Five common branding myths debunked

Branding is an essential part of any business, regardless of its size. But with so much misinformation out there, it can be challenging for small business owners to know what it is and why they need it.

Here are the top 5 branding myths:

1. YOUR BRAND = YOUR LOGO

This is one of the most common branding myths.

Business owners often refer to their logo, fonts, and colours when talking about their brand.

A logo is just a part of the visual communication among the many moving parts that make up a brand.

Much of how we perceive a logo relates to the associations we have built with that company. Those associations come from the company’s branding and are projected onto what we see and hear.

TRUTH:

Branding includes everything about your brand, from your tone of voice, messaging, and values to your logo, fonts, colours and imagery styling.

2. BRANDING IS ONLY FOR BIG COMPANIES

Investing in a brand takes time and money.

Usually, the more prominent brands get talked about because they’re well-known and provide a common understanding.

It’s natural to assume you don’t have a brand as a small business owner.

If you think about branding, which is how people feel and think about your company, everyone has a brand, even if it’s just you.

TRUTH:

People will form an impression regardless of the size of your business, so it pays to work out what you would like it to be.

3.?BRANDING IS TOO EXPENSIVE

This goes with the point above, in that only the big companies have the resources to invest in branding.

There is no such thing as a set-it-and-forget-it task when it comes to branding.

It can be used when launching a new business or product, rebranding and ongoing brand management, or running a campaign or event.

Therefore, saying it’s too expensive doesn’t make sense because it depends on what you’re trying to accomplish.

TRUTH:

Branding is an investment in your business, not an added expense. Working on this will help set your business up for long-term success.

4. YOU ARE IN CONTROL OF YOUR BRAND

Even though you’re laying the foundation for your brand, you have no control over what others think. You can help shape and influence those decisions, but ultimately your brand will be defined by your audience and customers.

The key here is to listen to your audience and adjust your brand to ensure it’s giving the impression you want.

TRUTH:

Your audience controls your brand, so put them in the centre and build your brand around them.

5. BRANDING ISN’T NECESSARY

Some people don’t know what branding is, and many people can’t tie branding to a certain income.

Everyone has a brand; therefore, everyone needs branding.

Branding is about shaping your audience’s perceptions of you and the reputation and trust you build in their minds.

Branding can significantly impact your business and sales, but it can be hard to measure. But a business cannot only be built on sales.?Building a strong brand is an asset, and one money can’t buy.

Just think of the long queues of eager fans who await the latest model of the Apple iPhone or just how many loyal Coke fans there are compared to Pepsi.

TRUTH:

Branding will help people connect with your brand and ultimately choose you over your competition.

LAST WORDS

It doesn’t matter about the size of your company; branding is essential in building your business and creating a lasting impression with your audience.