A lot of small businesses do not put a lot of effort into branding, most of these businesses believe branding is done by big companies because they have a special & large budget for it. Note that your brand is what outsiders think of your business and a strong brand does not only differentiate you from your competitors but also helps you build trust and credibility in the minds of your audience.

Branding is vital for businesses of all sizes and shapes.

In this article, I’ll be sharing 4 tips to build a brand for your small business.

1. Know who you are

The first step in building your brand is to know the purpose of your business’s existence, what problem does it want to solve. what differentiates you from your competitors, who is your target audience, where are they present? etc.

The more clear you are on the purpose of your existence as a business and what you are about, the more you can put that identity into your branding.

2. Be unique

Stand out from the crowd. Identify the qualities that makes your small business different from competitors and leverage on it.

In order to attract and retain customers, offer something your audience needs. Your product or service should provoke some type of curiosity to your audience. Being unique sells!

3. Deliver great product or service

Let your product or service be quality. This is the best way to build a brand for your small business, your product or service speaks for you. The quality of your services is a great way to get consumers to appreciate what you have to offer. This also fuels recommendations from those that have used your product or service and as they say, word of mouth is the best form of marketing.

4. Have a good name & logo

Having a good name and logo is a key element in branding. It must convey your business’s vision and reinforce the value your business provides. The visual identity of your business is essential for success.

Also, be consistent in the use of your logo design, business name, typography, etc. in print, online, and on social media, because visual consistency will help build your business’s recognition.

Conclusion

Every entrepreneur wants to run a successful business and branding gives companies a chance to let customers see the business for who they really are and what they have to offer.

If you need help or guidance in improving your branding strategies, simply Contact Us. We’d be happy to assist.

Do you have questions or comments concerning personal branding? Please feel free to leave a reply below.

The post Tips To Build A Brand For Your Small Business appeared first on CKDIGITAL.

Let’s dive right in!

1. Give back

Giving back is a great branding strategy businesses should look into doing. Giving back increases customers’ brand loyalty and boosts employee’s confidence in the organization. Naturally, people love to work with organizations that want to help society make a difference. Giving back also gives your business free publicity.

2. Have a unique hashtag

Your brand should have a unique hashtag that differentiates it from your competitors. It is essential that you do research and create a hashtag that is unique to your brand.

3. Use storytelling

Storytelling is a powerful branding strategy in 2020. Brand storytelling is using a narrative to connect your brand to customers and has the potential to drive revenue and increase customer retention. Stories have a way of emotionally connecting with people. According to Stern Strategy Group, there is a psychology to brand storytelling and emotion is an essential element of it.

Stories share real experiences that connect a prospective/ existing customer to a brand and that’s good for business.

4. Influencer marketing is important

Without a doubt, influencer marketing is a big deal now. There are so many reasons why your business needs influencer marketing in 2020. Developing a solid influencer marketing strategy has to do with finding and leveraging the influencers that best fit your brand.You can resonate with your target audience through influencer marketing and since influencers have a niche audience they are able to drive conversions and generate quality leads for your business.

Conclusion

Having a brand strategy is very crucial for the success of any business.

If you need help or guidance in improving your branding strategies, simply Contact Us. We’d be happy to assist.

Do you have questions or comments concerning personal branding? Please feel free to leave a reply below.

The post Branding Strategies Companies Should Adopt In 2020 appeared first on CKDIGITAL.

What is Rebranding?

Rebranding is a marketing strategy that has to do with changing the corporate image of an organization. A business cannot be run the same way forever, like the saying “change is constant”.

According to India Times, Rebranding is:

a market strategy of giving a new name, symbol, or change in design for an already-established brand. The idea behind rebranding is to create a different identity for a brand, from its competitors, in the market.

In this article, I’ll be sharing 5 Ways to Know It’s Time to Rebrand Your Business.

1. You don’t feel confident giving people your business cards

Yes! Do you go for business or even casual meetings and you’re not confident giving out your business card? This is a sign that you need to rebrand. What you simply need to do is reach out to a branding agency, they’d take it up from there.

