The key differences between branding and marketing

We all know branding and marketing like to do a little dance in the business strategy world. They’re the tangoing duo that often end up stepping on each other’s toes. They’ve been swapping places on the dance floor for so long, we’ve almost forgotten who’s leading who! Sure, they waltz around together a lot, but they’ve each got their own solo moves that can really light up the dance floor. So, let’s put on our dance shoes and take a twirl around the ballroom of branding and marketing, and see why understanding each one’s fancy footwork is super important for all business owners and marketers. 

What is branding? 

Your brand is the perception that customers have of your business. Imagine branding as your business’s personality – its beliefs, its looks, its voice, its aura – all the jazz that makes it, well, it. It’s the way your customers feel when they bump into your products or services. It’s that warm, fuzzy (or exciting, or cool, or whatever vibe you’re going for) feeling that envelops them when they see your logo or hear your tagline. So, in simple terms, branding is a bit like being a perception puppeteer, you’re pulling all these strings – your values, visuals, words – to make your business dance the way you want it to in the minds of your customers. And this isn’t a one-time performance, folks! Branding is an ongoing, encore-demanding show that keeps your audience coming back for more. 

Sure, picking out a shiny new logo and choosing some fab colours and fonts is a part of it – a fun part, we won’t lie. But that’s just the shiny tip of the branding iceberg. What lies beneath is developing a brand strategy – a master plan, if you will. This grand scheme of yours should define the why, who, what, how, and the distinctive persona of your brand. Sounds serious? It is, and it’s crucial too! This strategy lays the groundwork for your brand, ensuring that every word you utter, every image you flash, every ad you run, echoes with the same tune, resonates with your audience, and most importantly, makes sense. So, branding, my dear friends, isn’t just about looking good – it’s about making sense in a uniquely charming way! 

What is brand strategy? 

Brand strategy is the process of defining and articulating your brand’s purpose, personality, and positioning.  

Picture it as the GPS for your brand – it maps out where you’re going and how you’re going to get there. You see, all your branding escapades – all your messages, all your campaigns – they need to have a sense of consistency, relevancy, and meaning for your beloved audience. And a brand strategy is your ticket to achieving that. 

But it’s not just about going with the flow. No, no, no! Your brand strategy should march to the beat of your business goals, showing off what makes you, you. Got competitors? Of course, you do! Your brand strategy helps you stand out from the crowd, shining a spotlight on your unique quirks. It’s not just about playing the game, it’s about playing it with your rules, your style, and a whole lot of panache! So, whip out those notepads and let’s get strategising, shall we? 

To cobble together a spiffing brand strategy that makes you pop in the bustling marketplace, bonds you to your audience like superglue, and fosters relationships that last longer than a box set binge, you’ll need to answer some key questions. 

Your brand strategy should answer questions such as: 

  • Who is your target audience? 
  • What are their pain points and needs? 
  • What is your unique value proposition? 
  • What is your brand personality? 
  • What is your brand promise? 
  • What is your brand voice? 
  • What is your brand visual identity? 

Don your detective hat and start unravelling the answers. Trust us, it’s more exciting than a crossword puzzle and a game changer for your brand! 

What is marketing strategy? 

Picture this: Your brand is a shiny, new superhero ready to conquer the world. Your marketing strategy? Well, that’s your superhero action plan, your secret weapon in capturing your target audience’s attention and whisking them off their feet! 

You see, marketing strategy is your grand scheme to put your brand and products under the spotlight, creating a razzle-dazzle with campaigns that shout out your brand message and value from the rooftops. It’s about bringing your brand strategy to life, strutting your stuff across various stages to charm your target audience. 

Your marketing playbook might include: 

  • Billboards and Adverts: Get your name in lights or at least on a mega-sized poster! 
  • Smooth PR Moves: Charm the socks off journalists and influencers! 
  • Content Marketing: Woo with words, enthrall them with images, or captivate with videos! 
  • Social Media Mastery: Make waves and win hearts on the digital stage! 
  • SEO Sorcery: Become the ‘chosen one’ on search engines! 
  • Email Marketing: Slide into inboxes with style and substance! 
  • Events and Sponsorships: Show up, show off, and make memories! 
  • Sales Promotions: Dangle the carrot and watch ’em bite! 

