Step-by-Step Guide How to Define Brand Values
When it comes to building a memorable brand, it's not just about what you sell – it's about who you are. Defining your brand values is the key to carving out your unique identity. In this simple 6-step guide, I'll take you through the process, making sure it's clear, and understandable why you even need to understand your brand values.
Having clear brand values is like having a compass for your company. It's not just a nice-to-have; it's a must-have for several good reasons:
SETS BRAND APART:
Brand values are your unique fingerprint in the business world. They help you stand out from the crowd.
For example, if your value is "Sustainability," it tells customers that you're committed to eco-friendly practices. If your brand values innovation, it means you're constantly seeking fresh ideas and creative solutions. This could manifest in cutting-edge products, unique services, or inventive business processes.
Brands valuing quality are obsessed with delivering the best. Whether it's products or services, they prioritize high-quality materials, excellence, and durability in everything.
If the brand values inclusivity it is committed to diversity and equality. This might be reflected in marketing campaigns that embrace various cultures, diverse hiring practices, and products designed for a broad audience.
BUILDS TRUST:
Brand values can also build a better connection and trust with your audience. Think of brand values as promises you make to your customers. When you keep these promises, it builds trust. For example, if "Transparency" is a value, openly sharing information about your products or business practices, ingredients, or sourcing - reinforces that trust.
So if you are an entrepreneur or a brand owner, or a small business founder, here are some steps that will help you define your brand values:
01
Reflect on Your Purpose
Start by reflecting on the core reason your business exists. What inspired you to start it in the first place? This is your mission. For example, if you're a sustainable fashion brand, your mission might be to reduce the environmental impact of the fashion industry.
02
Identify Non-Negotiables
Think about the principles that are non-negotiable for your brand. These are the values that guide your decisions and actions. If transparency is crucial for your brand, consider it a non-negotiable value.
03
Understand Your Audience
Understand your target audience and what matters to them. If you're a tech company catering to young professionals, innovation and efficiency might be values that resonate with your audience.
04
Explore Your Team
Look at your team dynamics and day-to-day operations. Are there already values embedded in your company culture? If your team values collaboration and creativity, these could be potential brand values.
Gather your team for a brainstorming session. Encourage everyone to share the values they believe the brand should stand for. If inclusivity and diversity are recurring themes, consider them as potential brand values.
05
Choose a Few Keywords
Keep it simple. Choose a handful of values that truly capture the essence of your brand. For instance, if innovation, sustainability, and customer-centricity are crucial to your brand, these could be your chosen values.
06
Craft Simple Slogan
Create short and clear statements for each value. These should explain what each value means for your brand. If "Customer-Centricity" is one of your values, your statement could be as simple as, "Putting our customers first in everything we do."
Defining your brand values is a journey of self-discovery and authenticity. By following these 7 simple steps, you can distill the essence of your brand into a few core values that will guide your business and resonate with your audience. Remember, simplicity is key, and these values should be more than words – they should be the heartbeat of your brand.
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Stay inspired!
Arina