2. People can’t differentiate you and your competitor

When people tend to mistake your brand with your competitor or vice vera, it’s time to rebrand. It is important for your audience to easily remember your brand, so if you use a generic or simple name, logo as your competitor, you might just be hurting yourself.

Remember that branding is all about competitive differentiation. Think about your unique selling point and push it out so you stand out from the competition.

3. Your brand isn’t perceived as credible

If your brand does not consistently meet up to your audience expectation, then your brand lacks credibility. Know what expectations your brand message is creating, and make sure it aligns with what you’re doing. Ensure your brand correctly represents what you do.

4. You’re not appealing to your right audience

Rebranding allows you to redefine yourself with the goal of reaching your exact target audience. So, if you find yourself appealing to the wrong audience, there’s a need for your business to rebrand. It could also mean that there may be a disconnect between your business and your branding.

5. Your business has matured

As your business progresses, your brand may not fully represent what your business has eventually become. Here, rebranding helps to refine the brand to better fit your business.

Conclusion

Your brand should be a reflection of your company’s beliefs and ideas. Also, remember that even the best companies rebrand.

We hope you’ve found this article helpful.

If you need help or guidance in improving your branding, simply Contact Us. We’d be happy to assist.

Do you have questions or comments concerning branding? Please feel free to leave a reply below.

The post 5 Signs It’s Time to Rebrand Your Business appeared first on CKDIGITAL.

According to InfluencerMarketingHub personal branding is:

the unique combination of skills, experience, and personality that you want the world to see you. It is the telling of your story, and how it reflects your conduct, behavior, spoken and unspoken words, and attitudes.

Interested in boosting your personal brand online? You’re on the right page.

In this article, we’ll be sharing 5 ways to boost your personal brand online. Let’s get to it!

1. Be authentic

Be real, don’t fake it. Personal branding doesn’t allow individuals to create a contrived voice or a fake persona that is not genuinely them. People can perceive when an individual is being fake. Your personal branding builds from your passion, values, skills, and goals.

2. Know your audience

It is very important you know who your audiences are. Know the individuals you are trying to reach. What social media platforms are they on, are they thought leaders in your industry, website designers, developers, or digital marketers?

Define your audience!

According to northeastern.edu, if your goal is to reach hiring managers and recruiters, you might start by creating or updating your LinkedIn profile. Why? Because 92 percent of recruiters leverage social media to find high-quality candidates and, of those, 87 percent use LinkedIn.

3. Determine what you want to be known for

Decide what you want people to know you for online. Determine your niche and build it, so when anyone talks about your niche or industry the name that pops in their mind is yours.

4. Genuinely care

To build a good personal brand online, it is necessary you genuinely care about your online audience.

Position yourself as a thoughtful person who genuinely cares about other people. If you are not interested in helping other people, then your personal branding online journey might not be successful.

5. Engage!!!

Engage! Engage!! Engage!!!

In building your personal branding, you to need to engage your audience, respond to your comments, comment on some other industry thought leader’s posts also, this can also help widen your exposure and ultimately increase your online followers.

6. Be consistent

One of the major components of successful personal branding is being consistent and true to your brand.

Be consistent in your posts, tone of voice online, color scheme, profile pictures, etc.

Conclusion

Remember personal branding comes from passion, skills, goals, and values.

If you need help or guidance in improving your personal branding, simply Contact Us. We’d be happy to assist.

Do you have questions or comments concerning personal branding? Please feel free to leave a reply below.

The post How To Boost Your Personal Brand Online appeared first on CKDIGITAL.

A radio show I listened to recently had a presenter interviewing a guest artiste. In rounding off the interview, she put forth this question to him:

“Why should my listeners care to listen to your music? What differentiates you?”

Though he muffled some answers, I wasn’t really convinced if he really knew what makes him stand out.

In the same vein, quite a lot of businesses go online today without a clear-cut unique selling proposition (USP) for their brand.

As mentioned here by Junaid Qureshi, “The business world is constantly changing,  businesses need to revamp their brands to secure an edge to win the competition.”

One of the ways a brand can be truly revamped in the minds of its customers (prospective and existing) and win over the competition is to carve a unique selling proposition for itself. For a brand’s website, projecting a clear USP shows visitors what you’re all about without the need to “crack their brains.”

