Branding is like your identity – it’s how you make an unforgettable impression on the world. A great brand allows your customers to connect with you and makes them feel like they can trust you. Branding isn’t just a logo or product design, it’s a combination of visuals, messages, experiences and feelings that all come together to create a unique image. It’s not something tangible, but rather the way people think and feel about your business. In a nutshell: Branding is creating an emotional connection between your company and its customers!
1. NO STRATEGY
Having no brand strategy is like eating a really really really really really long piece of spaghetti for your dinner. Sure, you might make it to the end eventually but it’s gonna take an age and there won’t be anything particularly satisfying about the journey. Building a brand strategy isn’t always a speedy process but putting in the work early on will save you time + money while giving people something tasty to get their teeth stuck into!
2. HIRING CHEAP DESIGNERS
When it comes to creating a brand or marketing materials, don’t be penny wise and pound foolish by going with a cheap graphic designer. Sure, the designers on Fiverr and Upwork seem like a bargain, but you get what you pay for. When aiming to make your business look professional and stand out from the competition, you need someone who knows their stuff and can bring your vision to life. Otherwise, you could end up with something that looks subpar and gives off an amateur vibe – not exactly what you’re trying for. So don’t skimp on quality graphic design; it might just make all the difference!
3. NOT USING A STYLE GUIDE
When it comes to not using a style guide, you’re making a real booboo! Not having a consistent set of standards to follow makes things far more complicated down the line, and can cost you crucial time and money. Plus, your poorly-formatted materials can make you (and also your team!) look like clowns – nobody wants that. It’ll be no fun puttin’ up with chaos without any semblance of order – for sure! So folks, please remember: use a style guide if ya wanna avoid strife!
4. inconsistent voice
Having an inconsistent voice in branding is like entering a conversation while constantly changing the topics and having multiple personalities – it’s confusing, off-putting and makes people unsure of what you’re trying to say or achieve. It’ll leave your audience feeling frustrated, unengaged and perhaps even hostile towards your brand. Consistency is key when it comes to achieving successful results with your marketing efforts; so make sure there’s something recognizable about how you talk to people each time – think of it as speaking for one common goal rather than multiple incompatible ones!
5. Not updating your brand
Not keeping your brand up-to-date is about as wise as trying to build a house without foundation. Your logo, website design, messaging, and language should work together to create an impression that reflects the values and aspirations of your business – and if you don’t regularly audit and update these elements you might find yourself stuck in the stone age. Sure, there’s something to be said for classic looks, but out of fashion won’t get your foot in anyone’s door…so don’t let yourself look dated when there are so many resources available to spruce up your style.