Every minute, 2.5 quintillion bytes of data is generated online. With the deluge of media unleashed on the web, getting a brand to stand out and improve its ratings can seem like a daunting task. While this can be a difficult feat, it’s not impossible. Like all complex targets, improving rankings and elevating a brand can be achieved by identifying essential behaviors that will appeal to both users and search engine algorithms.
The following are 6 effective strategies that will help elevate a brand and boost its rankings:
MORE THAN PROFIT
A brand should reflect the values that speak to today’s consumers and investors. Modern shoppers want to know that the brands they purchase actually stand for something relevant. Generally, people want to support businesses that believe in something good—those who want to make a change in the world.
The foundation of a brand should mirror its core values, which is why branding strategies should be developed around the very important ‘why’. Why was the brand created? Why does it exist? The answer doesn’t have to be lofty or complex. In fact, it’s preferable to embrace simplicity, relaying a strong yet brief message that gives consumers what they want.
One way to accomplish this is to offer team members the opportunity to volunteer, while paid, at a charity of their choice or one tied directly to the brand’s mission.
IT’S PERSONAL
Personal stories, struggles and triumphs are what feed the online world, generating viral content that truly strikes a chord with modern consumers. A brand that doesn’t shy away from the personal is one that can easily make a mark in a competitive niche. When crafting their online presence, businesses should ask themselves how their brand relates to real, personal stories. Consumers engage more quickly and easily when they can relate to the people behind the brand—when the brand owners share a relatable and moving story.
The best way for businesses to accomplish this is by sharing personal content on their social media pages.
FOCUS ON THE USER
To establish long-term consumer loyalty and engagement, it’s crucial to be completely transparent with shoppers, treating them like friends rather than dollar signs. When businesses share their values and experiences, they are crafting important connections with both potential and existing clientele.
A brand’s online experience should be intuitive and comfortable rather than geared toward hard-selling techniques. To entice consumers and keep them coming back for more, businesses should provide an enjoyable, human-centered experience that includes effective SEO and simple design strategies that incorporate subtle CTAs and limit information overload.
QUALITY OVER QUANTITY
While it may be tempting to dish out a regular onslaught of online content to maintain a brand’s online presence, it is usually best to keep it simple, focusing instead on posting pertinent, memorable content.
In today’s environment, spam is highly undesirable, which is why businesses should create appealing content that speaks to their target audience. Because Google’s algorithms can detect content quality and favor certain links, brand owners should invest in developing high-quality matter that isn’t bogged down by irrelevant links and useless information.
LEVERAGE CULTURE
The modern world is increasingly interconnected. In the past, a company’s culture could only be revealed through word of mouth, but nowadays, everything is out in the open. An organization’s cultural practices matter greatly. A team that is disenchanted about the brand it supports will have a negative impact on customers and stakeholders. For a brand to truly shine, it’s essential for team members to be passionate about the brand they are promoting.
When developing a culture initiative, brand owners should lead by example. When organization leaders practice what they preach, the rest will follow. Internal passion drives external results.
NO NEED TO CHASE TRENDS
An effective online branding strategy can’t remain stagnant. But while it can be tantalizing to adopt new trends and methods, businesses should be wary of the “shiny object syndrome”, which can be a stumbling block to a brand’s long-term growth and success. The wheel doesn’t always need to be reinvented. When new trends appear, brand owners should do their due diligence, analyzing each one to determine its use and potential impact on the brand’s image.
The bottom line: While branding has greatly evolved over the years, most fundamentals have remained unchanged. Business owners who implement the basic ingredients for success into their marketing strategies are sure to stand the test of time and watch their brand soar to greater heights.