Avoid These 6 Branding Mistakes

  1. Not getting the logo right.
    Designing a logo yourself (just for now) may seem like a good idea, at first. But, changing a logo mid-stream can be complicated. If you aren’t widely recognized, you could lose what brand equity you may have already established. If you are, you could confuse, alienate and ultimately lose your existing consumers. If your logo is designed without consideration of your desired overarching branding, it can be detrimental to your long-term success.
  2. Missing out on the value proposition.
    Not effectively communicating to audiences what makes your brand distinct will cause you to miss significant opportunities. Why does what you offer matter? If your language is vague, your brand may not be compelling.
  3. Not adhering to brand guidelines.
    Worse yet, not even having brand guidelines. If your brand doesn’t seem cohesive, people will move on towards brands that present themselves in a coherent fashion. Are your typefaces all over the place? What about your color palettes? Are you misusing your logo? Do you claim and present inconsistent messages that are likely to confuse your audiences?
  4. Jumping on trends.
    It’s inappropriate for your brand to follow every trend. Trends come and go, like how waves ebb and flow, and not all of them will be relevant to your brand. Design style updates can be made, hashtag trends can be participated in, but they require careful consideration. You don’t always have to present yourself as classic and timeless. But, be proactive, rather than reactive, with your brand strategy.
  5. Forgetting what makes your brand unique.
    Sometimes things change. That’s ok. Don’t throw out the baby with the bathwater. Your branding has to remain true to your identity, and appropriately connected to your desired audiences. While your audiences may change, and messaging may have to evolve, your authenticity should never be compromised.
  6. Ignoring a crisis instead of owning up.
    Crisis management is a huge part of how a brand is perceived by the public. When something is messed up, or isn’t received well, admit the mistake and consciously move forward. Can you imagine if Pepsi had dug in their heels in defense of the Kylie Jenner commercial and continued to relentlessly air the ad? Regardless of intent, public perception matters. Taking responsibility breeds trust.
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Why Colors Matter

When choosing colors for your brand, there is a lot to consider. Certain colors are often associated with certain traits or even expectations the public may have as it relates to what your organization offers. These associations can bridge the gap between your branding materials and target audiences. Just because your favorite color is fluorescent…

Group of business people assembling jigsaw puzzle and represent team support and help concept

Why It’s Important To Have A Brand Promise

A brand promise is an extension of a company’s positioning. It is a value or experience which a company’s customers can expect to receive every single time they interact with that particular brand. It’s extremely important since consumers wish for companies to deliver on the brand promise consistently, time and again. They desire enhanced experiences,…

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Plan it, make it, stretch it, wrap it, ink it, spin it, long print run it : Flexographic

Flexographic printing is a form of direct relief printing that is characterized by the use of flexible printing plates. In the past, these printing plates were always made of rubber, whereas today, flexible photopolymer printing plates might also be used. These plates have a slightly raised image of the content on them, they’re inked, and…

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What Makes a Logo Successful?

A logo serves to represent your company through a visual image that can be easily understood and recognized. Logos generally involve symbols, stylized text, or both. A good logo should create memorable impressions on your target audience, and set your company apart from your competitors. So, what makes a logo successful? A successful logo will…

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10 of the Most Recognized Logos in the World

We’ve compiled a list of the world’s most recognized logos. Yes, many of these logos have gone through some tweaks throughout the years, but for fun, we listed the year the first version of their current logo appeared. Some of these companies have even been around longer than their currently recognizable logo! It just goes…

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What is Branding?

Branding is all of the ways you establish an image of your company in your customers’ eyes and minds. It’s your “what”, your “how”, and your “why”. Your description of what you offer, the colors associated with your business, your visual identity, your website, your advertising, your collateral and your social media presence—these are all…

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The Importance of a Social Media Presence

Social media platforms help increase awareness about brands, connect with customers, and potentially boost leads and sales. With more than three billion people around the world using social media every month, it’s certainly not a passing trend. It’s one of the most profitable and stress-free digital marketing platforms that can be used to grow your…

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Comical Global Branding Fails

Even the biggest brands can make mistakes when bringing their brand to new markets. A company should always carefully research and identify any cultural differences, or language translations, when expanding their business. You want to catch any possible missteps before they happen. Here are some epic fails for a good laugh. Coca-Cola When first launched…