What is Online Branding and Why Does it Matter?
When you think of any big company such as Nike, the brand is probably the first thing that comes to mind. When you think of Nike, you most likely think of the 'Swoosh' sign. In fact, there are very few successful businesses that do not have a prominent brand. So it is crucial to come up with an image and creating an identify for your brand; that is related to your mission statement.
Despite this, many small businesses and internet businesses don’t take the necessary time to create a strong online brand and a strong identity that they can use to drive their organization forward. Why?
Often it comes down to a lack of understanding & knowledge of the transition into the branding digital world. Not only do many businesses and entrepreneurs not understand how branding works; many also don’t understand just how important branding is.
Companies Without Online Branding
It’s not hard to find companies that lack brands influence when you search online – that is, if you can even find them online. You can tell the businesses that have not invested the right time or effort into their online branding. These are the websites that look horribly bland and generic. Or a social media account, you know..That Twitter account that hasn't tweeted in over a year.
When you see a company's website with a digital presence like this; it doesn’t exactly scream excitement and it calls to mind an uninspired business with no aims of transitioning into the digital world. It’s actually kind of depressing if you think about it…
Companies With Online Branding
Now think about the companies that have become international house-hold names. These companies have simple and remember-able names like and have made the transition into the digital arena :
‘Apple’, ‘Nike’, ‘PlayStation', 'NBA'
Businesses like these have adapted to the digital world, having a social media marketing influence. These companies keep their customers engaged online with digital content of product releases, promoting the company lifestyle and mission statement.
This goes along with the adverts and even the products conform to their identity. People look for these brands now as a sign of quality, because they know what to expect. Some people even consider themselves ‘fans’ of these brands and get behind them 100% – almost like a cult like following. People just don’t feel that way about mundane companies with weak online or just out of date presence.
Branding makes your company or business recognizable, they make it far easier to monetize and they give your business a cohesive vision that will drive you forward and that will win you fans long term.
This is the basics the power of branding has. I will be posting more about online branding that includes social media, eCommerce, and more. Stay tuned and checkout more articles at HustlePrep.com