Business Branding with Social Media: The Real Deal

Things are still a little old school at times when it comes to marketing efforts. There are those who firmly believe in progressing with the future (these are the ones who have embraced social media with welcoming arms). There’s also another group that are a bit more resistant to change (to put it nicely).

Although kicking it old school is perfect for certain situations, it’s not the best decision when it comes to marketing efforts. Let’s take a minute to look at some of the ways we brand “just because that’s the way we’ve always done it.” We’ll also look at three myths out there that need to be dispelled.

What Do You Think of When You Hear the Word ‘Branding’

When you consider branding, do you picture a great company logo or see yourself whipping out your business card at the local Business After Hours?  Maybe you go to the opposite extreme, such as the branding effectiveness of Apple or Coke, and you assume you’ll never have the budget to “brand effectively.”

Developing a powerful brand presence is attainable to everyone. It’s not reserved for only the million dollar campaigner.

How Can I Learn to Brand Effectively?

First you’ll need to look at branding from the right marketing perspective. I’ve targeted a few myths and shed some much needed light on each one. If you take a look at each one and decide how you have been looking at the issue, you’ll be able to start the process of transforming your business.

Myth: Branding Your Business Is Difficult

Branding yourself and your business image is not rocket science. Branding requires focused thought and clear decisions about what you want your business to stand for and to whom. That’s sort of your mini-mission statement and you should re-evaluate it often. Whatever works, keep it…Whatever drags you down, cut it loose.

Once you have your mini-mission statement, make a conscious effort to communicate your message through everything you do, visually and experientially. Whether you are online, at your office, or out to lunch with a client, live out what you believe. By doing so, you’ll brand yourself and your business simultaneously.

Myth: Branding Takes a Huge Financial Investment

Effective branding can be accomplished on any budget. The key to branding is not throwing money at it and hoping that some of the efforts make it to your target market. The real key to branding your business effectively is to determine who your ideal audience is and then direct your business messages and marketing efforts to fit the needs and benefits they value.

Once you have determined your target market, you can work on getting your logo created, your business blog up, brochures created, etc. Without a clear plan and a target market in mind, your materials won’t come together as effectively as they should.

The clarity and consistency of your message is what promotes your brand. This can and should be done on social media platforms.  By having a consistent and focused message, you will ensure that the advertising you ARE able to afford is laser focused.

Myth: Branding Isn’t Absolutely Necessary

Don’t kid yourself on this one. Brand equity can catapult you to the heights of success or absolutely break your company. And if you think branding has no financial impact, just consider how many businesses are purchased just because of their loyal customer base.

That’s the reason people will pay three times as much for a coffee from Starbucks than they will from McDonalds. Brand identity translates into perceived value when done properly.

Don’t Give Up: Branding Takes Time

People need to experience your brand multiple times before it sticks. Social media platforms not only allow live interaction, but they allow you to be visible daily as a constant representative of your brand and your company. That brings brand awareness, which is vital if you really want to grow your business. People will begin to associate YOU with YOUR brand, your product, or your service. The more you make yourself available to the consumer, the more brand awareness you will build.

Have a strategy, be willing to tweak your strategy as necessary, and most of all…have fun. Social media marketing does take some time out of your day, but it is a pretty interesting and fun way to connect with potential customers.

If we’ve left anything out or you’ve got any myth-busters or ideas, leave us a comment. We love your feedback!