WHY BRANDING IS IMPORTANT FOR CHANGEMAKERS
We all know a good brand when we see one.
We recognize it by the logo, the slogan and sometimes just by the colours.
They usually have a great cohesive design that is worked into every corner of what they present to the world. But there is a lot more at work than meets the eye.
When looking at branding, the great looks are obviously a big part of it and help with the first impression, however it's only the tip of the iceberg.
Branding, simply put, is directing what people think and feel about you and your business.
But it also helps you, by making a decision of how you want to be seen and who you want to be. The key here is, that you have to accept, that you can't be everything to everyone, nor should you want to be. Like in other areas of life, choosing something is not restricting yourself, it's actually setting you free.
If you think that this sounds a bit dodgy, let me explain further.
If you try to please as many people as you can, you will never be able to fully voice your opinion and be yourself, since there will always be people who might not agree with you and your vision. But by not taking a stance, you will also fail to reach the people who DO agree with you, because your message isn't clear enough.
And in the end, by not clearly setting this frame of how you want to be seen, they will automatically do it themselves as they see fit, wether it is what you tried to convey or not.
So by actively setting up a foundation of what you want to be recognised for and by aligning your actions and communication to it, you can guide how people think and feel about you.
Being a purpose-driven, ethical, mindful, vegan and eco-conscious business already gives you a unique position. People you attract are the ones who want to make changes in their lives and they hope that your product and services is helping them to achieve those goals.
However, branding – your vision, mission and values, in short your story – is what makes you special. Which is why it is important to put in some time and work into figuring these things out, and which is why my branding package includes a 25-pages workbook that includes detailed questions and exercises to help you do exactly that.
Another thing you should look at is connecting with your audience.
When I went vegan and started my own little online projects, all I wanted was to talk to like-minded people. Get advice, be able to ask questions and to learn.
So when you start providing a space where people can come together to talk, bond and share the same vision and work towards a common goal, you're not only going to find supporters for what you're offering, but you also bring together a crowd that wants to make this world a better place.
As we all know, and as it could not be more fitting for this example: the more, the merrier.
It is not rocket science, but you need to dedicate a little bit of time to go through some basic steps and questions. And while it might seem like a lot at first, it is such a great feeling when loose ideas and thoughts finally fall into place.
Once you know exactly what you are doing and why, and you find the right words to express it, you get this feeling of being bullet proof, because you have built this solid frame.
So, what exactly does the branding process I provide entail?
Like I mentioned, I created a 25-pages workbook that covers the following topics:
The Brand Make-Up
Finding your Values
Defining your Vision & Mission and creating an Elevator Pitch
Choosing your Brand Strategy
Mapping out the Market
Defining your Target Group
Finding your Tone of Voice
Brand Community
Brand Content
If you're thinking that this sounds like a lot of homework for you, then yes, you are right :)
But I am here to support you and help when you get stuck and of course will do the heavy lifting when it comes to designing!!
So with that being said, let me know if you have any questions.