In the end, it’s all about getting those leads and sales, shooting up brand awareness, and creating an unbreakable bond with your customers. Your marketing tactics are your secret spells to create a buzz around your products and services and stand out from the sea of competitors.  

When is marketing not branding? 

Whilst marketing usually cosies up under the broad umbrella of branding, there are instances where branding goes solo, not needing its marketing sidekick. Think of these as brand expressions that don’t quite fit into the marketing mould. 

For example, those little messages you receive after making a purchase? That’s not marketing, that’s pure branding. The friendly ‘thank you’ email or a follow-up call post-purchase aren’t trying to market anything. Still, they subtly shape your perception of the brand. 

Likewise, product packaging with its flashy design and clever taglines, top-notch customer service always ready with a smile, and the user experience that glides as smoothly as butter – these are all touchpoints that influence your view of the brand without resorting to direct marketing. 

The bond between branding and marketing 

Both branding and marketing are two peas in a pod, essential for a business to flourish. While branding sets the compass for marketing, marketing acts as the loudhailer, broadcasting the brand far and wide. 

For businesses, understanding the subtle dance between branding and marketing is crucial. It provides a clear roadmap for all marketing efforts. When your brand identity is crystal clear, and your marketing strategy is on point, you can reel in new customers, forge a strong bond of brand loyalty, and ultimately hit your business targets. 

 

Do you need help creating your brand identity? Get in touch today to see how we can help you. 

Pink is back! The Influence of Pink in Brand and Design

Well tickle us pink (yeah, we know), because today we’re talking about one of our favourite colours that’s taken the throne once again – pink! It’s bold, it’s vibrant, and it’s unapologetically back in the spotlight.  

So, let’s take a closer look at why this powerhouse hue is back in fashion and how it’s shaking up the design and branding world. 

The power and meaning of pink 

Pink has always been a colour loaded with meaning. Traditionally, it’s been associated with femininity, sweetness, and romance. However, modern interpretations have pushed these boundaries, giving pink a more exciting and versatile role. It’s a colour that can be both playful and sophisticated, soft and powerful.  

In branding, pink is used to convey a range of messages and emotions too. It can be warm and inviting or daring and rebellious. The key is in the shade and context! For example, soft pinks might suggest care and nurturing, ideal for wellness or beauty brands. On the other hand, bright, hot pinks scream energy and fun, perfect for products aimed at a younger, more typically adventurous audience. 

Barbie’s big influence 

Let’s talk about the elephant—or rather, the doll—in the room. Barbie. Yes, that Barbie. The Barbie movie (we love you, Margot Robbie!) has not only reintroduced us to this timeless toy but also reignited our love for all things pink. Barbie’s world is a pink paradise (when can we move in?), and this aesthetic has spilled over into the fashion and design realms in a big way. It seems that “think pink” is the new motto for brands. 

The film’s marketing was a masterclass in branding too. Every poster, product tie-in, and social media post was awash with vibrant shades of pink, creating an unmistakable and clear identity. This rebranding of Barbie has shown that pink is not just another colour; it’s a statement. It’s all about embracing a bold, unapologetic style and rejecting the notion that pink is “too girly” or “not serious”. 

Brands have picked up on this cultural shift too. Suddenly we’re seeing a lot more pink in the palettes. The impact is clear: pink is no longer seen as frivolous or niche. It’s powerful, versatile, and here to stay – and we are thrilled about it! 

Pink’s past prejudices 

Sadly, pink hasn’t always had it easy. For a long time, it was pigeonholed into a corner—deemed too feminine, too frivolous, or simply not professional enough. Fortunately, those days now appear to be a thing of the past. The rise of gender-neutral fashion and the breaking down of colour stereotypes have paved the way for pink to be appreciated for what it truly is: a versatile and exciting colour that can transform brands and captivate audiences. 

Take a moment to really think about it. Why shouldn’t pink be used in serious contexts? Why can’t it be the face of a powerful brand? The past few years have seen a cultural shift towards inclusivity and breaking norms. Pink is riding this wave, moving beyond its outdated prejudices and becoming a colour that represents strength, innovation, and inclusivity. 

