How to Launch a Brand: 8 Things You Need to Know
How to Launch a Brand: 5 Ways to Make an Impact
Launching a new venture or breathing fresh life into an old one, is an exciting time for your business. Let’s start you off on the right foot. Launching a new brand can be overwhelming. As a brand strategist, we get it. Below you’ll find a handy guide for launching your new brand the right way.
UNDERSTAND YOUR TARGET AUDIENCE.
There are approximately 333 million businesses in the world, how do you stand out from your competitors?
Defining your target audience can help you draw in the right customers and give your potential customers a reason to choose you over your competitors. In a world where we have so much choice in the brands we choose to purchase from, finding your niche, and catering to that audience, can truly set you apart.
To define your target audience you’ll need to conduct research. Think about who your perfect customer is. These questions will help you get started.
What age group are they in?
Millennials? Gen Z? Over 60’s?Where do they live?
Domestically? Small town? Big city?What’s important to them?
Family? Their career?How do they make a purchase?
Through social proof? Researching?What are their interests?
Fashion? Environmental sustainability?
Answering these questions will help you understand exactly how to start building your brand and what will be appealing to your target audience.
2. FIND YOUR PURPOSE.
When launching a brand, having a strong purpose is key for your audience to understand who you are and why they should purchase your product/service.
Consider these questions when defining your purpose;
What exactly does your business do?
How do you do it differently to your competitors?
Why does your business do this? What does it want to achieve?
Once you’ve answered these questions you’re on your way to defining your brand in a meaningful way.
3. FIND YOUR IDENTITY
Brand identity has a substantial impact on how your business is perceived. Brand identity usually refers to the visual components of your business aka what your business looks like.
Did you know that people form an opinion of a brand in 50 milliseconds? How do you make the right impression?
Make sure your branding- your logo, website, graphics, colour pallette, photography and videography, etc.- all convey the right message about your brand. For example, a yoga studio may opt for calming colours such as green and orange paired with tranquil visuals.
Do some research on what your target demographic is drawn to and how you can implement that in your branding.
*TOP TIP: Consider longevity in your branding. Using elements that are ‘trendy’ now may age quickly, meaning you will need to change your branding with the trends.
4. MESSAGING AND FINDING YOUR VOICE
The way your brand sounds is also important. Although imagery and video can really sell someone on your product or service, the way you explain it can be just as important.
The right messaging makes your customers feel heard. For example, an online personal coach may opt for copy which sounds motivational and inspiring; and use this tone consistently throughout their platforms. People want to feel consistency in your brand, wherever they might find you.
5. SOCIAL PRESENCE
55% of people now find new brands via social media, whether that be Pinterest, Instagram or TikTokor another platform. If you don’t have a social media presence, you’re missing valuable exposure.
But how do you develop a social media presence? Your strategy should make sense for your brand. You don’t need to hop on every trend. You don’t need to copy what your competitors are doing. Your social media presence should be a reflection of who you are as a brand.
Developing a solid social media strategy can be tricky. Read our full guide on creating a social media strategy here.
IN SUMMARY
There’s a lot that goes into launching a successful brand. From finding a target audience, branding, messaging and creating a solid social media strategy. Having the guidance from an experienced strategist can help your brand get it right from the start. Swiirl is ready to partner with your business to steer you through the process.