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🎭 Brand Strategy vs. Brand Design: The Ultimate Showdown! 🎨 --- There's an age-old battle of brains vs. beauty in the brand world. March with me let's share some wisdom! --- Brand Strategy: The Master Plan 🧠 This is where we put on our thinking caps and channel our inner Sun Tzu. It's all about the "why" and "who" of a brand. As the legendary Marty Neumeier says, "A brand is not what you say it is. It's what they say it is." Strategy is making sure "they" say exactly what you want them to! --- Brand Design: The Pretty Face 😍 Enter the visual virtuosos! This is where your brand gets its swagger. It's the difference between looking like a snack or, well, actual snacks. As Paul Rand wisely quipped, "Design is the silent ambassador of your brand." Just make sure it's not silently screaming "I used MS Paint!" --- Remember, folks: Strategy without design is like a brilliant mind trapped in an ugly sweater. 🤰🏼 Design without strategy is like a supermodel with the personality of a potato. 🥔 The real magic happens when these two join forces faster than you can say "synergy." It's like peanut butter and jelly, but for your brand (and less sticky). --- So, next time someone asks you about brand strategy vs. Brand design just wink and say, "Do not choose because you need both?" Then moonwalk away like the branding boss you are. 😎 🕺🏼🕺🏼🕺🏼🕺🏼🕺🏼🕺🏼 --- النسخة العربية https://lnkd.in/d4j5H8FV

WHAT DO WE MEAN WHEN WE SAY "BRAND"? It's one of those words like "love" or "art" that means lots of things. Here's a super-simple way to clarify it for those in the trenches. BIG B BRAND is your reputation. It's based on everything you say & do, your people & products, your past & present. It's people's thoughts & memories of you too. Everything & everyone at your company either builds or erodes your Big B Brand. For Starbucks, it's their 38,000 stores, their 500 products, their bottled & canned cold-brew, Howard Schultz, the mermaid, Neveah the barista, their employee benefits, their ESG programs, green & white, the red holiday cup, and of course pumpkin spice latte. And this leads to what people think of it (this word cloud is real data via Noah Brier's Brandtags project (RIP)): coffee expensive overpriced everywhere burnt latte Seattle yum corporate ubiquitous bitter crap delicious caffeine mermaid green trendy etc etc. LITTLE B BRAND is how people know it’s you. It's your logo, name, fonts, colors, mascots, signature designs, unique product shapes, famous silhouettes, etc. This is created & guarded by a team of Brand Standards people in marketing. For Starbucks, it's the name, the mermaid/siren logo, the green & tan colors, the fonts, the cup silhouette, made-up language, the red cup, the packaging, the materials palette for stores, etc. A few key points about these two things: 🍊 Both matter — a LOT. 🍊 Some people on your team can only see (or only care about) one of them. 🍊 Both need tending & nurturing, like a garden. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 🍊 Don't miss a post: sign up for the Irregular News at AppliedBrandScience com/signup 🍊 Now taking keynotes, brand training, & brand strategy projects for Winter/Spring 2025.

WHAT DO WE MEAN WHEN WE SAY "BRAND"? It's one of those words like "love" or "art" that means lots of things. Here's a super-simple way to clarify it for those in the trenches. BIG B BRAND is your reputation. It's based on everything you say & do, your people & products, your past & present. It's people's thoughts & memories of you too. Everything & everyone at your company either builds or erodes your Big B Brand. For Starbucks, it's their 38,000 stores, their 500 products, their bottled & canned cold-brew, Howard Schultz, the mermaid, Neveah the barista, their employee benefits, their ESG programs, green & white, the red holiday cup, and of course pumpkin spice latte. And this leads to what people think of it (this word cloud is real data via Noah Brier's Brandtags project (RIP)): coffee expensive overpriced everywhere burnt latte Seattle yum corporate ubiquitous bitter crap delicious caffeine mermaid green trendy etc etc. LITTLE B BRAND is how people know it’s you. It's your logo, name, fonts, colors, mascots, signature designs, unique product shapes, famous silhouettes, etc. This is created & guarded by a team of Brand Standards people in marketing. For Starbucks, it's the name, the mermaid/siren logo, the green & tan colors, the fonts, the cup silhouette, made-up language, the red cup, the packaging, the materials palette for stores, etc. A few key points about these two things: 🍊 Both matter — a LOT. 🍊 Some people on your team can only see (or only care about) one of them. 🍊 Both need tending & nurturing, like a garden. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 🍊 Don't miss a post: sign up for the Irregular News at AppliedBrandScience com/signup 🍊 Now taking keynotes, brand training, & brand strategy projects for Winter/Spring 2025.

