7 Tips To Make Your Brand Stand Out In A Sea Of Sameness
Brand building can be difficult in this day and age, with more and more companies starting their own businesses every day. If you want to set yourself apart from the crowd, you’ll need to make your company something special so that people who encounter it can’t help but notice it. Here are seven great tips to make your brand stand out in a sea of sameness.
How many times have you walked down a street and seen one store after another that all look exactly alike? Do you ever find yourself walking into stores where everything looks so familiar that it feels like you’re just walking around in circles, unable to remember what it was that you came for? If you want your brand to stand out from others, then here are seven tips to help get things started.
1. Have fun.
One way to make your business stand out is by playing around—by being playful and entertaining in everything you create (your copy, product names, landing pages). Nothing bores people faster than seeing too many dull businesses for boring products; break up sameness by injecting some fun into your marketing plan! Sure, there are times when being serious is appropriate—but at other times, playfulness gets people to pay attention and actually enjoy themselves . . . so add some fun elements when possible!
2. Be relatable.
Another easy way to make your business memorable is by tapping into shared experience. No matter how similar two companies might be on paper, if one can identify with their customers on an emotional level, while another can’t? Well, guess which one will probably win them over? The same applies when creating content and messages—people want to see themselves in what you have to say; they want to feel validated.
3. Don’t underestimate the power of color
Color can be a powerful way to visually distinguish your brand. Some people might disagree with me here, but I think too many companies out there are afraid of color. They’re worried that using it is somehow not professional or it makes their business look like something you’d find in a children’s book. Even if that doesn’t make sense, I understand where they’re coming from—it took me years to get comfortable with how much I enjoy using bright colors in my designs. But while color isn't absolutely necessary for every brand, I do think it's worth taking advantage of.
If you don’t love it at first, try playing around and finding new ways to use it. You may end up loving what you didn’t know was possible. All that being said: Don’t just throw color on everything and expect it will help boost your brand presence immediately; choosing an appropriate color palette that works well for your specific industry should be at least as important as which colors you choose within that set.
4. Be consistent in everything you do
Consistency is key in building a brand. From your website to your business cards, you need to make sure everything has a similar look and feel that reinforces your brand's image in customers' minds. If you have any part of your brand identity (your logo, color scheme, tone of voice) make sure it remains consistent across all platforms—no matter how big or small those platforms are.
For example, Starbucks does an excellent job at reinforcing its brand through its marketing materials by always using a particular typeface and vibrant green backdrop for its print ads. When consumers see these same elements again and again, they're reminded of what makes Starbucks such a well-known global brand—and that makes them more likely to spend money there.
5. Know your competition
Know your competition. Just because everyone is doing something a certain way doesn’t mean you have to do it too. And just because others are different doesn’t mean you should be. Take a look at what they are doing and where they fall short, then figure out how to make what you’re doing better. As long as your business idea solves a problem or fills a need, there is space for it in today’s market—all you have to do is find it!
If you can make something that stands out from everything else on offer, customers will notice and reward your efforts with their money (and repeat business). The biggest mistake brands make is simply copying an established brand without putting much thought into why it works, who likes them, and whether people would want more of that. Being original requires research and attention to detail. Don’t rush things; take time making sure your product actually offers a benefit over similar products already on offer.
6. Tell stories
The most effective way to make your brand stand out is to share stories. Whether it’s a story of triumph, struggle or self-discovery, you’ll come across as more authentic and compelling when you aren’t trying to sell anything—just share yourself. Next time your audience hears from you, give them something else to focus on by sharing a story about yourself that doesn’t involve whatever product or service you're trying to sell. People want to know who you are and what makes you tick; don't be afraid to let them in.
After all, we’re all human at our core. Everyone loves a good story! And if you tell yours well enough, people will come to appreciate your unique perspective and respect (and maybe even love) your brand for its ability to show them something new. If all of that isn't enough, telling stories also helps us stick out online where everyone is screaming for attention by posting content quickly one after another with limited effectiveness or uniqueness. By not only stepping back but also slowing down slightly, we have an opportunity to help our audience see us in a whole new light...so they actually remember us!
7. Keep your branding simple.
The harder it is for people to identify with who you are as a company, the less likely they will be able to remember you and incorporate you into their daily lives. Trying too hard can backfire on you because no one knows where they stand with your brand if things aren't clear.
Focus on consistency when it comes to everything from small things like making sure hashtags are used properly on Twitter to keeping copywriting simple so everyone can easily read and understand what you're trying say about yourself or your product. In short: Be clear but don't try too hard.
