Blog > Story > Updated: 2018-Dec-14

Crafting a lasting brand impression: From first sight to ongoing consistency

The first impression a customer has with a brand often hinges on the initial encounter with its logo and the accompanying message it conveys through various media. A positive first impression not only piques interest in a product or service but also fosters further engagement between the customer and the company. It's essential to get this initial impression right.

First impressions

Did you know that 86% of consumers are more inclined to make a purchase from a business that boasts a visually appealing and well-designed logo? This statistic underscores the pivotal role of the first impression in shaping customer perceptions.

However, this is just the beginning of the journey

As customers delve deeper into a brand, they begin to form beliefs about it:

Quality
Reputation
Consistency
Value for Money
Ethical and Social Responsibility
Innovation
Customer Service
Transparency
Personalisation
Brand Identity
Accessibility
Community and Engagement

Ensuring that the right message consistently shines through, reinforcing the initial positive impression, is crucial for brand success. Research reveals that 60% of consumers expect a consistent experience when interacting with brands across diverse platforms and channels. This consistency not only fosters trust but also cultivates familiarity, playing a vital role in upholding a brand's credibility.

Furthermore, it is imperative that this initial impression mirrors the essence of the brand across all touch points, aligns with the company's positioning, and resonates with the competitive market. Failing to achieve this alignment may result in customers showing less enthusiasm for exploring the company and its offerings further.

Consider the main visual elements of a brand as tools, where consistency in appearance, messaging, and quality is paramount. Imagine these elements as tools, four of them gleaming and well-maintained, while one is covered in rust and dirt. The rusty, dirty tool will stand out, raising questions in the customer's mind.

Logo development (company, product, theme)
Stationery and business card design
Signage
Brand guidelines and standards
Collateral

Studies have demonstrated that maintaining consistent branding across all platforms can lead to a remarkable increase in revenue, potentially up to 23%. The primary objective of visual branding should always be to create an impeccable impression, eliminating any doubts or uncertainties.

Clarity in vision is fundamental

To stand out, fit in, reflect your business, and reinforce your message effectively, you must first define who you are and where you aspire to be. Think of it as crafting the ultimate projected personality that you want your customers to perceive. It involves:

Creating a clear position
Making a promise, staking a claim, and ensuring alignment with your customers' values

Research indicates that 64% of consumers consider shared values as the primary reason for forming a relationship with a brand. Thus, it is essential to build a strong brand identity based on these principles.

Creating a more effective brand necessitates self-discipline and the use of comprehensive checklists. In the end, it provides clarity to your customers and your marketing processes, enabling you to view your business from the customer's perspective rather than solely from an internal standpoint.

Building a solid foundation is vital

Your messaging forms an integral part of your identity. Whether it's quality, price, fast delivery, or superior service, your prospects should readily perceive how your products or services stand out from the competition. Messaging serves as the cornerstone for the styles, tones, and symbolic images that define your logo design.

According to a survey, 70% of consumers believe that understanding their needs is essential for providing an excellent customer experience. Thus, maintaining consistent messaging that resonates with your target audience is of paramount importance.

Brand consistency carries the potential to make a resounding statement, leaving an indelible mark on everyone who encounters it. It not only garners attention but also fosters trust and a sense of comfort. To ensure alignment throughout the company, it is imperative to create guidelines accessible to all personnel. These guidelines may encompass:

Visual identity guidelines, covering correct and incorrect use of the logo and other visual brand components
Messaging guidelines, providing standard company descriptions, value statements, and positioning statements
Tactical guidelines for advertisements, including brochures, datasheets, tradeshow booths, and multimedia

Statistics reveal that 80% of consumers are more likely to engage with a company that offers a personalized experience.

Summary

To sum it up, crafting a compelling brand impression and maintaining consistency across all brand elements, from the initial logo to the messaging, is the cornerstone of successful branding. This journey demands attention to detail, unwavering commitment to aligning with customer values, and, above all, fostering trust and familiarity. Through these efforts, your brand will shine and resonate, leaving a lasting mark on your target audience.