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Brand Goals Checklist

It's January and that means the time has come to get it together and start the new year off with a bang! But where do you even start when it comes to amping up marketing and your brand?  Wether you are a new company or have been around for years, it's always beneficial to do an audit with the following checklist to make sure you start off strong and that everything is on point and has not gotten sloppy over time. Success is yours this year!

Establish a primary logo, brand fonts & colors
A strong logo is the nucleus of a successful brand. Having a horizontal AND a stacked version ensures that it can be used across all media and is less likely to get altered and create inconsistencies. Establishing and being strict with brand colors and fonts makes it easier for your clients to recognize your brand and increases recall. Following a brand guide increases the value of your business - first impressions are everything!

Present your mission clearly
Make it fool-proof for your clients to believe they need your product or service. State exactly what it is that you are offering and how it will add value to their lives. Eliminate any chance of second guessing by being transparent and and to the point. 

Create a brand voice that relates to your ideal client
Brand voice is anything put out into the world that represents your brand - text in your website, social media content and marketing materials like flyers and promo are all pieces that need to be cohesive and emulate the same vibe. That vibe needs to be one that your ideal client can relate to and trust. Do some research on your target market and  adjust your voice to speak their language. 

Engage in social media & the local community
The more you engage, the more your business will achieve growth. Keep word of mouth positive - DM organic followers on social media to thank them for the support and ask if they have any questions for you - make real connections with people who are already showing interest in your brand.  Donate time, products or services to local causes that align with your brand and are important to you. Sponsoring events, offering discounts to service men and women or teachers or volunteering as a team is another way to engage and show you care while generating multiple touch points that bring awareness to your brand. 

Show the love to your clients with branded swag
There is major marketing strength in promotional products. Giving away promo that makes sense for your brand in a memorable way will pay for itself when the recipients become your brand ambassadors. Showing appreciation to existing clients with branded swag will ensure repeat sales because they feel cared about. Get a dream clients' attention by treating them to something creative and special that makes your brand stand out. Promotional products also have staying power and generate additional impressions when re-used - a no brainer! 

BE CONSISTENT
This applies to each of the check points above and to everything you do in marketing. If you are consistent in keeping all of these brand fundamentals in check, it will be easy for clients to find your business, recall your business, develop trust and become brand ambassadors. Your brand value will increase and sales and income will follow. 

This short list may seem overwhelming when you start to tackle it, but you do not have to be an expert on everything. We believe in using our talents where they best fit, and outsourcing tasks when we are not confident. Creating and executing marketing strategies is our passion and we are excited to be a partner in your 2020 goals. Let us know if you are ready to elevate your brand! 

by candacebbc

3 Ways Bags Add Major Value to Your Brand

A simple and cost effective way to add value to your brand is with bags. Whether your business is product or service based, these are always a must to have on hand. Here, we go over 3 ways we see branded bags adding value.

1. High Perceived Value
Make someone feel special and appreciated for simply being your client!  We truly believe that a little bit goes a long way. Think about it - if there were 2 bags on a table with the same contents inside and you had to pick between a basic plastic bag and a paper bag with a brand on it, which would you pick? Even though the contents is the same, the branded bag SEEMS to be of higher value. That is the company who cares about their brand and their product so it must be great, right! It is all about PERCEPTION.

2. Repeat Brand Impressions
Bags are not only for giving to clients at a check out. These can be used to deliver welcome packet information to new clients, gift goodies like cookies to potential clients or be distributed at events. The possibilities are endless. Extra points if the bag is reusable - people are more likely to keep them instead of throw away which means they see your logo and brand multiple times.

BRANDING TIP: Bags are an AWESOME sponsorship piece. 5K's, trade shows, award shows or festivals - branded bags are sought after to hold other promo or catalogs and gear. They get constant exposure during AND after the event!

3. Low Cost, High ROI
With prices as low as $.20 per bag, the overall cost to invest in branded bags is low. Depending on size, color and imprint method, this is an inexpensive way to get your brand out there in a memorable way.

Think about the ways you can use bags in your industry! Find some options and pricing HERE or contact us for other questions.

by candacebbc

10 Tips on How to Boost Brand Confidence in 2020

When you speak about your brand, do you feel confident? Is it easy? Does it bring you joy?

Without getting all Marie Kondo, if speaking about your brand doesn't bring on feelings of passion, excitement and pride, it may be time for a brand revamp!

The strongest brands (think Apple or Macy's for example) are established, easily recognizable, and consistent. These brands can be spotted a mile away and have a high recall, even at just a glimpse.

How does one achieve these brand goals?
- Establish a primary logo (AND a secondary if you're feeling like a boss!)
- Define a brand font
- Use only approved, specific PMS colors

Strong brands aren't all about good looks. What's on the inside counts too! Take a look around, and when you see a logo, pay attention to how it makes you feel. We associate and attach feelings to brands that come from our experiences, good and bad. Keeping customer service on point is key for the success of the tips below.

Want to integrate good vibes into your brand?
- Make the problem you solve very obvious
- Present your mission clearly
- Establish a brand voice your ideal client is comfortable with and can relate to

The final brand confidence booster may seem like a no-brainer, but it is very powerful - connect your brand with real clients. All the marketing tricks in the book won't bring any ROI if it's not being presented to and connected with ideal clients.

Get your brand out there!
- Create an active presence on social media
- Engage in the local community
- Show the love to your clients (new AND existing... hello, referrals!)

The number one thing that will increase the impact of all of these tips and make your brand a success is CONSISTENCY.

Bring it in, get it together, and set your sights on a prosperous 2020!

For an in-depth analysis, take our brand assessment quiz! We will send you a more specific diagnosis along with services we see that align with your branding needs.

by candacebbc