Branding A Startup

One of the hardest things in branding, is branding a startup. Many, if not all, will struggle trying to get the branding right from the birth of the business to maturity. I am in the process of branding a startup and coming up with a brand strategy. Here is how I am going about it. (I am assuming you already have a business plan. If not, stop reading. Get on it NOW)

What are you branding? You need to establish what your brand will represent in the business world. The fundamentals that made you establish your business should guide you, and ensure that your brand identity is strong.

Next, figure out your target market. Who are the people you are targeting? Do they need your product or service? Do they need your product or service? Do they REALLY need your product or service? (Those are not typos). Your customers should be able to identify with your brand on EVERY level. Their connection with your brand will lead to brand loyalty. No customers, no business, PERIOD. It's that simple.

Research and understand your competition. Your brand stand apart from them, both visually and through strategy. Ensure that you know what is happening all the time, locally and globally in your industry. If your competition goes left, you go right. If they are black and white, you are blue, grey, red, yellow and pink. Be different, act different, and your brand will grow and prosper.

Finally, focus on matters that concern your customers and your employees/team. Meet their needs, always deliver and make them happy. You will be laughing to the bank.

Anything I missed, let me know. As my journey continues, I will update this post.


What I am reading: Malcolm Gladwell - Outliers
What I am watching: TV Show - Awake