Branding is more than just a logo or catchy slogan. But for small shops and other indie businesses, branding does help you to stand out in a crowded market. Just think of the logos for say Tesco or Argos (you know them right?) They kind of sink into your subconscious.
The good news is that you can do the same. And support fellow small creators to, by finding affordable branding packs on Etsy, to find budget-friendly ways to make your business shine in a sea of boring monotony.
Before branding your business, do a quick check to cover your legal bases. You don’t want to spend money on an ‘official name’ for all your marketing literature, if it’s similar to other companies, as people may mix them up!
Cost-Effective Branding Strategies
Branding your business does not have to break the bank. But most people are fed up of boring. So rather than just have standard business cards, download lovely creative templates on Etsy, adjust them and other matching products (letterheads, blog headers, social media templates) and create a compelling brand presence, without draining your savings.
Find a local printer to print out letters on recycled paper.
Unique Stationery (miniature artworks!)
Another Loop is a wonderfully original company, founded by two art students. They create unique stationery gifts that are like miniature works of art, far more interesting than the boring fodder you find on the high street.
Everything is designed from scratch in a small studio using hot foil press. For occasions big or small, you are sure to find something to suit. All paper used is FSC-certified and where possible, uses recycled fibres and renewable energy.
As items are printed in small batches, there is no waste. Any offcuts are turned into other products like gift tags. All foil is easy to recycle, and waste foil is sent off, to make into clean energy. Their packaging is not always the prettiest, but that’s because it’s usually recycled too!
Create Branded Goods with Teemill
If you run a small shop, you could even use the branding to create print-on-demand grocery totes on organic cotton at Teemill, to sell alongside in your store, then local people could take them around town, giving free advertising.
This brand also works with local charities, so say you’re a wildlife rescue, find some lovely animal related branding, and have this company print off matching totes and organiac t-shirts to sell in your online store, to help raise funds.
Everything is also made with green energy and sent in zero-waste packaging. The t-shirts can also be sent back at end of life, for recycling into new ones.
Use Social Media?
Not everyone does. But most small businesses do these days. So the same designers often have matching templates for your stories which help to cement your brand. You can then share engaging content and offer discounts, using matching designs. All without spending any more money.
Is It Worth Paying for Marketing Services?
In most cases, that would be a big fat ‘no’. There’s nothing wrong with PR companies, but most charge an absolute fortune. And most small indie shops are already struggling financially (as well as all non-profits). So you likely can’t afford to pay £100 an hour or so, for someone to give you a shout-out.
If you run a ‘physical’ outfit (a shop, shelter etc), just offer excellence and kindness. If you run a website or blog or online shop, do the same. In both cases, it’s your staying power that will eventually find your customers/supporters. The key word is patience!
How to (affordably) Market Your Vegan Business
Whether you’re launching a line of tofu scramble or crafting vegan beauty brands, converting your love for animals into income is key. But how do you stand out? It’s simpler than you think. Let’s walk through some easy steps, to boost your vegan brand.
First, know who your target audience is. It won’t always be vegans. If you have cholesterol-free alternatives, people with heart issues may be interested. And most people like vegan beauty, even if they are not vegan themselves. If you have launched a vegan zero-waste mascara, beauty fans are likely to be interested!
Do You Need Social Media?
Likely not. The problem with social media is that a post ‘flutters around for a few days’, then disappears into the abyss. It’s good to get fans, but focus more on local and sustainable marketing, like building trust and gaining loyal customers. It’s likely that most of your income will come from a small percentage of your repeat customers.
So look after them with special deals, and customer loyalty points.
Building Partnerships and Collaborations
Often it works to find those who share your values. Many vegan and vegetarian societies offer discounts for members on ethical brands. Sign up and then their members will find you, and get regular orders from you, as it will cost them less.
Contact magazines in your niche (say natural beauty etc) and offer to do articles or interviews for free, in return for exposure on your brand.
Advertising is very expensive. So an interview is often a better idea. And more trusted by users, who tend to ignore most magazine ads anyway.
Certify Your Vegan Business
Certified Vegan Business is a new stringent mark that you can place on brands, but only if the entire line is vegan. This will set you apart from the others. You can then boast of your eco and vegan credentials (a company that makes non-vegan products too won’t be able to carry the market).
As an example, many people like Richmond vegan sausages. It’s good that the brand is making them – but the company still makes factory-farmed meat sausages. It would not qualify for the above mark, but if you only make vegan products, you could market your sausages under this label, and say why.
Any type of business can apply (cafes, beauty salons, businesses, influencers). And although there is a one-off cost and small retainer, you can be assured that your funds are being used to promote the cause, as the scheme is run by Vegan Business Tribe, a wonderful organisation that offers help for fledgling and transitioning vegan businesses, including a business membership club and marketing book. There are no annual renewal fees.
This is our activism. 200 million land animals are killed every day, needlessly. When you have a vegan business, lives are literally at stake. Vegan Business Tribe
Branding Bundles for Vegan Businesses
Lana Elanor offers nice hand-painted illustrations for vegan businesses and charities. You can mix and match this one-purchase of images (animals, food, recipes, logos, icons and even a vegan alphabet) to make menus, invites, logos or web/social media content.