Brands that nail their pink branding 

T-Mobile 

T-Mobile’s magenta is iconic. In an industry that has a whole lot of blue, black and grey, choosing such a standout colour was a smart move. This telecom giant has taken pink—a colour traditionally seen as soft—and made it synonymous with speed, reliability, and innovation. Their branding is a masterclass in consistency. From their stores to their promotional materials, the bold pink stands out, making them easily recognisable and reinforcing their brand identity.   

Victoria’s Secret 

When you think of pink in branding, Victoria’s Secret probably springs to mind. The brand has expertly used pink to define its identity, especially through its sub-brand PINK. Targeting a younger demographic, PINK uses a vibrant palette to create an image that’s both youthful and sophisticated. This clever use of colour has helped Victoria’s Secret remain a dominant force in the lingerie market, appealing to women of ages with a mix of fun and glamour. 

Glossier 

Glossier, the beauty brand that’s taken the world by storm, uses pink to communicate simplicity, elegance, and modernity. Their soft, millennial pink packaging is instantly recognisable and has become a symbol of their minimalist, user-friendly approach to beauty. Glossier’s branding proves that pink can be chic and sophisticated, appealing to a broad audience with its fresh and contemporary vibe. 

Pink in pop culture: Legally Blonde 2, Mean Girls, and the new Barbie 

Pink’s influence extends far beyond branding and into the realm of pop culture. Let’s rewind a bit and revisit some iconic moments where pink stole the show. 

Legally Blonde  

As if we could talk about pink in pop culture without mentioning Legally Blonde! Elle Woods, with her bubbly personality and pink outfits, taught us that pink can be powerful and professional. In “Legally Blonde” Elle’s pink wardrobe is more than a fashion statement; she redefines what it means to be a professional woman in pink, making it clear that competence and colour can go hand in hand. 

Mean Girls 

“On Wednesdays, we wear pink.” This line from “Mean Girls” became a cultural phenomenon, cementing pink as a symbol of popularity and power in high school hierarchies. The film used pink to represent both the exclusivity and the camaraderie of the Plastics, showing how colour can be a critical part of group identity and social dynamics. 

The New Barbie 

As mentioned earlier, the new Barbie movie has redefined pink for a new generation. The film’s visual feast of pink shades, from bubblegum to fuchsia, has captured the imaginations of audiences worldwide. It’s a reminder that pink can be playful, nostalgic, and forward-thinking all at once. The movie’s success has inspired brands to embrace pink in their marketing strategies, proving its enduring appeal and versatility. 

Final thoughts 

It’s pretty obvious at BeSmart that we love ourselves a bit of pink; our branding is magenta after all. Our use of magenta isn’t just about aesthetics though, we also use it to show what our brand is all about. This includes, uniqueness, creativity, friendliness, and even spirituality through magenta’s link to the crown chakra. This symbolises higher thinking, reflecting our approach to meaningful design. We always knew pink was powerful! 

 

Get in touch today to discuss your brand colours and how we can help you to create branding that really resonates with *your* audience!  

Proudly Authentic: Brands That Avoid Rainbow Hype And Show Genuine Pride

Pride Month is here, and with it we’re going to see a whole slew of rainbow branding and products. Now don’t get us wrong, we love to see the colours of the rainbow flying loud and proud! However, Pride month brings with it a whole lotta “rainbow washing”, with companies focusing on profits rather than authentic support.  

So, what is rainbow washing all about and how can you make sure your brand isn’t caught red (rainbow?) handed jumping on the LGBTQ+ bandwagon with ill thought-out campaigns? We reveal everything you need to know and even take a peek at some brands who have nailed authentic LGBTQ+ support!  

Okay, but seriously, what is rainbow washing? 

You know the story; It’s Pride Month, and every shop window you pass (in-person or whilst roaming the internet!) is adorned with rainbow-themed merchandise. Brands and companies are releasing limited-edition rainbow products, each claiming to be “supportive” of the LGBTQ+ community. On the surface, it seems like a glorious display of inclusivity and allyship. But beware! This phenomenon is what we call “rainbow washing”. 

Rainbow washing happens when companies and individuals use rainbow symbols and slogans to portray themselves as LGBTQ+ allies, yet their actions and policies tell a different story. At its core, it’s a performative display of support with a sneaky focus on using it for profits. This happens to a lot of awareness holidays, including Black Lives Matter, Black History Month, and Earth Day. 

So, how do I show support for the LGBTQ+ community the right way? 