In this post, I will take you through 12 tips you can implement in coming up with your unique selling proposition to differentiate your brand from the competition. But before that, let’s quickly do some academic work.

What is USP?

Kissmetrics, a top ranking online analytics website, in their blog, defines unique selling proposition this way…

“A unique selling proposition, USP, is what your business stands for. It’s what sets your business apart from others because of what your business makes a stand about. Instead of attempting to be known for everything, businesses with a unique selling proposition stand for something specific, and it becomes what you’re known for.”

In further enforcing the above point, I got a statement of fact that got me thinking…

“When you attempt to be known for everything, you don’t become known for anything.”

Did I hear you sigh: HMMMM?

In all categorical and clear terms, the above article defining USP rounds off with this BOMBSHELL:

“It’s impossible to stand for everything.”

That really blew my mind…but how about the “man-go-survive” syndrome by hustling and doing everything to make ends meet in Nigeria today? Well, that’s food for thought.

Let’s take a look at some websites that projects their USP.

Example 1 – Helpmeet A Need Global Foundation

Landing on the home page of the website gives you a very clear picture of what the organization is all about:

“…help less privileged children and families within Lagos State with feeding & Educational Support.”

It’s clear and concise.

There are no mincing of words or ambiguity. It further calls you to be a part of this vision by donating towards a worthy (and CLEAR) course. And the image?

It shows how personal they go about fulfilling the vision.

There is no distance between the teacher and the kids –it’s all a family affair.  The website clearly shows three major things: The Vision Statement (USP); How they go about fulfilling that vision and the fact that you can be a part of their vision.

Example 2 – Bet9ja

One of the most popular online sports betting platform in Nigeria, Bet9ja gives a sense of urgency for winners willing to play on their website.

They give 100% welcome bonus for newbies just joining the platform. That immediately stands them out from their peers in the sports betting niche in Nigeria.

Quick Take Away

From these examples, we see the importance of projecting the “one thing” about a brand.

So what does that leave us with?

Projecting your USP may positively affect your SEO efforts.

How?

In “Understanding the Impact of Dwell Time on SEO” by Neil Patel, we see that the more time (dwell time) people spend on your site (getting something that resonates well with them), the higher up your page goes.

It will help build a pre-defined audience and channel a course for you to meet their needs.

Again. it helps identify users’ intent.

And you know what? Search engines (especially Google) are increasingly using that as a ranking signal. No jokes.

Are you thinking about the future of SEO? Then there’s surely hope.

Someday, who knows things may turn around, as it has always been and Google could come up with another algorithm that favors a clearly defined USP.

Okay, as promised…here are some tips that will help you come up with a Unique Selling Proposition, USP, for your brand.

1. Niche Down

If you can’t reach the top, get down to the bottom and climb your way up.

Now what do I mean by this?

In coming up with your USP, you need to know who you want to target.

In the statement I mentioned above, if you can’t reach the multinationals or big time companies in Nigeria, it would be cool to create a USP to appeal to small and medium enterprises, entrepreneurs, freelancers, individuals etc.

I’m not being subjective here –you know what you’re out to stand for (please go all out for it).

You may want to capitalize on pricing by being affordable, but then you’ll need to be careful not to be termed ‘CHEAP’ in the process.

Cheap may mean affordable but perception of the word may be misconstrued.

2. Address Clients’ Struggles and Fears

You can stand out from the crowd if you carve out your USP based off of the fact that you’re addressing certain concerns and issues that resonate very well with your audience.

Some online businesses have the best return policy ever. This could address people’s fear of buying online and buying products that don’t meet their specs.

 3. Go Deep

In attempting to stand for something as would be reflected in your USP, it’s important you search deep within you and your organization.

If what you’re standing for would be highly sustainable and futuristic in some sense, then it’s a good route to ply.

4. Tag Value

It’s crucial you sincerely tag your USP around value and what resonates well with the customer.

Remember: Nobody cares how much you know until they know how much you care.

5. Go The Extra Mile

From Saddleback’s Unique Selling Proposition as projected on their website in an online article, we see a company that seems to go the “EXTREME” to put confidence in the minds of customers about their products.

