5 Factors To Consider When Hiring A Branding Expert For Your Business

Published on: 30 October 2021 Last Updated on: 18 January 2025

In the last few years, more and more businesses are realizing the importance of branding. As against sales and marketing, businesses know that branding is essential for the long-term vision, sustainability, and growth of an organization.

While many businesses have made the mistake of equating branding with marketing, there is growing awareness that the two are separate in form and function. This is leading many businesses to invest in strategic branding experts that can help them.

In this resource article, we are going to look at five factors that businesses should consider before hiring branding experts, consultants, or strategists. If you are a business owner looking to invest in a long-term branding exercise, this article will guide you in the right direction.

How can a Branding Expert help a Business: What you need to know

Before we get to the list of factors that should be considered, it would be better if we discuss how a branding expert can help a business in the first place.

Business owners are in agreement that branding is important. What they do not know is how they should proceed. Many have the mistaken assumption that branding is only logo designing, social media presence, and marketing!

While this is not entirely false, the above constitutes just about 5% of what branding is all about.

In reality, a branding expert can help a business optimize three main focus areas about the brand-

Tangible Visual Properties- photoshoots, imagery, social media presence, logo designs, color schemas, fonts, website, blog section, and videos.
Tangible Textual Content- brand motto, values, culture, mission statement, blog articles, slogans or taglines, social media copy, and content.
Intangible Brand Promise- credibility, culture, personality, trust, levels and positioning, perception, experiences, customer service, and support.

As you can see from what we have mentioned above, this is a fairly exhaustive list of topics. An experienced and credible branding expert will help you address all the above goals and objectives.

List of 5 Factors to Consider when Hiring a Branding Expert for your Business

1. Creativity-

While technical specializations are an important aspect of the digital age, you want the branding expert/consultant/agency to be creative. Some of the leading brand strategists like Bennet Schwartz have several years of experience as Creative Director. Creativity is an essential factor you should look at as branding is all about good storytelling that captures audiences.

2. Experience-

Being great at branding requires years of experience. This is not something you can get up and get good at. It requires sophistication, expertise, and years of executing marketing and social media strategies. Great branding experts that lead organizations are often Creative Directors with a graphic design or copywriting background. You need to look for at least five years.

3. Past Client Credentials-

If you are lucky enough to get a branding expert that has worked with a business in your niche, you are on the right path. Even if you do not get one, the key is to look at past client portfolios. Ask the agency or expert to take you through the kind of work they did. Focus on both the creative as well as the technical ROIs. Do not hire someone before establishing credentials.

4. Timelines and ROIs on the Project-

Small trick- if the branding expert says that they will get you the moon and stars within six months, they are lying. You should bail immediately. Experts will tell you that branding is a long-term gain where you need to invest for at least two or three years to start seeing results. It is best to get a definite answer in this regard as it will help guide your business expectations.

5. Prices, Payment Structures, and Affordability-

This ultimately depends on what you are asking the branding agency to do. If you want the whole suite of what we mentioned in the earlier sections, you are looking at sizable costs. However, you can always break it up into stages and ensure incremental payments. Make sure to discuss the same with the agency so that there are no problems later on the payment front.

The Final Word

Branding differs from business to business. It is a completely individualized experience that comes with a customized strategy. In other words, what worked for one brand might not necessarily work for someone else. This is something that separates great branding experts from the ones who are just in the market to make some money. If you have any questions, you would like us to address, please let us know in the comments below.

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5 Techniques For Driving Profitability And Efficiency In Business