Sure, rainbows are fantastic, but genuine support requires more than just whacking some colourful symbolism on your products and calling it a day. It’s lazy, unauthentic and can actually do harm to your company in the long run, particularly with Gen Z shoppers on the rise. This generation is more tech savvy and connected than any generation before it, and something they value above a TikTok dance, or a viral meme is honesty and unfiltered realness. 

You’ve told us the wrong way we hear you cry, so what the heck is the right way to show support? To get started on the path to true inclusivity, you need to think about the below: 

Educate yourself 

This one is really obvious, but it is often skipped. Before expressing support, take the time to educate yourself about the issues faced by the LGBTQ+ community. Learn about their history, the challenges they continue to face, and the progress they’ve made. Understanding their struggles and victories will give your support a more profound meaning and ensure you don’t wildly miss the mark with something that is instead pretty offensive… we’re looking at you, M&S sandwich.  

Look beyond the rainbows 

Yep, the rainbows are great, but genuine support requires more than just colourful symbolism. Do you have inclusive policies for employees? Can you employ a member of the LGBTQ+ community to lead your campaign? Can you work with LGBTQ+ run companies or LGBTQ+ influencers? Will you be supporting or making donations to LGBTQ+ charities and organisations? Don’t try to blind your customers with rainbows, they will dig deeper, and your support will be seen as pure tokenism if its outed as having very little substance. 

Amplify LGBTQ+ voices 

We get it okay, not every business is in a position to make a donation. However, you can still amplify voices and show support within that community by sharing their stories. This leads us nicely into our next point! 

Be an ally all year round 

Coming as no surprise, one of the most telltale signs that a company is rainbow washing is that their support fizzles right out after Pride Month as they can no longer profit from it. To truly be authentic, make sure you’re showing support year-round. Stick by your values and be public with them. 

Be an ally all around the world or nowhere!  

When companies wave the rainbow flag in places where it’s ‘cool’, but don’t do the same in spots like Dubai and the UAE, where being gay is less accepted or even illegal, it’s kind of like they’re rainbow washing. It’s like they’re picking and choosing where to show their support for LGBTQ+ rights, which might make you wonder if they’re just trying to look good and make more money in certain markets, instead of really standing up for the community everywhere. 

Which brands have shown genuine pride? 

We’ve given you some examples of support, but to help bring these ideas to life, let’s have a quick look into which brands have supported Pride Month in the right way and why these campaigns were so flipping awesome! 

Skittles 

We’re going to give you another reason to love this tasty sweet! In 2017, Skittles, launched a distinctive campaign titled ‘Give the Rainbow’ to show support during Pride Month. Scrubbing clean their packaging, they released limited edition white packets with the tagline “During Pride, only one rainbow matters”. 

Why it works: Not only did the white packaging help them stand out in a sea of rainbow slathered products, the black and white packs made a powerful statement about the essence of Pride Month – celebrating the LGBTQ+ community’s struggle for equality. They also made it clear that the profits from each limited-edition pack would be donated to UK-based LGBTQ+ charities. This transparency in their charitable contributions added to the campaign’s sincerity and led to the campaign now being run yearly. 

Converse 

Converse aren’t just about the sweet kicks, they’ve also got some pretty cool campaigns! For their 6th annual Pride campaign, Converse collaborated with five young LGBTQ+ creatives and over 50 LGBTQIA+ Converse teammates and allies to create a dazzling Pride collection. 

Why it works: By collaborating with LGBTQ+ individuals, Converse ensured that the campaign’s essence was rooted in real experiences and perspectives. Beyond these colourful designs and slogans, Converse backs its campaigns with tangible actions. Over the past six years, the company has donated a staggering $1.3 million to LGBTQ+ organisations, including the It Gets Better Project, the Ali Forney Center, BAGLY, and OUT MetroWest. They don’t just talk the talk; they lace up their Converse and walk the walk! 

Ben & Jerrys 

Now here’s an ice cream brand that is really worth screaming for! B&J are all about those clever puns, often renaming their popular flavours to support key LGBTQ events. For example, to show support for Vermont legalising gay marriage, they renamed the popular “Chubby Hubby” flavour to “Hubby Hubby”. Similarly, they joined hands with Marriage Equality in Ireland, renaming their Mint Chocolate Chunk flavour to “EngageMint Party”. 

