Being one of many small fish in a pond can sometimes feel like you’re swimming against the tide.
We get the frustration of struggling to get noticed when your competition is one step ahead. Small businesses are essential to the U.S. economy, contributing 43.5% of the nation's GDP, according to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
It’s probably little consolation as you witness your profits diving and customer support dwindling.
You know that saying, “The devil is in the details”? Small details can make a big impact, especially for new businesses. And it all comes down to brand visibility.
In this article:
- Tactic #1: Customer Appreciation
- Tactic #2: Collaborate with Other Brands
- Tactic #3: User-Generated Content
- Tactic #4: Sponsorship
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Below, we’ll show you how to increase your business visibility with creative branding tactics.
Tactic #1. Customer Appreciation
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Whether your business is solely online or operates a physical store, customers love packaging that goes the extra mile.
For some, it could be a “thank you” card or a token gift expressing gratitude for supporting your small business. It lets them know you appreciate their loyalty and creates a sense of community.
For instance, if your brand is geared toward a younger generation, cool, funky custom stickers are the fastest way to promote your business and products.
Have custom stickers made from your company’s artwork, logo, or photos. Vinyl stickers are more durable as they come with a special laminate that protects them from wind, rain, and sunlight.
Check out Sticker Mule for an extensive range of custom stickers. You can order everything online; free delivery is included.
Another idea is to offer a discount code for first-time users if you’re selling a service. Or, give them limited access to a new product to entice them to purchase the entire package.
Tactic #2. Collaborate With Other Brands
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No, we’re not talking about your competition. This is strictly about brands that complement each other.
Let's say you’ve just launched a new seasonal collection with an overarching orange theme. The opportunity opens the door to a partnership with a cocktail or wine brand that evokes hot summer days.
A launch party and brand collaboration make perfect marketing sense. You provide the fashion, while your brand partner provides the drinks. It’s a win-win situation.
Wicked pulled off the biggest marketing coup of the year when movie producers teamed up with brands from different sectors. Cosmopolitan reports that the movie is doing the absolute most with its Wicked-themed product drops.
The film collaborated with H&M, Aerie, and Stanley, among others, ahead of its anticipated release. Brand managers take note — this is how you collaborate.
Tactic #3. User-Generated Content
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User-generated content (UGC) campaigns require active engagement on social media.
If done correctly, UGC can boost brand awareness. The strategy harnesses the power of authentic customer experiences to amplify brand visibility and credibility.
Sephora is one company that gets UGC right. The cosmetics retailer hosts a Beauty Insider Community for users to share advice, inspiration, and recommendations.
If Sephora can do it, so can you. Nothing is stopping you from leveraging user-generated content. Be sure to ask for the owner’s permission before resharing reviews or comments.
Tactic #4. Sponsorship
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We’re not saying spend your marketing budget on a single event. However, investing in sports, entertainment, and arts sponsorship is big business.
For small businesses, this could work at a localized scale. Co-sponsoring an exhibition or convention that aligns with your business needs is a great way to promote your company.
Sponsorship can take different forms — email newsletters, event apps, and Wi-Fi access are popular digital sponsorships.
Print sponsorship can include floor maps or directories. Traditional signage sponsorship, like show boards and elevator wraps, can also make an impact.
FAQ: Branding Tactics
1. Why is customer appreciation important?
Customer appreciation builds loyalty and strengthens long-term relationships. Customers who feel appreciated are more likely to stay loyal and can account for up to 80% of business profits.
2. How can UGC help my business?
UGC demonstrates that real people have positive experiences with a brand, building trust and authenticity. It is also a cost-effective marketing strategy.
3. What is an example of brand collaboration?
Wicked movie producers collaborated with fashion and lifestyle brands to market the movie ahead of release. Brand collaboration exposes your business to large new audiences.
It’s a Wrap!
Increasing brand visibility doesn’t happen overnight. It involves researching and testing creative ways to get your business seen.
Sometimes it’s as simple as posting an end-of-season sale on social media to get feet through the door or virtual shopping carts cleared.
Including even one of the above suggestions in your brand strategy can make a meaningful difference.
Author Bio
Marchelle Abrahams is a qualified journalist who recently transitioned into digital marketing. With over 10 years of experience in lifestyle writing, she specializes in ghostwriting and blog content for digital agencies. She currently freelances for various publications, producing both short and long-form content.
