Papers and pencils. Take a moment and think to yourself: Imagine that a new business company opened in the year 2021, and the workers of this company wrote all forms of data on papers and written files. Imagine how much time it takes to write so many specific details, to deal with lost information, and to drown in puddles of infinite paper. The company will surely fail to succeed in the face of competition from all other companies that implement digital marketing.
However, is letting go of traditional marketing and implementing digital marketing the only reason for the companies’ elevation?
The answer is no! As much as digital marketing seems easily approachable, it is actually a very broad term and choosing one of its specificities to focus on is what actually brings the business to flourish.
For that reason, digital branding is considered one of the most prominent tools that are constantly helping global businesses take the lead. Continue reading this blog to learn more about digital branding.
What is Branding?
To put it simply, branding is about introducing your customers to what your business or work is all about. It looks into what you do and the purpose behind your business. Moreover, with branding, customers who are seeking to collaborate with your company would understand why they should engage with you and know what to expect beforehand. Therefore, creating a brand identity is a primary necessity when starting your first business.
A common misconception is thinking that branding should depend on big names. On the contrary, it can be as meaningful if it were a simple symbol. Take for example, the logo of the eaten apple of the Apple.inc company.
Lastly, keep in mind that there is a difference between brand, branding, and brand identity:
- Brand is how everyone else acknowledges your company
- Branding is the process of creating and building significant brands
- Brand identity are the little elements that make up the branding process creatively such as logos, social media posts, etc…
What is Digital Branding?
Digital branding is the process of using digital tools such as websites, social media platforms, and other online utilities to build and develop your brand to create the identity and image of the company. Since most of the world’s population makes use of the newest technologies, digital branding has become the easiest way to reach a higher target audience and more consistent feedback. Furthermore, digital branding allows the company to expand its name and allow it to be known worldwide. Most small businesses started locally and then branched globally because of digital branding. Aside from traditional branding, what’s good about digital branding is that it doesn’t communicate with a customer as a onetime buyer, but it engages with them on a deeper more positive level to gain their loyalty and trust.
The Advantages of Digital Branding:
1. Specific Audience
Having your company appear on all forms of online platforms and applications, allows the customers to learn and engage with the brand
2. Satisfied Customers
Digital branding makes customers feel like they are being spoken to directly especially when conversations are on a personal and meaningful level. It also eases the communication process between the company and the customers.
3. Easily Transmitted
When a brand is profitable, the company will not earn its success from the brands design only, but also from the contagiousness of customer satisfaction from one person to the other. Most companies went viral just because of how many customers liked, shared, or commented on their social media posts, for example.
What makes digital branding successful?
1. Logo
A logo is a unique image that customers must first associate with your brand. Think of Disney and you will see mouse ears, for instance. The logo should match the personality and values of your business, industry, and target audience. While you don’t want to be too flashy, your logo design should be memorable enough to make an impression, but not so complicated that viewers won’t remember you in the images they take online every day.
2. Websites
Effective websites are simple and easy to navigate. Use limited color schemes that match or complement your logo to simplify the design and maintain brand consistency. Use clear, bold fonts to highlight your brand name and basic details. Keep the page concise and clear, and don’t let a lot of information cause problems for users. The fastest way to prevent potential customers from clicking is to hide important information.
3. Brand Messaging
Make sure your brand message is targeted at an online audience. Bottom line: if your brand is on the internet, it should function like the internet. The internet has its own unique communication methods (e.g. memes, GIFs, slang) and your business should adopt these methods on social media where appropriate.
4. Social Media
By using social networks, think like influencers: Schedule a specific time and date publication, participate in a comment and respond to the message directly. And do not forget to track your progress. A tool like HootSuite helps streamline all platforms and track communication, but Google Analytics shows which page is driving client behavior and how long the page is delayed. If you want to sell directly on social media platforms, a tool like Shopify can link potential customers directly to your website shopping cart.
5. Online Ads
Online advertising uses the power of the Internet to promote your products. It is no longer as simple as a banner on a web page. Today, there are dozens of methods for digital advertising. These are some of the most common ways:
- Search engine ads
- Display ads
- Social media ads
- Mobile feed and desktop feed ads
- Retargeted ads
In Conclusion
Digital branding isn’t just about selling your products, it’s about developing a loyal customer base who is passionate about not only buying your products, but trusting them as well. Bottom line: Keep things fresh, genuine, and honest. The possibilities to digitally brand your business online are as vast and sweeping as the Internet itself.
Contact Brain Space to help you develop an effective digital brand that will ensure your brand’s success.
