5 Signs That Your Branding Needs Work

1. You’ve been ordering your business cards from Vistaprint.

Business cards can be the first impression a potential customer gets of your branding.  How your business card looks and how it feels to the touch gives an immediate impression.  Do-it-yourself business cards printed on lower quality stock might not be sending the right message for your business.

2. Your logo was designed in Publisher.

Are you familiar with CMYK, bleed, embedded fonts, 300 DPI? If your answer is no, you should not be designing your logo. A logo designed in Publisher is not print ready and will need to be fixed before it can be used properly. A graphic designer knows the correct fonts, white space, and marketing message that a logo needs to have in order to represent your brand correctly.

3. You have a hard time explaining what you do.

Can you clearly and accurately explain what your business does in 15 seconds or less? Do you often feel like you are fumbling the explanation, or get a blank look from people when you have tried? If you are struggling with your explanation, then imagine how customers are perceiving or misunderstanding your products and services.

4. If you put your last two ads side by side, they look like they are advertising two different companies.

Whether print, digital, email or social – your ads must be consistent to build brand awareness. An advertisement for a business with a strong brand could have the logo covered up and it still identified as being from that company. If you can’t say the same about ads for your business, your branding is inconsistent. In order to have “top of mind awareness” the public needs to see a consistent image from your company.

5. The 90s called and asked for your logo back.

Logos that look dated send the wrong impression. Updating your logo, whether a small tweak or a complete redesign, shows pride in your product and services. Your logo should explain your company in a professional, eye-catching, easy to read manner.
Investing resources in building a strong brand is one of the most valuable assets your company has. Strong branding creates repeat customers and positive word-of-mouth. Having a clear message, addressing your customer’s needs, and showing your personality are important for every company.

If your current branding is holding you back, contact The Barbauld Agency to start a discussion on updating your branding.