Why it works: Ben and Jerry’s have one of (it not the best!) track record of supporting LGBTQ+ rights. They’ve continuously shown unwavering support, signing the USA Amicus Brief in 2015, partnering with and participating in Pride events, donating to charities, and more. This very visible support shows that their renames and rebranding aren’t just meaningless gestures designed to make profits a bit sweeter. 

 

Could your branding and campaigns use a little work? Contact us today to see how we can help! 

7 hot branding topics of the year

We’re coming to the end of 2023, so we wanted to share the hottest branding topics that are currently setting the industry ablaze.

At Be Smart, we pride ourselves on staying at the forefront of what’s in, what’s out, and maintaining a playful and light-hearted  approach to not scare people off. So, get ready to explore the cutting-edge branding strategies that are captivating audiences right now in the ever-evolving landscape of creativity.

Engaging audiences through sensory branding

Sensory branding takes engagement to a whole new level by creating immersive multi-sensory experiences. Can you recall the chirp of Skype’s incoming call, the swoosh of an email being sent from an iPhone, or the percussive theme of Netflix’s start-up? These are all examples of sound branding.

Sound branding can have a powerful psychological effect and can be used to trigger specific emotions or actions. A distinctive and consistent sound can also increase brand recognition, making your brand easily identifiable amidst the noise of the market.

Whether  it’s a catchy jingle, an engaging podcast, or an immersive VR experience, sound branding can create an additional touchpoint that engages your audience in a unique and memorable way.

Minimalist branding: the power of simplicity and elegance

Sometimes, less is more. We’re noticing a clear trend in the branding world – minimalist design is proving that simplicity can have a significant impact. Brands are increasingly leaning towards straightforward designs, clean typography, and uncluttered aesthetics.

The idea here is to eliminate unnecessary fluff, allowing a brand to shape an identity that is sleek, refined, and instils a sense of confidence. Subdued colour palettes, generous use of white space, and the principles of minimalist aesthetics combine to create a bold yet understated statement. In a world where simplicity speaks volumes, minimalist branding is truly finding its footing.

Storyliving; the rise of immersive narratives

Step into the realm of “story living”, where storytelling transcends the boundaries of traditional marketing. Instead of simply telling a story, immerse your audience in a narrative that transports them to another world. Through interactive experiences, virtual reality, or augmented reality, you can engage your audience on a deeper level and make them active participants in your brand’s story. Prepare to leave a lasting impression by creating unforgettable adventures that blur the lines between fiction and reality.

Celebrating diversity through inclusive branding
The modern landscape of branding demands inclusivity. It’s all about appreciating the diverse facets of society, dismantling stereotypes, and fostering a universal sense of belonging. It’s crucial to include diversity in your visuals, communicate inclusive messages, and weave this ethos into your brand narrative.

By nurturing an environment that reflects a variety of experiences, your brand can connect with an expanded audience pool. Your commitment to equality and inclusivity won’t just make a significant social impact, it will also allow your brand to make a positive impact and resonate with a wider scope of customers. The message is clear – inclusivity isn’t just beneficial, it’s an absolute necessity in today’s world.

Interactive packaging: engaging consumers with interactive design

Gone are the days when packaging was just a container to carry a product. Now, it’s a unique opportunity to entertain and charm your customers. Interactive packaging brings together design, tech, and a dose of playfulness to craft an unforgettable unboxing journey.

Think of QR codes revealing exclusive digital content or tactile elements that appeal to more than just the eyes. Cutting-edge packaging designs hold the potential to enthrall  your audience, making the interaction memorable even after the purchase is made. So, let’s break the mould and make packaging an exciting part of the customer experience!

Sustainable branding: saving the planet, one bold brand at a time

Now’s the time to roll out your green ethos and show the world that sustainability is more than a buzzword for your brand. Sustainable branding is no longer optional; it’s an expression of your mission.

Let’s put the spotlight on your dedication to a more sustainable future, showcasing your eco-friendly practices, and enthusiastically broadcasting your green initiatives.

Brace yourself to appeal to an ever-growing cohort of eco-aware consumers who aren’t just looking for brands that talk a good game, but actually play one. Embrace sustainability, and watch your brand resonate on a whole new level.

