When starting out, it’s hard for any business owner to address their upfront costs. There are so many expenses on the table that budgeting can be a little challenging. You need to channel your funds toward the basics, especially when you’re just beginning to establish yourself.
Apart from the overhead, however, you should also pay attention to your company’s business branding. There’s a reason corporations shell out big bucks on marketing and branding: They pay off well.
Why Does Your Business Need Branding?
You need customers to keep your business afloat. It’s the whole point of starting your business, after all. However, you can’t gather enough people to root for your brand if you don’t give them an idea of your business’ aims. This is where branding comes in. It gives your business an identity, something that people can relate to or get behind. Your brand tells them what you’re offering and how you plan to do it.
Why Should You Do Small Business Branding?
Branding your small business has numerous benefits. You gain a following, which is reason enough all on its own to try it, really. In the process, you also get to know yourself as a business owner, weeding out the unnecessary and figuring out your preferences. The process is going to have its hits and misses, no matter what.
How to Brand your Business on a Budget
When building a brand on a budget, you can rely on several antics to keep the ball rolling. Here are some of the most tried-and-tested methods you can capitalize on:
Create an Attention-Grabbing Logo
A logo is a small representation of your brand that can make a huge impact. Your following will associate your business with your logo. Just think about how the two golden arches of McDonalds are distinctive to the brand. If you see that logo elsewhere, you’ll call that brand a copycat. It’s your picture on your social media profile, your webpage, and often even your packaging. You can DIY your logo using platforms like CANVA or hire free or inexpensive graphic designers.
Establish a Steadfast Social Media Presence
Social media is a must for small businesses. It’s a perfect avenue to market your brand for free. There’s no problem hiring a social media manager who can take care of social media channels for large companies. However, when building a brand on a budget, you might have to do things yourself. Engage with your existing followers and share valuable content to entice new ones. If you have a bit of a budget, you can funnel some into advertising, but it’s absolutely fine to take advantage of various free tools on social media first.
Engage in Content Marketing
If you’re consistently online, you’re off to a good start. It can help you build a following. However, it’s not enough to sustain them. One of the best ways to keep your prospects happy is to give them valuable content. It’s the fun part if you’re creative. Content is no longer text based. You can create photos or videos to give your customers a more visual representation of your brand. There are so many free platforms or low-cost alternatives that can help you out. Most customers these days appreciate the rawness of videos and photos. It draws them closer to a brand.
Use Email Marketing
It’s safe to say that almost all your prospects have email addresses. If they have a social media account, they need it to log in. Therefore, make the best use of this medium. Email marketing won’t cost you a single cent. For blog owners, you can use your blog to record the email addresses of your customers. You can also ask your following to sign up to for your latest promotions and blog updates.
Form Partnerships and Collaborations
Another way to make use of your time online is to connect with people in your niche. If you find individuals or fellow business owners who share your vision, you can work together for promotions or product development. You can also learn from different people and pick up tips on small business branding, management, etc. All you need to do is invest your time.
Learning how to brand your business takes time, but you should go through with it. Once you’ve established your brand identity, it gets easier. It doesn’t matter if you’re low on funds. Advanced Digital Media Service has SEO experts who can help you start building a brand on a budget.