Every business strives to have its profitability and efficiency go through the roof; however, not too many actually succeed. This can be due to any number of reasons, so finding out what needs to change or where you can easily make amendments is an essential first step to getting your business on track for a successful future. #1 Reducing Costs Within Your Business A lot of businesses are spending unnecessary chunks of their budget in areas that they simply don’t need to. This can be overstocking on stationery or product components or even just paying too much for utility bills, which can be swapped and adjusted. Taking a closer look at your outgoings may have you quickly realizing that you are paying for products and services that your business doesn’t even make use of due to annual subscriptions not being canceled. #2 Increasing Turnover And Customer Interest You have no doubt spent ages wondering how to increase your turnover or generate more customer interest in your business and your products - and of course, in most circumstances, these go hand in hand. Carrying out research on what your target market is really looking for and then moving your business to fill the gap can be a good move. However, if you are not able to reach those customers due to not making your products available on the right platforms, you will still be pretty much in the same position. #3 Increasing Productivity Amongst Your Workforce Having slow or disengaged employees within your workforce is not good for business as it will reduce the productivity of all the others. However, you may find that these employees are feeling this way because they do not feel valued or appreciated in their current job roles. You may be able to change this scenario by addressing these issues and striving to make your business a pleasant and happy place for everyone to work - while showing all of your workers that they are more than just an employee number on the payroll. #4 Ensuring Efficiency Throughout Your Business Once you have addressed any moral issues, you are likely to find that productivity increases. However, you can further aid this by making their routines more efficient. This will entail documenting and applying task-specific procedures for each job within your business. It means your business will have a level of continuity as each member of staff will approach their roles in a similar manner and be able to work through each job in a structured and predesigned procedure. This will help to eliminate errors, improve task timings, and create a sense of uniformity amongst your employees. #5 How To Know Which Way To Turn One of the most accurate methods of finding where you need to make improvements is by collecting relevant data. This is not a task you should undertake yourself, as it requires skill and the right technology, which not all businesses have enough funding for. However, this doesn’t mean that you should move away from the concept of being able to assess your business in this way. Using a well-equipped and highly experienced data science services company will also be able to provide you with the answers you crave, as well as be able to offer guidance and advice by acting as consultants, trainers, or even support for your onsite analysts. A Few Final Thoughts Knowing where to make your business improvements is only the start. However, it is vitally important to know which areas you need to concentrate on to create the results that you desire. Having the right kind of support can help you achieve this and can save your business time and money on false starts or improvement ideas that simply do not work. Read Also : 10 Top-Notch Tools To Improve Your Business Writing Skills 5 Affordable E-Commerce Shopping Carts For Small Business What Are The Benefits Associated With Crowdfunding For Businesses?

Importance Of Clean And Organized Working Spaces

We have all heard the “oh so famous” saying: “first impression is the last impression.” And when we study human psychology, we do learn about the fact that as consumers or clients, we tend to make the quickest decisions, based on how a product seems to look. Although we love to preach the fact that we shouldn’t judge a book by its cover; the business world doesn’t run on this agenda. This is why, as a business owner, you must pay attention to how your office looks and feels. Clean, organized and tidy working spaces are extremely important to set the perfect impression on your clients. From getting your commercial property painting done timely to investing in organization supplies; there is a lot that needs to be done. And if you are wondering how all of this, impact your business; then we are here to guide you through. Clean Office; An Appeal That Stands Out The impression you set on your clients, is one of the most critical catalysts of your professional life. Building professional relationships is not an easy task. And to further certify that they are long-lasting, requires a lot more than healthy communication. Your office will be playing a massive role in this too. Your potential clients will walk into your working space, judging all the tiniest aspects of your office. Even your potential employees will determine their future possibilities, on the basis of how your office looks and feels to them. It won’t be wrong to state that your office is literally, “branding” your business. Therefore, an office that smells good, looks clean, and tidy, and is organized, at all times, is very important. A foul-smelling office will send a very unprofessional vibe to your potential clients. You might just lose a huge partnership opportunity; due to the way your office looks or feels. A clean working space reflects your professional values and sets an image for your clients. Beats The Stress Studies have time and again proven that an untidy working space stresses the employees. Unorganized items tend to boost anxiety as an employee will struggle to find the required things at the right time. Too much clutter always leads to problematic scenarios. It further kills productivity and promotes laziness and brain fog. Thus, clean working spaces are not just important for impressing clients. They are equally important for your workforce as well. You must limit distractions and prevent cluttered areas, to avoid inconvenience and stress for your team. Conclusion: Your office says it is all about your business and brand. Even when you have the best professional values; a dirty and untidy office can turn down your biggest opportunities. A visually appealing office is extremely important for significant growth. The modern consumer and client are highly precise about how a place feels. And if your office doesn’t “feel” right, at the first glance, it can be a problem for your flourishment, in the long run. Read Also: What Are the Ways to Prepare a New Employee? How To Choose The Right HR Software For your Business? Office Spaces – Which One is Right for Your Business?

My Google Reviews: How To See, Add, & Edit Google Reviews?

