Today, we’re going to dive headfirst into the wild, wacky, and often debatable world of branding. Clever and often subliminal branding has been probing minds without consent longer than Keith Richards of the Rolling Stones has been around, or probably longer, although we old geezers at BullsEye doubt it.
Let’s break it down for you in easily digestible chunks so your brain doesn’t drip gooey fluid all over your Mac.
Its like clothing for your business
Branding is like picking out the perfect outfit for a date. You want to impress, maybe get lucky? The point here is, you want to stand out from the rest. Sure, stuff like a cool and clever logo is like the flashy Swiss watch on your wrist, but branding goes beyond that! It’s your company’s personality, voice, and overall vibe that sets you apart from the crowd.
It matters in the UAE!
The UAE is known for its grandeur and larger-than-life experiences. It’s no surprise that some truly epic branding moments have emerged from this desert oasis. Take a few stone cold classics like Emirates Airlines or the Burj Khalifa for instance. Towering bastions of great branding that make you splurge with wild abandon or resign you into crying in a corner.
Lets talk of the Dubai Shopping Festival, you know it’s more than just a shopping spree—it’s a branding extravaganza that can quickly plummet your finances into a hole deeper than the Mariana trench.
Branding is the secret sauce that takes your business from “meh” to “meow”. It’s not just about a fancy logo or a snappy tagline; it’s about creating an experience that captivates your audience.
So why is branding so important? Here’s why:
Branding helps you stand out from the competition. You don’t want to look like the average Joe, especially in a market that is new and still slushy to wade into. In today’s crowded marketplace, a brand that people can remember helps you cut through the noise and get noticed.
It builds trust and credibility. You likely won’t get on a roller coaster in that new amusement park that just sprung up in town like something out of a Stephen King novel if it ain’t got no marketing, website, or testimonials. When customers know and trust your brand, they’re more likely to do business with you. A strong brand can help you build relationships with customers and create a loyal following.
Here we come to the enticing bit. Branding can help you charge a premium price. Yes, trust us when we say this. Customers are willing to pay more for products and services from brands they trust and believe in even if the competitor brand has the same set of bells and whistles.
So how do you create a strong brand?
Start with a clear understanding of your target audience. Who are you trying to reach with your brand? Are they humans, mermaids, tiny gnomes? Audience decides your game for you. SIp on a karak chai while you ponder.
What are their needs and wants? Are there other lurking competitors who are circling them for their moolah? Once you understand your target audience, you can start to create a brand that resonates with them. By resonate, we mean truly ringing like the soothing vibrations of a Buddhist gong.
Develop a unique selling proposition (USP). What makes your brand different from the competition? What value do you offer that no one else does? Your USP should be clear, concise, and memorable.
Create a consistent brand identity across all channels. Avoid changing brand identity like a chameleon in heat. Your brand should be consistent across all touchpoints, from your website to your marketing materials to your customer service. This will help customers to build a strong connection with your brand.
Invest in branding. Branding is an investment, not an expense!