Branding is more than what meets the eye. It should be.
Because people forget what you said to them. But people will always remember how you made them feel.
The process of becoming valuable in your customer’s eyes is called the branding process.
What is Branding?
Branding is giving life to your brand. It’s about creating a human-to-human connection between your brand and your audience. Branding is the way humans perceive your brand. It’s about the experience that stays. Branding is making people trust you without even buying from you.
Let’s look at a quick example of the value proposition in the branding process.
Nike.
(Did you say ‘just do it’ in your mind?)
Well, that’s the power of branding.
The first thought that crosses your mind after listening to a brand name.
It’s the first impression that stays with you.
How is Branding Different from Marketing?
Have you ever proposed to your crush?
You reached out. You made an effort.
That’s Marketing.
But then your text goes unseen.
And then you run ads and make it to the top of the waiting list.
That’s Paid Marketing.
But still waiting for a response.
Hear me out, my friend.
Before sending that message, make sure they say, “YES”.
What? How?
Spend a little time making yourself presentable and likeable by researching their likes and dislikes. Then, do everything in advance to ensure they say “YES”.
Well, that’s called BRANDING.
Why is Branding Important for Your Startup?
Now that you have understood how valuable branding can be, let’s look at why a branding process for your startup should be at the top of your to-do list.
Branding is essential to figure out the big WHY of your startup, also called brand purpose. Because the branding process of converting a startup idea to a full-fledged successful startup business will corner you with the same question, “WHY so?”
The ultimate purpose of branding is to become the first choice of your customers. So beyond the generic transactional business with your customers, the answer to the question ‘why else do you exist’ is to show.
So, branding is like the first impression you give to your customer.
Now let’s look at the Five Reasons Why You Should Prioritise Branding for Your Startup:
1) Branding expresses human values.
Apart from the right message, the branding process helps convey the traits and virtuals of your startup.
This adage will hold in all walks of life –
“People don’t connect with businesses. People connect with other people.”
Think of it this way.
You walk into a room packed with the crowd.
Who will you go to first?
A familiar face?
Yes. That’s the point.
2) Branding adds credibility to your business.
Visual Identity: Psychology cannot be wrong in saying that humans perceive visuals more than textual representations. The branding process of your startup with let people remember the colours, the fonts, and the typography of a strong brand. So it makes sense to instil a robust brand process from the start so that you don’t have to change and rebrand again, thereby confusing your existing audience.
Verbal and Written Identity: People tend to trust those aware of their surroundings. They know what they are doing and why they are doing it. So the branding process emphasises what matters is the clarity of written copies. The brand tone of voice will set the mood of your customers. And when you add consistency to all of it, your audience will bless you with unparalleled credibility.
3) Branding provides a competitive edge.
The quest for excellence begins with finding your USP. And as your startup grows, your uniqueness will only enhance your reputation in the market. This way, you will make yourself more memorable and easy to remember for your audience. Early mover advantage will be your talking point.
4) Branding offers a good user experience.
It’s always about the end-users, the buyers, the customers, or any other name you like. Your startup is all about ‘what else’ for an end-user. Your competitors may offer the same products and services, but what makes YOU different? User experience.
Good branding offers a seamless user experience to your customers. Whether they visit your website, scroll and tap on your app, logo, UI/UX design, or stationery design, every good thing will add to that fruitful user experience.
5) Branding attracts both talent and investment.
Suitable candidates will want to work with your brand when they see how serious you are about your branding. Because with good branding, your company culture and workplace attitude are reflected.
It’s the vibes that attract people. And when people want to keep coming back to you, they will choose to work with you.
Good candidates coming to you will save the cost of searching and hiring the right candidate. And save you from headaches too.
Similarly, your customers will not hesitate to buy from you and invest in your brand if your branding impresses them. They will choose you when they realise that their values align with yours. And that is how you will gain the trust of your customers.
Trust the process. The branding process, to be more precise.
CONCLUSION
Branding is necessary to grow your startup and make it known because it creates a memory. And memories stay with people.
So, are you ready to build a loyal following?
Get started with startupmate today.
Together, we can make great things happen.
