come down to the product or service alone? What if your product or service is great, but it’s not getting consumer attention because your branding is not appealing? Or maybe you have the idea but not sure what type of logo would be the type of icon that would represent your business the way you want? It’s this phase that can be overwhelming and be the crucial point between succeeding or failing in your market. Here is a little help deciphering exactly what you need to succeed.
Of course, these are not the only tools to help a business succeed. For a full list, visit our Services page and to set up a complimentary consultation, contact us at Bruce@initiobranding.com
What is Branding Identity and is it Different than Branding?
You probably often hear the term “Branding” or been told, “your business needs a brand.” And although Branding is vital on the pathway to success, Branding is different than Brand Identity. Branding is the act of marketing your brand identity – so then, what is Brand Identity?
Brand Identity is the assembling of all the components that comprise of your brand, including logo, voice, color palette, font, and more. It is this identity that separates you from competitors and what makes you recognizable and distinctive to potential clients.
What is Brand Voice and Why It is Important
Brand Voice is how your business communicates, from the words it uses to the tone it employs. For example, a travel agency would focus on adventures, memories, and having fun, while an IT firm would focus on safety, security, and privacy. To develop a Brand Voice, companies often hire assistance in developing things like the business’s mission and values, its beliefs, key buzzwords, and tone.
Brand Voice is not just words, but how your business uses those words. It is important because it is what entices customers to explore or business, or better yet, purchase your product or service.
Logo Design
When people start a business, the logo is often the first thing they feel they need to get, and it is often the most difficult to do well on one’s own. Your logo includes strategic elements beyond just the icon itself, including: color, typography, and form. It is all of these elements working together that makes logos the essential piece of a brand. It is vital to a business’s success because the logo achieves various results – it communicates who you are and what you do and is appealing and communicates to customers to interact with your brand/business.
Do I Need a Website if I am Just Starting Out?
Yes, and if you are thinking to yourself, “but I just started my business”, or “but I am a very small business”, it does not matter. Why? because your website is just about the most important aspect of your brand. Your website is where your potential and existing customers will interact with your brand. It is also where they will explore who you are, what you do, and why they should spend their money on your product or service.
Are Business Cards Necessary Anymore?
Yes! Business cards are a way to share everything above with potential customers and business partners. What used to be essential for sharing phone numbers and then email address, business cards now are a way to impress others with your brand, show your creativity, and drive traffic to your website and social media outlets.
