7 Clever Ways To Improve Your Branding Strategy

How many people are aware that your brand exists? When they see a logo or come across a social post of your company, do they recognize it? Every marketer dreams that the majority of their target audience will know who they are. Not all who recognize your company are customers, but brand recognition is key to getting the word about your brand out there. Part of this process is to create a branding strategy that works. 

Brand recognition is the number one priority for 45% of businesses today. Branding includes everything from creating to managing your business’ presence, voice, and identity. It’s all about building relationships with your target audience and making them loyal to your business. 

If you want to up our game and make your brand more recognized, you’ve come to the right place. We’ll teach you why this matters and how you can improve your branding strategy.

Why is brand awareness important?

Every day, people in your target audience come across or are contacted by hundreds of different companies. Brands are all over social media, on the TV, on billboards on their way to work, in conversation with others, etc. 

Only a few of these many brands mentioned in a person’s life will attract their attention or become a company they want to buy from. It’s no wonder - they have so many to choose from and no time or patience to research every company they come across. 

If you want your brand to be chosen by the target audience, you need to stand out. You need to make people aware of your brand and make them trust it. The Edelman Trust Barometer Special Report shows that 81% of consumers in the world buy only from brands they trust. 

Brand recognition is a thing that unravels as you succeed. The more people recognize your business, the more they talk about it. Who today doesn’t know of the brand Coca-Cola, for example? Even people who’ve never worn Nike know about the brand and those in countries without Mcdonald's know about the BigMac. 

That’s a result of good branding strategies. 

Ways to improve your branding strategy

Now that you know how vital this can be for your business’s success, let’s get to action. Here are the top ways to improve your branding strategy today:

• Research your customer with brand intelligence tools

• Optimize your email marketing strategy

• Offer brand consistency across all marketing platforms

• Create shareable content

• Encourage and use feedback for your brand

• Maintain a high level of transparency

• Contribute to the community

Let’s delve into the details now:

1. Research your customer with brand intelligence tools

You can’t fix something you know nothing about. Before you even start working on brand awareness, you need to know how people perceive your brand. The first step is always to determine how your business is coming across and what people expect of it. 

By researching your audience with top brand intelligence tools, you can find the flaws in your current branding strategy and fix them. Intelligence software will provide you with real-time insights and tell you what your brand looks like to the consumer - as well as how to make it look better. 

The process is very simple with the right tool. Attest can provide you with market research surveys, allow you to monitor your social channels, and listen on the Web for information you can use for your branding strategy. With access to 125 million consumers across 58 countries, you’ll get the most trustworthy insights into AI-generated reports. 

2. Optimize your email marketing strategy

On average, there are 306.4 billion emails sent every day. Marketers are well-aware of these numbers, so the majority of them jump at the opportunity to use email as a channel for generating more leads. Knowing this, if you want to improve your branding strategy, you need to improve your email marketing strategy first. 

Since you’ll be reaching many of your targeted audience with your emails, this is the perfect medium for making them more aware and trusting in your brand. A good email marketing tool like Mailchimp can make this very simple. But, if you are looking for something simpler and more affordable, there are also some great MailChimp alternatives for startups to consider. 

Flodesk covers all the shortcomings of Mailchimp. It is much simpler to use, so it saves a lot of time. It doesn’t scale up the cost as your subscribers’ list grows. And, it has some of the most immersive forms and stunning templates you can tweak in minutes to fit your brand’s image.2.

3. Communicate your brand values to your audience

Brands now have the unique opportunity to amplify their core values to their audience through digital communication channels. One approach for brand communication is investing in events that express the company's central message. By hosting relevant and targeted activations, brands can highlight why they matter and demonstrate what it means to stand behind their purpose. Make sure you prepare for the event properly and plan everything ahead to carry it out successfully. If you are planning to represent your company or product, you will need excellent communication and public speaking skills as a bad presentation will harm your brand's reputation. Consider investing in presentation coaching to refine your skills and ensure a successful presentation. Participating in presentation and public speaking training programs like professional coaching for Ted Talks, you will learn how to create engaging stories, capture your audience's attention, promote long-term relationships with customers, and grow loyal customer bases.

Brand consistency is all about making sure that your messaging, image, and brand values are consistent across all channels you are using. While you’ll need to tweak your content to fit the social platform you post on, you still need to insert features that brand your business in a unique, recognizable way.  Implementing these consistent elements helps build strong recognition on platforms like TikTok, even as you adapt content styles. This ultimately contributes to your ability to get TikTok views and expand your reach effectively.

