1. Brand Strategy Vs
Marketing Strategy – Know
The Difference
We often make a purchase depending on the quality and brand
rather than the price. Why is that?
Because we trust the brand to provide great satisfaction even if it
comes at a higher price, this is how brands build their businesses
on trust. Higher the goodwill, the more successful the brand will
be.
In order to differentiate between branding and marketing
strategies, you must first understand what each means and how
they may be used effectively in your business.
Now, the first question that enters your mind is, what is a brand?
We believe the design, logo, or color scheme is how you
recognize a brand. Isn’t that right?
Well, that is partially correct. However, the company’s connection
with the people makes it prominent and trustworthy.
The logo, design, and color you choose for your product/service
become the face of your brand. And marketing is one of the ways
you spread the word about your business.
In this blog, we will dive further into the details of branding and
marketing strategy and everything you need to know to build a
successful business.
2. What Is A Branding Strategy?
To build a business, you must first plan your branding strategy.
As you know, a brand strategy is an essential component of your
business. A strong brand strategy establishes your company’s
identity, focuses on your long-term objective, and helps
determine your strongest qualities and shortcomings.
The key to a successful business is its brand strategy.
Let’s outline the fundamental elements of a branding strategy
and how they will support the development of your company to
strengthen the foundation.
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Business
Components Of Brand Strategy
Purpose of Brand
Identity of Brand
Target Audience
Brand Positioning
Brand Messaging
Brand Voice
Brand Storytelling
Brand Experience
Brand Monitoring & Adaptation
➢ Purpose of Brand
3. The magic happens when your audience starts connecting with
the brand. This takes place when a brand is clear about the
purpose behind its product or service, how it can benefit the
customers and the sentimental value it represents.
➢ Identity of Brand
Brand identity is the term used to describe the distinguishing
characteristics of a brand, such as its color, logo, and design.
Your brand identity reflects the audience’s association with your
product/service. For long-term success, it is essential to have an
authentic brand identity.
It reflects a company’s confidence and strength in accomplishing
its ultimate objective.
➢ Target Audience
The secret to attracting a substantial target demographic is
identifying the needs, developing a product, and eventually
selling. This will help your brand identify the primary issues your
target audience is struggling with and strengthen their
psychological bonds with the brand.
Also Read: Difference Between Target Audience And Target
Market
➢ Brand Positioning
4. Brand positioning refers to the distinctive characteristic of a good
or service that is connected with the brand as a whole.
Businesses employ the brand positioning strategy to stand out
from their competitors and increase awareness of their products.
You’ll know a company’s brand positioning strategy is effective
when you start seeing a product as the only answer to an issue.
An effective brand positioning strategy is one that is created with
the needs and desires of the target audience in mind. Your target
market is who you serve, and when they think of buying a
product, it should be yours!
How is that even possible?
When you consider your customers’ wants, you build loyalty
among them and provide your brand with a higher value in the
eyes of those who believe your goods are superior to those of
your competitors.
And when you can create this difference in product superiority,
you have created a space for your brand to thrive in the market.
➢ Brand Messaging
Brand messaging is the idea of how your business appears and
the principles it upholds are communicated to the audience.
Additionally, it enables communication through the tone of voice.
A tagline or slogan can be used to communicate the essence of
your company. It determines how people will associate with your
brand.
5. Let’s use the brand Dove as an example. A bird, which is a
symbol of freedom and love, serves as the brand’s logo.
The brand’s voice is perceived as having a compassionate quality
that encourages customers to have confidence in themselves.
They sell their products through unique campaigns that promote
not just beauty but also self-confidence and self-love.
The brand’s ability to remain distinctive and committed to its
principles is made possible by this crucial component of
communication through the brand message.
➢ Brand Voice
Imagine your brand as a person and your voice as the personality
you carry. This will help you learn about brand voice. How you
communicate through social platforms tells a lot about how you
perceive things and your ideology.
This is similar to your brand. Your brand voice is how your
company appears across all communication channels. The style,
integrity of words, tone of voice, and messaging effectively
convey your brand voice.
➢ Brand Storytelling
Everybody has a story to tell, but only you can make it
compelling. Storytelling is an art, and not everyone is an artist.
The more authentic and transparent you are, the more people
will be able to resonate. You can tell if your brand is successful
6. when you can emotionally connect with your customers by
sharing your values and beliefs.
