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Writer's pictureBlanca Ruiz

"The Costly Consequences of Failing to Establish a Strong Brand Direction: 6 Common Mistakes to Avoid"


An image showing Seneca`s phrase
There is no favorable wind for those who don´t know where they are going


Navigating the turbulent waters of business without a clear direction is like sailing without a compass.


As Seneca wisely put it:


"There is no favorable wind for those who don't know where they are going."

This timeless wisdom rings especially true when it comes to branding. Without a clear brand strategy, companies risk drifting aimlessly, struggling to make meaningful connections with their audience and achieve their objectives.


Here are six real-life examples of the perils of not having a clear brand direction:


  1. Wasted Money: Picture a boutique hotel pouring resources into amenities that miss the mark with its target market. Instead of enhancing the guest experience, they might end up overspending on unnecessary luxuries or skimping on essentials that could make them look "cheap"


Solution: Understand what truly resonates with your ideal customer and invest wisely to deliver that experience.


2. Losing Contracts to Bigger Companies: In a competitive landscape, smaller startups can find themselves overshadowed by industry giants if they fail to articulate their unique value proposition. Without a clear differentiation, they risk being overlooked in favor of more established competitors.


Solution: Uncover what sets you apart and leveraging it to win over clients.I have clients who have won contracts to bigger companies by being able to articulate what makes them the best option. Clients want to go for an option that feels safe. You need to be able to communicate what is important to them.


3. Unfocused Advertising: This is very common. Imagine a restaurant casting a wide net with its advertising, hoping to attract anyone and everyone. Unfortunately, this gut feeling approach often results in wasted money and mediocre results.


Solution: Tailor your marketing efforts to resonate with your target audience, focus on ONE THING, ONE MESSAGE


4. Too Many Products, High Operational Costs, No Personality: A tech startup spreading itself too thin with a plethora of products risks diluting its brand message and squandering resources on unnecessary ventures.


Solution: By honing in on their core strengths and forging a distinctive message, they can streamline operations and stand out in a crowded market.


5. Mediocre Offering: Consider a bakery attempting to be a jack-of-all-trades, offering a smorgasbord of baked goods without excelling in any particular area. This lack of focus can result in mediocre quality and a diluted brand image.


Solution: Strive to excel in one aspect and build a reputation as the go-to destination for that specialty.


6. Inconsistent Visuals, Unprofessional Perception: Visual inconsistency across various touchpoints can erode trust and undermine the credibility of a brand. You have one logo for your business cards printed years ago, an other version of the logo for your power point presentation and a different onw on your website that you haven`t updated lately.


Solution: From logos to color schemes, maintaining a cohesive visual identity is crucial for projecting a professional image and fostering brand recognition.


Not sure how you can find out all this?


A brand workshop can truly help you. Read the benefits of having one for your business here



 


I am Blanca Ruíz, Brand consultant, Identity and graphic designer.


I can help you find what makes your brand and business and build a brand you and your customers will love.

Let´s chat.


Blanca Ruíz

Brand Consultant

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