Consistent presentation of a brand is known to increase its revenue by 33%. It’s not just about having a social presence or frequently posting on your website’s blog. It’s about creating a message that consumers will see and think: “Hey, this is the X brand”. 

According to WebFX, 90% of consumers will expect a similar experience across all marketing channels of the brands they are using. Are you offering them this now?

To achieve brand consistency, there are 2 things that you must be doing:

• Consistent messaging. Find a brand voice that you’ll use to share information with your consumers. Use it in all your posts and conversations and across all channels from your website to your Facebook profile. 

• Consistent visual identity. People recognize brands thanks to visualization. Create a logo that people will see and think of your brand, use a color palette that’s unmistakable yours, and create a tagline that sticks. Take, for example, Nike's slogan: ‘Just Do It’. It’s so simple and yet, even though it doesn’t include the brand’s name, just hearing it makes you think of Nike. 

4. Create shareable content

No one can say for certain what will go viral. It would be very easy if we could, right? While most of your content won’t be shared by thousands of people, it only takes one great piece to make your brand recognized by thousands of new people. 

That being said, if you want to make your brand recognized, you need content that will trigger word of mouth. Create content that offers value and engages people to share it. Make sure they can do it - add a call to action that suggests this or add a social sharing button to your website posts. 

It's also crucial to recognize the value of using different types of content to enhance your brand's presence. Don't underestimate the importance of incorporating video content, as it has become a dynamic and engaging medium for reaching audiences. To further improve branding and accessibility, consider learning how to transcribe audio from your videos, making your content more inclusive and search-engine friendly. By combining these approaches, your social media efforts can yield a more comprehensive and impactful presence, driving better results for your brand

5. Encourage and use feedback for your brand

Jeff Bezos once said: “A brand is what other people say about you when you’re out of the room”. 

The feedback of your customers can be used in two ways:

• It can show you how your brand is perceived and recognized

• It can show you how to improve your brand’s image and reputation

If you are planning to represent your company or product, you will need excellent communication and public speaking skills as a bad presentation will harm your brand's reputation. Consider investing in presentation coaching to refine your skills and ensure a successful presentation.

Customer testimonials aren’t there solely to benefit other consumers. They are there to help you improve on your mistakes, too. So, read customer testimonials to find out how well your branding strategy is working, what they think of your brand, and what they dislike. Then, work on your brand values based on what you find. 

6. Maintain a high level of transparency 

According to BBG, 94% of consumers stay loyal to transparent brands. They love companies that are honest and straightforward. Customers are not as blindly trusting as before, especially now when the competition is so big and fraudsters are all around. 

If you want people to recognize your brand, you need to link it to trust. People trust a brand that is realistic, honest, and transparent. In your branding strategy, talk about where you source your materials, how you make your products, who your employees are, and what they do. People want to know what happens behind closed doors. 

7. Contribute to the community

Over 64% of consumers will trust a brand more if it contributes to the community and ‘take a stance’. If you want people to trust and value your brand, you need to show them that you care. This can be as grand as sponsoring a big event, but it can also be small gestures like a few hours volunteering in your business’ hometown. 

Ready to make people recognize your brand?

Branding is a critical part of any business. It is what forms a link between your brand and its target audience, helping them identify your products and services. With the right branding strategy and tools in your arsenal, you can turn your business into a company that people immediately recognize, trust, and buy from. 

Author bio

Nadica Metuleva is a freelance writer who’s passionate about creating quality, original content. She holds a Master’s degree in English teaching and a Bachelor’s degree in translation. With 8 years of experience in the freelance writing industry, Nadica has become proficient in creating content that captivates the audience, drives growth, and educates. You can find her on LinkedIn.

How to Get Your Small Apartment Ready for Selling

So, you're ready to sell your apartment. Congratulations! But before you put that "For Sale" sign in the window, there are a few things you need to do to get your apartment ready for potential buyers. With a little bit of elbow grease and some strategic thinking, you can make your small space look its best and increase its appeal to buyers. Here's how:

Declutter

One of the first things you need to do when getting your apartment ready for sale is to declutter. This means getting rid of anything and everything that you don't need. That includes clothes you never wear, books you've already read, and knick-knacks that are just taking up space. The goal is to make your apartment look as spacious as possible, so potential buyers can see themselves living there. 

