You may have a great idea for your company, but how can it truly succeed without its own identity? In order to drive traffic to your business, you need to be able to communicate who you are and what you're all about to potential customers. However, to do that requires creating a brand to define you and your company. If you're not sure how to do this, check out the tips below:
1. Be value-oriented
What do you care about most? Is it your family and friends? What about innovation and customer service? The items that you decide matter most to you and your company can influence its overall culture and business decisions, Quick Sprout explained. They can help define what your company is about, which is then expressed in the way you run your business and how you interact with consumers.
2. Be consistent
One of the most common problems for business owners getting and maintaining customers is inconsistency, according to Entrepreneur. Establish a tone and method for communication with clients, regularly post on social media and stick to deadlines. Customers want businesses they can rely on and consistency provides that for them, Quick Sprout explained. If you can prove your worth, consumers will be more likely to be loyal to you.
3. Be memorable
How do you expect customers to remember your company if they can't recognize it? It's important to choose a logo and tagline that will stick in their minds, so they'll recall your business as soon as they hear or see it. Everyone knows that golden arches mean McDonald's and "Just Do It" belongs to Nike so decide on something that will be just as easily recognizable. Once you choose a symbol, incorporate it everywhere, another article by Entrepreneur stated. Place it on business cards and in your email signature, as well as express it in client communications. While it may take some reworking of your financial plan, it will be worth it. Your brand is only useful if it drives customers to your company.
4. Be persistent
All your branding efforts will be futile if you don't get your name out to the public. Networking is key. Create social media pages on a variety of platforms and attend in-person events. If you know your audience, you'll be better able to market to it. Don't limit yourself when it comes to promotion, Entrepreneur explained. If you have the opportunity to get your company some publicity, take it. Establishing you and your company as leaders in a certain market will increase your business.
5. Be human
In order to be a successful entrepreneur, you need to garner a loyal base of clients. However, you're not going to be able to do that if you're solely hiding behind a computer and not interacting with anyone. Consumers like to feel like their opinions have been heard and want to know that there's an actual person behind all the social media pages and websites. While posting online can get people interested in your product or service, it won't always get them to return. Make sure you're also holding conversations, whether it's on your computer, via phone call or in person, according to the source. Send out surveys, open up discussion and provide ways for customer suggestions. Allow their voices to be heard.
While getting your business up and running is important, promoting your name to the public is just as crucial. If you can't drive customers inside, all your work will have been for naught. Establishing your personal brand will help you communicate with potential clients and get society to remember who you are and what you do.