What is a brand and how to build a memorable brand identity They are hidden in the smallest accessories – sunglasses, lipstick, purse, to larger ones like clothes, a sports bag or a colleague’s new briefcase. In the cars rushing by, in the new billboard on the way to the subway.
Even a cup of hot drink can have a clear visual indication of the brand, coffee producer, which makes a person strongly want to get something invigorating to drink.
Brands are everywhere. Some are clearly recognizable and world-famous, while others remain somewhat more in the shadows and are eventually forgotten. What makes the former so successful that everyone wants to own something of theirs?
In the article, we will examine in detail the concept of brand and what is brand identity; what are the strategies for building a successful brand and how, with the help of professionals, you can apply them to your business. To have a successful brand that grabs attention and attracts customers.
What is a brand?
When it comes to branding, one often thinks only of the logo. But a brand is more than a logo or slogan – it represents the essence of a business, its values and the promise it makes to its customers. It is essentially the perception that resides in the mind of the target audience, encompassing the emotional connection and trust that customers associate with a particular product, service or company.
At its core, a brand is a combination of tangible and intangible elements that define a business. It covers the logo, colors, typography, product design, marketing strategies, customer service and overall communication approach. In addition to these visual and functional aspects, a brand also includes the emotions, values, perceptions and experiences associated with a company or product.
A brand goes beyond tangible aspects; it embodies the intangible, including the emotional connection and trust consumers have in the product or service. It is the unique identifier that differentiates a business from its competitors and influences customers’ purchasing decisions.
A strong brand communicates the promise of quality, reliability and satisfaction. It is built over time through consistent communication, exceptional customer experiences and delivering on promises.
Brand types
Product
They are focused on a specific product or product line. Examples include Apple (known for iPhone, iPad, etc.) and Nike (known for sportswear and footwear). Examples include Apple (known for iPhone, iPad, etc.) and Nike (known for sportswear and footwear).
For services
Service-based brands emphasize the quality and experience of the service they provide. Examples include FedEx, known for its reliable and fast delivery services, and Hilton, known for its exceptionally high level of accommodation and customer leisure care.
Corporate
Corporate represents the overall image of a company. Corporate represents the overall image of a company. Examples include Google and Coca-Cola.
Personal
They are centered around individuals and their unique identities. Celebrities, entrepreneurs and influencers often create personal brands to establish a clear presence in their respective fields. Examples of such successful personal brands include tennis player Maria Sharapova and her healthy Sugarpova chewing candies; Jennifer Aniston, whose “Rachel” hairstyle from the series “Friends” has become one of the most desired hairstyles, and her hair care brand LolaVie; Michael Jordan and the AirJordan line, in collaboration with Nike.
Commercial
Merchants are owned by retailers and are specific to their stores. They offer uniquely branded products in their retail spaces. Examples include Target’s Up & Up brand, Lidl’s Homebrew, Kaufland’s Bray!, and others.
Brand identity
Building a memorable brand identity is critical for businesses seeking to establish a unique and recognizable presence in the marketplace.
Among the most striking examples of a successful brand identity are Apple’s with their clean and minimalistic logo; Starbucks with its distinctive green color and the promise of a delicious drink; McDonalds and their yellow and red color scheme that is clearly recognizable even from a long distance.
One of the most frequently asked questions by business owners is, “How do they create a memorable brand identity?”
Building a brand identity
Creating a memorable brand identity is a process that includes strategic and creative sub-processes. These processes may have slight differences depending on the business. For example, the Investopedia post lists only four basic steps: analyzing the company and the market, determining its business goals, defining the customer profile, and deciding on the message the company wants to convey to him.
Basic steps for building a brand identity, in our opinion, include:
- Taking a detailed look at the brand and establishing who its target audience is
Start by defining your brand’s values, mission, and unique selling proposition. It will also help you identify your target audience – a key factor in tailoring your brand identity to resonate effectively with them.
- Studied and analyzed competitors
Conduct thorough research of your industry, competitors, and target market to identify gaps and opportunities.
Analyze the branding strategies of your competitors, which ones are successful and which ones are not so much and what can be improved. For example, does their brand message match their visual identity and do they follow a single communication across all their channels – website, social networks, email messages. Does the quality of their products or services match what is promised in their branding to customers and do they have customer reviews to back this up. Examining these elements in detail will help you gain insight into how to approach your brand and define your unique positioning.
