How to Build a Strong Brand Identity from Scratch

What you'll learn

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Table of Contents
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1. Unearth the True Purpose of Your Brand

Alright, so you're about to embark on the thrilling journey of creating a brand from scratch. But before you start doodling logo ideas or selecting catchy taglines, the first and foremost step is to unearth the true purpose of your brand. Why? Because your brand's purpose is like the North Star guiding your ship in the vast ocean of the market.

1.1. Define Your Brand's Mission

What's the one thing that your brand cares about more than anything else in the world? This is your brand's mission. It's like your brand's raison d'être, its reason for existing. It's the big, bold statement that tells the world what you stand for.

Ever heard of Google? Their mission is "to organize the world's information and make it universally accessible and useful". Pretty ambitious, right? But that's the thing about missions. They're supposed to be big and bold. So, take your time, dig deep, and define your brand's mission.

1.2. Identify the Unique Selling Proposition

What makes your brand different from the rest? What's that one thing that you offer that no one else does? This is your Unique Selling Proposition (USP). It's like the secret sauce that makes your brand irresistibly attractive to your customers.

For example, take TOMS shoes. Their USP? For every pair of shoes you buy, they donate a pair to a child in need. Now that's a USP that not only differentiates them but also aligns with their mission of improving lives. So, go ahead, and identify your brand's USP.

1.3. Determine Your Target Audience

Who are your brand's people? Who are you creating this brand for? This is your target audience. It's like your brand's tribe, the people who will resonate with your mission and appreciate your USP.

For instance, if you're creating a brand of eco-friendly cosmetics, your target audience could be environmentally conscious women aged 20-35. So, get out there, do your research, and determine your target audience.

2. Create a Brand Name that Sticks

Now that we've got the purpose of your brand sorted out, it's time to create a brand name that sticks. But how do you come up with a name that's memorable, meaningful, and unique? Let's dive in.

2.1. Brainstorm Ideas for Your Brand Name

Think of your brand name as the first impression you make on your audience. It needs to be catchy, easy to pronounce, and representative of your brand's personality. So, grab a pen and paper, or a whiteboard if you're feeling fancy, and start brainstorming.

Remember, there are no bad ideas in a brainstorm. So, let your creativity run wild. Think of words that align with your mission, your USP, and the needs of your target audience. Before you know it, you'll have a list of potential names for your brand.

2.2. Check for Trademark Infringements

Once you've got a list of potential names, it's time to do some digging. Are any of your potential names already being used by another brand? This is crucial to avoid potential trademark infringements.

So, start by doing a simple Google search. Then, check the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office's database. Remember, it's better to be safe than sorry.

2.3. Test the Name's Market Reception

Alright, so you've brainstormed potential names and checked for trademark infringements. Now it's time to test the market reception of your potential names.

Ask your target audience what they think. Do they like the name? Does it resonate with them? Does it communicate your brand's purpose? This feedback can be invaluable in choosing a brand name that sticks.

3. Design a Logo that Speaks Volumes

Okay, so you've got your brand name sorted. Now, it's time to design a logo that speaks volumes. Your logo is like your brand's face. It's the first thing people see when they interact with your brand. So, let's get designing.

3.1. Understand the Psychology of Colors

Did you know that colors can evoke certain emotions and associations? For example, red can evoke feelings of passion and urgency, while blue can evoke feelings of trust and stability. So, choose your logo's colors wisely.

Start by understanding the psychology of colors. Then, choose colors that align with your brand's personality and resonate with your target audience.

3.2. Choose a Font that Reflects Your Brand Personality

Just like colors, fonts can also evoke certain emotions and associations. For example, a script font might be perfect for a luxury brand, while a bold sans-serif font might be perfect for a tech startup.

So, choose a font that reflects your brand personality. But remember, your logo needs to be readable at all sizes, so avoid overly intricate fonts.

3.3. Keep Your Logo Design Simple

When it comes to logo design, less is often more. A simple logo is easier to recognize and remember. Think of the Apple logo or the Nike swoosh. They're simple, yet instantly recognizable.

So, keep your logo design simple. Avoid unnecessary elements and focus on creating a design that's unique and meaningful.

4. Set a Brand Tone that Resonates

Now that you've got your brand name and logo, it's time to set a brand tone that resonates. Your brand tone is like your brand's voice. It's how you communicate with your audience. So, let's find your voice.

4.1. Decide on a Brand Voice

Is your brand serious or playful? Formal or informal? Professional or friendly? This is your brand voice. It's how you "speak" to your audience.

For example, if you're creating a brand of high-tech gadgets, your brand voice might be professional and authoritative. On the other hand, if you're creating a brand of funky, eco-friendly clothing, your brand voice might be fun and casual. So, decide on a brand voice that resonates with your target audience.

