Five Branding Mistakes You Should Avoid

Introduction

If you own a start-up or a small business, you may be concerned with customer acquisition, sales, overhead expenditures, and other matters. As a result, you may find yourself putting off your branding initiatives. You risk selling and marketing things without a clear concept of who you are if you do not have a proper branding strategy. As a result, your ability to interact with customers may suffer.

Any company, large or little, must have a distinct and consistent brand identity. Consider your identity to be your genetic code that can be found in every aspect of your business and reflects the distinct face of your brand, that is how crucial branding is.

So, if you’re just getting started, here are some essential branding errors to avoid:

5 Branding Mistakes You Should Avoid Making

What Is a Unique Selling Proposition (USP)? (source: Razorpay Learn)

1. No unique selling proposition (USP)

Make your unique selling proposition (USP) the focal point of your campaigns. When you’re delivering the same item as everyone else, it can be difficult to build trust and loyalty. Realign and re-calibrate your messaging across all channels, online and offline. Whether it’s your About Us page or your LinkedIn profile, your branding should be consistent and highlight your USP. Avoid using jargon or general language. Use power words that will encourage confidence and action.

Photo of a premium brand (source: Unsplash)

2. Price branding

Base your branding on your low pricing and someone will always beat you there. Even if your rates are the same as your competitors’ prices, you must provide them with compelling reasons to buy from you that go beyond price. When your clients trust you, you can breathe a lot easier when your newest competition undercuts your pricing. And don’t forget there is always a market for premium products, so you should never try branding your company or its products cheap to curry favour with the consumers.

The 7 Types of Logos And How to Use Them (source: 99Designs)

3. Underestimating the Importance of Logos

A picture is said to be worth a thousand words. A logo, on the other hand, is worth an entire book. Your logo is your company’s face; it’s the first thing customers see when they search for you online. As a result, ensure that your logo represents your brand personality and symbolizes all you stand for. Apple and Pepsi logos, for example, have seen significant alterations throughout the years, so if you believe your logo is out of date then it’s time to rebrand. Because we understand the importance of having a good logo, our branding services will ensure your brand retains its messaging and personality while taking your branding to the next level - reach out to us to get started.

StarBox Technologies Branding Showcase (source: StarBox Showcase)

4. Overpromising

How do you persuade customers to become missionaries? You do this when you slightly underpromise and exceed expectations. Allowing your customers to brand you as a company that goes over and beyond. Resist the urge to sound better than you are, only promise what you can deliver and then deliver to the nth degree. Are you the most approachable? Don’t allow your employees to speak negatively about clients. Are you the coolest? Then, make sure your branding is visually appealing and has a wow factor.

Copycat branding in practice (source: Business Insider)

5. Copycat branding

You have to provide consumers with a compelling reason to give you their business. You can’t expect to take business away from the market leader unless you have a compelling cause. Don’t strive to be like other businesses; instead, be yourself. There will be a part of the market that prefers what you do above what the market leader does, and that is the percentage of the market you can take. Instead of imitating your competitors, be unique and zig when they zag.

Summary

Large corporations spend millions just to reinforce their brand. However, if you are a start-up or a small firm, there are easy steps you can take to ensure your identification and messaging are on track. It might be as simple as avoiding these branding blunders.

1. No unique selling proposition (USP)
2. Price branding
3. Underestimating the Importance of Logos
4. Overpromising
5. Copycat branding

Closing

Maintaining a positive, consistent, and effective brand can not happen overnight since it requires consistency and devotion. If you’re aware of the potential pitfalls, you’re one step closer to ensuring that your identity and messaging are on track.

Do you need assistance developing a strong brand? Start your project today.