In the crowded marketplace of today, establishing a strong brand perception is vital. While companies often focus on defining who they are, what they do, their unique selling propositions (USPs), and their target audience, there are critical aspects that are frequently overlooked. Addressing these gaps can make a substantial difference in how a brand is perceived and remembered by its audience.
What We Typically Consider in Brand Perception
When crafting a brand’s perception, we typically start with the fundamentals:
Who We Are
Establishing a clear identity involves defining the brand’s mission, vision, and values. This forms the backbone of how the brand positions itself in the market and interacts with its audience.
What We Do
Clearly articulating the products or services offered is essential. This involves not just stating what the brand provides but also highlighting the benefits and unique features that distinguish it from competitors.
Our Unique Selling Proposition (USP)
The USP is what sets a brand apart from its competitors. It’s a concise statement that tells customers why they should choose one brand over another, emphasizing unique benefits or features.
Our Target Audience
Identifying and understanding the target audience is crucial. This includes demographics, psychographics, and behavior patterns, allowing the brand to tailor its messaging and offerings to meet the specific needs and preferences of its ideal customers.
While these elements are fundamental, there are additional layers that can enhance brand perception more effectively.
What We Often Miss
1. Clear Message of What You Are Not
While clarity on what a brand is and offers is common, defining what the brand is not is equally important. This approach helps avoid miscommunication and misperceptions. The human mind is more affected by negatives than positives; thus, clearly stating what the brand does not do can have a profound impact. For instance, if a brand is not focused on luxury, stating that explicitly can help avoid attracting the wrong audience and setting incorrect expectations.
Example: A budget-friendly airline could state, “We are not a luxury airline; we focus on providing affordable and reliable travel options.”
2. Clarity in Your Competitor Landscape
Competitors are not always direct brands in the same market. They can also include ideologies, customer mindsets, behaviors, or peer influences. Recognizing this broader landscape helps in drafting a more effective perception strategy. Understanding these indirect competitors allows a brand to position itself more uniquely and craft messages that resonate better with the audience’s current mindset and behaviors.
Example: A fitness brand might see sedentary lifestyle habits or home workout trends as competitors, not just other gyms or fitness brands.
3. Clarity on Customer Touchpoints
Choosing the right mediums to present the brand to its customers is crucial. This involves understanding where and how customers prefer to engage with the brand and ensuring the platform suits both the brand and customer requirements. Effective use of digital, social, and physical touchpoints ensures a seamless and consistent brand experience.
Example: A tech-savvy brand might focus on interactive social media platforms and live chat support, whereas a traditional brand might invest more in personalized email campaigns and in-store experiences.
Conclusion
In an era where thousands of brands vie for consumer attention daily, strategic clarity is imperative. While foundational aspects of brand perception are essential, incorporating these often-missed elements can significantly enhance a brand’s visibility and reputation. Clearly defining what a brand is not, understanding a comprehensive competitor landscape, and optimizing customer touchpoints can ensure a robust and favorable brand perception.