If you’re eager to unleash our design prowess and work some branding magic, reach out to us! Let’s collaborate and create something extraordinary together.

What the HEX? Why you need to maintain colour consistency in your branding

RGB, CMYK… what the HEX is it all about? A lot of businesses tune out when their designers start talking about colour, but it plays a vital role in keeping your brand looking consistent i.e., professional. If you’re confused by all the different colour models, and why they’re important, then we’re here to help.

In this blog we’re going on a joyous technicolour journey to talk about the difference between RGB, CMYK and HEX colour models, and the whys and hows of maintaining colour consistency in your branding.

RGB, CMYK and HEX colour models

Let’s start at the beginning with the three most common colour models used in digital and print design: RGB, CMYK AND HEX. Here’s a brief overview of each of them:

RGB

RGB stands for Red, Green, and Blue, and it’s used for digital design. Different intensities of red, green, and blue combine to create a range of colours. Every colour on a computer screen, tablet and phone is made up of different combinations of RGB values.

CMYK

CMYK stands for Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Key (Black). Yeah, we know it’s weird that it’s not just B for Black! This is the colour model used in print design and combines different levels of cyan, magenta, yellow, and black ink to create a range of colours.

HEX

HEX is short for hexadecimal, and it’s a six-digit code that represents colours in RGB values. It is commonly used for web design – these are the ones that start with a # (before that had a whole other meaning).

So now we know a bit about the different colour models, let’s talk about why it’s so important to keep a tight rein on the colours in your branding.

 

Why maintain colour consistency in branding?

Colour consistency is crucial in branding for several reasons:

Brand recognition

Let’s shoot for brand recognition, because, who doesn’t want to be remembered? Consistent colour use is the golden ticket to brand recall. Picture this, Tiffany puts out an ad and their iconic blue box suddenly looks purple… Blimey, that’s a branding nightmare! You need that colour consistency splashed across every platform, be it online or offline – website, social media pages, business cards, flyers, the works.

Professionalism

If you want your business to scream “pros at work” rather than “a motley crew’s first rodeo”, you’ve got to get your colour game spot on! Making sure the colours are consistent across all your branding pulls your look together and sets you apart from any Tom, Dick or Harry playing around on Canva.

Efficiency

Running a business is hectic enough without fretting about whether your website logo is playing colour match-up with your Twitter page logo. Kick-off with best practices when it comes to your branding, and you’ll save yourself loads of time and dodging those double-checking duties down the line.

Now that we’ve established why colour consistency is essential in branding, let’s talk about how we make that happen!

top-view-design-content-with-laptop

HOW do you maintain colour consistency in your branding?

Maintaining colour consistency can be challenging, especially if you have several designers and marketers working on different projects! Here’s a few tips to help you stay in control:

Use brand guidelines

Think of brand guidelines as your brand’s rulebook, laying down the law on your visual identity. It’s not just about the logo, fonts, and colours – it could also stretch to include how photography should be used, the framework for the style of photography,  and even layouts for snazzy presentations or social media posts. Typically, they’re packed up neatly into a PDF, ready to guide your marketing materials down the path of consistency. It’s like a cheat sheet for your employees and collaborators, helping everyone stay on brand and looking sharp.

Use the correct colour models

Here’s the 101 on colour models: RGB is your go-to for digital design, CMYK’s got your back on print, and HEX is your web design superstar. So, say you need to get that logo up on Twitter – make sure you’re armed with the RGB version. That’s because the CMYK one will lose its punch on screen, looking less vibrant than your 3 am cup of coffee. Any logo designer worth their beans will have you kitted out with all the versions you need. Seriously, they’re the salt of the Earth.

Test colours before finalising

Remember that game, “Pin the Tail on the Donkey”? Think of your colours as that tail. You want to test them  out before sticking them for good on your marketing materials, both in the digital realm and the physical one. Different print finishes can mess with your colour results. For instance, colours can throw a tantrum on glossy or matt paper, and lamination might put a slight damper on their spirit. Don’t go printing a thousand brochures without asking for a print sample first! And remember, just like snowflakes, no two computer monitors or mobile phones show colour in exactly the same way. Keep that in mind, and you’ll save yourself a whole load of headaches.

