You Have a Brand. Now What?

by | Jan 16, 2025

The Importance of Knowing What to Do Next

Building a brand is no small feat. You’ve poured time, creativity, and resources into crafting your logo, defining your colors, and honing your tone of voice. Maybe you’ve even launched a stunning website or unveiled your new look on social media. Congratulations! But here’s the thing: having a brand is just the beginning. Now you need to know how to use it.

Your brand isn’t just a static logo on a business card or a catchy tagline on your website—it’s a living, breathing entity. To get the most out of it, you need to know what to do next. A well-executed brand can do wonders for your business, but only if you actively use it to connect with your audience and achieve your goals.

So, what’s next? Let’s dive into why knowing what to do with your brand is essential and explore actionable steps to make your brand work for you.

Why It’s Crucial to Know Your Next Move

1. Your Brand Is Your Identity

Think of your brand as the face of your business. It’s how people recognize and remember you. But having a face is one thing—knowing how to express yourself is another. Without a clear plan, your brand risks being just a pretty facade without substance.

2. Consistency Builds Trust

Your brand isn’t just for you—it’s for your audience. Consistently using your brand elements (like your logo, colors, and messaging) across all platforms helps build recognition and trust. If your branding is all over the place, people will struggle to connect with you.

3. Your Brand Can Set You Apart

In a crowded marketplace, your brand is what makes you stand out. But that only works if you use it effectively. A strong brand isn’t just about looking good—it’s about communicating your unique value and showing why people should choose you over the competition.

What to Do With Your Brand: 7 Actionable Steps

1. Infuse Your Brand Into Everything You Do

Your brand isn’t just for your website or your social media—it should touch every part of your business. Think beyond the obvious places and look for opportunities to weave your brand into the customer experience.

For example:

  • Use branded packaging or thank-you notes for product-based businesses.
  • Infuse your brand voice into email communication, proposals, and even job postings.
  • Ensure your office or store environment reflects your brand’s aesthetic and values.

Every interaction with your business is a chance to reinforce your brand.

2. Create Brand Guidelines (and Actually Use Them!)

Brand guidelines are like a rulebook for how your brand shows up in the world. They outline your logo usage, color palette, fonts, tone of voice, and more. These guidelines help ensure consistency across all channels, whether it’s your website, social media, or printed materials.

But having guidelines isn’t enough—you need to follow them. Share them with your team, designers, and anyone creating content for your brand. When everyone’s on the same page, your brand becomes stronger and more recognizable. Not sure how to create your own brand guide? We can help with that.

3. Leverage Your Brand to Build Connections

Your brand isn’t just about looking professional—it’s about making people feel something. Use your brand to foster relationships with your audience. Speak to them in a tone that resonates, share stories that reflect your values, and engage with them in meaningful ways.

For example:

  • Use your social media presence to have real conversations with followers.
  • Share behind-the-scenes content that humanizes your brand.
  • Create blogs, videos, or emails that address your audience’s pain points and offer solutions.

Remember: people connect with people, not logos. Use your brand to show your personality and build genuine connections.

4. Use Your Brand to Tell a Story

Every brand has a story, and stories are what people remember. Use your brand as a storytelling tool to communicate who you are, what you stand for, and why you do what you do.

For example:

  • Share your “why” on your About page or in a video.
  • Highlight customer success stories or testimonials to show your brand’s impact.
  • Use visuals and messaging that evoke emotions and reinforce your narrative.

When your brand tells a story, it becomes more than just a business—it becomes something people want to be part of.

5. Plan Your Marketing With Your Brand in Mind

Your brand should be the backbone of your marketing strategy. Before you create an ad, send an email, or post on social media, ask yourself: Does this align with my brand?

For example:

  • If your brand is playful and fun, your social media posts should reflect that personality.
  • If your brand is professional and sophisticated, your marketing materials should look and sound the part.

A consistent brand presence across all marketing channels helps reinforce who you are and what you stand for. It also helps you become more recognizable to people.

6. Evaluate Your Brand’s Performance

Once your brand is out in the world, it’s important to assess how it’s working. Are people responding to your messaging? Does your visual identity resonate with your target audience? Regularly check in on your brand’s performance and make adjustments as needed.

For example:

  • Track engagement on branded social media posts.
  • Gather feedback from customers about their experience with your brand.
  • Use tools like Google Analytics to see how branded content drives traffic and conversions.

Your brand isn’t set in stone—it should evolve with your business and audience.

7. Use Your Brand to Inspire Your Team

Your brand isn’t just for your customers—it’s for your team, too. A strong brand can inspire your employees, align them around a shared vision, and create a sense of pride in their work.

For example:

  • Share your brand story during onboarding to help new hires feel connected to your mission.
  • Use branded materials, like team swag or internal communications, to build a sense of unity.
  • Encourage employees to embody your brand values in their work and interactions with customers.

When your team believes in your brand, they’ll naturally become its biggest advocates.

Your Brand Is Just the Beginning

Having a brand isn’t the finish line; it’s the starting point. What you do with your brand once you have it determines its impact on your business. By infusing it into every touchpoint, using it to build connections, and aligning it with your goals, you can turn your brand into a powerful tool for growth and success.

Remember, a great brand isn’t just something people see—it’s something they experience. Make sure your brand is more than just a logo. Use it to tell your story, connect with your audience, and create a memorable, lasting impression.

So, what’s next for your brand? The possibilities are endless. Go make it happen!

We’d love to help you with your brand. We’ll meet you and your brand wherever you are and get you to where you want to be. Contact us to get started.

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