4.2. Develop a Brand Language

Your brand language is like your brand's vocabulary. It's the words and phrases you use in your communication. So, develop a brand language that aligns with your brand voice.

For example, if your brand voice is fun and casual, your brand language might include words like "awesome", "cool", and "rocking". On the other hand, if your brand voice is professional and authoritative, your brand language might include words like "innovative", "leading-edge", and "high-performance".

4.3. Maintain Consistency in Your Tone

Consistency is key when it comes to your brand tone. Whether you're tweeting, writing a blog post, or answering a customer query, your tone should be consistent.

This consistency helps build trust and familiarity with your audience. So, maintain consistency in your tone across all your communication channels.

5. Establish a Brand Personality

Alright, so you've got your brand tone sorted. Now, it's time to establish a brand personality. Your brand personality is like your brand's character. It's the human traits and qualities that your brand embodies. So, let's get personal.

5.1. Identify Your Brand Archetype

Your brand archetype is like your brand's personality type. It's a universally recognized character that your brand embodies.

For example, is your brand a Hero, always striving to improve the world? Or is it a Jester, always looking to bring joy and laughter? There are 12 brand archetypes to choose from, each with its own set of traits and qualities. So, identify your brand archetype and let it guide your brand personality.

5.2. Align Your Brand Personality with Your Audience

Your brand personality needs to align with your audience. After all, people are more likely to connect with brands that share their values and interests.

For example, if your target audience is young, adventurous people, your brand personality might be daring and rebellious. On the other hand, if your target audience is environmentally conscious people, your brand personality might be caring and responsible.

5.3. Stay True to Your Brand Personality

Once you've established your brand personality, stick to it. Consistency is key in building a strong brand identity.

Whether you're designing a new product, writing a blog post, or responding to a customer query, your brand personality should shine through. This consistency helps build trust and familiarity with your audience.

6. Craft a Compelling Brand Story

Now that you've got your brand personality sorted, it's time to craft a compelling brand story. Your brand story is like your brand's biography. It's the narrative that explains who you are, what you stand for, and why you exist. So, let's get storytelling.

6.1. Understand the Elements of a Great Story

A great story has a beginning, a middle, and an end. It has a protagonist (that's you) and a goal. It has challenges and triumphs. And most importantly, it has a purpose.

So, understand the elements of a great story. Then, weave these elements into your brand story.

6.2. Weave Your Brand's History into the Story

Your brand's history is a crucial part of your brand story. It's the backstory that explains how you came to be.

So, weave your brand's history into your story. Talk about the challenges you faced, the triumphs you celebrated, and the lessons you learned along the way.

6.3. Make Your Story Relatable

Last but not least, make your story relatable. After all, people connect with stories that they can relate to.

So, make your story human. Talk about your struggles and successes. Show your passion and determination. And most importantly, show how your brand makes a difference in the lives of your audience.

7. Develop a Brand Strategy

Alright, so you've got your brand story. Now, it's time to develop a brand strategy. Your brand strategy is like your brand's game plan. It's how you plan to achieve your goals and fulfill your mission. So, let's get strategizing.

7.1. Set Objectives for Your Brand

What do you want to achieve with your brand? These are your brand objectives. They're like your brand's goals.

For example, your objectives might include increasing brand awareness, driving sales, or improving customer loyalty. So, set clear, measurable objectives for your brand.

7.2. Plan Your Brand's Positioning

Where do you want your brand to stand in the minds of your audience? This is your brand's positioning. It's how you differentiate your brand from the competition.

For example, you might position your brand as the most affordable option, the highest quality option, or the most innovative option. So, plan your brand's positioning carefully.

7.3. Create a Brand Communication Strategy

How will you communicate your brand's mission, USP, and personality to your audience? This is your brand communication strategy. It's how you plan to get your message across.

For example, you might use social media, content marketing, or influencer marketing. So, create a brand communication strategy that resonates with your audience and aligns with your brand's positioning.

8. Create a Brand Style Guide

Okay, so you've got your brand strategy. Now, it's time to create a brand style guide. Your brand style guide is like your brand's rulebook. It ensures consistency in your brand's visual and verbal communication. So, let's get guiding.

8.1. Include Logo Usage Guidelines

How should your logo be used? This includes things like size, placement, and colors. So, include clear logo usage guidelines in your brand style guide.

8.2. Specify Typography and Color Palette

What fonts and colors should be used in your brand's communication? This includes things like headings, body text, and background colors. So, specify your typography and color palette in your brand style guide.

8.3. Outline Imagery and Voice Guidelines

What kind of images should be used in your brand's communication? And what should your brand's voice sound like? This includes things like tone, language, and style. So, outline your imagery and voice guidelines in your brand style guide.

9. Consistently Deliver Your Brand Promise

Now that you've got your brand style guide, it's time to consistently deliver your brand promise. Your brand promise is like your brand's pledge to your audience. It's what your audience can expect from every interaction with your brand. So, let's get delivering.

