What is your brand and why is it important? (Plus, the all-new way to customize your Booking Page)

Branding is powerful. It’s more than just a logo or a memorable slogan. People connect with stories; it’s what knits us together and has served as the backbone of communities for generations.

When people see a brand and champion it, it’s because they see something in it that’s very important to them. A brand shares their values, speaks to them directly, appeals to them visually and usually sparks intense and vibrant emotions.

Knowing how crucial branding is to your business—whether big, small, or anywhere in between—let’s explore everything about your brand (and how the new ‘Your Brand’ section in your Setmore app can help).

What does it mean to brand your business?

We all recognize a brand when we see it: the unmistakable golden arches of McDonald’s, the mountain range of Patagonia, or even the rings of the Olympics. These are symbols, but it’s what they stand for that forms the brand identity.

Brand identity consists of the external features of your brand, such as color, design, and logo, that help set it apart from others. However, it’s the story, promise, values and mission that customers truly connect with and love. Think about it: people love Disney not for the logo, but for the magic it brings to children and the nostalgia it evokes.

Marketplaces often hold brands back from reaching their potential—although you may attract customers in the short term, ultimately, it is their brand that benefits over yours. 76% choose to purchase from a brand they feel connected to over a competitor. 

Crafting a story people can see, relate to and genuinely support is the first step to creating a standout brand. But, what does that mean for your business? More customers, increased revenue, and a community that champions your brand – spreading the word to everyone they meet.

It’s all about you, you, you.

89% of shoppers will stay loyal to brands with which they share values. A business isn’t just about the bottom line—creating something you truly believe in and put your heart into will connect with people who resonate with your vibe, forming a brand community that can lead to the emergence of brand ambassadors.

• Tell your story: It’s the only one you have. Whether you share how your business got off the ground, what inspired you, or what you stand for, ensure your story is woven into everything you do.
• Be visually pleasing: Your message must match your appearance. If you’re a fashion retailer providing sustainable products and services, ensure your logo, colors, imagery, layout, brand guidelines, and typography reflect that.
• Brand your offering: People get a first impression of your business from your branding and message. Incorporating them into your offering ensures you are the living embodiment of your brand.
• Hone your message: Create your tone of voice. What does your brand sound like, and how does it speak to your audience?
• Diversify your channels: Meet your customers where they are. If your demographic prefers certain online or offline spaces, ensure you’re there driving the conversation.
• Deliver, deliver, deliver: The number one priority is to always be consistent. Once you’ve entered your audience’s mind, you become the first thing they think of in your industry by being authentically you, all the time.

How to brand your business on Setmore.

The power of branding is two-fold: you create something instantly recognizable, and your customers have a familiar face they can trust (who doesn’t love that?). If you’re a dog groomer with a special knack for perfecting poodle perms, it’s important that your branding shouts about it from every touchpoint—those poodles need a trim, and you’re the one to deliver.

The new ‘Your brand’ section in your Setmore app is a dynamic hub where you can control every aspect of branding on your Booking Page. When you create your brand, having it on your website, social media, brick-and-mortar location and point of booking allows you to maintain consistency, wherever a customer finds you.

90% of the information your brain picks up is visual. The ‘Your Brand’ section lets you customize your logo, banner, colors, images, button shape, social media links, ‘About’ section and more. It’s your portal to show customers what you’re all about—give them the best impression possible.

Whether you’re a dog walker, personal trainer, or electrician, creating a brand that makes your customers’ lives easier ensures you always come to mind. By combining an easy-to-use booking and payment system with your visual branding, you provide people with a pleasant and memorable experience.

Your time to shine.

Your brand is your vision, values and who you are distilled into clear, compelling visuals and messaging. Be your authentic self—people rally behind you because of what you represent (of course they would ?).

Branding isn’t a one-and-done; it grows. While your core message remains the same, how you connect with customers may change. Whether you’re starting out or want to ensure your brand is hitting the mark, ask yourself these questions:

How to define your brand?

