Branding Elements: Logo, Brand Kit, Business Card, and More
Branding is the process of creating a unique name, symbol, or design that identifies products and services. A brand is a promise you make to your customers that they can expect certain things from your business.
A brand is more than just names and logos, it’s all the elements that make up a company, product, or service and how they are perceived by consumers.
A perfect brand kit includes:
1. Name
The name of your brand should always be easy to pronounce and understand.
A good rule of thumb is to keep it short and sweet.
Think about how you would want people to refer to it or what associations you make when thinking about the word.
If you have a long name that takes a while, then think about simplifying your name until it is easier to say.
For example: if your company name was “Cannabis Greenhouse Growers” then maybe just call your company “Greenhouse Growers”.
Don’t go crazy though. Not only does having a shorter name make it easier to remember, but you also don’t want to confuse customers who may not know exactly what you sell or where you’re located.
There are many ways to shorten a name. You could take out unnecessary letters, add numbers if necessary (like 123456), or even combine two words together. Whatever method you choose, try to stick to one style so people aren’t confused.
2. Logo
This is the first thing people notice about your brand. Your logo should represent what you’re selling, how you want others to perceive you, and what values you share with them.
Make sure your logo stands out from competitors’ logos and has enough personality to differentiate yourself from your competition. Keep things simple – use just 2-3 colors, no gradients or special effects. Use shapes that are clear, distinct, and memorable.
If you haven’t already designed yours, now’s the time! A free logo creator has curated some great vector templates that you can customize using your own photos or images. You’ll find free logos and paid designs created by professional designers.
3. Brand kit
A brand kit includes all the elements you’ll need to create a consistent look across your marketing material.
It includes logo templates in vector format (for use on printing equipment), color palette specifications, typestyle specifications and other fonts used throughout your marketing materials (such as body copy).
It also includes other design elements such as shapes, patterns or textures that are used consistently throughout all printed materials.
4. Business Cards
Business cards are one of the most popular branding elements because they’re so easy to get right. A business card is a crucial component of a brand’s identity because it is one of the first physical elements that customers remember.
A digital business card can be made immediately and has many more advantages over a physical card. Your contact details are securely stored on digital or electronic business cards in a.vcf format online (virtual contact file). This business card’s contact information can be easily distributed via QR Code, email, social media, NFC tags, etc.
5. Color palettes
Your color palette reflects who you are as a company, and how you’d like customers to feel when interacting with your brand. Colors communicate feelings and moods and can affect customer behavior subconsciously.
So think carefully before choosing your primary and accent colors, as well as any additional colors you may need to add (e.g. black, white, gray). Remember that not everyone sees color the same way, so make sure you consider whether certain combinations work for you aesthetically or psychologically.
6. Visual style
Design is much more than what goes onto paper; it is the sum total of everything about your business and its products and services. What makes something beautiful? Is it the typeface you chose, the layout, or even the photography? These components can all contribute to the overall visual style of your website/brand identity.
Keep in mind that design isn’t only about appearance; it’s also about functionality, navigation, readability, etc.
7. Body Copy
Body copy is anything written directly below your business logo design, and is usually found on websites, brochures, flyers, catalogs, packaging, ads, social media posts, emails, etc.
This is where you tell potential customers why they should choose you over your competitors. Think about what words would best describe your brand, and write those down. Then, come back to these words later and ask yourself if they still apply today.
For example, “We help businesses grow” might have been an effective statement five years ago, but today, we live in a world where technology helps us do almost everything. We’ve moved beyond the idea of helping businesses grow, and we focus instead on helping our clients achieve their goals.
8. Website
The internet is the ultimate branding medium. If someone wants to learn more about your business, chances are they’ll start by looking up your website.
Your site is often the first impression visitors have of your brand, so it needs to be visually appealing and informative. This space can showcase your product offerings, explain your mission, and provide contact details.
9. Social Media Profiles
Social media profiles are another great place to display your branding.
They allow you to connect with current and prospective customers, and share content that will keep them coming back for more. Make sure you update your social media pages regularly and don’t forget to include links to your website and blog.
10. Blog
A blog is a great tool for providing valuable content to your audience. Not only does it allow you to share news, tips, and advice, but it also allows you to build relationships with your readers.
By creating regular blogs, you’re able to stay connected to your target market and show off your expertise and personality.
11. Email Signatures
Your email signature is a quick and easy way to let people know who you are, and what you represent. It’s also a great opportunity to promote your latest blog post or offer special discounts. Just make sure you don’t go overboard — no one likes spam!
12. Flyers & Posters
Flyers and posters are another great way to promote your business. They’re cheap, easy to produce, and can be used in many different ways.
You could put them up around town, at local events, or even hang them from your car window. The possibilities are endless!
13. Other Marketing Materials
Other marketing materials like letterheads, business cards, and invoices are also excellent tools for promoting your brand. They can be customized to fit your company’s look and feel, and serve as reminders of your brand whenever they’re needed.
14. Employee Training Videos
Employee training videos are a great way to teach employees about your brand, while simultaneously showcasing your business. Employees will appreciate being taught new skills, and viewers will enjoy learning about your culture and values.
15. Customer Service Emails
Customer service emails are a simple yet powerful way to communicate with your existing customer base.
These messages give you the chance to thank loyal clients for their continued support, answer any questions they may have, and remind them of upcoming promotions and sales.
16. Product Catalogs
Product catalogs are similar to flyers and posters in that they’re inexpensive, easy to create, and versatile. But unlike flyers and posters, which are typically printed on paper, catalogs are available digitally, making them perfect for sharing via social media.
Final words
The kit’s contents are important when choosing a brand kit provider. The size of your business, and the intended audience you want to attract, will determine what you will include in your company brand design kit.
Some companies provide logos in multiple formats, while others have several templates for cards, brochures, and more. You’ll also need to consider the pricing of each item as part of your decision-making process.