According to BusinessDictionary.com, corporate identity is a “combination of color schemes, designs, words, etc., that a firm employs to make a visual statement about itself and to communicate its business philosophy. It is an enduring symbol of how a firm views itself, how it wishes to be viewed by others, and how others recognize and remember it.”
Corporate identity includes such elements as buildings, décor,logo, name, slogan, stationery, uniform. And unlike corporate image, corporate identity is largely unaffected by its financial performance and ups and downs in its fortunes. Independent from that, it can be strong or weak (and not positive, neutral, or negative) and is more or less permanent unless changed deliberately.
It’s a sign of longevity, which is not only attractive to customers, but also is desirable to potential investors. It’s an indicator that you are serious about being successful, that you’re a reliable leader in your industry.
Why do you need a strong corporate identity?
First of all, to separate you from your competitors. Since nowadays the main factor of differentiating Product A from Product B is often no longer its characteristics, but the brand name that stands on its package.
A strong corporate identity will also help you with the positioning in the market. While targeting different types of customers, you will want to have a very different identity for each of them. In other words, it should be important for you to think about the type of image that you wish to have in mind of each group of customers. And based on that you should choose your corporate identity.
Moreover, corporate identity can help you convey your corporate values. For example, if you are a company providing bio products, you will wish to have an identity that plays up that “Eco” aspect.
A functional corporate identity conveys your company’s ideals, motives and objectives — a sense of what your business is all about. The advantage of creating a consistent and functional corporate identity is that it ensures your company will be recognized, remembered and respected.
Finally, strong corporate identity will help people remember your company which is definitely beneficial for your brand.
But how to create a strong corporate identity? Here are 10 steps to achieve this goal:
10 Steps to create a strong corporate identity for your brand
1. Review your company’s history, mission and methods.
2. Figure out what others think about your company.
3. Research businesses and organizations that are similar to you.
4. Create a vision for the future (long-run, 5-10 years).
5. Begin a creative process: corporate identity = logo + tagline + colors + objects + …
6. Create identity materials (logo, business cards, website, brochures, flyers, stationery and packaging materials, etc.).
7. Make sure your corporate identity is customer-oriented.
8. Be professional, i.e. clean, engaging, interesting and easily understood.
9. Develop a written strategy for your corporate identity (brand guidelines).
10. Revisit your corporate identity on a regular basis to make sure it is still relevant and effective.
Sounds simple, isn’t it? But if you can easily take care of some points yourself, what about designing logos, brochures, website, etc.? Here you will definitely need professionals to help you. And if you have any concerns about choosing between a freelancer or a professional design team, check this blog article before making the final decision. With professional design, your dream of creating a strong corporate identity will shortly come true.
Order a Custom Logo or Graphic Design to Enhance Your Brand
No matter what type of personal brand, business or organization you are running, having a great first impression means everything. One of the best ways to deliver a lasting impression is through the use of a high-quality logo and professional images and designs throughout all of your products and branding.
We design visual identities that speak to the audience by articulating corporate culture, style, and philosophy. Let us help you ensure that your company stays congruent with your brand’s core message. Click here to get started. Or contact us anytime by clicking here, we’d love to hear you out!
