Branding 101

An Intro to Branding?

Branding + Marketing + Advertising

Imagine you’re meeting someone for the first time. How they dress, how they talk, and the way they make you feel—these are the things that create your impression of them. In the business world, branding is how a company creates a lasting impression on its audience. It’s the personality and identity of a business.

Branding includes:

• Who you are: Your mission, values, and purpose.

• How you look: Your logo, colours, and design.

• How you sound: Your tone of voice and messaging.

• How you make people feel: The emotional connection people have with your company.

In short, branding is about shaping how people see and experience your business. It’s not just what you sell; it’s what you stand for.

How is Branding Different from Advertising and Marketing?

1. Branding is the foundation.

It’s about defining your company’s identity and reputation.

• Example: Nike’s brand is about inspiration, athleticism, and empowerment.

• Without branding, your business is just a name without meaning.

2. Marketing is the strategy.

Marketing is how you communicate your brand and offerings to your audience. It involves tactics like social media, email campaigns, SEO, and events.

• Think of marketing as the tools you use to spread the word about your brand.

3. Advertising is the spotlight.

Advertising is a part of marketing, but it’s specifically about paid efforts to grab attention and drive action.

• Example: A commercial or a billboard.

How They Work Together

Branding is your why (why you exist), marketing is your how (how you tell people about yourself), and advertising is your what (what you say to get their attention).

• Branding builds trust.

• Marketing generates interest.

• Advertising drives sales.

By investing in branding first, you create a strong identity that makes your marketing and advertising more effective.