Originally posted on December 15, 2015; Updated on March 18, 2022
At its very core, your brand is a set of promises your local business makes to potential consumers about the value your products or services
have to offer. To maximize your growth potential, your brand must inspire confidence, trust, and have a solid reputation, or your target
audience will lose interest. There has been extensive research completed to determine what people are looking for in terms of branding and
above all else, there are three things your brand must deliver to influence shoppers. Get in touch with us today to learn more.
Brand Awareness
In a recent study, 76% of people revealed that when it comes to buying new products, they're most likely to buy from a brand that is
familiar to them. Make sure that your brand has a distinct personality that will resonate with your audience. Every time someone hears your
company name, sees your logo, sees the colour palette you use or hears your company slogan, you’re building brand awareness. Use content
marketing to give your customers value, strengthen brand awareness, and attract potential customers to your website, making them also aware
of your brand.
Key Takeaway: Your brand has to have a unique identity, so it stands apart from your competition and it has to be
placed in front of your target audience often enough that they recognize it.
Quality Information
A whopping 77% of conversations involving brands on social media are generated by people needing information, help or advice. This
is a massive missed opportunity if your brand is not delivering quality information people can trust. A blog is great way to provide helpful
content that may answer questions or solve problems your potential customers may have. Providing them with helpful, accurate information
without immediately trying to sell them something will still lead them to your website, which is ultimately your goal, and you’ve first
provided them value.
Key Takeaway: Content is a powerful influence if it provides useful information and engages readers. It is critical to
both your marketing and branding strategies.
Emotional Connection
Brands that evoke high emotional response are three times more likely to be promoted by others through word-of-mouth advertising than brands
that do not connect emotionally with their audience. Consumers want to identify with brands and feel good about them before recommending
them to others. People aren’t going to feel great about your brand if you’ve got a ton of negative reviews online. Maintain a positive
reputation online by:
Not having business practices that get you consistent negative reviews in the first place.
Responding to ALL reviews. This makes your customers feel heard and appreciated and continues to build their trust in your brand. Also, the
odd negative review is nothing to be feared, but a learning experience, and a chance to showcase how your company goes about righting a
wrong for a customer.
Key Takeaway: Humans are emotional and (for the most part) compassionate creatures. We see those negative reviews and
imagine ourselves or someone we care about in that scenario. Your company will not be getting the benefit of the doubt. Build trust in your
company by maintaining a positive online reputation.
Build a Brand Your Customers Can Trust with Us
Your brand is more than a recognizable logo and catchy name. It is that! But it doesn’t stop there. The heart and soul of a brand is the
trust and loyalty it’s customer base has in the company. Through brand awareness, consistent content marketing, and maintaining a positive
reputation, your brand can make good on the promises you make to your customers and exceed their expectations. Call Smart WSI Marketing
today to build a digital marketing strategy to reach your business goals.
Lynne Motkoski, Digital Marketing Consultant
Specialty: Digital Marketing
Strategies Education: MA Communications
& Technology, BComm [U Alberta]
Lynne is known for her strategic approach to marketing communications, technologies, and lead generation. She has a passion for education,
keeping up with current marketing trends and practices, and helping clients keep ahead of their competition.
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