9.1. Understand Your Brand's Promise

What is your brand's promise to your audience? This could be anything from delivering high-quality products to providing excellent customer service. So, understand your brand's promise and make sure it aligns with your brand's mission and USP.

9.2. Train Your Team to Deliver on the Promise

Your team plays a crucial role in delivering your brand promise. After all, they're the ones interacting with your audience on a daily basis. So, train your team to deliver on your brand promise. This could include training in customer service, product knowledge, or brand values.

9.3. Review and Evaluate Your Brand Promise

Finally, regularly review and evaluate your brand promise. Is it still relevant? Are you delivering on it consistently? If not, it might be time for a tweak or two. Remember, your brand promise is a crucial part of your brand identity, so it's worth getting it right.

10. Foster Brand Advocacy

Alright, so you're delivering on your brand promise. Now, it's time to foster brand advocacy. Brand advocates are like your brand's cheerleaders. They're the customers who love your brand so much that they can't help but tell everyone about it. So, let's get advocating.

10.1. Encourage Customers to Share Their Experiences

One of the best ways to foster brand advocacy is to encourage your customers to share their experiences. This could be through social media, online reviews, or word-of-mouth.

For example, you could create a hashtag for your brand and encourage your customers to use it when posting about your products. Or you could offer incentives for leaving online reviews. The key is to make it easy and rewarding for your customers to share their experiences.

10.2. Reward Loyal Customers

Another way to foster brand advocacy is to reward your loyal customers. This could be through a loyalty program, exclusive discounts, or special gifts.

For example, you could offer points for every purchase, which can be redeemed for discounts or freebies. Or you could offer early access to new products or special events. The key is to make your customers feel valued and appreciated.

10.3. Engage with Your Community

Last but not least, engage with your community. This could be through social media, community events, or charity partnerships.

For example, you could host a local event or sponsor a local charity. Or you could respond to comments on social media and engage in conversations with your audience. The key is to be active and visible in your community.

11. Monitor and Adapt Your Brand

Alright, so you're fostering brand advocacy. Now, it's time to monitor and adapt your brand. The market is constantly changing, and your brand needs to adapt to stay relevant. So, let's get monitoring.

11.1. Regularly Review Your Brand Performance

How is your brand performing? Are you achieving your objectives? Are you delivering on your promise? These are crucial questions to ask in your brand review.

For example, you could track metrics like brand awareness, customer satisfaction, and market share. Or you could conduct customer surveys to get feedback on your products and services. The key is to regularly review your brand performance and make adjustments as needed.

11.2. Adapt Your Brand to Market Changes

The market is constantly changing. New trends emerge, customer preferences evolve, and competitors enter the scene. So, your brand needs to adapt to stay relevant.

For example, you might need to update your products, tweak your brand voice, or reposition your brand. The key is to stay on top of market changes and adapt your brand accordingly.

11.3. Listen to Customer Feedback

Last but not least, listen to customer feedback. Your customers are the lifeblood of your brand, and their feedback is invaluable in improving your brand.

For example, you could use social media, online surveys, or customer interviews to gather feedback. Then, use this feedback to improve your products, services, and overall brand experience. Remember, your brand is all about your customers, so their feedback is crucial.

12. Protect Your Brand Identity

Alright, so you're monitoring and adapting your brand. Now, it's time to protect your brand identity. Your brand identity is like your brand's fingerprint. It's unique to your brand and needs to be protected. So, let's get protecting.

12.1. Register Your Brand

The first step in protecting your brand identity is to register your brand. This includes registering your brand name, logo, and any unique product features.

For example, you could register your brand name as a trademark, your logo as a design, and your unique product features as a patent. This gives you exclusive rights to use these elements and protects them from being used by others.

12.2. Use Legal Measures to Protect Your Brand

There are several legal measures you can take to protect your brand. This includes using copyright laws to protect your original content, confidentiality agreements to protect your trade secrets, and non-compete agreements to protect your competitive advantage.

For example, you could copyright your website content, use confidentiality agreements with your employees and partners, and use non-compete agreements with your key employees. The key is to use legal measures proactively to protect your brand.

12.3. Stay Vigilant Against Brand Infringement

Last but not least, stay vigilant against brand infringement. This includes monitoring the market for any unauthorized use of your brand elements and taking action if necessary.

For example, you could use online monitoring tools to track the use of your brand name and logo on the internet. Or you could use a legal advisor to take action against any unauthorized use of your brand elements. The key is to stay vigilant and protect your brand identity.

And that's it! You've now got a roadmap for building a strong brand identity from scratch. So, get out there and start building. And remember, your brand is a living entity. It needs to be nurtured, monitored, and adapted to grow and thrive. So, keep learning, keep adapting, and keep building. Good luck!