Standing out from your competitors can be so tough in this era. With so many businesses popping up left, right and center, it can be hard to stand out in a unique way. As a branding expert, Kristy Campbell, spends her days developing strategic design and helping businesses develop their own defined brand. Known for her bold and funky designs, the Pink Pony Creative founder has spent years seeing brands come to life across the globe. After witnessing some succeed whilst others fail, she’s put together her top 5 tips on how to successfully stand out from the crowd and, as she says, “Be that pink pony in a world full of brown horses.’
1. Show the person behind the business
Getting personal with your brand can really bring in another element of connection between the brand and its clients or customers. Our clients are human. Regardless of the industry you are in, at the end of the day there is another human on the other side making a decision and connection. Humans relate to humans, and by allowing for authenticity a more powerful connection is made. By doing things such as personally showing up on your social media accounts, sharing who is behind the business on your website or even heading in store to make a sale as the CEO or owner of the business itself will allow for a stronger connection.
2. Be bold and take risks
This can be taken from so many angles. Take risks visually in your graphics and branding, through to tone of voice or even sales pitches. When I’m creating a visual identity for a business, I really try to allow for creativity; colors, bold illustrations or even a unique logo. All done strategically of course, but setting yourself apart from your competitors visually will only be the start of becoming your own unique and recognizable brand.
3. Share your story
We’ve all got a story to tell and as humans we love to hear how something came to be. Humans are empathic creatures, so when we hear stories, we feel a rush of emotion and togetherness. Stories form connections, which in turn enables trust. I started Pink Pony Creative 2 years ago after I was working for a ‘one-brand’ business, and I felt as though my creativity wasn’t really being tested. I decided to take part in a 100-day design challenge and use social media to keep myself accountable. At day 80, my account had visibly grown, gained traction and engagement, bringing with it my first client. I had no intention of the account and challenge turning into a full-time working business, and when I shared my story of how I started on social media so many people approached me intrigued by my story! It built empathy and relatability, people connected and felt like ‘oh wow, if she can do it, so can I’.
4. Apply your branding to every touch point
Consistency is KEY when it comes to branding presence, so keep that in mind when pushing our marketing collateral and campaigns. There are so many touch points you can hit when thinking about branding your businesses. People will start to resonate color, graphics, typography and imagery with your brand if it’s consistent. There are a few ways you can even improve your brand presence online right now.
– Set up a branded email signature
– keep your social media profile images consistent
– choose one or two colors for your instagram stories – and stick to them!
– Decide on some consistent messaging
You can also read more about these tips here.
5. Find your USP and celebrate it.
Finding and knowing your unique selling point can be key when it comes to a strong and successful business, but celebrating it through marketing and branding can be key when it comes to successful branding. Make sure your audience knows exactly what you can do for them, and answer their questions in a way they would understand. Keep it simple, clear and easily relatable. Show your clients or customers you care about them by providing the solution to their problems.
If you would like to learn more from Kristy, follow her on Instagram and TikTok to keep up to date for branding and business tips. To bring some of that Pink Pony magic to your branding, get in touch here.