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 detail”? Small details can make a big impact, especially for new businesses. And it all comes down to brand visibility.
Article Shortcuts:
- #1: Customer Appreciation
- #2: Collaborate with Other Brands
- #3: User-Generated Content
- #4: Sponsorship
- FAQs
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Below, we’ll show you how to increase your business visibility with creative branding tactics.
#1. Customer Appreciation
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Whether your business is solely based online or operated from 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.
Some eCommerce stores have started including branded stickers with their contact information and social media handles in packaging. Taking this pathway could yield many positive payoffs.
For instance, if your brand is geared towards a younger generation, cool and 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 online delivery is included.
Another idea is to offer a discount code for first-time users if it's a service you’re selling. Or, give them limited access to a new product to entice them to purchase the entire package.
#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 theme of orange. The opportunity opens the door to a partnership with a cocktail or wine brand that reminds customers of 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, to name a few, ahead of its anticipated release. Brand managers take note. This is how you collaborate.
#3. User-Generated Content
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User-generated content (UGC) campaigns require some finesse and active engagement on social media.
If done correctly, UGC can boost brand awareness. The creative and effective strategy harnesses the power of authentic customer experiences to amply brand visibility and credibility.
In a nutshell, UGC encourages customers to create and share content about your brand on social media. It helps businesses build community and engagement among their followers.
Sephora is one company that gets UGC right. The cosmetics retailer hosts a Beauty Insider Community on its website and social media channels. The text threads and groups provide a platform for online users to share beauty 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 or posting their reviews or comments.
#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 on a localized scale. Co-sponsoring an exhibition or convention that aligns with your business needs is a great way of promoting your company.
Sponsorship can take different forms. Email newsletters, event apps, and wifi access are the most popular digital sponsorships.
Print sponsorship can include floor maps or show directories. If you want to take the traditional route with signage sponsorship, show boards and elevator wraps could make just as big an impact.
FAQs
1. Why is customer appreciation important?
Customer appreciation is important as it ensures retention and long-term relationships with them.
Customers who feel appreciated are likely to stay loyal to a company and could account for 80% of business profits. Both these factors are the keys to business success.
2. How can UGC help my business?
UGC demonstrates that real people have positive experiences with a brand, helping to build trust and authenticity.
Potential buyers tend to trust other customers rather than what brands say about their offerings. Another reason why UGC is helpful for businesses is that it is a cost-effective marketing strategy.
3. What is an example of brand collaboration?
Wicked movie producers collaborated with several brands, from fashion to luggage, to market the movie before its anticipated release. Brand collaboration is wise as it makes your business and offerings visible to the buyers you may not even be targeting.
It’s a Wrap!
Increasing brand visibility doesn’t happen overnight and encompasses researching other 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 into your door or virtual shopping carts cleared.
With that being said, we assure you that including one of the above suggestions in your brand strategy will make a difference.
Author Bio
Marchelle Abrahams is a qualified journalist who recently dipped her toes into digital marketing. With more than 10 years of experience in the lifestyle space, she specializes in ghostwriting and blog posts for digital content agencies. Currently, she freelances for various print and digital publications, writing short and long-form content.
