We feel the rightness of creating a brand in our bones. Marketing and advertising agencies tell us that we’re supposed “create a brand” and we believe them. After all, who wouldn’t want a name like Nike, Kleenex, or Starbucks to call their own? But folks in business just beginning branding often find that it is expensive and know that it doesn’t always produce the immediate results a “low low price sale” will.

beginning branding, create a brand

photo credit Troy Thompson

This is the exact moment when it is time to spend energy and create a brand will allow your company to leap forward. The good news is that you don’t have to take the traditional approach of spending lots of money to identify and create a brand. You have all the tools you need available to you at little or no cost.

First, don’t be fooled that you need some high-priced, extensive study, marketing testing set of words before you can begin to brand yourself. Let’s face it — you know what your company is about. You know what your company stands for. You created the company with a set of values. You believed the business was successful. Therefore, you are the exact right person to create a brand for your business.

How to Create a Brand

That’s more than half the battle. Once you know what your brand is about, and you can articulate it to someone. Then you have to figure out a 3-7 word phrase that evokes what your business is about. This phrase needs to resonate with and create a gut level feeling for your audience.

Admittedly, this is a bit tricky to do on your own. If you need the assistance, this is where a marketing agency can help. The important thing to remember here is that you are in control. And you decide how much you want to spend with the agency. Ask the agency to give you half-dozen of the best options they create. (And ask for those that are within your budget). That should get you close enough to be able to find the tagline you think will work best for your business.

Remember, even if you’re just beginning branding, you know your brand best. If it doesn’t work for you, it won’t work for your customers. Don’t be afraid to reject all the ideas that the marketing firm came up with. If they aren’t right — they aren’t right.

About the Author:

Tisha Oehmen

Tisha Oehmen is a professional brand strategist and a leader in the branding field. She has been named a member of the Global Guru’s Top 30 Brand Gurus. She is also the co-founder of Oregon-based Paradux Media Group and the best-selling author of the book, Finding Brand: The Brand Book Tutorial.

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