Branding agency – how can it help you?

A brand is a name, symbolism. What distinguishes a given company from the competition identifies it. Today's brand is also a well-functioning organism. An organism that has something important to convey has a history of its own and influences the emotions of its recipients in a specific way. An organism that has a character, a certain value and thus can be saved in the minds of recipients. The process of shaping brand awareness and creating its image is called branding. What makes branding? And how can a branding agency help us in this area?

As the competition becomes more fierce, branding plays a key role in building the company's recognition and success. But what really constitutes branding? Why is it necessary for every organization? How to create effective branding that will make your company stand out from the competition? In the article, we will take a deeper look at issues related to branding and the role of a branding agency in the brand building process. You will find out what exactly it is rebranding and what are its benefits. We will also show the differences between a branding and marketing agency and tell you how to choose the right agency to achieve your branding goals. Get ready for an in-depth analysis of the world of branding and learn step by step how you can strengthen your company's brand.

What makes branding?

Only a strong brand has a chance of success in business today. A strong brand is aware of its advantages, which it emphasizes at every step, communicates in its messages, and uses it in marketing. He knows how to reach the target group, he knows how to win over his customers, make them trust her.

The process of shaping a strong brand, i.e. branding, means giving the brand character by selecting an appropriate name, coming up with a claim (brand slogan), designing a logo, preparing a visual identification system (i.e. business cards, letterheads, presentation templates, image materials, sales offer templates, or gadgets). ). These elements are constantly repeated in the brand's communication and accompany the brand throughout its entire period of operation. Therefore, they must be unique so that customers remember them and identify them with the brand. Branding is also a way of construction brand recognition by giving it a number of unique features with which the recipients are to identify it. It is to underline the brand's value and thus distinguish it from market rivals.

Branding also means:

• systematization of brand communication in digital, i.e. preparation of a coherent website, newsletters, social media,
• defining the brand archetype,
• developing a marketing strategy i communication strategy,
• defining promotions and ongoing actions taken by the brand,
• the quality of products or services offered by the brand,
• as well as other factors that affect the perception of the brand by the environment and the feelings of recipients about the brand.

All the assumptions of the brand branding are contained in the so-called brand book.

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Branding is not a one-time activity that will instantly make your brand popular. It is a process of detailed planning and then constant care for consistency and the desired perception of the brand. This building brand awareness using various marketing and management tools and activities. It is the process of creating an emotional connection between the brand and the audience. The basis of branding is a reliable brand strategy, defining its most important distinguishing features and values, characterizing what the brand is now and what it wants to be in the future. The strategy sets the directions for the brand's development, thanks to which it will be able to build awareness among its recipients.

Branding is the essence of the brand. How does it affect its activities? And what does a branding agency have to do with this process?

Why does the company need branding, i.e. the main purpose of branding

From the above paragraph you can easily deduce that the purpose of branding is to create a specific brand image, consolidating it in the recipients' awareness and spreading it on a larger scale. But that's not all. The purpose of branding is also to sort it out brand image and maintaining consistency across all communication channels. Branding is also defining the rules that will allow effective communication with individual target groups, efficiently and comprehensively manage the brand on all levels and, if possible, adapt to the trends in the industry.

Branding it's a process. It requires time, commitment, a solid strategy and consistency in action. Is it worth it? Without a doubt! Well-conducted branding - whether done by the company itself or by a professional branding agency - is an unquestionable source of a strong competitive advantage and a recipe for guaranteed success in business.

What can branding give you?

Thoughtful branding brings benefits in the long term. First of all, it creates a strong one brand identity, which translates into its positive, lasting image - both in the eyes of customers and contractors, industry competitors and employees. Thanks to this, it strengthens the brand recognition in the market.

Have you ever wondered why consumers choose one specific product from among the many competitive products available on store shelves? Sometimes they do it automatically. They don't think long, compare or check what will be more profitable for them. Example? Here you are!

Let's assume that you have two chocolates to choose from - classic Milka wrapped in a well-known purple packaging and a product of a brand you've never heard of - the packaging doesn't mean anything to you, the name of the brand doesn't evoke any specific thoughts. Which board will you choose? Without any hesitation, we can say that Milka.

