Understanding the EPIC Framework for Your Business
Laila Eddaris
Brand & Marketing Manager | Marketer in STEM - AI, XR and Gaming | WTM Ambassador | Mentor & Advocate
Introduction :
Building and maintaining a successful business involves a lot more than just selling products or services. It’s about creating a strong and meaningful presence in the minds of your customers. To help businesses achieve this, there’s a simple yet powerful framework called EPIC, which stands for Existence, Purpose, Identity, and Connection. In this article, we’ll break down each element of the EPIC framework in straightforward terms.
Think of the “Existence” part of EPIC as your business’s origin story. It’s all about why your business came into existence in the first place. Your story includes who started the business, where it all began, what problem you were trying to solve, and who the people behind it are. Your customers want to connect with your story, so sharing your origin tale is vital.
Your origin story should include the founders (the people), the problem they aimed to solve, and the solution they came up with. This story helps customers understand your business better and feel a connection to it. Sharing your story is a way to bring customers along on your journey.
2. Purpose: Why You Do What You Do
The “Purpose” aspect goes beyond your origin story. It’s about why your business does what it does. Every business is built on a set of values and meaning. Your customers today want to engage with brands that have a clear purpose. Articulating your purpose helps you connect with your audience and define who aligns with your vision.
To express your business’s purpose, you can use statements like “We believe that…” and brainstorm keywords related to what you care about. Another way is to state what your brand isn’t about, which helps clarify what you do stand for.
3. Identity: Your Visual Brand :
“Identity” refers to the visual elements of your brand. This includes your logo, the colors you choose, the images you use, and the typography in your branding. These visual elements are essential for making your brand recognizable and memorable.
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A logo is like a mini-story in one image, capturing the essence of your brand. It should incorporate elements from your origin story, problem-solving approach, purpose, values, and keywords associated with your brand. Your logo should also convey other aspects like innovation, tradition, or whimsy.
Choosing a color palette is about more than recognition; it sets the tone for your brand. Each color has psychological associations, so select colors that feel right for your business. These colors should influence your website design, advertising, packaging, and more.
Imagery, such as photos and visuals, adds to your brand’s visual identity. It not only evokes feelings but also creates a unique atmosphere for your brand.
Typography, or the fonts you choose, plays a crucial role in visual branding. It helps convey the feeling and association of your brand in the lettering. Selecting the right typeface should align with your story, values, and purpose.
4. Connection: Building Relationships :
The “Connection” aspect in EPIC is all about how your brand connects with your customers through the written word. It’s choosing the right voice for your business, so your customers feel a personal and emotional connection to your brand.
Storytelling has a unique power to create connections that simple facts can’t achieve. Humans are wired for stories; we love hearing and telling them. When we hear stories, our brains release chemicals responsible for empathy and connection. Your brand’s origin story can create a powerful connection with your customers, and they might even see themselves in your story.
To solidify this connection, it’s essential to have real people associated with your business rather than using vague terms like “we” or an impersonal “the company.” By telling a story, your customers come along with you on the journey, and this strengthens the bond between your brand and its audience.
Conclusion :
The EPIC framework is a simple yet powerful way to create a strong and meaningful brand presence for your business. By sharing your existence and origin story, defining your purpose, crafting a unique visual identity, and building connections through storytelling, you can connect with your customers on a deeper level. Remember, people love stories, and by telling your brand’s story, you can create a powerful connection with your audience. So, go ahead and use the EPIC framework to make your business stand out and thrive in the midst of social media conversations.
SRB (EY India) || Chartered Accountant || CFA L2 Candidate
1 年Well crafted & insightful article ??