Do you want to know the answer to “how to find my Google reviews?” if your answer is a YES, then you have reached the right place! Google reviews are by far the most genuine and trustworthy source of online feedback on a physical or online business's service or product. Before purchasing a product, customers from all over the world read the review section. A report from a survey says that before buying a product or service online, 8-10 reviews are read. One thing is certain: a company's online reputation can be made or broken by online reviews. However, many individuals and business owners have difficulty viewing their Google reviews. And if you are one of them, this article is the best one for you. Keep reading to find out more about Google reviews… My Google Reviews: What Are Google Reviews? Google Reviews are reviews and comments left by people who have used or interacted with a business or establishment and want to share their experience with others. These reviews are created by Google users. Anyone who searches for the company or reads its listing on Google Maps or Google Search will be able to access these reviews because they are published on Google's platform. Google Reviews have a significant impact on a company's credibility and reputation. They offer useful insights into the quality of the products, services, and customer experiences, as well as customer satisfaction with the company as a whole. Users can express their opinions, provide specific details about their experience, and offer recommendations or cautions to potential customers in the written comment section of each review, which includes a star rating (ranging from one to five stars). Businesses can manage and respond to reviews, interact with customers, and address any concerns or issues raised in the feedback by claiming their Google My Business listing. Businesses can demonstrate their dedication to customer satisfaction and earn the trust of potential customers through this interaction. Because they provide first-hand insights from actual customers, Google Reviews are widely used by consumers to make informed decisions about where to spend their money. Because experiences can vary, it is important to take into account multiple reviews and evaluate the overall consensus rather than relying solely on individual opinions. How To See My Google Reviews? To see Google reviews for a specific business, you can follow these steps: Open a web browser and go to www.google.com. In the search bar, enter the name of the business you want to find reviews for. You can include the city or location for more accurate results. Press Enter or click on the "Search" button. In the search results, look for the Google Knowledge Panel on the right-hand side of the page. The Knowledge Panel typically includes information about the business, including its address, phone number, and reviews. Scroll down the Knowledge Panel until you find the "Reviews" section. Here, you will see a summary of the overall rating (in the form of stars) and the total number of reviews. To read individual reviews, click on the "Reviews" section, and you will be presented with a list of reviews left by customers. You can scroll through the reviews and click on each one to view the full review and any accompanying comments. How To See My Google Reviews Through Google Maps? Alternatively, you can also access Google reviews through Google Maps: Open a web browser and go to www.google.com/maps. In the search bar, enter the name of the business you want to find reviews for. Again, you can include the city or location for more accurate results. Press Enter or click on the "Search" button. In the search results, click on the business listing that matches your search. The business's Google Maps listing will appear, including its location on the map and various details. Look for the "Reviews" section on the left-hand side of the screen. Here, you will see an overview of the business's rating and the total number of reviews. Click on the "Reviews" section to view the individual reviews. You can scroll through the reviews, click on each one to read the full review, and see any accompanying comments. Please note that you may need a Google account to leave reviews or interact with the reviews section. However, you can typically read reviews without having an account. How To Add My Google Reviews? To add your own Google review for a business, you can follow these steps: Make sure you have a Google account. If you don't have one, you can create a Google account by going to accounts.google.com and clicking on "Create account." Open a web browser and go to www.google.com. In the search bar, enter the name of the business you want to review. You can include the city or location for more accurate results. Press Enter or click on the "Search" button. In the search results, find the business listing you want to review and click on it. The business's Google Knowledge Panel will appear on the right-hand side of the page. Scroll down until you find the "Write a review" button and click on it. A pop-up window will appear, allowing you to rate the business using a star rating system (ranging from 1 to 5 stars). After selecting your star rating, you can provide a written review by clicking on the text box provided. Here, you can share your experience, provide feedback, or offer recommendations to others. You can also include photos or videos related to your experience by clicking on the camera icon or the "Add photos" button. Once you are satisfied with your review, click on the "Post" button to submit it. Your review will be published on Google, contributing to the business's overall rating and providing valuable feedback to other users. Remember to write a fair and honest review based on your personal experience with the business. How To Edit My Google Reviews? To edit a Google review you've previously posted, you can follow these steps: Open a web browser and go to www.google.com. Click on the "Sign In" button located at the top right corner of the page and log in to your Google account. Make sure to use the same account you used when writing the review. After signing in, enter the name of the business for which you want to edit the review in the search bar. Include the city or location if needed for more accurate results. Press Enter or click on the "Search" button. In the search results, find the business listing associated with your review and click on it. The business's Google Knowledge Panel will appear on the right-hand side of the page. Scroll down until you find your review. Under your review, you should see three dots or an "Edit" button. Click on these