Give Your Walls A Fresh Coat Of Paint

Another way to make your small apartment look bigger and more inviting is to give the walls a fresh coat of paint. But, again, stick with light, neutral colors like beige or white; dark colors can make a space more diminutive and cramped. 

Let In Some Natural Light

If your apartment has limited natural light, now is the time to change that. Open up those blinds and curtains and let the sunshine in! Not only will this brighten up your space, but it will also make it look larger and more open. 

Organize Your Closets And Cabinets

Closets and cabinets are often one of the first places potential buyers will look when they're touring an apartment, so it's essential to ensure they're neat and organized. Take the time to go through your clothes and remove anything you don't wear anymore; the same goes for dishes, cookware, and other items stored in cabinets. The goal is to make these spaces look as roomy as possible so buyers can see themselves using them effectively. 

Take Care Of Maintenance And Inspections

Making sure your apartment is in good condition goes a long way in giving potential buyers peace of mind. Check for any minor repairs you might have overlooked, such as fixing leaky faucets, patching up small holes in the walls, or replacing burnt-out light bulbs. Beyond that, it’s also worth scheduling a pest inspection to address any issues before buyers spot them. Companies like las vegas pest control can help identify and treat potential problems, ensuring your home is pest-free and ready to impress buyers. This simple step not only boosts buyer confidence but also eliminates a common source of hesitation during negotiations.

Staging Your Home

When it comes time to show your apartment, you want potential buyers to be able to envision themselves living there—and that means staging your furniture in a way that's both aesthetically pleasing and functional. First, remove any pieces that are too large or bulky for the space; then, arrange what's left in a way that makes sense for the room's flow. For example, if you have a small living room, you might consider putting the couch against one wall and placing a coffee table in front of it. This will create an inviting seating area while leaving plenty of open space for people to move around. Luckily there are some great tools nowadays to help with your home staging, such as virtual staging software. Look at a virtual staging software list to help you choose the best one for your needs.

Getting your small apartment ready for sale doesn't have to be daunting. With a little decluttering, strategic furniture placement, and fresh paint, you can transform your space into an inviting oasis that potential buyers will be clamoring to call home.

The Pros and Cons of Selling a House As-Is

From avoiding repair costs to getting out of long-winded negotiations, an as-is sale might seem like the way to go. But yet, there are downsides to taking what appears to be "Easy Street" such as targeting a smaller buyer pool and receiving lowball offers. Curious as to whether selling your home in as-is condition is the right decision? You'll have your answer in mere moments!

The Pros of Selling Your House As-Is

There's no denying the advantages of an as-is sale. Selling a home as-is makes sense in multiple different scenarios. For example, if you’re dealing with bad tenants and need to sell your rental property, it may be easier to pursue an as-is sale. Tenants have the potential to completely tear up a property, leaving you with expensive maintenance costs to pay. You can check out this resource for tips on how to sell a house with tenants. Why else do homeowners want to sell a home in as-is condition? Here are several additional benefits that are difficult to argue:

• Zero repair costs — We don't have to tell you the expenses you'll incur by completing renovations. If you don't have the money to cover the costs, selling your home as-is relieves that burden. Of course, your home needs to be habitable so buyers can receive a mortgage. A working kitchen, durable floors, and intact walls are the bare minimum.

• Avoids stress — Can't deal with any selling-related issues due to poor health or similar crises? While you could ask a family member or friend to step in and help, the as-is option is always there. Although, some realtors are more than happy to cope with the stressful parts of home selling, including showings.

• Ends long-winded negotiations — As we're sure you know, negotiations can get tiring. You can offer an as-is sale to speed things up without worrying about contending with a repair list following the inspection. 

• Relieves financial pressure — Life loves to throw us curveballs, causing financial distress at any moment. In times of hardship, selling your house as-is can boost cash flow quickly without waiting months for the perfect buyer.

The Cons of Selling Your House As-Is

By now you can probably guess that selling your home as-is comes with drawbacks. The grass isn’t always greener on the other side. Although the benefits of selling a property as-is make a solid argument, there are cons that come with it as well. This real estate selling strategy is not known as the traditional model. With that, you usually make sacrifices on things like price. Here are several cons to consider when trying to sell a house as-is:

• Lowball offers — Buyers assume you're desperate to sell regardless of the price, thus reducing their offers. Don't expect to get close to its market value. And if you're already receiving low offers, they'll only worsen the longer your home sits on the market.

• Buyers walking away — With as-is contracts, buyers are given time to cancel. So, they could conduct a home inspection, see if it needs too much work, and walk away from the deal, leaving you in the lurch.

