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Nowadays, the marketplace is competitive. This may sound like a sweeping statement. But when it comes down to it, regardless of what area you decide to specialise in, what goods you decide to put out there, or what services you may be considering providing, it’s highly likely that there other small business out there with similar ideas, products and services. The rise of Ecommerce also means that it’s easier for these competitors to establish themselves and pose a threat to your business. Business can be pretty cut throat, and others offering what you offer will often do almost anything to bring customers to them rather than you. If they succeed, you’ll ultimately make fewer sales and generate less overall profit. So, what can you do to make sure that customers opt for you rather than a competitor? Well, this is where marketing comes into the mix. There are way too many areas of marketing to focus on in just one post. So, for the moment, let’s just take a look at the importance of branding for your small business and its success.

Promotional Materials

Standing out when you first launch your business can be difficult. People are unlikely to buy branded products when they haven’t heard of the brand name. So, you may want to consider handing out branded promotional materials. These tend to go down a treat. After all, who doesn’t like a freebie? Handing out free branded items can see someone receive a treat (which is a pleasant experience) and then have an object hanging about that keeps your brand in their mind. The best branded materials are the type that people will take out and about with them too. This means that your brand name is exposed to others. Take canvas tote bags as an example. Branded totes are useful for the people who receive them. They can be used to carry grocery shopping, bits and bobs to work and back, and more. They will carry your brand name around with them day in and day out. Branded pens are also pretty clever. After all, how many times do people ask to borrow a pen? If someone has a pen with your brand name on it, others are also likely to use it and be exposed to your brand down the line!

Social Media

People spend a lot of time on social media. Many of us actually spend hours every day scrolling through Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Now, many business owners associate social media with people’s personal lives. People share what they’re up to. But have you ever considered how much people will share what they’re buying on their social media feeds? They’ll tag what they’re wearing, they’ll post up images of parcels arriving, they’ll show off new purchases. Take advantage of this! Many businesses make use of social media influencers who have a huge following. They’ll pay them to promote their products on their page. But you could make things a bit more discreet. Find people who represent your target audience and post them a freebie. They’ll post it up on their page and though their following may be smaller, their following tends to be more engaged, knowing the person on an individual level. These individuals are called nano influencers and they can generate more trust in your brand.

Business Cards

Business cards may well seem relatively old fashioned. But you need to remember that you don’t just have to establish your brand for the sake of customers recognising you. You need to establish a good brand to bring in the best employees, partners, and collaborators. You never know when you might meet your next business partner, someone you can collaborate with successfully, or someone who could potentially become a great client. Casual chats you find yourself in could open all sorts of doors and opportunities for you. But you’re going to have to remember these people you talk to remember you and your brand. This is where business cards come into play. While exchanging numbers, emails or social media addresses may seem like a cheap and equivalent alternative, a business card provides this information alongside your branding – tying the two things together and making more of a memorable impact. Have a stack of business cards designed and made. They should reflect your business and the brand you’ve created. Then you should ensure your company logo, company name, phone contact, email and business address printed or embossed on it. Focus on brand colours and fonts to keep consistency.

These are just a few ways to boost your business’ branding and to help your company stand out from the increasingly saturated crowd! Incorporate them into your business plan and you should experience a lot more success!