Why? The secret lies in the strength of the brand. A brand with a strong, consistent identity and a positive image has a better chance of spectacular success on the market than a brand that has not taken care of consistency and does not stand out in any way. A brand with strong branding can stand out from the competition - it knows how to build a lasting competitive advantage. It is credible and therefore has loyal customers who often recommend it to others.

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Thanks to the recognition, the brand does not have to spend huge amounts of money on marketing. Sales are self-generating and generate attractive profits. A strong brand has a large market share. In addition, it is easier for it to promote new products, and brand management itself is simpler and cheaper. Nobody does better than building a brand image public relations agency.

How to do good branding? Branding agency it can do it!

Branding is an art. It requires knowledge in the field of image creation, experience and excellent knowledge of the market. Unfortunately, many entrepreneurs make basic mistakes that negatively affect the entire process - and even often decide about its final failure. As a consequence, the brand, instead of being spectacularly successful on the market, cannot stand out at all, and in the worst case scenario - it collapses.

The most common mistakes made in the branding process include:

• "Excessive" creativity and too much experimentation, which can blur the brand image - individual branding elements do not fit into the company's strategic assumptions, differ significantly from each other, and thus the company is not able to build a strong, uniform identity,
• copying from other brands - branding is to distinguish the brand from the competition, give it a unique character; by copying branding elements from other companies, we will get effects opposite to the intended ones, and we can even meet with a negative reception of target groups,
• omitting the prospects of brand development - i.e. failure to take into account the strategic development plan in the branding process; creating branding "for now", the lack of versatility that will allow it to develop and adapt to changing trends,
• omitting functionality - the appearance of individual elements of identification is important, but functionality is just as important,

Mistakes can destroy the entire branding process, reducing its effectiveness and leading the brand to ultimate failure. If you want your brand to be successful, entrust the preparation and implementation of branding to specialists. What can a professional, creative branding agency do for you?

How does a branding agency work in theory and practice?

A branding agency is a company that creates brand identity. Its goal is to create a specific image of a specific brand (in such a way that it will be remembered by recipients) using the most important elements of building awareness. Among them, we can mention the name, logo, visual identification, strategy and values that the brand is to represent.

The main tasks of branding agencies include:

• creating new brands,
• carrying out changes in the image and structure of existing brands, known as refreshing or rebranding.

A branding agency is supposed to effectively introduce the brand – or its product/service – to the market. It achieves its goal by carrying out brand image research and market analysis, creating a brand strategy, naming, designing visual identification, implementing and communicating the brand on the market.

In theory, the branding agency only deals with the introduction of new companies, services or products to the market. On the other hand, in practice, the scope of its operation is more complex and includes conducting an integrated comprehensive offline and online campaign, using various tools and communication channels.

In fact, the activities of a branding agency resemble projects carried out by advertising and interactive agencies, operating in the 360 ° model. As part of cooperation with a branding company, not only a brand with a new image is created, but also a complete advertising campaign, tailored to the company's profile and its products. In the process of creating branding, the agency may use social media, ATL campaigns and other tools that are also used by advertising agencies.

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Branding agency – 3 main tasks

The core of the duties of a professional branding agency consists of three elements:

Strategy

At the beginning of cooperation with a given company, a branding agency scrupulously analyzes its initial situation, and in particular focuses on the opportunities and threats that come from the environment, profiles and activities of the competition, as well as on strengths and weaknesses to distinguish the brand from market rivals. On the basis of the collected data, it specifies guidelines for brand positioning in the markets in which it operates - it lists the features of the image that the brand should promote and those that are unlikely to lead to its success. At this stage, the outlines of the company's marketing are also created.

Corporate identity

Corporate identity, i.e. visual identification, is an integrated whole, a set of elements that make it easier for a brand to communicate its individuality and value on the market. CI ensures the consistency of products, services, advertising messages and other messages sent to the environment. It is a kind of visual identity, which consists of elements such as:

• logo,
• slogan,
• colors of markings, advertising materials, company headquarters,
• fonts used - type, colors,
• shapes, textures, and anything else that create the overall brand image.