• What is the quality that your product or service exhumes?
• What is your die-hard commitment?
• What is that one thing you can stand for, die for?

Martin Luther King Jr. once said “he that cannot die for something is not fit to live.”

Can you imagine a company that offers a 100-year warranty? They even joke about it that “They’ll Fight Over It When You’re Dead.”

That kind of commitment is huge.

6. Who Is Your Perfect Customer?

Like Jesus said, he wasn’t called for everybody so should businesses.

Sometimes I think to myself, I wouldn’t want to offer services or introduce a product to someone that doesn’t give a hoot about it (I’ve been there, I know how it feels).

I wouldn’t want to give my pearls to swines – people that don’t value what I’m offering.

Strategic marketing will help do the trick here.

 7. Ask Strategic Questions

In coming up with a USP for your brand, ask (and write down your answers please) the following questions:

• Who is your ideal customer?
• Why are they your ideal customers?
• What does your perfect customer really want?
• What is (are) their challenges, problems, headaches?
• How can your product or service solve their problem(s)?
• What factors motivate their buying decisions? (Do they want to see testimonials?)
• Why does your existing customers choose your business over your competitors?
• Explain How Your Business Solves Your Ideal Customers’ Problems?

8. Solve Problems

Consumers don’t want to buy products – they want to solve their problems (keep that in your finger tips).

Equipped with this, you want to get down to brass tacks. Go back to the basics and read John Maslows Hierarchy of Needs.

Find out more of human basic needs and coin out your USP for your brand through your website.

For example what is the big deal about looking good if not to reinforce the human need of being accepted, favoured; project glamour, confidence and style?

9. Create a Personality

In crafting out your USP, seek to create a personality out of it.

What do I mean?

You will need to make it like it’s a real human (not a company or firm or object) making the promise.

‘Humanize’ it – if there is any word like that.

10. Be Clear

Be very clear about what you’re all about in the first few seconds visitors land on your page.

No ambiguity. No puzzle.

No need trying to make them unravel anything –I don’t think people like doing that these days.

Let your USP be clean, clear and concise.

Above all let it be simple, memorable and fun.

11. Just Find Your Difference

Don’t try to be over unique in carving out your USP.

Just find your difference in the midst of an existing market and cut out your market share.

Again, don’t compete in a market you could be overwhelmed with and get frustrated out.

Instead, streamline and narrow down until you’re comfortable you can make a difference within a small ambit in your industry.

This applies to markets where the big shots dominate.

Why are you out here?

Your USP should address the question: “why should I buy from you when there are a thousand and one options out there?”

And you know what? Some of these options are free.

12. Become Best at One

Become the best at something no one else is attempting.

Find that area nobody is doing or going the extra mile on and perfect the act.

Don’t play in a game you cannot win, instead change the game to suit you.

Where’s the best place to put your USP on your Website?

Now after you come up with your website’s, business USP, what next?

The best place to place your USP is another very important thing.

My recommendation is that you ensure your USP comes just “above the fold” of your website –most preferably and following standards, it should be in the banner section of your web page.

“Above the fold” is just a region on your website where the user need not scroll downwards to see important information about your website in a single view.

 Summary

“A unique selling proposition, USP, is what your business stands for. It’s what sets your business apart from others because of what your business makes a stand about…”

Some tips that could help you come up with your USP includes:

• Niche down your market;
• Address specific concerns of your target audience;
• Search the soul of your brand; go the extra mile;
• Find out who your perfect customer is;
• Ask strategic questions;
• Solve people’s problems; create a personality for your brand;
• Be clear;
• Find your difference and become the best at one.

The best place to place your USP is just “above the fold” – a region user don’t need to scroll to see all important information in a single view.
Coming up with your USP is key in helping you to go further deep into the heart of the customer to always remember you for that ONE GOOD THING and the positive impact you are willing to make in their lives.

It will also help in differentiating your website/ business/brand from your competition.

CKDIGITAL’s ONE THING is to help businesses succeed through exceptional digital services, focused on results.

You will see this clearly when you land on the home page.