You're strolling down Main Street, passing by storefronts bustling with life. Suddenly, your eyes lock onto a particular shop window—it's PrintMasters, your trusted haven for all things print-related. But why PrintMasters? It's all about brand positioning! Unveiling Brand Positioning Brand positioning is like finding your perfect spot in a crowded room—it's about carving out your unique space in the minds of your audience. It's the art of defining what makes your brand shine and why it's the top choice for your customers. Think of it as your brand's heartbeat, the essence that sets you apart from the rest. Crafting Your Brand's Identity Now, let's dive into the magic of brand positioning. It's not just about logos and slogans (although those are important too!). It's about storytelling, authenticity, and resonance. It's about understanding your audience inside out—what makes them tick, what keeps them up at night, and how your brand can swoop in to save the day. At BrandNations Inc., we're on a mission to help businesses like PrintMasters stand tall in a sea of competitors. How do we do it? By weaving a narrative that speaks directly to your customers' hearts. We unravel what makes PrintMasters special—whether it's their lightning-fast turnaround times, their eco-conscious practices, or their unwavering commitment to quality—and amplify it for the world to see. The PrintMasters Journey Let me paint a picture for you. PrintMasters was just another name in the vast printing landscape, struggling to make waves. But then, they teamed up with BrandNations Inc. for a brand transformation. Together, we dug deep into their story, uncovering their passion for perfection and their dedication to customer delight. We crafted a brand positioning strategy that showcased PrintMasters' dedication to excellence, their lightning-fast delivery, and their personalized touch on every project. Through compelling storytelling, eye-catching visuals, and strategic messaging, we transformed PrintMasters into the beacon of trust and quality in the printing realm. The Result? Fast forward a few months, and PrintMasters is soaring to new heights. Customers flock to their doorstep, drawn in by the promise of outstanding service and impeccable prints. Their brand isn't just a name—it's a symbol of trust, reliability, and mastery in the printing world. So, my friends, let's raise a glass to the power of brand positioning—to the art of storytelling that ignites passion and captivates hearts. Whether you're a printing powerhouse, a tech titan, or a local gem, remember: your brand is your story. And with the right positioning, the possibilities are endless. 🚀✨ Cheers to crafting unforgettable brands that leave a lasting imprint! 🥂 Ready to unlock your brand's full potential? Let's embark on your journey together. 🌟✨ #BrandNationsInc #BrandPositioning #StorytellingMagic #SuccessStories #saas #fintech #printing #ecommerce #edtech #branding

Every company should know the differences between brand strategy vs. branding. No matter size or market share, too companies are putting the horse before the carrot. And potentially missing out on key connections with customers, losing revenue, and slowing down growth. First, let me breakdown the roles each play in your company. Brand strategy serves as the GPS to guide all branding efforts. Its the long term plan that considers your company's products & services, target audience, desired brand positioning. Branding refers to the identifiable elements that make your company stand out. Think of the Starbucks logo and baristas wearing green aprons. Brand strategy should always come first. It guides branding decisions. A good brand strategy should be in place before any branding elements like logos or colors are final. Your brand strategy and branding should evolve with the company. Let brand strategy provide a framework and direction. While branding executes the strategy through different brand elements. Both are crucial for building a solid brand.

In the modern business landscape, brand building has evolved from being a subsidiary aspect to the front-line driving force of any venture. It's more than just a logo, catchy tagline, or a chic website. But what precisely constitutes a brand? And how do we foster a robust and resonating one? A brand is essentially an embodiment of a promise to your client. It’s a comprehensive representation of who you are as a business, how you want to be perceived, and most vitally, how you make your customers feel. -Think of it as constructing a house. Just as a sturdy foundation is pivotal for enduring various weather conditions, so too does a brand require a robust core purpose and values. These are your brand's “brick and mortar,” that every brand initiative should align with. Remember, brand value stems from staying true to your cause or beliefs. Setting your goals is your blueprint, your guiding light. Imagine what you want your brand to stand for and what you want it to achieve down the line. The pathway to your achievement should be clear and realistically attainable. Your brand voice is your home's architecture. As your house's design reflects your style and personality, your brand voice reflects your company's personality. Are you sleek and professional? Trendy and friendly? Your voice should echo that. Next is your target audience. Who is going to live in your house? Companies can't construct brands without knowing their prospective inhabitants-their customers. Knowing what they value, and what they expect allows you to cater your brand to their wants and needs. Once you have built your brand, it's time for upkeep and renovation. Brands are not static. They need to grow, adapt and stay relevant, just like homes. Remember these key takeaways! Your brand is more than a logo or website - it is a promise to your customers. Establish a strong foundation based on your core purpose and values. Know your target audience. This will help tailor your brand to their expectations. Evolve and adapt. The marketplace is always changing, and so should your brand. Building your brand may seem daunting, especially with the plethora of choices before you. But giving it the attention it deserves, shaping it with your unique characteristics, and meticulously nurturing it, can help you build a brand that resonates with your customers and stands out in the crowd. Let's build better brands, one brick at a time!

