Setting up shop and wondering what to build first?
It isn’t your brick-and-mortar property. It isn’t your storefront, your website, or your display case.
It’s your brand.
Brand creation is one of the most important parts of creating a new business, though it’s easy to forget this step in the chaos and excitement of the journey.
Your brand is your business identity and the way people will perceive you from here out. Build it right, and they’ll come.
Ready to learn more? Let’s dive into four critical first steps!
1. Set Your Differentiator
First, how do you want people to perceive your company? In other words, what kind of experience do you want them to have when they choose you?
Hint: There isn’t a right or wrong answer.
If you’re building a pizza parlor, you may want people to leave your restaurant remarking, “Man, that was the freshest, most organic pie we’ve ever eaten!”
Or, you may want them to remark, “That’s the best deal for your money in town. You can’t beat the $5.99 special!”
Yes, you can have it all. You can be the cheapest, the freshest, and the best all-around. But when creating a brand, you need to be known for something in particular.
Set this first and the rest follows.
2. Create Your Business Model
Now that you know the promise you want to deliver to your patrons, make it happen.
You can’t have the cheapest pizza in town if you don’t figure out a way to cut supplier costs and bring in as many people as possible.
How can you maximize the number of people you serve per table? What local partnerships can help you shave a few bucks off ingredients or supplies?
Brainstorm your business model and make sure it aligns with your differentiator.
3. Get Your Name Out There
You may have the best company in town, but you won’t see any sales if you stay silent!
Start by building a website and becoming active on social media. Get your name out in the digital world to generate brand buzz and get people talking. Work with a link-building platform like SEOJet.net to drive valuable traffic to your website and improve your visibility.
Even if you’re months away from a grand opening, you can ramp up the excitement in anticipation of the big day.
As you develop a budget for your marketing campaign, keep in mind that print marketing isn’t dead. Don’t forget the power of business cards, flyers and brochures to spread the word.
4. Commit to Consistency
With the first three steps in place, you may feel tempted to slack off a little and let the momentum carry you for a while. Instead of giving in to this urge, keep at it.
Commit to delivering the same top-notch customer experience on Day 1000 as you did on Day 1. Over time, you’ll build a reputation for your company that speaks for itself.
Brand Creation Made Easy
From Apple to the shop down the street, every great brand begins with a great dream.
However, if you dive in headfirst without a strategy in place, you could lose steam before you even begin. Brand creation may take time, but it’s one of the most important investments you can make for your future. Follow these four steps to lay the foundation for years of success!
Want more business tips? We’ve got plenty on our blog, so keep reading!