Navigating the Challenges of Branding, Marketing, and PR in the UK Market
Let’s be realistic. Nobody said starting and running a business would be easy. Whether you’re a new start-up or an established SME, this is especially true when it comes to branding, marketing, and PR strategies. Here are some commonly faced obstacles – and how to overcome them – on the road to business success.
How well do you really know your market? It’s not just about having a product or service to sell – finding your own niche is key. According to Forbes, www.ties.com is a prime example. By focusing on a single item of clothing, the brand grew to become an online market leader, providing the largest selection of neckwear across the globe.
Investing in a brand journey and market research will help clearly define and differentiate your product from the competition. This ensures your audience will see, hear, and remember you above the noise. Know your competition and know them well. Analyse their strengths, gauge their mistakes, and leverage the opportunities this information provides.
Being a brand name isn’t the same as being a household name. Gone are the days when it was enough to just have a product in the market – your audience wants and demands more. What does your brand stand for? Are you telling your brand story on platforms your market is engaged with?
Today’s audience is keen on getting to know their brands better. From social media to shelves and beyond, they expect an informative, enterprising, and exciting user journey. Identified as the UK’s top storytelling brand of 2015, Apple exemplifies this. From reinventing the phone to realistic stories of how Apple products could change the world, exceptional products tell exceptional stories.
83% of marketers indicate that social media is important for their business. While this is something a lot of brands have still not caught on to, audiences in the UK and around the world spend considerable time online. It is necessary to reach your market on their medium of choice, and the digital stage offers businesses multiple opportunities to creatively showcase brand personality, story, and service offerings. Explore your options with user-friendly websites and social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, all of which actively facilitate audience interaction and engagement.
Focus on what you do best. Trying to do everything internally isn’t always the way to go, especially when you’re trying to establish a foothold in the market. Encourage partnerships that bring out the best in your business and help it flourish and grow – this will not only align with your overall business plan but also help reach your audience in a more productive manner. One of our own favourite stories is the Injoy Giving brand, which has effectively utilised partnerships to enhance its market presence.
Evaluate your options wisely and do not opt for cheaper alternatives purely because they exist. Focus on three key elements: what will give your product or service more value, what will give your audience a richer user experience, and what will build your brand loyalty. This will help guide your choices when decisions are purely cost-based.
In the competitive landscape of UK business, strategic branding, and marketing are crucial for success. By understanding your market, earning recognition, building a strong digital presence, investing in the right resources, and making wise financial decisions, you can overcome common obstacles and pave the way for long-term growth and success.