• Your brand identity: What is the core issue/problem/pain point your brand resolves? Let your audience know who you are and what you stand for. You will also need to develop aspects like your logo, imagery, tone, tagline, and overall style.
  
• Your target audience: Who are your ideal customers and what are their behaviors? Understand their preferences, values, pain points, and what resonates with them.
  
• Your competition: Know what brands exist in your industry and what they do. Identify the gaps and where you can differentiate yourself.
  
• What is your USP?: Your unique selling point is how you can differentiate yourself. What sets you apart from everybody else?

How to tell your brand story?

• Your story: It’s the only one you have—tell your origins, mission, and values, and share details about yourself and team members to make your brand more human.
  
• Be authentic: People can sense a fraud. Don’t try to be someone you’re not. If you’re creating a brand, you need to believe in the message you’re putting out into the world.
  
• Watch your tone: Establish a tone of voice. What you sound like is a huge part of your branding, because how you speak is how your audience will see you.
  
• Find the right channels: Where is your audience at? Ensure you’re vocal across multiple channels to reach the maximum number of people.
  
• Be emotional: People connect with people. By using storytelling, you can build connections that go beyond a product or service.

How to market your brand?

• Develop a marketing strategy: Ensure you have SMART objectives, know your target audience, deliver your message, and follow through with your tactics.
  
• Traditional and digital marketing: Marketing looks different every year. Ensure you take advantage of the tools available to you. Think SEO, social media, partnerships, online ads, collaborations, influencers, posters, newspaper ads, promotions, and participating in local events.
  
• Content: Grow your site by leveraging content. Create valuable pages that educate, entertain, and inform, giving your audience all the info they need to learn about your brand and find it.
  
• Learn and grow: Track your progress, see what’s working, and make adjustments to ensure your brand continues to soar.

How to get your brand out there?

• Networking: This is a great way to meet people in your industry. Attend events, get your name out there, and talk to people who can point you in the right direction.
  
• Use PR: A PR agency can help get your brand off the ground. If you want to go solo, use press release distribution sites like PR Newswire to get news about your brand to the media.
  
• Offer discounts and promotions: If you’re new, want to create a buzz, or want to attract different customers, offering a discount can be a great way for people to try your brand. Limited-time promotions attract attention.
  
• Use social media: By understanding your audience, you know the social media platforms they use. Create content, answer questions, and engage with your audience on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok.

How to create awareness for your brand?

• Engage in your community: Being a local legend isn’t just about strong local SEO; it’s about getting out there and having your brand seen in the community. Help at local events, sponsor initiatives, and offer your services to charities.
  
• Host events and webinars: By hosting an event or webinar, you can share your expertise in your field, create buzz, and get more eyes on your business.
  
• Invest in paid advertising: Use PPC, display ads, and social media ads to reach an audience who may be interested in your business but haven’t heard of it yet.
  
• Word-of-mouth FTW: Probably one of the most underrated ways to get more customers to your business. By providing exceptional experiences, 94% of customers would recommend your brand.
  
• Use UGC: Engaging on social media may lead to people who use your brand shouting out your business online and tagging you. Share those stories to promote your business organically and authentically.

How to make your brand stand out?

• Continue growing: Your brand never stops growing. Continue delivering on your strategy and adapting to the times.
  
• Deliver exceptional experiences: The best way for your brand to stand out is to ensure your customers have an amazing experience when they shop with you.
  
• Show off your brand personality: With a distinct and memorable brand, people are more likely to resonate with your business.
  
• Encourage your team: Your brand is only as strong as your team members. They deliver the experiences in your business and represent you through every touchpoint.
  
• Social proof: Showcase your best testimonials, reviews, and case studies to build your trust and credibility.

It’s brand new; it brand you.

Growing your brand is nothing new to Setmore, but the new ‘Your Brand’ section on your app gives you complete control over every detail on your Booking Page.

Start FREE now and get your very own Booking Page today. If you want a demo of all the possibilities for your Booking Page and more, book in with one of our experts. For tips and guides on growing your brand, click here.

Happy scheduling!

by Lee

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