Break Through The Noise
4 Key Elements for Creating a Standout Brand
There is SO much noise.
Digital noise that is.
Everyday we are inundated with words, images and sounds.
And we are overwhelmed with choice.
What to do, buy, watch, eat…
Who to follow, friend, love, work with…
And your business is lost in that mix.
But it doesn’t have to be.
You CAN break through the noise and carve a valuable place in your market and in the hearts of your dream clients.
To do this you need to do what you do best AND do it differently than anyone else.
You need to be memorable and remarkable, consistent and confident.
This is the fastest way to building an incredible brand you can leverage in order to take your business to the next level.
In this article I’m going to share the 4 key elements you need to create a powerful, memorable and visible brand that connects with your dream clients.
1. Client Experience
The world is changing quickly and the number of people taking the leap into entrepreneurship is growing. In order to stand out in a saturated market, you will have to get creative with what you offer and how you position yourself.
Because it takes way more than just having a great idea or being amazing at what you do to be successful. What I’ve seen is that the client experience will be a dominating factor in business.
But what does that mean exactly?
It means that how you provide your services or product is just as important as the end product.
People are more likely to comment on their experiences with a company (good or bad) than on their experiences with the actual product.
You need to create an emotional connection with your potential clients.
Then map out your client journey. Think about how you want your clients to feel, think and respond to what you do or sell.
Are there any areas you can improve? Or perhaps add a little something special?
It doesn’t have to cost you money — it does however need to make people love working with you and want to refer their friends.
A powerful client experience can do that.
2. Brand Foundation
Your brand is one giant puzzle.
Any many entrepreneurs are trying to make the puzzle without having the picture.
And if you’ve ever put together a puzzle, you’ll know how difficult that is!
Your brand foundation is like the puzzle box with the picture on it. It helps you see the big picture and know exactly what you are building. It means you can plan — and stop trying to put pieces together that don’t fit.
Your brand foundation (the puzzle picture) informs everything. The logo, website, photography, social media, copy, client experience, products and services etc….
Harness the power of words to convey the most important aspects of your business.
In order to create a compelling visual identity for your business — one that truly reflects who you are, articulates your unique offering, and attracts the right people — you need to establish a strong brand foundation first.
Once you are able to articulate who you are, who your target audience is, what makes you different, the benefits you offer, your brand position and essence, you can then create a memorable brand that attracts the right clients.
You need to do the deep work first, and design second.
3. Photography & Video
People are quick to judge.
If your headshot makes you look unapproachable or unprofessional, it is costing you money.
Hiring a professional photographer is a small expense in the grand scheme of things, and goes a long way towards making the right impression.
Believe me…people can tell if your website is full of stock photography. Give them a glimpse inside your world and show your personality so your dream clients can picture themselves working with you.
Many photographers are now offering branding photography sessions for small businesses.
You just need to find the right one for you.
You need to tell your brand story through images and video.
Video — both live and pre-recorded — is a great way for your potential clients to get you know you. You want your personality to shine through. If you are filming yourself for anything (Instagram or Facebook Live, Webinars or trainings, promotional videos etc…) invest in a tripod and a light so you look your best.
And take stock of what’s in the background of your video. If the room is cluttered — tidy up. If you are backlit or there is background noise — move to a new location.
Remember you don’t have to be perfect, you just need to be your best authentic self — and the right people will flock to you.
4. Visual Brand
Once you’ve found brand clarity, it then needs to be brought to life visually.
This includes everything from your logo, colour palette, website, social media graphics, brand guidelines and anything else you need for your business.
The confidence that comes from clarity is a strong stance from which to do business, no matter what your size.
The work you did on the foundation won’t mean anything unless you can express it to world through powerful design.
Your brand is so much more than a logo; it is the foundation for how your business does everything.
The best way to bust through the noise is to show up authentically and consistently. Share valuable content, show your personality and captivate your audience!
If after reading this post you realize you need help creating a brand that breaks through the noise, I’d love to chat. Click on the video image of me in the bottom right hand of this page and send me a message!