Is it time to rebrand your business or a key product this year? Before you jump in, be SMART and follow these tips.

S = Strategy

Know the who, what, where, when, and why of your purpose and vision.

Create plans and actions for each vertical market.

Next ask, who, what, where, when and why questions that will serve your purpose and vision.  Look at the market, your team, and partners. Choose which product or services will benefit from updating.  Plan each task around exceeding customer satisfaction and reaching business goals.

M = Messaging

Address your customer pain points in your communication and marketing. Make sure they know you can solve their problems (pain).

Remember,  it is the feeling behind the product or service you offer that captures your prospect. A shoe store isn’t selling the boot, they’re selling comfort and style. If you are a licensed trade association you’re not offering training and continuing education credits, your offering a path to expertise and a higher income.

Do you think re-branding would be helpful to your business sales and reputation? On the fence? Take the quiz now.

A = Attraction

What do your graphics and literature look like? Did your neighbor’s son make it for a school project? Does it contain a piece of clip art from Word? Are you still using the free business card design templates from Vistaprint? If you are stuck on do-it-yourself branding images,  review your competition. Have they stepped up their game? How does your brand compare? Based on first impressions, if you were a prospect would you buy from you or your organization competition? Rise above your first idea.

Keep all communications and promotions consistent in style, with pre-defined messaging and clear calls to actions.

R = Reminders

Stay in front of your prospects and stay ahead of your competition. Choose your poison, quick phone calls, emails, texts to say ‘hey, thinking about you, can I help you with anything? ‘ A monthly or quarterly e-mail blast can compliment individual phone calls. Quick social media interactions and co-branding with customers on case studies are proven ways to build customer awareness and loyalty.  Achieve annual company goals by reminding yourself and your team to live the brand promise and purpose.

T = Talk

Communication is key to every business. Engage with your customers beyond the sale. Keep good relations to create brand ambassadors who will fill out surveys, offer feedback and reorder.  Ask for testimonials to be posted on Google, Facebook, and industry-specific directories such as Homeaway for vacation rentals, or Home Advisor for residential building contractors. There are new industry-specific social media platforms and directories created daily, get listed and be seen everywhere.

Remember internal communications too! Try a little kindness with staff and vendors and reap the reward.

Work SMARTer not harder and level up with messages and images that demonstrate your experience and expertise. Enjoy this new stage of business with branding that opens new doors to business success.

Do you think re-branding would be helpful to your business sales and reputation? On the fence? Take this 6 question quiz.