A brand is a story that is always being told. Each person tells it differently.
Scott Bedburry
Branding vs. Brand Identity: What’s the Real Deal?
Have you ever wondered about the difference between branding and brand identity? They’re like the dynamic duo of making a business stand out, but in their own unique ways.
In order to explain the difference between branding and brand identity, I will start by defining the meaning of the word “brand”. Indeed, many people have difficulties in understanding the distinction.
What is a Brand?
First, a brand is not a logo, nor is it closely related to your product. Moreover, a brand isn’t a promise but rather something you can relate to. Therefore, we define a brand as “the reputation or recognition” that pushes your audience to choose your product over another. Thus, your brand goal is to nurture trust when connecting with your audiences.
Additionally, a company will reinforce that “trust” if the product or services promises are delivered. Finally, you brand has as many personalities as you have customers.
Indeed, each of your prospects or consumers will portray your brand image and story differently.
Branding: It’s Like the Soul of Your Business
Think of branding as the heart and soul of your company’s vibe. It’s not just about logos and colors – it’s the whole story you’re telling. Your values, your mission, the way you make people feel – that’s all part of your branding. It’s like the personality of your business.
Example: Apple
Take Apple, for instance. Everything they do screams innovation, simplicity, and a touch of class. From their cool product designs to their sleek marketing, they’ve created a brand that feels cutting-edge and is simply cool. Branding remains an essential part of your company’s story building.
Brand Identity: Making a Visual Statement
Now, let’s talk about brand identity. This is the visual stuff – the logos, colors, fonts, and all those things that make your brand look and feel like you. It’s like the fashion sense of your business, the outfit you wear to stand out in a crowd.
Example: Coca-Cola
Look at Coca-Cola. That bold red logo, the fancy font, and that iconic ribbon – that’s their brand identity. It’s what you see and instantly recognize. It’s like their signature look that you can spot a mile away.
Example 2: The Friendly Neighbor Analogy
Next, brand identity are the visual or sensory aspects of a brand. A logo design is only a part of it. Thus, your audience will identify your brand thank to your brand identity. Basically, we can resume brand identity to all visual, sensory or tangible elements of your brand.
The overall aim of a brand identity is to find elements that you can use to tell your story as well as engage people about what your company does in a meaningful way.
Hereunder, you will find some examples of a Brand Identity :
Brand voice
Brand personality
Color palette
Imagery and photography style
Library of graphic elements
Packagin design
Logo
Sound, touch, smell
Tagline
Website design and more…
Finally, the key to any successful brand identity is consistency. Hence, it helps your audience create memories around the company’s product or service. Furthermore, the greatest intent of a brand identity is to have guidelines on how you should use the visual assets to ensure its consistency.
The UGG logo
The UGG Brand identity
Brand identity is the silent ambassador of your brand.
Paul Rand
THE SUMMARY
Brand = the creating and managing of the reputation as well as the emotional and sincere facets of your brand. Hence, if this step if well-thought out, people will start to identify to your company and instantly have an image in their head when someone mention your company name.
Brand identity = The visual and sensory aspects of a brand (including logo design, website design but not only !) used to identify your brand.
Branding = It is the process of taking your business and creating a name and image that helps it stand out from its competition. Furthermore, it’s all the steps taken to outshine your brand
If you are looking for a creative and digital marketing team to build your brand image or logo design, get in touch and let’s talk about your project : ShineBright Design Studio.
