Elias, Branding Studio, webflow partner

8 steps to create a brand platform in an agency with style and efficiency

Your brand, our focus
Your brand, our focus
Your brand, our focus
Your brand, our focus
Branding
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Branding
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8 steps to create a brand platform in an agency with style and efficiency
11/10/2024
10
Min

Building a brand platform, it's like concocting the perfect recipe to differentiate your business in a ultra-competitive market. It is a strategic, creative work, and above all essential for your brand to be aligned through all your communications. With our agency, we support you step by step to develop a brand platform powerful that will make your business shine through effective communication strategies. Today, our mission is to guide you step by step to make your brand stand out in the long term in your sector!

Step 1 — Define your brand vision and mission

Because every good brand starts with a why

First and foremost, you need to answer the question that everyone is curious about: why does your brand exist? No, it's not just for selling products or services (although it's nice), but for something more profound. Your ambition is the GPS of your business, the direction you follow at each stage. If you don't know where you're going, it's hard to get your customers and your team on the adventure! Your brand platform must be crystal clear, not only for you, but also for all the ambition of your ecosystem, from the internal team to the customers who follow your every move, and even in your communication.

A strong vision is what gives meaning to each of your actions. It is the driving force behind all your strategies, whether for positioning,visual brand identity or even how you interact with your market.

Step 2 — Analyze the market and competitors

Yes, you have to spy (but in an elegant way)

Know your market, it's like peeking into your neighbor's house, but legally! You observe what they are doing well (or not doing well) in order to inspire you and, let's face it, beat them. We don't just do a quick overview, we analyze each strategy in depth: what is a hit with your competitors, what makes them stumble, and above all, how you can do even better.

In our agency, we analyze everything: campaigns, products, communication tactics. But the aim is not simply to copy what works. No, at Studio Elias, we go further. With our expertise, we identify weaknesses and untapped opportunities so that your brand platform stands out where others are stagnant.

Step 3 — Define brand DNA and personality

Where your brand becomes unique

Your Brand DNA, it's what makes you who you are and what makes you unique. At this stage, we think about the personality you want to give to your brand: is it daring? Human? Reassuring? A bit quirky? This DNA and this uniqueness will guide your communication, from the tone used to the visuals.

Within the agency, our mission is to ensure that each element of your brand personality is clearly defined so that your identity is strong and logical. The idea is that every interaction with your brand gives customers the same feeling, regardless of the medium or the moment. A well-defined personality strengthens the emotional connection with your audience, and it is this connection that will make you a strong brand.

Step 4 — Building a memorable visual identity

You only get one chance to make a good first impression

The first contact with your brand is like a first date: you have to make a good impression from the first few seconds. Your elements: logo, colors, fonts... everything must be designed so that, at a glance, we understand the essence of your business. A successful visual identity is one that tells your story without having to say a word.

You don't want to just look “pretty” on a business card, you want to be unforgettable, whether on a website, a packaging or even a mug. The graphic charter we design is there for that: to ensure that each visual, no matter where it appears, always reflects the DNA of your brand strategy. Basically, it's a bit like if your brand is always wearing their favorite outfit, no matter the occasion!

Step 5 — Write a clear and impactful brand message

Because words matter, especially when they're well chosen

Building a quality brand platform isn't just about a cool logo and a few nice colors. No, no! What you say and how do you say it, it's just as crucial. Your brand message should be clear, authentic, and speak directly to your audience, as if you were having a conversation with friends (without the awkward jokes). That's when you set the tone of voice for your business: are you fun and relaxed? Or rather serious and expert? This is where your values and ambitions come to life.

Step 6 — Develop a coherent communication strategy

From the website to Instagram, everything has to be aligned

Your brand strategy is like a TV show. Each episode has its own charm, but what makes the show addictive is that all episodes, all seasons are linked by the same story, consistent characters, and an evolving plot. Each interaction with your audience, whether via your website, a newsletter, or an Instagram post, is a new episode of your brand. The objective? Let each episode immediately remind your audience who you are, with the same atmosphere, the same values and a message that stays true to your DNA.

