Do you dream of making your brand indispensable in the minds of your target audience? A branding that is not only unbeatable, but also always remains 'top-of-mind'. Together with your team, you dedicate yourself day in and day out to achieve this common goal. But, the real question is: how do you make sure your brand stands out in a world of noise? And how do you stay not only relevant, but successful? If you're curious about how to make this happen, read on!
How your brand identity makes a difference
In a sea of competition, a strong purpose, or your "purpose," is indispensable. This is what gives your branding real meaning and why people ultimately choose you over the competition. It's about the intersection between what the world needs and what makes you unique.
It is crucial that everyone on your team, from the CEO to the warehouse worker, understands what your company stands for. This common purpose must live internally before you can bring it out with conviction. But, how do you shape this purpose? Ask yourself the following questions:
- What sets you apart from the rest (uniqueness).
- Is your story real and relatable? (Authenticity)
- Do you match the wants and needs of your target audience (Relevance)?
No two brands are the same, and each is at a different point in its journey.
Start with a solid foundation: do research
A thorough understanding of where your brand currently stands is essential. No two brands are the same, and each is at a different point in its journey. An in-depth analysis of your brand's maturity is therefore your starting point. But, don't limit yourself only to internal insights.
Look outward as well. Engage the views of your target audience. Understand how they see your brand and use these insights as precious gold. Through qualitative and quantitative research, find out what the current associations are with your brand. Do they align with what you want to convey? If not, there is work to be done.
Image : The 12 Archetypes of Carl Gustav Jung
Building a strong foundation
With clarity on your current situation, it's time to formulate a solid strategy. Identify what makes you unique, for example through workshops in which you place yourself within Carl Jung's Brand Archetypes. This is how you discover your core values and ultimately your "purpose," which you formulate with crisp clarity in a brand manifesto.
Give your branding a face
Now that you have a strong brand manifesto, it's time to give your brand a recognizable face. Creativity is your secret weapon in this. With unique stylescapes, we explore your brand's visual directions, with the goal of creating a cohesive visual concept.
Take Stoov, for example, a brand that perfectly embraces the concept of "warmth" in all their expressions. From warm color tones to photography that radiates warmth. This is how they bring their 'purpose', 'We warm people', to life!
Image: McDonald's golden arches
Creating a recognizable and powerful brand
Now that you have a visual concept, transform it into distinctive brand elements that make your brand recognizable and powerful. Consider iconic elements such as McDonalds' yellow M, Nike's swoosh or Burberry's instantly recognizable pattern.
Transforming everything into a system
Long-term growth can only be achieved with a well-thought-out brand system. Only if you go out consistently and long-term, your brand grows in the minds of your target audience. And this last step is often forgotten. Projects that end with a beautiful visual identity and a one-time campaign are a waste.
The first step is to put your strategy into a Brand Guide. Your Guide. Clear for everyone, powerful and ready for the world. What do we stand for, how do we talk, what do we look like; these are things you capture in this sacred guide.
But a brand guide alone won't get you there. After this, it's time for implementation. And that step is different for every brand. For some, it means rebuilding the website to embrace the new identity; for others, it means creating a social media strategy and corresponding campaign calendar.
Branding is your chance to stand out
In a world of change and competition, you have the opportunity to stand out. Our approach to stable branding puts you at the helm of your own success. Making your brand stand out in the crowd? But don't know how? Seize your chance to shine, take the next step, and let your brand conquer the world.