Use colour management software

There are some tools that can help you in your fight to keep colour consistent. Consider colour management software your new BFF in the battle for consistency across all your marketing materials. This tech wizardry can help you tune up your monitors and printers, ensuring that your colours play nicely across all mediums. You should also become besties with your printing company; they can be the Gandalf to your Frodo in getting the colour right for every job. If they’re local, even better – you can pop in and give a thumbs up in person.

Well, that was a whistle stop tour of colour wasn’t it! Now that we’ve looked at why colour consistency in your branding is essential, you can ensure that your business looks the business. And with an understanding of the difference between RGB, HEX, and CMYK colour models, you can make sure that your brand is looking on-brand across all platforms.

Get going today and start implementing these tips to maintain colour consistency in your branding. Your customers will appreciate the attention to detail and professionalism, and your brand recognition will improve as a result. Need support? Send us a message and we can help.

Unifying Your Brand As A Quality Social Housing Provider

Unifying social housing brand

The social housing provider: the unsung hero of society, the champion of affordable housing, and the master of community-building. But with so many providers out there, how on Earth do you make your brand stand out? Even with multiple companies under one umbrella, it’s crucial to create cohesive brand identity that resonates with your audience. Are you ready to unify your brand? Good! We’re going to help you achieve it.

Why should you give a hoot about standing out?

Well, let’s face it: social housing providers are a bit of a fairy godmother of the modern world, transforming lives by providing people with a place they can call home. But with all the competition out there, it’s essential to make your brand as eye-catching as a peacock in a flock of pigeons.

A distinctive and memorable brand is like a magnet for new customers, a comforting hug for existing ones, and a sure-fire way to build an enviable reputation. Plus, it’ll boost trust and loyalty, making it easier for you to smash those goals of yours.

Enter Be Smart, your branding saviours

At Be Smart we’re  all about crafting a brand identity that’ll make your social housing provider shine like the brightest star in the sky.  will work with you to whip up a brand strategy that’s in tune with your values and aspirations, creating a brand that’ll resonate with both your customers and employees.

The secret sauce: engaging copy

While a stunning design is the cherry on top of a unified brand, engaging copy is the delicious cake beneath it. It’s well-written, easy to digest, and hooks the reader like a literary angler. It should be informative, persuasive, and crystal clear.

When curating copy for your social housing brand, put yourself in your audience’s shoes. What do they want to know? What are their problems? How can you solve them and provide value? By tackling these questions head-on, you’ll create copy that’s as human as it gets and will help you nail your objectives. If you’re struggling for inspiration, talk to the people that use your services! They’ll be the experts as they’re your audience.

house-key-unlocking-new-house-is-plugged-into-door

Picture perfect: photography and visual branding

Visual branding is like the air guitar of the branding world – it’s all about nailing the right look. And photography is a crucial part of that. By using consistent styles, tones, and filters across all your communication channels, you’ll create a cohesive vibe that’ll have people recognising your brand from a mile away.

Colour us impressed

Don’t forget about colour – it’s like the secret handshake of the branding world. Your organisation might have multiple logos or brands, but that doesn’t mean you can’t streamline your colour palette. Use colour to bridge the gap between brands and create a sense of unity. Stick to the same colours for borders and text for a subtle touch of cohesion without ditching individual branding.

The grand plan

To introduce your fabulous new brand elements, you’ll need a strategy. Internally, get your ducks in a row and decide when everything will fall into place. For external customers and stakeholders, ease them into the changes gently. Be transparent about what you’re doing and why. Show them the value of branding and why it’s worth investing in.

Real-life rebranding

Still sceptical? Feast your eyes on some successful social housing rebrands. Take Abri, for example, born from the union of Yarlington and Radian in 2021. They unveiled new branding, a swanky website, and a sales site that effortlessly united the two organisations.

Then there’s Harbour, created after the merger of Port of Leith Housing Association and its subsidiaries. They completed a rebrand in November 2022 that perfectly encapsulated their combined heritage.

And who could forget Citizen, the rebranded WM Housing Group from 2019? They splashed out a cool £870m on a swish new look that oozed modernity and showcased their commitment to providing top-notch social housing for those in need.

The bottom line: Unify or die (okay, maybe not die, but you get the point)

To build recognition and trust with your clients, stakeholders, and audience, you need to unify your brand as a quality social housing provider. Sure, it might be tough to justify shelling out for a complete rebrand, but there are plenty of ways to work with what you’ve got and create a harmonious look across all your communication channels.

