Over on our social channels, we posted our own version of 12 Days of Christmas. If you missed it don’t worry, you can catch up below…
Day One
Christmas isn’t just about the tree, presents, decorations or reindeers…it is about love, family, and friends.
Just like Christmas, your brand is built on a foundation of values that develop and shape your brand.
Before you even create your logo, you need to be sure of your brand’s function, image, personality, tone of voice, ambitions, difference, and beliefs.
All of these factors will have a huge influence on your brand, from the look and feel down to how you talk to your target audience.
Do you know your Brand’s DNA?
Day Two
Ever wonder how Santa always knew exactly what you wanted? He did his research!
One size definitely does not fit all. Knowing your audience is crucial for developing your business, right from the product design all the way through to your marketing strategy.
Learn as much about your audience as possible, from their age and location, to what they put on their toast in the morning.
Do you struggle with identifying your target audience?
Day Three
Just like Rudolph and his bright red nose, what makes you different is what makes you stand out.
If you want to beat your competitors, you need to find your niche.
Ask yourself, what makes you different from the others? Why would a customer choose you over competitors?
Brand differentiation is an important ongoing process in your brand strategy.
In a nutshell, you need to decide whether your goal is to do things BETTER than your competitors or do things DIFFERENTLY.
Day Four
Let’s face it, you’ve probably argued with someone over how to decorate the Christmas tree…
Although appearance isn’t everything, it certainly makes a big difference to your brand.
Science has proven that visual imagery can influence perception on a subconscious level. You have the ability to persuade your audience without them knowing it.
Day Five
You wouldn’t cook a Christmas dinner without a plan (would you?!)…
When you have a brand, it’s really important to have a strategy. This will enable you to have clarity, define what your goals are and how to reach them.
If you don’t, it will be unclear for you and your employees where you’re heading, and key parts of the business, like design and marketing, can become lost and confused.
Every brand will require a different strategy, but all successful brand strategies must consider the market, their audience, their niche and have a clear action plan.
Do you struggle to identify your brand strategy?
Day Six
Would it even be Christmas if we didn’t hear the same songs we’ve heard in well, what feels like forever…
Brand consistency is key for reinforcing your brand’s identity and making you memorable. If your image, your products and values seem to keep changing, your brand will not be recognisable, appear unstable, and will get lost in the crowd.
So it’s no wonder we all still love those old Christmas classics! What’s your favourite Christmas classic?
Day Seven
You can’t just dump a turkey on a plate and call it Christmas dinner
Just like your brand, it needs all the trimmings.
Having a website alone certainly won’t energise your brand to its full potential. Your brand is communicated in more ways than you think, and often goes beyond the digital world.
Even the shoes your staff wear will tell people something about your brand. So, make sure you are utilising all the touchpoints that are relevant to your brand.
Day Eight
In the words of Band Aid, “Let them know it’s Christmas time!”
Let people know your brand exists! Brand awareness is so important for growth. If no one knows about your brand, how can you expect them to buy your product or service?
In marketing, the stereotypical rule is the ‘Rule of 7’. Simply put, it takes an average of seven interactions with your brand before a purchase will take place. However, in this day and age it may take more than these 7 touchpoints to even be noticed amongst the noise.
Brand awareness comes in many forms. From having an SEO optimised website to creating shareable infographics, it’s all about getting more eyes on you.
The more people know about your brand the closer you get to engaging your target audience…so make some noise.
Day Nine
It isn’t Christmas without those classic Christmas movies is it…we all love a festive story!
Stories evoke emotion, enforce understanding and increase trust.
Telling your brand story helps to establish personality and reinforces the values of the people behind your business. Think of your brand like a person, and the more you get to know a person the more you understand, like and trust them.
Day Ten
Just like Cindy-Lou melted the Grinch’s ice cold heart, your brand has the power to change how people think, feel and behave.
If you want to connect with your customers, you need to understand their needs.
Most of our day to day decisions are made automatically and based on emotional instinct. Create a brand that is emotionally engaging and you have your audience hooked.
Day Eleven
Would Christmas be the same if we didn’t have a reason for celebrating it?
Everyone loves Christmas for their very own personal reason. Your why is what makes you different from everyone else.
The same can be said for Brand and setting up a business. Your why is very personal to you and it’s what sets you apart from everyone else.
Whether you’re striving to save the planet, to simply make a difference to a small number of people, your why is important.
So, what’s your why?
Day Twelve
Everyone has their own take on a Christmas Dinner – right?
Your brand is not just your company or your product, it’s the people too.
No matter your position in a company, you are a face for your brand. It’s important that you channel your brand’s values and unique personality in everything you do.
So be authentic, be honest, be you…and if you like sprouts on your Christmas Dinner, then pile ‘em up!
If you struggle with anything Brand related, get in touch for a free no-obligation chat.