Ask any experienced business leader and they will probably tell you that one of the keys to their success was building a professional brand image from the very beginning. This should come as no surprise, because making your company stand out in today’s oversaturated business world goes far beyond increasing brand awareness and visibility – it means creating a truly professional brand image that will garner the respect and admiration of competitors and customers alike.
It’s important to point out that modern customers can pick and choose between many companies in any given field, often settling for a brand that nurtures its image in the online and offline realms. Here to help you develop your brand to its full potential are five smart and effective tips to a more professional brand image.
Smart Ways to Build a Professional Brand Image
Optimize your brand identity
To start, you need to build a compelling brand identity. Brand-building is a crucial process that will help you define your purpose in the industry, and build a foundation for every process in your company, ranging from marketing and sales, to recruiting and HR, all the way to innovation and beyond – your brand identity will lead the way and shape your every decision. Without a brand identity to guide you, you will invariably make some costly mistakes on your way to success. For instance, when looking at Restaurant Brand Identity, you will want to consider your logo, web and menu design, interior decor, colors, staff uniforms and more.
Begin by defining the core values that shape your business, along with the key causes that you believe in and that drive your business forward. Make sure that these values and causes resonate with your target demographic on a personal and emotional level. Pay special attention to the tone of voice you use in all of your online and offline content and communication. Your tone of voice should be unique and recognizable, and it should project a professional and trustworthy brand image. Lastly, weave these elements into your online and offline presence and your brand etiquette.
Adhere to a strict brand etiquette
Many business leaders will spend too much time perfecting their brand in the online world without investing resources into building a brand etiquette. Your brand etiquette will be a part of your overarching brand style guide that will help you create everything from your website and social media accounts, to your offline and online marketing collateral, down to the design of your offices and stores.
It is imperative that every employee and relevant actor in your company adheres to your brand etiquette in order to ensure consistency both online and offline, but also to help build a professional image in the eyes of customers, clients, partners, and industry peers. The people in your company should know exactly how to talk about your brand, how to represent its visual identity, how to communicate with the outside world, and how to leverage this etiquette to build brand trust, loyalty, and authority.
Use technology to upgrade your image
Companies that stick to old and outdated practices and processes will inevitably fall behind their competitors and gain the moniker of an outdated brand. These brands invariably fall out of favor of their consumer group and the general public, as more forward-looking companies take their place. One of the best ways to avoid this is to invest in digital transformation and create a tech-driven workplace.
You can find various companies that sell HD TVs that you can mount in your offices and the lobby like the ones offered by Furrion along with speakers and soundbars that will fully immerse your visitors into your brand, and help you create an image of a company that spares no expense when it comes to customer experience. Combine TVs and entertainment systems with IoT devices and smart applications like virtual receptionists and you will create a professional brand image that people will truly admire.
Build a consistent online presence
Consistency is one of the key elements of a winning brand in the online world. There’s nothing quite as disappointing and off-putting than a brand that looks one way on the website, but has a different visual identity and personality on its social media platforms. If you want people to take you seriously and actually put their trust in your company, you have to adhere to your style guide, identity, and brand etiquette on all platforms in order to create a consistent image that will inspire trust and loyalty.
Capitalize on innovation and a forward-thinking mindset
Last but not least, always remember that the most professional-looking brands are the ones that assume the image of industry leaders and innovators. People trust the brands that push the envelope and strive to transform their industry in order to better the lives of their clients and customers. Make sure to allocate resources towards innovation in your field, and you will have no problem gaining exposure and visibility, and most importantly, you will build a respected and authoritative brand.
Wrapping up
In the oversaturated online and offline marketplaces, only the brands that have a trustworthy and professional image will prevail. With these tactics in your branding and marketing strategies, you should have no problem building a brand worthy of respect and admiration.
