7 Branding Mistakes You Want to Avoid

Let’s talk about the 7 biggest branding mistakes that you definitely want to avoid. But don't worry, we're going to make it a fun and playful conversation. So grab a snack and let's dive in!

First up on the list, not having a clear brand message. This is like trying to navigate a maze without a map - you'll just end up running in circles and getting nowhere. Your brand message should be concise, unique, and reflect your company's values and mission. It's the foundation of your branding strategy and it should be communicated consistently throughout all of your marketing efforts.

Next, not staying consistent. Consistency is key when it comes to branding. You don't want to be sending mixed signals to your audience, or else they'll be confused and that's never a good thing. Imagine trying to order a pizza, but getting a burrito instead. That's the equivalent of inconsistent branding. You need to have a consistent visual identity, messaging, and voice to establish trust and credibility with your audience. Don’t confuse brand consistency with what the social media ‘gurus’ tell you about consistency either! I am not talking about showing up 70 times a week on your socials, I am talking about the consistency where all of your deliverables and points of contact with your clients/customers/audience are in unison.

Third on the list, not understanding your audience. This is like trying to speak a foreign language without taking the time to learn it - it's just not going to work. You need to understand the needs, wants, and pain points of your target audience in order to effectively market to them. Conducting market research, surveys, and focus groups can help you gain valuable insights into your audience's behaviour and preferences. Once you understand your audience, you can tailor your branding efforts to better resonate with them.

Number four, not differentiating yourself from the competition. This is like trying to sell a car without telling people what makes it different from all the other cars on the market. You need to stand out in order to make a lasting impression. You need to identify your unique selling points and communicate them clearly and effectively to your audience.

Fifth, not being active on social media. This is like trying to make friends without ever leaving your house - it's just not going to happen. Social media is a powerful tool for building and maintaining relationships with your audience. It allows you to reach a wider audience, engage with your customers, and gather valuable feedback. So don't be shy, get out there and start networking! I do want to say though that social media isn’t the be all and end all of your business. If you don’t want to associate with social media, then don’t. You don’t have to be on there 24/7 either!

Number six, not measuring the success of your branding efforts. This is like trying to bake a cake without ever checking on it - it might turn out great, or it might be a total disaster. You need to track your progress and make adjustments as needed. Keeping track of your branding efforts through analytics and metrics can help you identify areas for improvement and optimise your strategy for better results. You can find some great analytics on your social media pages, google analytics and there are also some great 3rd party sites that can help you track it.

Last but not least, not evolving with the times. This is like someone trying to project their 1950s housewife views on you expecting people to think it's still cool - it's just not going to happen. The world is constantly changing, and being aware of this will help you with your own branding strategy. Remember, I am talking strategy here and not aesthetics.

So there you have it, the top 7 biggest branding mistakes that you definitely want to avoid.

But don't let the fear of making a mistake hold you back. Learn from these and take your brand to new heights!

Remember, a brand is like a living, breathing organism and it needs to be nurtured and taken care of.

And remember, have fun and don't take yourself too seriously!

See ya,