Here’s a thought: Many of my clients worry excessively about branding, often preventing them from launching their products. Yes, branding is crucial, but it’s not just about having a fancy logo.

Your logo doesn’t define your brand.

Take whatever you’re selling. If you remove your logo, would people still recognize it?

Look at the four images below; they lack logos.

Yet, you can identify them as a Tiffany’s jewelry box, McDonald’s french fries, Legos, and an Apple iPhone.

A brand is more than a logo.

A brand distinguishes itself easily from other products, services, or concepts. If people can’t distinguish your brand, you don’t really have one.

Even big companies like Hyatt lack a brand. Walk down the hallways of their hotels, and you can’t tell if you’re in a Marriott or a Hyatt. The logo is the only reason you know what hotel you’re at.

To build a brand, ask yourself these three questions:

1. What’s your brand’s purpose? Ensure people know what your company stands for.
2. What promises do you make to your customers? Whether about price, quality, or company values, make them known and keep them.
3. Do you have a well-defined identity? You need something that makes your brand identifiable, such as a unique image or even a personality.

To sum it up, a brand is more than just a logo; it’s about keeping promises, having a clear purpose, and a unique identity. Successful branding goes beyond visuals, creating lasting connections with consumers. So, remember, building a brand is an ongoing journey of making a meaningful impact beyond a mere symbol.