So how do you plan to implement this knowledge to move your brand forward?

Share in the comments below…

Our Guest Author-  Sylvanus Nwafor is from Nurturedscills.Net. He has always been a fan of HMANSOFT.

The post 12 Tips to Consider before Choosing your Brand’s USP (Guest Post) appeared first on CKDIGITAL.

In our tech-driven world, businesses are reeling. Contemplating whether the brands will be loyal to them and do their business justice. The business world is constantly changing so, businesses revamp their brands to secure an edge to win the competition.

Here, I have listed 5 irresistible ways that can help you revamp your brand effortlessly and effectively.

1. Plan the Brand Experience

First, work out what you want to achieve. This will give you a better idea as to what needs to change. Mostly basic brands are flat. To make your brand stand out from the rest of the crowd, you need to add some dimension to it.

If there is competition out there or some anticipated advances in your field. Then, you must need to be prepared for them.

Plenty of consumers get a thrill out of the shopping experience. It attracts and captivates the customers when the brand is offering a thrilling brand experience.

A good and successful brand experience is the ultimate source of satisfactory feedback. In return, it will change the shape of your business and it will also enhance your sales.

2. Understand the Motivation

Revamping a brand can be a major undertaking for any business. But before you make any noticeable changes, you need to understand the motivation behind the move.

Is the reason behind the big change based on customer feedback or a change in strategy?

Your brand is more than just a logo. It is the essence of your business and it shapes how you are perceived by your customers.

Your brand is more than just a logo. It is the essence of your business.

To revamp your brand, you need to create correct expectations with your customers. That way, your consumers will know what to expect from your services and they won’t be let down.

3. Build the Brand’s Reputation

Protection and Reputation of the brand are essential of any business professional. The reputation of your brand is crucial and it is all you have.

If the consumers’ experience with the services and products that you are offering is satisfactory then it is understood that he will become loyal to the brand and he will also do the brands’ PR for you. So, more and more people will know about your brand and would want to experience it for themselves.

A good reputation of your brand will eventually result in more sales.

A good reputation of your brand will eventually result in more sales.

You need to be able to protect your customers’ privacy as well. Then and only then, will they come back for more.

4. Collaborate with Goals

The most important thing that needs to be done to revamp up your brand is that your brand should collaborate with the goals of your customers. If you can satisfy the needs of your customers and give them the results they desire then your brand will build a name for itself.

If you are providing poor products and your consumers are not getting the goals they set for you, then it is bad for business.

Even if your customers’ services are on point, it would not make a difference if your products are of poor quality because they would not collaborate with the goals of your consumers and they will not be satisfied.

So, when revamping, it is essential to be able to know your consumers’ goals.

When revamping, it is essential to be able to know your consumers’ goals.

5. Shift to Personalization

Brands tend to win you over with emotions if they pin point all the right feelings. Marketers are uncovering this truth that the consumer connects best with the brand when it is made personal and bring out the right emotions in the consumer.

Brand personalization is done by reverse engineering that the customers buy what you are selling willingly.

Firstly, do your research to form a buyer persona and target the right brand reinforcing identity. This will not only connect your customers with you but also develop a familiarity which will strengthen a persons’ ability to remember you and recommend your brand to others that will help flourish your brand.

To revamp up your brand, you need to figure out that the success of a brand comes when you figure out a solution to an underlying problem. Building a brand works best when you are using it for solving others’ problems.

Building a brand works best when you are using it for solving others’ problems.

The thing to keep in mind is that we are all humans, which also helps a business professional to determine the marketability of the services or products, they are offering to the audience.

If you want to successfully revamp up your brand, then you need to follow the steps mentioned above. Trust me, you will not be disappointed.

Do you know of other ways to brand revamping? Feel free to mention them in the comments.

Our Guest Author – Junaid Ali Qureshi is a digital marketing specialist who has helped several businesses gain traffic, outperform competition and generate profitable leads. His current ventures include Elephantation (advertising agencies in UAE) , eLabelz, Smart Leads.ae, Progos Tech and eCig.

The post 5 Effective Ways to Revamp Your Brand (Guest Post) appeared first on CKDIGITAL.