Creating a brand identity: 7 elements that keeps you top of mind.
There are so many products and services out there. You may be directly competing with them or just an alternative. Or maybe, you have an awesome idea and want to start your own business. If that’s the case, this article is for you!
To get the most out of your brand exposure and recall, here are the basic elements you need to consider in creating your brand.
1. Company & Domain Name
Needless to say, choosing your company name is important. It has been my practice to advice my clients who want to register their business name to register a domain name first. It is frustrating to have your business name registered with the government and later discover that you cannot have your business name as your web address because it is already taken.
This takes me to the next point which is choosing the right domain name for your company. First, it should be easy to spell. A weird or unique spelling is not gonna help you if it will take the a person to a different website just because of misspelled URL. Another is to ensure that your domain name is hard to forget. How to make it hard to forget? KISS! Keep It Short and Simple. For example, what would you prefer to type on your browser? kentukyfriedchicken.com or kfc.com? Which is easier to remember and faster to type?
2. Color
This plays crucial role in affecting mood and perception. Below is a simple color chart that shows the feelings associated with certain colors.
3. Logo
Have you ever wonder why some logo are stickier than others? It has a lot to do with how the brain process an image (a logo in this case). The psychology of recognition start from Shape, then the colors, and the details such as text.
4. Tagline
The tagline can be mission-oriented, value-oriented, promise-oriented or customer-oriented.
Describe your company in one sentence.
Explain what you do.
Write keywords that are relevant to your startup.
Fit the audience (kid or adult) and consider the approach (funny or serious)
Check your competition and get an idea to make yours better.
5. Digital Media
Your brand image should be consistent on all digital communication channels no matter what medium, channel and device they use. Your main hub is your website and you should be present in the top 3 Social Media relevant to your brand. Depending on your target market, here is the top 6 to choose from..
6. Stationery
For recall, your brand should be on business cards, letterheads, and other print materials. Have your logo on premium items like pen, stickers, temporary tattoos, buttons, shirts and so on…
7. You
In the end on the day, as a founder, you play a significant role in representing the company. You interact with people and the media. You are the symbol of your company. You too must not only look but act your part. The company culture and identity will come from you. You are the brand!
So don’t be surprised if you keep seeing Mark Zuckerberg using the same grey colored shirt all the time. It’s not just for practical reasons but branding as well!