Do You Have An Identity Crisis? Let's Fix That!

One of the challenges small business owners face is getting customers to notice them. If yours is a retail business, you're vying for people's attention as they drive by or hurry on their way to someplace else. Factor in parking, location and all your competitors and now it sounds even more challenging. If you've got a business-to-business operation or are in a service-based industry, it can be just as difficult – maybe even more so! You can't rely on passers-by to find you. You've got to find them! But it doesn't stop there. Once you've done that, you want potential clients to take notice of you, which is why you need a good small business branding strategy. Branding is one of the best ways to stand out from your competition and be noticed. Done right, it can also be very cost-effective.

How exactly does one do small business branding, cost-effectively, of course? First, you'll have to do your homework. Ugh! I had to say that, didn't I? But don't worry, it won't be the painful kind like calculus or writing a research paper, because this homework is all about your business and making it better. Although, now that I think about it, some of the skills you employed when writing research papers – compiling data, analyzing, delving into a topic – will come in very handy as you work on developing your brand.

Small Business Branding Requires A Consistent Look & Feel!

It's important to understand your business and identify what differentiates it from others. What do you do better than everyone else? What are your company's strengths? Who are your target customers and what do you know about them? Does your company have a mission statement? If not, use this information to develop one. Then, use your mission statement to guide everything you do – all sales activities, marketing efforts and all messaging.

Do you have a recognizable visual identity? In other words, what's your business' look? Your primary visual is your logo. But what about everything else? Establish the "look & feel" you want and make sure it's reflected in all printed materials and online. Keep in mind the various mediums you'll be using: website, packaging, printed materials, social media, etc. When it comes to small business branding, consistency is key.

Speaking of social media, it's your friend, so get to know it! There's a whole cottage industry of influencers making a living from their Instagram accounts. So don't underestimate the power and value of it. All you need is a camera and some snappy captions, or captions that match your company's style and tone, whatever that may be. Also, consider starting a blog (like the one you're reading right now!) to reach your customers on a regular basis. It's another easy and inexpensive way to share your brand with current and potential customers.

In addition to branding your business, do you want to eliminate frustration and increase cash? Discover 8 simple ideas to get clients, identify the three types of clients and create your sales system. Get Our Top 5 Strategies right here for FREE!

Be Oh So Quotable This Week!

I always say running a business means the work never ends! Ain't that the truth? I bet your to-do list is a mile long! Make sure that the items at the top of your list are the things that relate to being more profitable. Everyone is so proud of being so "busy"...But Are You Making Any Money? Don't be too busy to focus!

Check out the summary of last week's business tips and motivational quotes from my Instagram page which you hopefully got to see in real time! If not, let's make sure we're following each other on Instagram!! So...here is this week's roundup of Instagram images of My Top Business Tips and Motivational Quotes.

Small Business Branding – Tip #1:

Love this? Pin it to your Motivation Board.

"Motivation is what gets you started. Habit is what keeps you going." – Jim Rohn

Small Business Branding – Tip #2:

Love this? Pin it to your Business Tips Board.

"A brand for a company is like a reputation for a person. You earn reputation by trying to do hard things well." – Jeff Bezos

Small Business Branding – Tip #3:

Love this? Pin it to your Quotes Board.

"Your brand is what other people say about you when you’re not in the room." – Jeff Bezos

Small Business Branding – Tip #4:

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"Branding is the art of being knowable, likeable and trustable." – John Jantsch

Small Business Branding – Tip #5:

Love this? Pin it to your Motivation Board.

"Every interaction, in any form, is branding." – Seth Godin

Let's talk! I'd love to hear about your approach to small business branding!

Do you have any tips about small business branding for other entrepreneurs? I would LOVE to hear from you! Anyhoo...I publish these business tips and motivational quotes to get you fired up for your work week!

Oh by the way, in case you're looking for something to help with pricing, keep more money in your pocket and take your business to the next level, we've got it right here! And it's FREE!

And, if you want more business tips, get my book, But Are You Making Any Money? or contact me to really take your business to the next level!

xoxo M

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