Focus on engaging copy, powerful internal messaging, photography, colour, and a plan for rolling out your brand elements, and you’ll end up with a solid and recognisable brand that embodies your organisation’s values and ambitions.

Ready to rock and roll?
Give us a shout today, and let’s start unifying your like the branding wizards we are!

Why do you need brand guidelines?

Brand guidelines are a set of rules for the use of your logo and other brand elements to create a unified identity when connecting colours, your logo or your typography. Sometimes they can extend to include your brand style or in other words the look and feel of all your marketing materials. The guidelines define how the elements that make up your brand are used and in essence defines how your business communicates with your audience.

It’s an important document because it can be used by employees and external creative suppliers to ensure that your materials are always ‘on brand’.

So what’s the business case for having a set of brand guidelines?

1. Consistency

When you have a predetermined set of rules, you will get a consistent look and feel to all of your marketing so when your ideal client visits your website, sees your advert or receives your sales brochure, they perceive your company in a certain way and the guidelines help you control that perception.

Consistency is important because it makes your brand recognisable and therefore reliable.

2. New employees benefit

You may well know your brand’s identity inside out, but a new employee probably won’t. It’s also particularly useful for giving to design agencies or publishing houses so that they may create new marketing materials that are ‘on brand’.

Your brand guidelines are composed of rules on how to use your brand’s visual elements. These rules will include when to use a logo versus a wordmark, whether you have a stacked or a long version of your logo, the exclusion zone around your logo, where it appears consistently on the page and the hierarchy of colour and typography.

Brand guidelines are a valuable tool for your employees to keep your brand cohesive. In larger organisations departments other than marketing or comms produce materials too, for example HR or the leader of a large project, so it’s important they all have the brand guidelines and more importantly are familiar with them.

3. Recognisable

By keeping your brand consistent, it allows it to be more immediately recognisable within your industry and with your target audience. Building a recognisable brand can take time but your brand can quickly start to stand out by adhering to your brand guidelines.

4. Staying focused

When introducing new products or services, a brand can get stretched too thin. By implementing brand guidelines, you have the tools to quickly and effectively maintain consistency. Brand guidelines help you align your business’s interests with your intended audience.

5. Value

With a cohesive brand identity you increase the brand’s perceived value. Consistency allows your brand to appear more professional and reliable. By implementing brand guidelines, you make it easier to maintain the quality and integrity of your brand’s image. This is particularly useful in a more price driven market, as consistently communicating your brand in a cohesive way means people will see the value in choosing you rather than your cheaper competition.

What’s included in brand guidelines?

Colour palette

These are the colours that make up your brand. Normally you’ll have a primary colour palette that will include the colours of your logo and the secondary colour palette will include complementary colours that can be used on marketing materials. It’s not wise to use too many colour options or you’ll start to lose your identity. Brand guidelines should include RGB and CMYK colour codes, so your colours stay consistent between web and print formats.

Typography

Brand guidelines will include typefaces and families, font sizes, and the hierarchy of the fonts your brand uses. It could include the typeface you use for headlines and the typeface you use for body copy as well as the preferred system typeface for documents you produce internally.

Logo design

How your logo should be displayed in different formats is a very important part of your guidelines. This could include size restrictions, exclusion zones, which colours to use, and how your logo should be displayed on different backgrounds. It’s also wise to show what not to do with your logo in terms of stretching or distorting it.

Additional elements that may be included:

Imagery

Imagery could include the style of photographs, illustrations or icons your company uses on your website or other marketing materials.

Tone of voice

Tone of voice is the personality of your brand that is expressed through words. It governs what you say in writing and how you say it. As we know, when we communicate via text or email, things can be taken out of context so it’s important to establish your personality in words across all medium in order to maintain control of your target audience’s perception.

It’s pretty much impossible to keep your brand identity consistent without brand guidelines. If you feel you need to create new guidelines then it’s important to engage with a creative, reliable and expert strategic design team like Be Smart Design. Not only can we create them for you but we can work with you on the strategic stuff that are the foundations of your guidelines document.

Contact us and we’ll create your brand’s visual elements in order to build guidelines that help you main a cohesive, impactful and strong brand.