June 24, 2024
*Branding is everything for your business, but consistency is the magic ingredient that makes it work. Need proof?
Strong brands can command a higher price premium, with consumers willing to pay up to 50% more for brands they trust. Branding Statistics
Strong brands can demand a higher price. Consumers are willing to pay up to 50% more for brands they trust.
That’s right — 50 percent! That’s revenue just waiting for you to claim.
Whether you’re an established entrepreneur looking to revitalize your brand or your current branding needs a strategic refresh, these four steps will help you create brand consistency that boosts both visibility and revenue.
1. Identify your Brand DNA
Before you present your brand to the world, it’s crucial to understand its essence. You might be thinking, “I sell XYZ, isn’t that enough?” But it’s essential to dig deeper. Consider these key questions:
- What is the ultimate goal of your brand/company? (This can serve as your mission statement!)
- Who is your target audience? What are their likes, dislikes, and problems you can solve?
- How do you want to speak to them?
- How do you want to make people feel?
- What are your company’s core values? What standards do you want to set for yourself?
Take your time to thoroughly explore these questions. This process will create a strong foundation for your brand, one that can grow and evolve with your business.
2. Establish your Brands Blueprint
Once you’ve pinpointed your brand’s DNA, it’s time to bring it to life with a comprehensive style guide. Think of this guide as the holy grail of your brand’s identity. Anyone who reads it should instantly understand how to create content and visuals that are consistent with your brand.
Key elements to include:
- Brand Voice and Tone:
Define your brand’s personality. Is it fun and laid back or professional and buttoned-up? Include specific words to emphasize and avoid, and consider any grammar, punctuation, or spelling details. - Logo and Variations:
Include main logos, black and white logos, how to use logos on different backgrounds, whitespace, sizing, uses, watermarks, and dos and don’ts. - Typography:
Specify main and supporting fonts, font sizes, weights, gradients, use cases, website fonts, rules about underlining and italics, and dos and don’ts. - Imagery and Photography:
Detail the type of imagery and photography to use, including sizing, styling, themes, pre-sets, filters, and editing. - Color Palette:
List your main and supporting brand colors, CMYK, Pantone, RGB settings, HEX codes, patterns, complimentary colors, and dos and don’ts.
For inspiration, check out brand and style guides from Spotify, Urban Outfitters, Asana, and MailChimp.
Businesses are now only as strong as their brands, and nothing else offers business leaders so much potential leverage.Jim Stengel
3. Align your Brand Elements Consistently
With your visual elements defined, it’s time to implement them across all your digital platforms. Consistency is crucial. Whatever you post and wherever you post it, ensure all elements are aligned with your style guide, including:
- Brand colors
- Voice and tone
- Fonts
- Patterns
- Icons
- Logos
- Social media handles and titles
- Bios/taglines
- And any other element used across your digital ecosystem
4. Regularly Audit and Update
Creating brand consistency isn’t a one-time task; it requires ongoing effort. Regular audits and updates are essential. Here’s how you can maintain a cohesive brand over time:
- Review Your Brand Elements Periodically:
Schedule regular reviews to ensure they are still relevant and aligned with your business goals. - Gather Feedback:
Collect feedback from your audience and team to identify areas for improvement. - Stay Updated with Trends:
Keep an eye on industry trends to keep your brand fresh and relevant without losing its core identity. - Update Your Style Guide:
Make necessary updates to your style guide based on feedback and trends to ensure it remains a valuable resource.
By following these four steps, you’ll craft a brand that consistently boosts visibility, drives revenue, and looks exceptional. Ready to elevate your branding? Let’s get started!