Imagine if a show completely changed plot or characters from one episode to the next? It would be chaos, and the audience would drop out quickly. For your brand strategy, it's the same: your audience must be able to recognize you instantly, regardless of the medium. This is where a coherent communication strategy comes in. Whether on your site, in your newsletters, your social networks or during events, each touchpoint should tell the same story and reflect the same personality.

Step 7 — Deploy the brand platform internally

Make sure your whole team is on board

A brand platform is not an old dusty file that you leave lying at the bottom of a drawer hoping that it will come to life by itself. No, it's much more than that! It is a living, dynamic tool that must breathe and evolve within your company. In fact, it is a bit like a plant: it needs to be fed, maintained, and above all, it must be shared with all your employees in order to grow and flourish.

To build an effective brand platform, each member of your team must not only know it, but also adopt it, live it on a daily basis. Each employee then becomes a true ambassador for your brand, whether in their interactions with customers, during their internal exchanges or even on their personal networks. If everyone is aligned with the vision, values, and identity of your brand, then it becomes a unifying and powerful element.

Step 8 — Evolve the brand platform over time

Because a brand must grow with its market

The market is constantly changing, with new attractions appearing and trends evolving at breakneck speed. Your customers are also evolving and their needs are changing over time. It's completely normal, and it's even a good thing! But it also means that your brand needs to evolve with them. A brand platform is your travel companion: it must remain flexible and able to adapt to new turns, while remaining true to what it is at its core.

One brand platform frozen in time quickly becomes obsolete. That is why it is crucial to reassess it regularly. It is not a simple routine exercise, but a real opportunity to adjust the course according to the new needs of your customers, the movements of your competitors and the realities of the market. This does not mean that you have to change everything as soon as a new trend arrives. The idea is to stay true to your core values, brand identity and graphic charter, while integrating subtle adjustments that reflect changes in the sector. It's a delicate balance between continuity and innovation, where each employee plays an essential role in ensuring that your brand image remains consistent and impactful, regardless of the changes around you.

Common mistakes to avoid (and how to overcome them)

Creating a brand platform is a real art. But be careful, even the best intentions can be sabotaged by a few common mistakes. Here are three pitfalls that are best not to fall into:

Mistake 1: Wanting to do everything by yourself

It's tempting to think that you can manage everything in-house for your brand platform, especially when you know your business like the back of your hand. But the catch is that it's hard to take a step back from your own brand. You may lack perspective or focus on details without seeing the big picture. Using a branding agency to create your brand means ensuring an external, objective, and often more creative vision. It's a bit like asking a Michelin-starred chef to cook for you: you may have ideas, but they know all the recipes for the perfect result.

You'd better call Studio Elias 👀

Mistake 2: Not having a clear brand image

Your brand platform is your compass. It should be simple, unique and understandable for everyone. If it's too vague or too complicated, no one will really know what your brand represents. A restaurant that doesn't know if it makes sushi or pizza ends up losing all of its audience. Make sure your brand concept clearly reflects your visual identity and is specific enough for customers to easily remember.

Mistake 3: Not applying your strategy correctly

A strategy is good, but you still have to follow it! If you have set a tone of voice and a graphic charter, stick to them at every touchpoint. Inconsistencies in your visuals or constant message changes may confuse your customers. Consistency is what builds trust in your brand. Think of brands like Apple or Nike: they are recognizable at a glance because they are true to themselves on all mediums. To avoid these missteps, take a little distance, simplify your concept, and above all, always maintain consistency. After all, a well-designed brand platform is like a good road trip: if you have a clear direction, you are sure to get to your destination without too many detours!

Conclusion

Creating a brand platform is much more than a simple style exercise for your identity. It is a strategic task that involves the whole company. Chez Studio Elias, we like to transform your ideas into a strong and coherent brand, ready to conquer your market. Contact us to discuss your project, we are here to support you every step of the way and help you bring your vision to life.

Elias, Branding Studio, webflow partner

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