Corporate identity is also naming, i.e. the appropriate naming of a brand or its product. This is an important stage in the branding process, because the final success of the brand largely depends on the name. A well-chosen name will distinguish the company in the maze of competing brands. On the other hand, an incorrectly chosen, hard to remember or badly associated name is a potential blow to your own business.

Corporate identity is the starting point for further brand activities. Therefore, it should be consistent with its characteristics, policy, values and strategic goals.

Branding

The final stage of comprehensive brand image building is target branding. The branding agency presents the client with a full set of marketing materials, consisting of the name, logo, visual identification of the brand. In accordance with previous arrangements and the scope of cooperation, the client may also receive:

• carefully prepared development strategy,
• advertising creations,
• creating websites,
• schedule of activities in social media,
• product packaging design.

What is rebranding?

Branding agencies primarily deal with the comprehensive introduction of new brands to the market. But that's not all. The second area of activity of professional branding companies is rebranding.

Rebranding is the process of modifying all or some of the selected elements that make up the company. It is a kind of refreshing the image, which can prove useful in the case of expanding operations to new markets, changing the market strategy, changing the owner, entering the stock exchange. It is also a good solution when serious problems arise that disrupt the proper functioning of the company, negatively affect its recognition and make it difficult to generate satisfactory profits.

The purpose of rebranding is to give the brand specific features, strengthen its specific advantages or consciously emphasize the changes that have taken place in the company. As a result, evoking new, more positive feelings related to the brand or adapting it to new circumstances.

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Rebranding this is a new opportunity for the brand, but also a significant risk. The new image may not appeal to the recipients, and rebranding, instead of helping, will only hurt the company's operations. In order to enjoy the expected results, it is worth entrusting rebranding to professionals. The experience of a branding agency can tremendously help in this important, extremely difficult process.

Rebranding, i.e. a new face of visual identification

Rebranding is a complicated process. It requires time, full commitment and a good, thought-out plan. How does a professional branding agency carry out rebranding?

The first stage of work is a detailed analysis of the current activities of the brand. Specialists take a closer look at, inter alia, company marketing, image-building activities, communication with individual target groups. Then they conduct a market audit, with an emphasis on competitors' activities. The analysis of the target group and the definition of the needs, goals and expectations of the brand are also of great importance.

The analyzes are to indicate where the brand is currently located, how it compares to the competition, what aspects require improvement, what needs to be focused the most, and what can remain unchanged. The obtained data constitute the starting point for further stages of the project.

Based on the analyses, the agency's experts prepare an action plan and then, in consultation with the client, develop a new brand image. Individual elements of the new image are implemented in accordance with the agreed schedule.

Branding and marketing agency

When analyzing the scope of activities of a branding agency, it is impossible not to notice a powerful similarity to the scope of operation of a marketing agency. However, branding and marketing agencies are not the same.

The marketing agency does not develop motifs, logos, does not create an image. He only uses it. Adjusts the marketing strategy to the developed identity and assumptions of the brand strategy, combining them with target group. The task of a branding agency is to create an image that will translate into the success of marketing activities. The aim of branding is to base the image on the brand's strengths and valuable values, which will be a valuable source of competitive advantage necessary in the marketing process.

Branding is about drawing attention to the brand, while marketing is a tool for reaching specific recipients with the message. Branding precedes marketing. In other words, marketing is based on branding. And it connects these areas!

How is a branding agency different from an advertising agency?

Branding agencies are often incorrectly equated with advertising agencies. However, there are clear differences between these entities - especially in the nature of activities and the purpose of the services provided.

Today, a brand that wants to count on positive feedback from recipients must have a friendly, characteristic image that will be its hallmark, something that will distinguish it from the competition. This image is created by a branding agency.

The company focuses on designing the brand and creating its basic principles. It can also plan a campaign introducing the brand to the market or communicating the change that has taken place in it. The essence of its activity, however, is creating the concept of the brand and planning activities that will help it to subscribe to the awareness of the recipients.

