How do you know if you have Brand Recognition?

Do you customers talk about your product or company name without being asked? If so you have brand recognition. It is really about sticking out in your buyers mind. Such as when you think of what car you are going to buy. Which vehicles stand out, or which ones are you drawn to first.

Ideally you are trying to achieve brand loyalty but you can actually have positive or negative brand recognition. And it can change over time. So if your business does something for the community you will be shown in a positive way. However if attract some press attention due to poor customer service or refund policy that earlier positivity toward your brand can fade.

How to focus on your branding

Branding starts from thinking of your brand experience and how you want people to feel about your company and offering. You also want some name recognition whether that be in your local community or online. So in order to focus on your brand remember to keep thinking of how you might be evaluated by your peers, customers, prospects, etc. If your next best customer walked into your store today would you treat them any differently. You probably couldn’t have predicted that person would later become your best customer when you first met them. Branding is developed over time to associate a premium product or service with your company name. Branding is also not something you can fake. If you are making claims about using the freshest ingredients and you are not, your customers will know.

The Levels of Brand Recognition

1. Brand Rejection
   - is when you have a negative reaction to your brand. Your brand is recognized but in a negative way. And consumers will avoid your brand.
2. Brand non-recognition
   - is when your brand is too new or has yet to be established (known for something)
3. Brand Recognition
   - is when your brand is recognized. You are likely on the right track at this point. When making purchases consumers go with what they know, trust and prefer over a new brand they have never heard about before.
4. Brand Preference
   - is when your brand connects with your buyer. And when given a choice they will prefer to stick with your brand/company/product.
5. Brand Loyalty
   - is when there is a strong connection with your buyer. To the point where a few sour experiences will not make them jump ship and go with your competitors product. At this level your buyer feels comfortable and they are getting something of value that can not be easily replaced.

So after reading through this, do you have any Brand Recognition? Now you know which level you are at with your business.

Photo courtesy of: http://www.flickr.com/photos/everydaylifemodern

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