When starting your own company, you want to make sure it represents who you are and what you stand for. And developing the perfect brand identity is just the thing to help you do that.
But what exactly is brand identity? And how do you go about developing one for your particular business?
To take the confusion out of it, let’s take a look at “what is brand identity?” and 4 things you should know about it.
What Is Brand Identity?
Your brand identity is what shapes your company. (Yes, it’s that important.) But don’t let that scare you because you can make it anything you want it to be.
It’s the visual design that sets you apart from your competition. It’s how people will instantly recognize your products and services. It also sets the tone for how they will perceive your business.
In short, it’s your company’s face to the world. So, you want to make sure it reflects exactly who you are.
Here are 4 things you should know about brand identity.
1. How to Develop Your Brand Identity
Before you can develop your brand identity, you need to be able to answer these questions about your business:
- Who are we?
- What makes us special?
- What is our company’s personality?
- What are our values?
Once you answer these questions, you can start to develop the tone and style for how to shape your identity.
2. Components of Your Brand Identity
The components of brand identity are the visual elements of the design. This includes your font choice, your company color palette, and the form and shapes of your logo.
Choosing these elements carefully is critical to creating the image you want to represent your company.
Are you fun and laid-back? Stylish and modern? Or strictly business formal?
Whatever your style and personality may be, each component should reflect it accurately. If not, it can create confusion about who you are and what you represent.
3. Where to Use Your Brand Identity
Your brand identity should be used on all material that represents your company. This includes items such as the logo, packaging, website, business cards, and social media graphics. You’ll even want to use it on employee uniforms.
Essentially, anything that is from or about your company will need to have the brand identity on full display.
4. Mistakes to Avoid
Once you have a successful identity going, you want to make sure it stays that way. Here are a few things you’ll want to keep in mind:
- Keep it consistent. Don’t make your business card look different from your company packaging. Even slight changes will only confuse people and make them question what is going on with your company.
- Train all current and new employees on your brand identity. Your employees also represent your business and need to understand what the brand is all about.
- Refresh all company materials should you ever do a re-branding of your business. ALL of it.
The Right Brand Identity Can Make All the Difference
After you answer what is brand identity to your particular business, you can work on nailing down the plan that will work for you.
And when your identity is on target, your customers will know who you are and have confidence in doing business with your business.
Ready to get help on developing your business’s brand identity? Click here to contact us today!