• Shallower interest pool — You'll soon discover your home won't receive as much attention when trying to sell it as-is. Most buyers don't want to splash the cash on necessary repairs as soon as they move in.

Should You Sell Your Home As-Is?

Frankly, other selling routes tend to be preferable as the severity of the cons involved can lead to receiving far too little for your home. That said, as-is sales can be beneficial if you're in serious financial distress because you won't have to fork out money for repairs. Keep in mind that your house may end up on the market for months, wasting your time and money in the long run. Review your situation and identify your priorities. Do you need a faster home sale or a higher price? For most homeowners, it’s somewhere in the middle. Each person’s situation is different. Determine what makes the most sense for you when considering selling a house as-is.

Looking To Buy Property? Apartment Vs House: Which Is Best?

There are many factors to consider when deciding whether to buy an apartment or a house. It's important to think about your needs and lifestyle before making a decision.

Here are some things to keep in mind when considering an apartment vs a house:

Location

One of the most important factors to consider when deciding between an apartment and a house is located. If you want to be in the heart of the city, then an apartment may be a better option for you. But if you're looking for more space and privacy, then a house may be a better choice.

Size

Another factor to consider is size. An apartment is usually smaller than a house, so it may be a better option if you're not looking for a lot of space. But if you need more room, then a house may be a better choice.

Maintenance

Another factor to consider is maintenance. If you're not interested in dealing with lawn care or other maintenance tasks, then an apartment may be a better option for you. But if you don't mind doing some work around the house, then a house may be a better choice.

Cost

Cost is another important factor to consider when deciding between an apartment and a house. An apartment is usually cheaper than a house, so it may be a better option if you're on a budget. But if you're willing to spend more, then a house may be a better choice.

Lifestyle

When deciding between an apartment and a house, it's important to consider your lifestyle. If you're looking for a more social environment, then an apartment may be a better option for you. But if you're looking for more privacy, then a house may be a better choice.

Resale value

Another factor to consider is resale value. An apartment is usually easier to sell than a house, so it may be a better option if you're not planning on staying in one place for a long time. But if you're looking for an investment property, then a house may be a better choice.

Pets

If you have pets, then you'll need to consider their needs when deciding between an apartment and a house. An apartment may be a better option if you have small pets that can stay inside most of the time. But if you have larger pets that need to go outside, then a house may be a better choice.

Ask A Real Estate Agent For Assistance

If you're still not sure whether an apartment or a house is right for you, then it may be helpful to ask a real estate agent at Bridlewood for assistance. A real estate agent can show you different properties and help you find the one that's right for your needs. The way they do this is by evaluating your needs and budget to find a property that meets both. So, don't hesitate to ask a real estate agent for help when making your decision.

There You Have It

Now that you know some of the things to consider when deciding between an apartment and a house, it's time to make a decision. Consider your needs and lifestyle carefully before making a choice.

CBD Is More Important Than You Think - Here’s Why

CBD (Cannabidiol) is a component found in the Cannabis plant. Despite its presence in marijuana, it is usually derived from industrial hemp. This is because it can be found in greater amounts in hemp. Marijuana tends to have more THC than it does CBD.

Most people have livheard of CBD by now since it is everywhere. Celebrities, social media personalities, and even politicians advocate for its use. It is a drug that can be used to effectively treat many different health conditions and disorders.

If you have heard of it but want to know more about it, this post has you covered. Here’s why it is important (and why you should take it):

Product Variety

One of the best things about CBD is that there is an absolutely huge variety of products for you to choose from, including oils, creams, and even vapes. According to the CBD distributors from Quiet Monk CBD, creams can be applied topically to treat inflammation and chronic pain. If you are interested in trying CBD for the first time, then do your research and find a product that’s right for you.

Moreover, for high-quality options, consider exploring products from reputable brands like Sensi Seeds, known for their commitment to purity and effectiveness. it offers a range of CBD products that cater to different needs and preferences. By choosing trusted brands, you can ensure a positive experience with CBD.

For a trusted range of CBD products, check out Flawless CBD, offering high-quality options to suit your health and wellness needs

Physical Health

CBD is so important because it can be used to cure a huge number of diseases and health conditions. Some of the world’s most serious and debilitating diseases can be reversed or at least treated with CBD, like Alzheimer’s and epilepsy. That said, the most effective form of CBD is full spectrum, which actually contains THC. However, the THC content in full-spectrum CBD is minimal. It is certainly not enough to get you high, so that is not something that you need to worry about if you have an aversion to THC and the high it produces. Try out Spruce Naturals, natural CBD products that give relief - empowering you to live life fully.