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The advertising agency conducts ongoing advertising and promotional activities, which are to translate into increased sales, increased brand recognition and consolidation of its image among recipients. In principle, the advertising agency does not deal with the design of the brand concept, but only with the implementation of its assumptions. The emphasis is strictly on promotional activities, while the branding agency mainly focuses on the image, which is to help promote the brand on the market.

How to choose a branding agency?

Before choosing a specific branding agency, you should define the goal you want to achieve by working with such a company. The aim may be to reach a new target group, change the image to be more ecological, introduce a new product to the market.

Be sure to specify whether you only need a small intervention of the agency (e.g. creating a logo) or you are counting on a comprehensive service that includes building or rebuilding the entire brand - from A to Z.

Then, carefully analyze the selected agencies in terms of their experience, previous implementation, competences, scope of services provided, customer opinions.

Choose an agency that employs many highly qualified specialists, has a 360° approach to branding and is able to offer you a comprehensive service at the highest level.

Pay attention to contacting the agency. Check if she was involved in your problem, presented you with specific solutions, is coherent in thoughts and actions, and sticks to the set deadlines from the beginning of cooperation. If something is wrong, don't hesitate to change agencies. However, remember to include a provision on the possible resignation from services in the contract signed with the agency.

Increase your chances of spectacular success in business

One of the most important elements for success in business is the creation and effective brand building. Complex branding it's a process. It requires an appropriate strategy that takes into account the brand's unique identity and the needs and preferences of its target audience. Creating new brands is extremely important for companies that want to develop and gain an advantage over the competition. It is equally important to refresh the brand's image when it has been on the market for years. Therefore, both when we create new brands and when we want to need rebranding, supporting the brand image through a rebrand agency is the best idea.

It is worth using the services of experts who will help in developing an effective strategy for building a positive image and increasing brand recognition on the market. Let us remember that an inappropriate strategy can lead to failure, which is why it is crucial to get involved in the process of creating a brand and building a strategy seriously. A branding agency should support us, among others by: in the area of visual communication and brand marketing communication. The areas of the agency's activities are much broader. The implementation of specific actions depends on the client's needs.

Worth knowing:

1. What is a branding agency?

The branding agency specializes in creating, developing and managing the image of brands. Its task is to build brand awareness through i.a. market research, analyzing consumer behavior, developing branding strategies and creating advertising campaigns. The knowledge and experience of a branding agency is the key to creating a fascinating brand image that will be remembered by consumers for a long time. In addition, the agency helps companies build positive relationships with clients and stand out from the competition.

2. What does a branding agency do?

A branding agency is a company specializing in building and developing a brand image. He creates marketing strategies, logo design, visual identification, as well as activities related to internet marketing and building an online community. He also works on creating a brand identity that attracts customers and is memorable, standing out from the competition.

3. How to prepare a branding strategy?

This is not an easy task, but it is certainly crucial for achieving success on the market. The first step is to understand your brand, including its values and goals. Then you need to analyze the market and competition to better understand where the company can stand out and what it offers to customers. You also need to define your target audience and how you can reach them. Ultimately, the branding strategy should have clearly defined goals and means of achieving them through marketing activities. Thanks to the appropriate branding strategy, the company will be able to build a positive image and gain loyal customers.

4. What is branding?

Branding consists of many elements that create a brand image and affect its recognition. How a given product or service is perceived by consumers has a significant impact on its success on the market. The essence of branding is how the brand is presented to the world. It is not only the name, logo or packaging, but also the way of communicating with customers, the quality of products and services or the approach to the natural environment. A good brand is a guarantee of quality in the eyes of consumers, which translates into loyalty and higher sales. That is why it is worth taking care of branding from the very beginning, because a poorly constructed brand image can contribute to its downfall.

5. What are some examples of branding activities?

Branding activities are a key element of building a brand image. One popular example is a logo, but that's just the tip of the iceberg. Other methods, such as creating PR campaigns, sponsoring events or using social media, can also help to increase brand recognition. It is important to act coherently, creating a coherent and consistent image. An interesting example of successful branding activities is the iconic McDonald's slogan "I'm Lovin' It". Which methods of operation are effective depend on the industry and target group, so it is worth conducting market research and test campaigns to better understand customer preferences.