When you reveal your brand’s core values and goals, you create
a relationship with your target audience. Your story is what the
users will resonate with. Be genuine and allow them to relate to
your brand to develop enduring brand loyalty.
➢ Brand Experience
We’ve all heard the phrase, “The first impression is the last
impression.” When it comes to your consumers, you must create
an excellent first impression that will impact their lives and make
them feel valued.
When a customer engages with your brand, the entire interaction
until the customer purchases the good or service is considered
the brand experience. The smoother the process, the more
pleasant and memorable it is for them to stay connected.
When you have a brand that caters to the needs of your
customers, every step is important.
With constant and persistent efforts from the brand, the
consumer develops a strong perspective about the experience
that endures throughout the brand’s journey. Make sure it’s
satisfying!
➢ Brand Monitoring & Adaptation
Aren’t you a little intrigued to hear what your clients have to say
about their interactions with your company?
7. Brand monitoring and adaptation is a strategy of checking your
social media presence and generating an authentic and
transparent consumer viewpoint that strengthens the company’s
image.
Establishing a firm is challenging, especially with continuous
shifts in the industry. Your business must monitor your brand’s
performance across various social media platforms.
By keeping track of where your brand is mentioned, you can
evaluate your progress and decide whether you’re on the right
track or need to tweak your plans considerably.
Let’s have a recap of what we learned about the components of
brand strategy with an infographic below:
8.
9. Also Read: 15 Best Websites For Entrepreneurs
What Is Marketing Strategy?
After determining your branding strategy, developing your
marketing strategy is a crucial step.
A marketing strategy is converting your prospects into your
target consumers by comprehending the market’s and customer’s
needs and selecting a niche to address their issues.
These tactics are achievable short-term objectives that can assist
you in accomplishing your long-term business objectives.
Every company’s marketing strategy is unique, just like the
business itself. You must understand your business’s
requirements, goals, and assets, as well as your brand’s
strengths and weaknesses, to develop your plan. Here are some
essential components to consider when creating a marketing plan.
Core Components Of Marketing
Strategy
Market Research
Target Audience Identification
Unique Selling Proposition (USP)
Positioning Strategy
Marketing Objectives
Marketing Mix
Budget and Resource Allocation
10. Marketing Channels
Timeline and Implementation Schedule
Performance Measurement and Analysis
➢ Market Research
We have all been in a situation when, before making an
investment in a product or service, we compared brands,
evaluated prices, and made decisions based on each option’s cost,
value, and availability.
It works similarly for marketers! They must ascertain the demand
for their services and the type of audience willing to invest before
presenting their goods and services.
Simply put, market research is gathering, examining, and
interpreting data based on your studies. Market research is
created by keeping up with market trends, the demand for
products/services, and market conditions.
➢ Target Audience Identification
After conducting a market analysis, the next stage is to ascertain
whether your goods or services are intended for a particular
market or are accessible to everyone.
Let’s use an example to grasp this better:
A dessert-serving bakery for those who enjoy sweets. Sounds
delicious? Now, sweet tooth people can be considered their target
audience. However, the target market shrinks to a niche when
the same bakery offers only sugar-free desserts for people who
have diabetes but crave sweets.
11. This shift in the size of the customer base is called identifying
your target audience. Identifying the ideal consumer will help you
create an optimal target audience and secure high revenues.
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➢ Unique Selling Proposition (USP)
How will your customers identify your goods and services from
your competitors?
After conducting market research and determining your target
audience, you should have a good idea of what your customers
want and expect from your business. There is no doubt that the
products and services offered by your brand will be distinct from
those of your rivals. That is your unique selling point.
The company’s unique selling proposition (USP) enables the
product to reach the target audience without worrying about
competitors.
The firm’s unique selling proposition not only makes it stand out
in the marketplace but also helps define the company’s mission
and vision, which is the only reason you began it in the first place.
➢ Positioning Strategy
12. A positioning strategy is a plan of action used to enhance a
brand’s perception in consumers’ minds and demonstrate how it
is distinct from its competitors.
Imagine the local store you visit to get the necessary supplies for
cooking on a daily basis. You can’t find the ingredients you need
when you’re in the mood to make something special one day.
Because of the scarcity of resources, you decide to start a
business selling hard-to-find items in your locality. We refer to it
as a gourmet store. The sole purpose of this store is to store and
provide high-quality products to people who love to cook fancy
meals.
