Branding can feel very intimidating as a small business owner. You have an incredible talent, a unique product, a life-saving service, and now you’re hearing you have to create a “brand identity” that makes people feel all the feels!? The reality is, branding does matter. But why? Your brand IS what makes you stand out and attract your dream clients and customers. It’s also what keeps them returning for more and for shouting all the good things about you from the mountain top.

To help simplify the big concept of branding, here are some myths I am busting to help you get started on your journey with a little less intimidation.

1. BRANDING IS JUST A LOGO

This is the most common myth – that branding is all about your logo. Understandably so. Your logo is often the most recognized part of your brand image. While it is very important, branding includes more than just a graphic. It includes the entire perception people have of you and your company/product/organization. What values you stand for, the messaging you create and the entire customer experience. At Dandyline Designs I rarely offer logo design as a stand-alone service. There is a much bigger picture that should be explored to ensure your brand is putting it’s best foot forward.

2. BRANDING IS ONLY FOR BIG COMPANIES

It is often misunderstood that branding is for large corporations with unreal budgets. Building a strong brand is essential for every business – from the soloprenuer to large corporate organizations. Branding should be leveraged for any size business to highlight what makes you unique to attract your target audience. Reaching the right target market with the right visuals combined with messaging is crucial to growth for businesses of any size.

3. IF THE PRODUCT IS GOOD IT WILL SELL ITSELF

Chances are you are like many clients I’ve had the privilege to work with – you are incredible, unique and may even have a cult following. Investing in a brand image will only help you go even further! With brand partnerships, social media engagement, product sales or simply connecting with new clients, a solid brand identity is required. If you want to have your brand do the heavy lifting, creating a brand is the way to go. When done right, this will clearly reflect your vision, values and resonate with the audience that wants to give you all of their money!

4. BRANDING IS ONLY ABOUT LOOKS

The fun pieces like logos, colors and typography are very important elements of branding. However, they should not be the entirety of your brands focus. Creating a meaningful connection with your ideal customer and audience through pretty colors will only get you so far. Understanding your core values, outlining your personality and messaging will attract a deeper connection with your clients. A multi-dimensional brand that has a clear message, understands who they are and what they value will have greater longevity and success.

5. BRANDING IS SOLELY THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE MARKETING DEPARTMENT

From the top to the bottom, from side to side – your entire team should be involved in encompassing your brand experience. The whole action speak louder than words – that applies to every angle of your brand, too.

6. BRANDING IS ONLY ABOUT EXTERNAL COMMUNICATION

Similar to the last myth, this one implies that if you look good on the outside, it doesn’t matter what’s going on inside. That is just silly. How your company engages with your clients should align with your brand values. Your company culture should reflect your message and beliefs and reinforced throughout your company – regardless of the size.

7. BRANDING GUARANTEES IMMEDIATE SUCCESS

There is no such thing as an “overnight success.” There is rarely a quick fix for business problems and there are no guarantees for immediate success. Branding and marketing is an ongoing process that requires adaptability, a deep and sometimes evolving understanding of your target audience. It also requires an investment – financially and of your time. I am happy to help you along the way. Good branding can help you reach your target market quicker than just having a pretty logo, but there’s still nothing easy about running a business. Let me do some of the heavy lifting and help get you out in the world with a brand you are proud of.

So, are you ready to take the leap and invest in your business brand for a much greater chance at success? Let’s connect today!