How to Brand Your Startup, A million Dollar Question

Branding might not sound right for most of the startups, as it seems to be expensive. Focus on the Quality of Product is undoubtedly a factor for success, but what lies beneath is the Brand value. Let me provide you some insight on this Mythical concept of Branding for Startups.

How to Brand Startups, A million Dollar Question:

Branding is one of those services, where the results are intangible. Meaning you can not directly figure out the effects of proper branding, it’s a slow yielding process that makes your foundation stronger over a period of time. With a fair amount of experience in the Branding and Advertising Industry, I could strongly suggest that Branding is something that has to be taken care of, right from the Day one. Right, I may sound stupid, especially for Startups.

The obvious questions that might pop up in your brain,

•  Why to spend more Money and Time on Branding, instead of just developing the product?
• Why can’t we take care of Branding in the later stages?
• Whom should we approach?
• How and Where to start?

There is one key Mantra and a single answer for all these questions, “Branding is not something you see, but it’s something you feel”.

What is the fuss of Branding is all about. Understanding the Branding Elements, and working along it’s lines can fetch you some Amazing results.

Key Branding Elements

Brand Position

If you know what your Startup’s USPs are, half of the job is done. And it’s the honesty that helps you grow your business here. Market Research is the best tool to extract the Inputs. Remember, ” Clear Idea, Clever Branding”.

Brand Promise

Deliver what you Promise. The moment you do a mistake, you will take a slot in Mouthshut.com 😥 Meeting the Deadlines, Maintaining the Quality, Commitment and good customer support are few of those qualities, is what we are talking about.

Brand Personality

One or many of those characteristics tagged to your Brand, will sum up to define your Brand Personality. Work culture, Does that ring a bell?.

Brand Story

Always be ready with a great story for your startup. Compiling the Journey, challenges and those sweet moments of reaching Milestones in a very interesting way is essential. Who does not love stories ?, Hone your skills of story telling, to be one of the most talked startup in the community. The face of the company is usually who takes this responsibility on his/her shoulders.

Brand Associations

Along the Journey of your startup, you get to shake hands with other Startups or emerging brands. Identifying the strategic way of working together with these startups, will not just build your reputation in the market but also help you in your PR. Associations with these related Co-brands, are generally considered as Brand Associations.

This is just a high level Information, that can help you start Branding your Startup.

“Brands are not born, they are made.”

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