Brand purpose, brand promise, brand position, brand mission, brand vision, brand values, brand DNA, brand essence, brand personality, brand attributes, brand house, brand pyramid…  Can you think of any more? There are many different ways you can articulate a brand. And I’ve probably wasted far too much of my time trying to write them all. But are they really necessary? Do we really need more than one? No, not really. What it all really boils down to is identifying what you want your brand to be known for to give your people focus. Choose the type of articulation that works best for your business but note that having multiple definitions of a brand introduces a whole host of words which can be picked at random or misinterpreted, thus diluting its core meaning. The lesson here? Keep your brand’s position simple. Strip it back. Make it easy to understand. Then reinforce it over and over again throughout everything you do to ensure you deliver a message that cuts through, is believable and is remembered. - Amazon is known for being easy and speedy to use - Harrods is known for ultra luxury - Apple is known for good looking, intuitive tech - Ikea is known for well-designed but affordable furnishings  - Mark Ritson is known for being a straight-talking force within marketing

I tell this to every brand I work with. Competitor analysis is crucial when building your brand. Here’s everything you should be to looking out for: 1) Design Your competitors' overall design aesthetic is worth looking at. Here’s an easy one: if competitors have darker branded themes, try something lighter. Don’t just copy n’ paste what everyone else is doing – stand out, build something unique. --- 2) Positioning Identify your competitors’ positioning. This’ll help you find gaps in the market where you can be different. Not to mention, what you’ll learn from their mistakes or miscalculated approaches. --- 3) Story Analyze your competitors' stories to identify the narratives. This’ll highlight what resonates with your audience and what doesn’t. This isn’t to copy their story, but to find inspiration for yours. --- 4) Pricing Many brands take a price stance to target specific customer segments. Walmart selling cheap goods or Gucci selling high-end products. Segment competitors by price tiers, so you can better determine yours. --- 5) Public Sentiment Investigate the public perceptions of each competing brand. Categorize them on a scale of good to bad and identify why the audience’s sentiments. Most brands are not on G2 or Capterra, so do your own homework. --- The purpose of branding is to escape commoditized competition. The last thing you want is to become a copycat of a more prominent brand. That’s why conducting a competitor brand analysis is so important.

Transform your brand into a household name with our proven strategies. Learn how! https://bit.ly/4chgz3b . . . . #FIG #forimpactgrp #brand #branding #brandidenity #brandingdesign #rebrand #rebranding #logo #logodesigns #logomaker #brandstrategy #visuals #marketingstrategy #socialmedia #businessgrowth #socialmediadesign #digitalmarketingagency

Do you want your brand to be unforgettable? Here’s how the world’s most iconic brands do it… Distinctive brand assets are learned associations that help us notice, recognise, remember, and think of a brand. They can include: 🔴 Colour 🔥 Logos 🅰 Type ▶ Icons 🌈 Patterns 📢 Sounds 🐻 Mascots 🍭 Shape 🔥 Distinct logomark A unique logomark builds recognition, strengthens identity, and differentiates. It can boost brand recognition by up to 75%. 🅰 Distinct typography Distinct typography in logotypes makes a brand instantly recognisable. So memorable that even if the words were changed, you'd still know the brand. 🔴 Distinct colour Owning a colour is highly effective for increasing brand recognition by up to 80%. 💙 Distinct shape Distinct product shapes make a brand instantly identifiable, allowing consumers to recognise it by touch or even in fragmented form, creating a lasting impression. 🔊 Distinct tone of voice A distinct tone of voice builds personality and trust. It creates consistency, making messaging more memorable and differentiating the brand from competitors. 🍭 Distinct product Tony’s product is unevenly cut as a way to remind customers of the inequitable distribution of profits in the chocolate industry. It is unique and memorable. 🐻 Distinct mascot A mascot helps create memory structures for brand recognition, increasing brand effectiveness. 📢 Distinct sound The Netflix ‘Ta-Dum,’ the McDonald’s jingle, and the Intel sound are all distinct sonic elements of their brands that aid memorability. What are your most memorable brands? So why do brands need distinct assets? ✅ Increase revenue & profitability ✅ Improve brand loyalty & brand value ✅ Increase memorability & recall value ♻ Repost to share the value with your network ➕ Follow me, Kelly Mackenzie 🐻❄️ for more on brand growth and design effectiveness.