How Branding Will Change Your Startup
We all have brands we love. And we love them because of how they make us feel. That's true even for B2B brands. They can remove stress and hassle and excite buyers about the possibilities of growth or collaboration.
As a tech startup, branding is a powerful part of your overall business strategy and a critical aspect of your investment pitch deck. The better your brand, the faster you can potentially reach your target audience.
What Is Branding?
Not everyone understands what branding means. Some companies seem to think that the brand develops as the business grows. However, it's really important to switch that attitude around and realize that your brand is actually a growth tool from the outset.
Branding includes many aspects, including but not limited to the following:
Company name
Logo
Strapline or tagline
Company values
Colors associated with the company/product/service
Branding is not something that can "wait until later." Competition in most tech startup markets is fierce. There are over 72,000 startups in the United States alone, so standing out from the crowd early is essential.
Benefits of Startup Branding
So, how does branding change your startup? By working on your brand messaging framework early, you can achieve:
A consistent tone across all your communications
Increased brand recognition that starts to carve you a niche in your market
Creation of a cohesive and compelling story that resonates with buyers
The traction that escalates and attracts attention from investors in the earliest stages of business
Great brands build genuine connections between buyers and providers. Take advantage of that early on to demonstrate to investors how deeply you understand your market.
When and How to Get Started
Onboarding a branding or marketing expert can help you build a messaging framework that drives growth fast. Here are some top tips for tackling branding as a startup:
Let your company's goals and vision drive your branding choices.
Allow your brand to have personality whilst retaining professionality appropriate to your target audience.
Get a shortlist of logo/strapline ideas and, if you can, get external help to give you objective feedback on each.
When you're happy with your branding, use it consistently across all your engagement points, from brochures to blogs and website home pages.
Ensure you employ the same tone and visuals on your social media channels. Social media is fast becoming a widely used tool for B2B decision-makers, so there are plenty of opportunities here to expand your brand in front of people who will take notice.
Final Word
Thankfully, today's tech startup founders don't have to go it alone. Arch Collective's Startup Brand Messaging 101 Course takes all the mystery out of branding and messaging and helps you drive more growth in as little as ten days. Sign up online or book a 15-minute introductory call for more information.
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