- Application of SWOT analysis
The SWOT analysis includes analyzing strengths and weaknesses, as well as opportunities for development and threats to your brand. Applying such an analysis can help you gain a more detailed view of your business, the way you operate, and accordingly where you have gaps and may need improvements. The analysis covers both internal and external factors, which makes it very useful for discovering new ways to grow the brand.
- Developing a brand strategy
Formulate a comprehensive strategy for your brand that outlines positioning, messaging, visuals and communication channels. Align these elements with your brand values and the expectations of your target audience. The success of your brand depends heavily on your customers’ overall understanding of your business.
- Design of the main elements of the brand
Key elements of your brand include your logo, color palette, typography and imagery. Make sure these elements reflect your brand’s values and personality and are visually appealing and memorable. Here you must also have the so-called A brand book that ensures you have visual consistency across all your marketing materials. With its help, you will have clear rules and guidelines on what visual elements of your brand to use in all your communication channels.
- Creating consistency in the presentation of the brand in the various communication channels
Maintain consistency in brand identity across all communication channels – from your website, social media profiles and marketing materials to product packaging. Consistency enhances brand recognition and strengthens its image in the minds of consumers.
- Engaging your audience
Drive engagement and interaction with your brand through various platforms. Foster a genuine connection with your audience by consistently providing valuable content and experiences that align with your brand identity.
What makes a brand memorable and successful?
A memorable and successful brand is one that demonstrates consistency, authenticity, emotional connection and a commitment to quality and reliability. It resonates with its target audience and leaves a lasting impression.
Several key elements contribute to making a brand memorable and successful:
- Consistency: Maintaining a consistent brand image builds audience familiarity and earns their trust. Consistency reinforces identity and helps maintain a strong market presence.
- Authenticity: Authenticity in communication and actions builds trust and fosters a genuine connection with consumers. Authentic brands stay true to their values and consistently deliver on their promises.
- Emotional connection: A successful brand taps into the emotions of its audience, creating a connection beyond the transactional aspect. Emotional resonance can significantly influence consumer loyalty.
- Innovation and Adaptability: Successful brands are innovative and adaptable to changing market trends and consumer preferences. They are constantly evolving and improving their offerings to stay relevant and meet the changing needs of their audience.
- A memorable look: An eye-catching logo, attractive visuals and a memorable tagline are critical to creating a lasting impression in the minds of consumers.
Building a unique brand identity that clearly distinguishes it from competitors may seem difficult to achieve, but it is absolutely possible with the help of professionals.
The importance of working with professionals in building a memorable brand identity 
Building a successful brand identity is a complex task that requires a combination of psychology, market understanding, strategic thinking and a well-measured dose of creativity.
Collaborating with professionals such as graphic designers, copywriters and marketing strategists experienced in creating a brand identity brings specialized knowledge and experience to the process. This allows them to create strategies that align with the brand’s goals and resonate with the target market.
Partnering with professionals saves time and resources for a business. While they concentrate on market, consumer and competition research, and creating a brand identity that stands out and is relevant, the business can focus on executing its core operations and keeping them running smoothly.
Professionals can help with:
- Strategic guidance: Professionals can build and guide brand strategy, ensuring it aligns with business goals and effectively reaches target audiences.
- Design expertise: Skilled designers can create a visually appealing and impactful brand identity that stands out in a crowded marketplace.
- Consistency and Cohesion: Professional copywriters can help convey the brand’s message correctly and be consistent across all communication channels, ensuring a unified and, above all, memorable identity.
- Adaptability and evolution: Professionals can help a brand stay relevant by adapting to market changes and changing consumer preferences. One of the most important and key advantages of working with them is that the brand identity accurately represents its values, and is reflected in its message and unique proposition.
In conclusion, the brand is the “face” of a business that represents its identity and is responsible for the emotional connection with consumers. Building a memorable and successful brand identity is a product of meticulous planning and research, creativity and collaboration with professionals who understand what a brand is and all the nuances of creating its memorable identity.
Brands that resonate emotionally and have a compelling message, stay authentic and adapt to changing landscapes… They have a better chance of making a lasting impression on their audience, which ultimately leads to business success.
If you need professional help and a team with experience in creating a memorable brand identity, we at CreateX are here to help.
