While there are many opinions as to which is the best strategy to adopt, we would encourage the ‘unicorn’ approach – stand out to not blend in. To be clear, this doesn’t mean that your brand architecture will not be agile and adapt when the market shifts, consumers diversify, or the economy is impacted by an anomaly like COVID-19. This strategic approach focuses on your core foundation to establish and consistently promote your identity, uniqueness and point of difference. It works to elevate your brand positioning and offering above the competition with the ability to modify and adapt accordingly.

So, how can you become a unicorn?

Here are four tips that can help create that unique point of difference and really separate you from the competition:

1. We love stories

Storytelling can be a powerful way to bring your brand to life and create uniqueness. People are most interested in people, not things. A good story can illustrate what you do and how you do it, it can show what you believe in and feel passionate about.

2. We want personality

People buy from people, so making a brand more likeable and personable gives a customer the reassurance and pleasure of interacting and engaging with you. Define your brand’s character as if your brand was a person and intertwine those personality traits throughout your visuals, messaging and content. Are you traditional, stylish, helpful, glamorous or feisty?

3. We want an experience

Marty Neumeier defines the brand experience as “all the interactions people have with a product, service, or organisation; the raw material of a brand.” Work diligently on providing your customer with a unique and engaging experience at every touchpoint on their terms, and you will earn their appreciation, trust and attention – in a nutshell, their brand loyalty.

4. We want your strengths

Keep your focus on your strengths and not your weaknesses. Don’t be afraid to pigeonhole yourself by being a brand that specialises in a unique skill set as opposed to one that offers everything. Focus on the core products or services that you’re best at and have the most experience providing your customers with. You’ve heard it before – you can’t be all things to all people.

A strong brand identity can mean the difference between your company succeeding beyond your wildest dreams or failing miserably. The good news is that whether you succeed or fail is in your hands. Are you ready to get started?

Make sure to check out the next article in the series—Insight 5 – Be Consistent will be published on the 1st June.

Before you go

If you want brand guidance RIGHT now to help adapt to the COVID-19 situation facing everyone, click *here* to get in touch with us. We’re always happy to talk! No matter where you are in the world, why not schedule a free 30mins no-obligation consultation with us over the phone or even better still, let’s connect via a video call. We always find an initial face-to-face meeting with the people behind the brand, and business helps us establish a connection.

We’re continuing to put the health and safety of your people and our people first by working remotely. Our door is always open, no matter where that door is. Stay safe, everyone!