Brand Strategy

Sometimes, it can take over five impressions before a consumer becomes aware your brand exists. Meanwhile, you only have seven seconds to make your first impression count. If you don’t impress your would-be customers, they’ll turn to another business instead.

Before that can happen, take the time to develop a strong brand strategy.

Creating a distinct brand will help you stand out from the competitors. Meanwhile, the tactics you use can help you appear in front of those customers. You can appeal to their needs and interests to draw them to your business.

With an effective brand marketing strategy, you can set your business up for years of success.

Not sure where to start? Here are the nine essentials you need for an effective brand awareness strategy.

With these tips, you can strengthen your brand and start appearing in front of customers online. Start marketing with these tips today!

1. Research Your Audience

Before anything else, take the time to research your target audience. Otherwise, you might make assumptions about their needs and expectations. If your brand doesn’t meet their expectations, they’ll turn away.

You might struggle to gain a loyal following of customers as a result.

In fact, consumers now expect brands to understand their needs. About 63% of consumers expect personalization as a standard of service. Another 74% get frustrated when online content doesn’t appeal to their interests.

Meanwhile, over 50% of consumers will switch brands if a company doesn’t personalize communications.

Learning how to personalize your brand marketing strategy can help you empathize with customers. You can connect with them on an emotional level. They’ll see that you understand and care about their needs.

Determine who your customers are based on demographics and psychographics like:

  • Pain points
  • Age
  • Gender
  • Household income
  • Location
  • Marital status
  • Language
  • Education
  • Buying behaviors

What problems do they face each day? Consider how your product or service can solve those problems.

Once you understand your customers, you can create a brand strategy to show them you’re exactly what they need.

2. Understand Your Competitors

Don’t neglect to research your competitors, too.

Researching your competitors will keep you from blending into the crowd. First, determine which competitors fall within your niche. Focusing on a niche will help you appeal to a more precise target audience.

You’ll have an easier time appealing to a specific group’s needs as a result.

What marketing channels are your competitors using? What components of their brand marketing strategy do you like or dislike?

Remember not to copy what your competitors are doing. Instead, make an effort to learn from their mistakes. 

3. Determine Your Values

Your brand values can help you connect with your target audience. Your values are the heart of your business. They determine what your business stands for. 

The values you share with your customers can account for over 60% of brand relationships. You can develop a strong connection with customers to generate brand loyalty.

Improving your customer retention rate by even 2% could reduce spending by 10%. Even one loyal customer is worth 10 single-purchase shoppers.

What does your business stand for? Maybe you’re focused on offering the best possible service. Perhaps you prioritize family.

Establish your values and make them the heart of your brand strategy. 

4. Build Brand Guidelines

Once you have a better understanding of your customers, competitors, and values, take a look at your visual brand. It’s important to maintain brand consistency across every marketing channel. Otherwise, you might struggle to build brand awareness or recognition.

Consumers might even confuse you with another business.

Think of your brand as a real, breathing person. What would they look like? How would they speak?

Establish every component of your brand, including your:

  • Personality
  • Voice
  • Tone
  • Mission statement
  • Vision statement
  • Color palette
  • Logo
  • Font styles
  • Imagery styles

Then, make sure to update your marketing materials accordingly.

5. Update Your Website

Don’t forget to update your website as well.

Start by adding your logo to the top corner of every page. Make sure every page uses the same color palette and font styles, too. You don’t want to confuse visitors.

Otherwise, they might click between pages and think they’re on a different website. They might leave your website, impacting your bounce rate. 

6. Create Content

Once you update your website, start creating blog content. Demonstrate your experience and expertise in the industry. Brand your content so it’s unique to your business. 

Creating content will help you establish your credibility.

You can use search engine optimization (SEO) to help more people find you online. 

You can also explore these strategies for online growth for more useful tips.

7. Use PPC

Pay-per-click (PPC) advertising can help you generate brand awareness as well. Your digital ads will appear on Google, Facebook, Instagram, and other websites.

Consider creating visual ads, including imagery, animations, and videos. Visual ads will help you show off your new brand. 

When someone clicks on one of your ads, they’ll reach your website. Then, you can use a landing page to turn that visitor into a lead or sale. 

8. Stay Social

Reformat the blog posts you create into social media posts. Use the right hashtags to expand your reach.

Consider using user-generated content and influencer marketing this year. These social media strategies can help you reach a larger audience. You can also leverage an influencer’s existing brand trust to encourage consumers to trust you.

Create a branded hashtag for your business as well. Then, encourage people to share posts using your product or service. These posts could help you encourage new customers to trust your brand. 

9. Gather Reviews

Gathering customer reviews can help you build brand trust as well. Ask your customers to share their reviews on your Google My Business listing. Continue generating fresh reviews throughout the year.

People who are on the fence about choosing your business can read the reviews online. They might decide they can trust you after all. 

Set for Success: 9 Essentials for an Effective Brand Strategy

Don’t miss the chance to generate brand awareness and recognition this year. Instead, use these brand strategy tips to expand your reach. With these tips, you can draw new customers to your business.

Give your brand a boost with these brand marketing strategy tips today.

Searching for more tips? You’re on the right blog.

Check out our latest articles today for more.