Th`k: branding 101

Naming is everything when it comes to your brand, because it's the first thing that people hear and see. It's an indication of what you stand for and sets the tone for how people experience you. It's the first step in creating an emotional connection and is arguably one of the most powerful tools for influencing people. It's how you differentiate your brand from the competition and really allows you to grab people's attention. Simply put, a well thought-out brand name can be the difference between your business making a big splash or fading into oblivion. Put simply, if you want to stand out in a crowded marketplace, you need to pick a name that's as unique as your brand.

When it comes to forming a successful brand, it is important to have a clear position, mission and vision in place. A brand’s position outlines what it stands for and what makes it different from competitors. The mission statement is a concise expression of the brand’s purpose and how it adds value to customers. A vision statement is a long-term strategic plan that conveys the purpose and guides the direction of the brand.

Although a brand’s vision may take many years or even decades to achieve in full, it is important for the brand to think big and think beyond the current marketplace. By having a clear vision (even if it can’t be fully realized today) it gives the brand something to strive for and helps to keep it focused on the long-term goal. Having a strong foundation of a brand, with an articulated position, mission and vision, will help lay a platform that can support long-term success.

Protecting the name and logo of your own business venture or product is an important part of establishing yourself in the marketplace. Trademarks protect your name and logo from being used by other people, companies, or organizations in the same industry. With a trademark, you have the legal right to use your name and logo exclusively and prevent copycats from taking a free ride on your hard work.

When you register for a trademark, you typically have to provide photographs of the logo and a description of how it relates to your business. Additionally, you may need to provide proof of its use in commerce. Once granted, you can use the ™ symbol for the unregistered version and the ® symbol for the registered version. This symbol is a visible reminder to anyone else that you own the trademark and also shows your commitment to protecting it.

Having a trademarked logo and name not only increases the value of your brand, but also adds a certain level of trust and respect with customers. So, if you want to establish your business or product in the marketplace, put some thought into your branding and get it trademarked!

Creating a hierarchy for a brand is like creating a map for the consumer's journey. It helps guide them step by step, from your brand name down to your tagline and further to the ultimate destination you have in mind. This system of organization helps consumers gain a better understanding of your brand, enabling them to associate it with the product or service you provide. Moreover, it establishes a clear route for them to take, leading to a more streamlined and meaningful experience with your brand. So start mapping now and create a brand hierarchy that will bring your customers to their destination while keeping them fully engaged!

It can indeed be quite a challenge to secure an inviting and memorable fourletter .com domain name, as these tend to be highly sought-after and very rare. From a branding perspective, a short and memorable .com website has the potential to act as an incredibly valuable asset to a business, with tremendous value when it comes to “brand equity.”

Brand equity is a measure of the perceived value associated with a brand. It’s the added value that can be attributed to a product or service due to its name, logo, slogan, and other factors that contribute to brand identity. A great domain name is one of the key factors that can contribute to a brand’s identity and therefore increase its brand equity. In other words, a high-quality domain name can be a powerful tool in building a brand’s reputation and recognition.

Logos may be simple in appearance but don't let that fool you - the best logos often require a lot of work to ensure they are perfectly aligned. It's important that the various elements of a logo work in harmony together, and so, in order to make sure this is achieved, often a designer has to adjust the measure, size, and positioning numerous times. Alignment is key when it comes to creating an inviting visual, and so designers must do their utmost to make sure their logos are perfectly aligned to help make a lasting impression.