Let’s talk, business owner to business enthusiast. Do you remember when you were working on creating your store branding? Wasn’t that a nightmare? All the agonizing over style and colors and logo… there were so many sleepless nights, and so much second-guessing. Yet you did it! You figured it out, and now your brand stands as a perfect emblem on your business.
You know, for instance.
But are you putting your brand to work?
It only makes sense after what it put you through. Your brand shouldn’t just sit there and look pretty, it should be earning its keep!
Most small businesses prefer to think of themselves as just that: a business, and therefore immune to that whole “branding” thing that bigger companies have to worry about. But all big companies start as small ones, and small companies who concentrate on spreading their brand become big.
Why do you need to be throwin’ your brand up all over town?
First off, your branding is, for all intents and purposes, you. It is the snapshot of your entire business career, distilled into an easily recognizable image. It’s making your introductions and opening doors for your business, without you having to speak a word. It’s a marketing force unto itself. It says, “I’m the Real Deal over here, so check me out.” It proves your credibility to the world.
Credibility means a lot more than a good-looking brand.
As a whole, people tend to be a rather “book by the cover” bunch. Our time is limited, as is our money; and, we don’t want to spend a whole ton of time trying to figure out if the place we may be spending our limited money in is above-board or not. It helps if your brand represents you well. Customers want to be reassured that yes, you are indeed “legit,” as the youths say.
Part of being legit is what people say about you, how they feel about you, and if they know you. If you have a fantastic looking brand that’s leaning against the wall, staring at its shoes, afraid to talk to potential customers at the consumer party, it doesn’t matter how good it looks.
So what should your brand be doing?
The short answer is, everything. The long answer is… well, also everything.
- Put your branding all over your store, on your bags, and all of your promotional materials. You’ve offered those who have walked into your store amazing products and exemplary service at a fair price. Help happy customers talk about you when they leave your store by ensuring they remember your name. With PayGo, you can make sure they bring your name, address, and phone number with them on their receipt. Memory can be fickle.
- Make sure it’s splashed all over your social media sites and your online store.
- Bring your brand to trade shows, and be sure to print it all over your giveaway swag.
- You can also try out some guerrilla marketing tactics to show off your fun, creative side while creating your very own brand recognition.
Now go forth and brand well!
PayGo is a solution provider for independent retailers based in Rochester, Minnesota. Our primary focus is on point of sale / retail management software. We also offer a Merchant Account integration, a WooCommerce integration, Digital Marketing Services, and more.