options. If you see three dots, click on them and then click on "Edit review" in the dropdown menu. If you see an "Edit" button directly, click on it. A pop-up window will appear, allowing you to make changes to your review. Edit the rating, text, or any other information you wish to modify. Once you've made the desired changes, click on the "Save" or "Update" button to save your edited review. Your updated review will then be published on Google with the changes you made. It's important to note that you can only edit your own reviews, not those written by others. How Can My Google Reviews Make A Difference? Now that you know almost everything about Google reviews, let me tell you how it can help and make a difference. Take a look at some of these points below: 1. Influence Potential Customers When people are researching a product or service, potential customers may be directly influenced by your reviews. Your positive review can boost their ; and influence their decision in favor of that company. Your own personal experience and advice can have a significant impact on other people's decisions. 2. Impact The Business's Reputation Your reviews contribute to the overall reputation of the business. Positive reviews provide social proof and enhance the credibility of the business. Conversely, negative reviews can have a detrimental effect. By sharing your positive experiences, you can contribute to building a positive reputation for the business. 3. Provide Feedback To The Business Your reviews offer valuable feedback to the business owners and management. By highlighting what you liked about their products or services, you provide insights into what they are doing well. Additionally, if you mention areas for improvement, it can help the business identify areas where they can enhance their offerings or customer experience. 4. Encourage Improvement Constructive feedback in your reviews can motivate businesses to make improvements. When they see specific suggestions or areas that need attention, it can inspire them to take action and make necessary changes. Your review can contribute to driving positive change within the business. 5. Help Small And Local Businesses Leaving reviews for small or local businesses can have a significant impact. These businesses often heavily rely on positive word-of-mouth and online reviews to attract customers. Your review can help them gain visibility, stand out from competitors, and thrive in their community. 6. Foster A Culture Of Quality And Customer Service By praising businesses that deliver excellent products, services, or customer experiences, you contribute to fostering a culture of quality and customer service. Your positive reviews encourage businesses to maintain high standards and prioritize customer satisfaction, benefiting both the business and future customers. 7. Create A Sense Of Community Engaging with businesses through reviews creates a sense of community and connection. Your reviews can foster a supportive environment where consumers share their experiences, provide recommendations, and contribute to the collective knowledge base. This helps create a vibrant online community that values transparency and shared experiences. Remember, your reviews hold power, and sharing your genuine experiences and opinions can make a difference not only for the businesses but also for other consumers seeking reliable information. Bonus: What Are The Benefits Of Google Reviews For Business? Google Reviews offer several advantages for businesses as well as consumers. Here are some key advantages: 1. Increased Visibility Positive reviews can improve a business's visibility in Google Search and Google Maps. Higher ratings and a greater number of reviews can enhance the business's online presence, making it more likely to appear in relevant search results and attract potential customers. 2. Trust And Credibility Reviews from real customers help establish trust and credibility for a business. Positive reviews act as social proof, assuring potential customers that others have had positive experiences. This can encourage them to choose the business over competitors. 3. Customer Engagement Google Reviews provide an avenue for businesses to engage directly with their customers. Responding to reviews, whether positive or negative, demonstrates attentiveness and a commitment to customer satisfaction. It allows businesses to address concerns, provide clarifications, and express gratitude for positive feedback, fostering a positive brand image. 4. Customer Insights Reviews offer valuable insights into customer preferences, opinions, and expectations. By analyzing the feedback, businesses can gain a better understanding of their target audience, identify areas for improvement, and make informed decisions to enhance their products or services. 5. Competitive Advantage Maintaining a high rating and positive reviews can give a business a competitive edge. Potential customers often compare businesses based on their ratings and reviews, and a positive online reputation can attract more customers, even in the presence of competitors. 6. SEO Benefits Google Reviews contribute to search engine optimization (SEO) efforts. Positive reviews can improve a business's local search ranking, making it more likely to appear prominently in relevant search results. This can drive more organic traffic to the business's website or physical location. 7. Word-Of-Mouth Marketing Positive reviews act as digital word-of-mouth recommendations. Customers who have had positive experiences may share their reviews with friends, family, or colleagues, potentially expanding the business's reach and attracting new customers. It is worth noting that while positive reviews offer numerous advantages, negative reviews can also provide opportunities for businesses to address issues, improve their offerings, and showcase their dedication to customer satisfaction. Responding professionally and constructively to negative reviews can help mitigate any potential negative impact. Wrapping It Up! In case you were searching about My Google Reviews and the ways in which you can edit, see, and add them on the internet, I hope that this article has been of help to you. If there are any other queries related to the same, feel free to let me know. All that you need to do is scroll down till you reach the bottom of the page. Then leave your comments and queries in the box below. And I will be there to answer them all for you! 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5 Factors To Consider When Hiring A Branding Expert For Your Business

How can a Branding Expert help a Business: What you need to know