The Importance of Brand Identity for Student Entrepreneurs & How to Create a Strong Brand

What makes you unique? How do you differ from your family members, friends, and strangers on the street? Once you answer these questions, you will see how special you are. And, of course, the same is true about brands!

There has been a lot of talk about brand identity lately, but not everyone uses this term in the right way. Given the huge role that identity plays in building a strong brand, it is crucial to figure out what it is about.

Let's look at the most expensive brands. They evoke unforgettable feelings and associations. Agree Louis Vuitton and McDonald's are completely different, but at the same time, they are equally bright and powerful.

So, brand identity is necessary, but what is it exactly? And how to create an uncommon brand? In this article, we are studying these issues in detail. Therefore, hurry up to find “someone to write my essay for me”, outsource your school paper to an experienced author and dive into brand building with us! Trust us, it will be much easier once your academic performance and student reputation are under control.

What Is The Essence Of Brand Identity?

Brand identity is how you want your company to look. The secret is to form the right perception and make the audience feel specific emotions.

Your brand identity means characteristics that set you apart from all competitors, even if they sell the same products or services. Identity highlights the extraordinary aspects of your company and presents them to your customers.

Identity includes the name, logo, visual appearance, and style. Basically, they pop up in the subconscious of people when they hear about you.

Key Elements Of Brand Identity

So, now you have some idea of what a brand identity is. And here's a list of its main components: 

• Brand name. Ideally, the brand name should be short, catchy, and hint at what your brand is about.
• Logo: Every customer interaction with the brand has something to do with the logo, so it has a great influence on brand perception. It must deliver a specific message to the audience.
• Slogan: The slogan is no longer a visual component, but it is no less important. This is usually a short phrase that accompanies the logo. For instance, "I'm lovin' it" by McDonald's and "Think different" by Apple. These short and catchy phrases characterize the brand without unnecessary details;
• Color palette: The psychology of color is closely related to branding, so better not to ignore it when creating an identity. The brand's color palette usually includes 1-3 primary colors and several secondary colors. They should be applied not only to the logo but also to the company's website, packaging, promotional materials, etc.
• Font: If you have a text logo, you are likely to know that choosing a font can either create a stunning design or ruin everything you've worked on. The font must be unique, easy to perceive, and fit into your overall style. 

And now, let's move on to the most exciting part. How do you create an outstanding brand?

Make Your Client Avatar

You need to be clear about who your customers are, what they want, and what unresolved needs they have. Here is a list of basic questions to create a customer avatar:

• Age
• Place of residence
• Marital status
• The field they work in
• Monthly income
• Problems and fears
• Desires and dreams
• Places they spend time in.

Define The Brand's Mission

Why does your company exist? Why did you find it? All great companies have a mission. For example, this is how Nike defines theirs: "Bring inspiration and innovation to every athlete in the world."

To be true, clients don't buy products or services but emotions. They want to feel more joyful, more excited, and more successful. And you are going to meet them halfway, right?

What Are Your Brand Values?

Values are the foundation of your brand. Your culture, strategy, and positioning will be built upon them. Your values should resonate with those of your customers to increase emotional connection and trust.

Analysis Of The Company's Competitors

In order to stand out, you need to know who the other players on the market are. A well-designed competitor analysis will help you highlight a unique advantage and thereby lure customers to you.

What Is Your Main Advantage?

There will always be companies on the market bigger than yours. They certainly have bigger promotion budgets and are more popular. But you must determine why your customer should buy from you. What do you offer that others don't?

For example, it could be:

• Fast delivery
• The convenience of use
• A creative approach that other companies haven't thought of.

Create a Logo & Slogan

When creating a brand, the visual part is the first thing that comes to mind. Imagine an apple. What brand is it? Picture a red bottle. What brand is that? Can you confuse the Starbucks logo? Or Instagram? Do you remember the phrase "Just do it"?

All this will help you broadcast your brand on all platforms and media. Seeing somewhere your logo or color scheme, a client will immediately have your company in their head.

Personalize The Brand

As we already mentioned, your customers must have an emotional connection with your company. People talk to people. People buy from people, not companies. Actually, the face of your company can be the founder (i.e., you), or it can be a well-known person who becomes a brand ambassador. For instance, companies like Nike have a large number of such people.

In addition to this, you should tell stories of your failures and address people in a friendly tone, using jokes or slang. Let them see you are one of them!

Be Your Brand's Main Fan

No one but you and your employees know your brand better than you. So, communicate your brand wherever you can.

When hiring employees, make sure they align with your values and company mission. Allow them to write content for your brand, talk about life inside the company and let them come up with their own proposals and initiatives. Show the company from the inside and be honest!

To Wrap It Up

Basically, building a brand is the most important thing you can do for your business. A strong brand allows you to move from a small player to a serious competitor quite fast.

You will see that customers will trust you more, buy more, and tell others about you. So, you will create a name for yourself and will be able to carry out your mission without obstacles.