If you run a small business, you probably understand how crucial branding is for competing effectively in the marketplace. You might think branding is only for large corporations with massive budgets, but branding matters for every business, no matter the size.
A well-established brand automatically commands people’s trust. Why? Because it has a professional reputation and a clear identity, and it has strived to maintain its branding and marketing standards over time. And the best part? You don’t need a big budget, a fancy designer, or a marketing agency to build a solid brand.
In this post, we’ll break down branding in simple terms, discussing what it entails and why it matters, as well as giving you a few simple steps to follow. We’ll also discuss why it might be a good idea to get help from experts like VIE Media, so let’s jump in!
Why Branding Matters for Small Businesses?
Some small business owners sell themselves short, thinking they’re too small to be able to afford branding. But that shouldn’t be the case! Your brand is the first impression that prospective customers have of your business. If your Instagram page, business card, and website all look different, people might not be able to trust you. On the other hand, a cohesive brand makes your business appear professional and reliable.
So, while branding might seem like an added expense to your business, it keeps it afloat in a sea of similar businesses. And now, if you don’t think your business is big enough for branding, think again.
The Basics
Your brand doesn’t need a complete makeover to make an impact. Just make a few simple tweaks to be on par with every other small business:
A Clean Logo
Your logo doesn’t have to be fancy. It just needs to be clear and distinct. Make sure it looks good in black and white and is not blurry.
Use the Same Color and Fonts
Pick two to three colors and one to two fonts and use them consistently across all your marketing materials. This includes your website, social media posts, flyers, and emails. This will make your brand look more professional, organized, and consistent.
One Tone
Decide what your brand voice should be. Do you want it to be serious? Friendly? Humorous? If one post sounds casual and others are sombre, how do you reckon people will perceive your brand? Surely not confused and amateurish. So, maintain a unified tone in all your brand communications. To define your brand voice, you must first define your target audience.
Ask for Feedback
Share your branding template with friends and family, and once in a while, ask your existing customers what they think about your brand. Ask them if your brand feels clear and well-put-together. You might be able to glean valuable insights from their feedback that can help you improve some elements here and there.
Common Branding Mistakes to Avoid
Most small businesses make mistakes, but they’re easy to fix once you spot them.
Using Too Many Styles
If your social media, website, and business cards all look different, your brand will feel messy and unorganized.
Low-Quality Logos
Blurry logos or pixelated photos can make your brand look unprofessional. Always use high-resolution files.
Ignoring Mobile View
The world revolves around mobile phones. Most people view websites and posts on their phones. Check that everything looks good on the mobile screen too.
When to Ask for Help
At times, small business owners juggle multiple tasks at once. Doing it all yourself can get too much. And branding takes time! If your brand is all over the place, it might be time to ask for help. Here are a few reasons when it makes sense to get help:
- You’re rebranding or launching a new product
- You’ve grown and want to look more professional
- You feel your visual identity doesn’t match your product line
- You’re spending too much time trying to figure out marketing
This is where companies like VIE Media can help small businesses in St. Louis improve their branding, design, and content. Whether you need a new logo, better video content, or just some help redefining your message, they can do it all.
And no, you don’t need a huge budget to get started. Sometimes, just having a clear plan and a few strong visuals is enough to upgrade your brand image.
Conclusion
There’s no universal way to approach branding, but it must be clear and consistent. The goal is to help customers quickly understand your brand and what it provides. If they remember you and trust you, they’re more likely to choose you over the competition.
Start with the basics, keep everything simple and organized, and, most importantly, allow your brand to evolve with your business. And here’s the golden rule: If you want to level up and can’t seem to do it just right on your own, bring in the experts like VIE Media. They have the expertise and experience to present your business in the best light possible.