6 Clever Branding Ideas

1. Have a Fun Logo

These days a boring logo won’t cut it. The logo you create for your company should be unique and also thought-provoking. Ever noticed the arrow in the FedEx logo or the arrow pointing from A to Z in Amazon’s logo? These subtle touches further market the company’s mission. When creating your company’s logo, think about its mission and values. Find a subtle way to incorporate them. Not only will it set your name apart, it’ll keep your customer’s interested.

2. Use a Brand Influencer

Social media continues to take the world by storm. While your company may have several social media profiles, you can take things a step further by teaming up with an influencer. An influencer is a social media star who is active in your company’s industry. If you sell cosmetics, you’ll want to partner with a beauty influencer. Working with an influencer is a surefire way to build your brand while increasing awareness.

To find the right influencer for your company:

• Browse top names on social media
• Look at who your customers follow
• Find someone who embraces your company’s mission and values

An influencer can exposure your company’s name to hundreds, if not thousands of new clients. With this increased visibility, you can expect more leads, more profit, and hopefully more returned customers.

3. Embrace Personalization

Customers like to feel valued. No one likes to receive the same email or post card that’s been sent to hundreds of other people. At the same time, you also don’t want your physical correspondence to look like everyone else’s. To gain the 1-up on your competition, embrace personalization. One of the easiest ways to do this is to add a custom stamp to all of your mail correspondence. You can customize stamps online, purchase ink, and then add a final touch to each piece of mail that’s sent by your company. A stamp adds a handmade touch that shows your customers and clients that you value them.

4. Create A Custom Hashtag

Twitter is used by millions of people each day. It’s one thing to have a company profile on the social network, but you can take things a step further by creating a custom hashtag. You can use this hashtag on social media as well as in other forms of communication. A custom hashtag will drive more interest and buzz around your company. You can use it to promote a new product launch or a company contest.

5. Make a Known Concept Your Own

Sometimes the most successful companies have taken a known concept and turned it into their own brand. Consider Angry Orchard. The company’s branding is a clear nod to the well-known movie, The Wizard of Oz. By taking an easily recognized theme and making it their own unique brand, the company’s packaging is eye-catching and interesting. There’s no shame in capitalizing on a theme or color palette that’s already well known. The important part is to make it unique.

6. Use Valuable Promotional Items

Promotional items such as pens, t-shirts, and stress balls are common. These items make it easier for customers to remember your name and what you offer. Since thousands of these items are sent out each year, you’ll need to take things a step further by ensuring the items you provide are valuable. Makeup company? Send customers a mirror or set of brushes. Produce business? Hand out seed packets for herbs or vegetables. IT company? Give customers USB flash drives or mouse pads.

The key is to use items that not only relate to your industry but ones that are usable. Handing out items that your competitors use won’t give you the step above that you need.

Conclusion

Branding is all about making connections visually, mentally, and emotionally. Remember, it’s more than a logo or a mission statement. These days you’ll need to stand out from the ever-growing crowd. Impress your customers and beat out your competition with these 6 clever hacks for branding.