Like the stuff or not, there’s no getting away from the phenomenal brand awareness of products such as Coca Cola. First introduced to the market in 1886, their brand building strategies will have changed a lot over the decades, but what an example they’ve set!
For many of us, having a 130 year old product that is the apex of its kind (also called a proprietary eponym) is still far off, there’s plenty one can do in the here and now to build one’s brand significantly.
Here are some ideas that we at Rodel, especially like.
Service
One of the big reasons people like us – and like dealing with us at Rodel – is service. And I believe this should stand for any company. Once a client is in contact with your business you should do everything possible to ensure exemplary customer service. It’s not ok to just get the job done, any company serious about client retention should get the job done so well that clients talk about it – to other possible clients – as brand awareness is most certainly helped along by word of mouth.
At Rodel we put a huge emphasis, not just on getting every deal processed if not on the same day, then within 24 hours, but we also continually seek feedback from clients appraising our service so that we know where we fall short.
Personality
One sure-fire way to increase brand awareness is by giving your brand a unique identity. If you work in an industry where a little injection of humour or personality is appropriate, being offbeat, personal and fun can make your brand extremely memorable – and sticky! Similarly, when choosing gifts and freebies, a twist, something unique and original that is still useful – and not an eyesore – can create lasting resonance with clients and potential clients.
Useful Content
A good way to get your brand out there is to post valuable information on your site and deliver valuable content to other blogs. On the same note, infographics, bright, well-displayed and interesting marketing data and statistics will often be shared far and wide, making them a great tool for brand building and thought leadership. Starting your own industry podcasts too, works in a similar way, where you get to share ideas, interviews and news from industry experts – a great way to build your brand – while also developing relationships with others in your field.
Partnerships
Getting involved with local partnerships is a good way to build confidence and trust in your brand (find an influencer whose business can complement yours rather than compete with it) as well as help it become a go-to name in your field. Hold joint seminars or festivals with other businesses, sponsor local teams and donate to charity drives, get your brand plastered around festivals and events. Think also of forming reciprocal relationships with associated businesses (but remember you are only as good as the company that refers you!) At Rodel for example, we know that money lending is not necessarily a reputable profession, so we are meticulous about acting morally, with integrity and discretion. We have therefor identified and partnered with the most reputable legal and property brands countrywide, their integrity being as important to us as ours is.
Focus
Find out exactly who your clients are – and where they operate. It’s no good for example, posting on Pinterest (which has an 80% female user profile) if you’re selling wheel alignment or engine oil. Find out who is visiting your website, who buying your product and retaining your services and you can gear your marketing toward them. Knowing your audience’s average age, gender, income and buying habits, will help determine the place your company occupies in a prospect’s or customer’s mind when he or she thinks about you. Making sure you deliver what you promise to customers will get you even further.