It is not uncommon for new business owners to run out and get a logo designed early in the process of building their business. One of the biggest problems with this approach is that they are not taking the time to see or create their brand as a WHOLE.
“Isn’t a logo and a brand the same thing?”
Spoiler alert: Your logo is only PART of your brand!
There is a big difference between a LOGO and a BRAND. You can have a beautifully designed logo, but without the support of a brand to give it meaning and context, you can expect very little from it.
When I start working with someone I like start them with my Brand Development guide. Once they start digging deeper into their Vision and Mission statements, identify who their company’s ideal client and offerings are, they often realize the logo they made in haste to get started isn’t working for them anymore!
what is a Logo?
what is a Brand?
A logo is an easily recognizable, reproducible design element, often including a name, symbol, specified colors or trademark. It is a quick, visual representation of a brand’s message and position. A well designed logo conveys part of your brand message and invites the viewer to build a relationship with your brand.
A brand is the culmination of every interaction, experience, thought, and marketing practice by a business. Brand encompasses the positioning, messaging & communications, visual design, client/customer personas, brand voice, marketing & promotions, and the presence of the company. To your customers, your brand is your reputation that is created by how your company makes them feel, what their experience is like with your products and services, and what they think you stand for.
Think of it this way:
A LOGO all by itself is merely a graphic element with a name. Your BRAND is everything tangible & intangible, that represents your business and gives your logo meaning. When combined, a well-designed logo and brand strategy help you reach your target audience, communicate your message, your value, and benefits, build a relationship, and create extraordinary customer experiences.
“I put my logo on everything so isn’t that enough to be called branding?”
While your logo is displayed on business cards, brochures, website, email newsletters, and flyers, the message, the colors, the typefaces, the design, and even the voice used in the materials will be completely inconsistent if you don’t have a good grasp on your brand.
Quick Branding Test:
Cover up the logo on any of you marketing materials. Can you still tell who or what business the piece is for?
READY TO BUILD A STRONG FOUNDATION? LET’S START BY DEVELOPING YOUR BRAND!
It’s time to really think about who you will be in the retail space.
What is your Vision and Mission? Who are your ideal customers? What is your Unique Selling Proposition? These may sound daunting at first, but if you can fill out mad-libs, you can develop a Vision Statement!
Download a BRAND DEVELOPMENT GUIDE
This guide will help you discover brand elements, your brand purpose, and brand story.
DON’T KNOW WHERE TO START?
Let’s jump on a quick call and see where you are currently at.
Email me to schedule your FREE 30 Minute Introduction.