This gourmet shop is the unique feature that determines why
your clients prefer you over your competitors. This is your brand
positioning strategy and how to set yourself apart from the
competition.
➢ Marketing Objectives
Marketing objectives are rules outlined before beginning the
marketing campaign.
This set of rules assists you in accomplishing the primary goals
necessary to achieve the ultimate objective.
The SMART technique should be used to achieve your marketing
objectives:
S- Specific goals that may be accomplished and bring your firm
closer to its ultimate purpose
13. M- Measurable progress enables the company to evaluate goals
in light of your progressive successes,
A- Attainable goals are simpler to manage than lofty aspirations
that seem incredible but are impossible to realize.
R- Relevant objectives that advance the company’s ultimate
objective are essential and must also align with the long-term
goal.
T- Time-based deadlines must also be met to ensure the
progress follows the schedule.
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2023
➢ Marketing Mix
The marketing mix comprises four major elements: product,
pricing, place, and promotion. When combined, these four
components are used to set your brand apart from the
competition.
Let us look further into each of these elements:
Product: Anything you offer for sale to your target audience
qualifies as a product, including both goods and services. It is vital
to provide solutions to already existing consumer needs to boost
your profits and customer loyalty.
Price: The cost of the goods and services sold. The product’s
success is directly influenced by its pricing. To fix the right price
14. while marketing a product/service is necessary to attract your
target group of customers.
Place: To market your goods, you need a suitable location.
The place is where you sell the goods and services you provide,
whether online or offline, through a distribution channel, or in a
private shop.
Promotion: After successfully determining the product’s
price and place, the next step is to promote your product in the
market. The promotion can be done through social media platforms,
PR, Advertising, and many other ways. It is not only a technique to
sell your product but also a way to increase your revenue.
This combination of marketing techniques is a collection of
strategies a firm can employ to generate business and achieve its
objectives.
It serves as a guidance when developing a marketing strategy for
your firm and serving your target audience. Your daily decision-
making process can also incorporate these factors.
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Practices?
➢ Budget and Resource Allocation
Budget and resource allocation is one of the most critical
planning stages. Let’s examine each of them separately.
A budget allocation is a financial plan to protect your company’s
revenue and expenses. A budget is established for every expense
15. the business incurs to establish a margin that shouldn’t exceed
the allotted sum.
Allocating resources includes things like labor, raw materials, etc.
This procedure involves allocating, obtaining, and monitoring the
estimated resources until the task is finished.
➢ Marketing Channels
Marketing channels are a means by which companies interact
with their target audience via a platform, whether online on
social media or offline.
Digital advertising, influencer marketing, events, search engine
optimization, content marketing, offline word-of-mouth
marketing, and conventional methods using print and media are
just a few of the wide range of marketing channels available.
Regardless of any advertising technique you choose, it will help
your business generate leads, build brand recognition, increase
sales, and attract customers.
Also Read: How Is Ranking Different When Comparing PPC
Vs SEO?
➢ Timeline and Implementation Schedule
You developed a marketing strategy for your business, but how
can you be certain that it works and that all goals are met?
16. You need a timeline and an implementation schedule to
accomplish this. You may now be wondering what an
implementation schedule and timetable are!
Don’t fret. Let’s decode this.
Once you’ve developed a marketing strategy, you must put it into
practice to turn your ambitions into a reality. It serves to identify
the goals and demands necessary to reach the target.
Each task on the agenda has a deadline, and to get through it,
you must adhere to a timeline, follow a schedule, and monitor
your progress.
➢ Performance Measurement and Analysis
Now that you’ve set a deadline for each task along with
monitoring your progress, the next step is performance
management and analysis.
Wondering how to accomplish that?
After determining your goal and giving yourself a deadline, you
must evaluate the task’s efficacy and efficiency.
It will help in determining both areas for improvement and areas
for progress.
It also helps in decision-making because there will be a progress
report to comprehend what is going on.
17. Let’s have a recap of what we learned about the components of
brand strategy with an infographic below:
18. Differences Between Brand
Strategy And Marketing
Strategy
By now, you must know the difference between branding and
marketing and why it is necessary for your business.
Now let us further discuss the difference between the two
strategies and how they will help in effective communication as
well as accomplish the end goal.
A brand strategy is a long-term vision and goal that serves as the
cornerstone of a strong brand. At the same time, a marketing
strategy focuses on attaining short-term goals in order to fulfill
long-term target objectives.