Mental Health

CBD is very good for people’s mental health too. This is another reason why the chemical is so important. It is needed perhaps more than ever, due to the fact that there is a mental health crisis sweeping the United States at the moment. The crisis existed before the pandemic but was made worse by it. Now millions of Americans are suffering from depression and anxiety. If you have been suffering from these things, then you will no doubt benefit from taking CBD. You may benefit from, in particular, full-spectrum CBD, for the reasons mentioned in the previous section.

Entirely Natural

The good thing about CBD is that it’s entirely natural. You don’t have to worry about taking harmful additives, chemicals, or non-organic substances. That said, you should try to find organic CBD products. While CBD products rarely contain non-natural materials, it’s still always a good idea to find organic products, so you have the peace of mind of knowing that the hemp from which your products were derived was grown without the help of pesticides. Something else also worth noting is that when you are buying CBD, you should try to buy products extracted without the use of solvents.

CBD is a very useful product. It can be used for both mental and physical health problems. If you are somebody who’s experiencing some kind of illness or disease, then you will probably benefit from it too. Speak to your physician if you are unsure whether or not to use it.

10 Tips For Packing & Moving Valuables When Relocating

Whether you’re leaving for a big city like New York or a small town in middle America, the process of packing and moving doesn’t have to be complicated. If you’re able to plan ahead and stay organized, you can pack and move quickly, so you can finally relax in your new space. For larger, more complex items, consider working with professional rigging companies to ensure safe and efficient transportation.

10 Packing and Moving Tips for Your Smoothest Move Yet

Following a moving checklist is the best way to make the whole process easier because it allows you to plan for your move-in day well in advance. Here are some other great tips.

1. Hire a Moving Company

While you could invest in moving equipment, like trucks and dolls, you’ll save yourself a lot of wasted time and hassle when you book a moving company. Some of the best state-to-state movers will do everything from packing to unloading, reducing your moving stress significantly.

2. Declutter Your Home

Before packing, consider decluttering your home. Not only will this step make packing easier, but it can also reduce the truck size you’ll need and/or limit costs spent on item weight. Choose whether you want to donate, sell, give away, or toss any unneeded item months in advance.

3. Use the Right Box Sizes

Heavy items, like books, should be placed in small boxes, whereas light items belong in larger ones. One of the biggest complaints by movers is lugging around heavy boxes. While they typically have no problem moving them, large, heavy boxes are more likely to tear or break.

4. Make a Moving Folder

Collect all of your moving paperwork in one folder, which can include new addresses, rental or purchase papers, and moving contracts. You can also place your moving checklist inside, but if you do, make sure you keep another hard copy where you can see it, like in your kitchen.

5. Pack One Room at a Time

When packing, it’s best to go one room at a time. This will help you avoid mixing items from different rooms in the same box. After you’re done packing a box, double tape any opening and label each box with the room it’s destined for. Number each box if you’re keeping an inventory.

6. Schedule Your Utilities

No one wants to wait more than a day to use their electricity, water, heat, or internet. However, if you wait until the last minute to schedule a hook-up, you may have to. Once the move-in date is finalized, contact your utility provider to schedule service at your new home, preferably early.

7. Pack Heavy Items First

Never place heavy items on top of lighter items because you’ll crush everything underneath. Instead, place the heaviest items in boxes first, then finish with lighter things. When packing the truck, make sure your movers put heavier boxes in the truck first and lighter boxes last.

8. Be Careful With Pricey Items

If you’re moving expensive art, electronics, or heirlooms, purchase bubble wrap or specialty protective equipment to keep them safe. You should also learn how to pack glass, ceramic, or anything breakable. With that said, most moving companies can provide this equipment for you. 

9. Specialty Pack Wardrobes

It’s tempting to throw your clothes in a box or suitcase or even leave them in a dresser, but avoid doing this. These practices will make your dresser too heavy to carry and wrinkle your clothes. We recommend getting a special wardrobe box, so you can hang your clothing.

10. Keep Essentials With You

On the night before the move, grab all of your essentials, like a change of clothes, medications, paperwork, and phone charger, and put them inside an easily accessible suitcase. If you can’t unpack the day of, or the moving truck is late, you’ll have what you need on your person.