In contrast to the branding strategy, which may be considered a
constant, the marketing strategy is variable since several trends
change frequently.
Your branding and marketing plan must complement one another
in order to promote business growth and increase your value in
this industry.
Point of
Difference
Branding Strategies Marketing Strategies
Definition
Creating an image of the
company in the minds of
consumers
Plan to convert the target market
into potential customers of your
product and service
Vision
Focuses on the Long-term
vision
Short-term are followed to achieve
the end goal
19. Identity
Visual identity and values
communicated through
branding
Incorporation of brand identity to
meet the marketing targets
No. of
Strategies
One branding strategy
followed throughout the life-
span of the company
Multiple strategies to achieve end-
goal
Goal
To foster trust within the
customer base and create
loyalty.
To achieve the specific objectives
that will lead to the end goal
Key
Components
A solid brand strategy revolves
around a strong brand
identity, image, culture, and
personality.
Product pricing, promotion, and
location are the main marketing
components in introducing the
product to consumers.
Competitive
Advantage
Good branding evokes desire,
value, loyalty and affects
consumers’ buying
preferences.
An effective marketing strategy
helps to focus on the target
market to convert potential
customers.
How Do Brand And Marketing
Strategies Work Together?
Business cannot be defined without referencing the branding and
marketing techniques employed to achieve the intended outcome.
There are some points where the business, branding, and
marketing strategies connect since they are all components of
the final result.
Each marketing campaign should integrate and comply with the
brand’s image.
For effective integration, business strategies must come first,
followed by branding and marketing initiatives.
20. Real-World Examples Of
Successful Brand Strategies
Let us take Nike as an example.
The slogan goes like this: Nike, Just Do It, created over 30 years
ago and still going strong today.
In fact, it is one of the most wanted brands by all sports
enthusiasts.
You need your brand to convey a message on behalf of your
product. A short tagline easily helps in communicating your
message.
The brand has maintained a consistent positioning from the
beginning, although it uses various marketing strategies across
all social media platforms.
Real-World Examples Of
Successful Marketing Strategies
Brand loyalty is earned when they offer an out-of-the-world
experience. Spotify is a brand that uses its marketing strategy to
improve the consumer experience.
Their primary objective is to make the platform easy to use and
provide features that users value. They’ve covered all the major
trends in marketing, from personalized playlists based on what
you like to podcasts from your favorite speakers to retain and
grow their target audience.
21. Now that we have clarity over the branding and marketing
strategies and their correlation let us answer some of the
frequently asked questions.
1. Can A Company Have A Strong Brand
Strategy Without A Marketing Strategy,
And Vice Versa?
A strong brand without a marketing strategy is impossible, as
they both work hand-in-hand. One without the other is
impossible to achieve. A brand strategy helps you outline a
company’s overall mission and vision; a marketing strategy helps
you achieve the primary objective and turn your aspirations into
reality.
2. How Does Brand Strategy Influence
Marketing Efforts?
A brand strategy enables the execution of more targeted and
personalized marketing efforts, ensuring that the concepts and
messages are presented in accordance with the expectations of
the target audience.
3. How Do Brand Strategy And
Marketing Strategy Affect Customer
Perception And Loyalty?
Customer loyalty is mostly determined by creating a brand with
which the consumer can quickly identify and is more likely to
make a second order.
22. You run the risk of losing some of your consumers, which could
negatively impact your business if you cannot deliver what you
promised to your target market.
4. Can A Startup Succeed With A Strong
Brand Strategy But Limited Marketing
Resources?
A startup with an excellent brand strategy is more likely to
succeed since it stands out from the competition and draws in
customers. After achieving some of their primary objectives, one
can gradually raise their marketing resources.
5. How Do Market Trends And Consumer
Behavior Impact Brand And Marketing
Strategies?
Businesses can improve their marketing strategy by examining
consumer behavior based on previous purchases.
When customers’ demands aren’t satisfied, businesses can supply
those gaps, and when they stop buying the same product, it’s
time to adopt a new strategy and provide something else.
Conclusion
To sum up, we’ve spoken about branding and marketing
strategies, their influence on businesses, how they differ, and
why they’re essential for a firm to be successful. To reach the
desired objective, branding, and marketing strategies should
coordinate with one another. A company can stand out and carve
23. a niche in the market by fostering customer loyalty and boosting
its overall sales with an effective branding strategy and
marketing plan.