Thread by @richstemecom

Private-label and DTC brands are winning the eCom game with mind-blowing speed.

This /// THREAD /// is for everyone that wants to start a brand hassle-free.

Here’s how I would do it (in 7 steps):

Let’s start this thread with a little vocabulary - some crucial terms you should know (and not mix up):

➔ Brand identity - the visible elements of your brand, the way people experience your brand, everything about your business that’s different than your competition

➔ Branding - the process of designing a logo, choosing a brand name, VPs, advertising approach, and creating an entire brand image

➔ Brand assets - VPs, USP, visual creatives like logo, fonts, brand colors, and similar. Keeping a brand asset file helps in tons of situations

➔ Brand awareness - how easy your customers identify or single you out from the competition in a crowded market

➔ Brand positioning - where do you stand compared to your competition, how do buyers perceive you

➔ Brand promise - your unique selling proposition (USP), what’s the one thing you want people to feel when they think about your brand

➔ Brand voice and personality - how does your brand speak to customers

➔ Brand values - what do you stand for, a social cause you support

Now, enough theory:

Step #1 - Niche and product

Can’t start a proper brand without choosing your industry and the type of product you’re going to sell first.

Depending on your preference, you can start by choosing a niche first, or go directly to product research.

Adjust to what works best for your case.

For product research, check things like:

- AliExpress
- Amazon
- Use AdSpy
- Facebook Ad Library
- TikTok hashtags like #amazonfinds or #tiktokmademebuyit

Don’t rush this step, but also don’t dwell too long on it.

There’s no other way to know if a product will work but to start testing. So, let’s move on.

Step #2 - Audience and competition

Once you’ve chosen several potential winners, it’s time to see what you’re dealing with.

Facebook’s Ad Library is now open, so everyone can check out high-performing ads.

Use it to search for products similar to yours and analyze your competition.

Then, try tools like Google Keyword Planner to check the search volume of your product.

If it’s good to go, let’s move to the next step.

Step #3 - Copy and visuals

Now, time for the fun part - designing your brand’s assets. Here’s what you need to decide on:

- Brand color palette
- Brand font and typography
- Brand (company) name
- Logo
- A catchy slogan (think Nike - just do it)
- Website theme
- Photography or illustrations
- Packaging design

But, it’s not just the design that matters, you also need to spend some time copywriting:

- Unique selling proposition (USP) - like your best elevator pitch
- VPs - value propositions - solutions and benefits
- Slogan / tagline
- Content guidelines
- Preferred tone of voice
- Landing page copies
- Product descriptions
- Ad copies

Step #4 - Brand kit or guidelines

So, now you have your product, your brand name, logo, website, slogans, and all you need to launch (brands have launched with way less).

To make things easier, put all that together into one handy brand guideline book or a brand kit.

It will help you access your brand assets whenever you need them.

Step #5 - Business plan and marketing strategy

It’s time for the not-so-fun part - developing your actual business and marketing strategy.

Depending on your business model, this might need to be your first step. But, for dropshipping, you can pull it through.

At this stage, settle things like:

- Your business and financial plan
- Social media channels to use
- Paid ads budget and platforms
- SEO and blogging efforts
- Content creators and influencers
- Email marketing

Step #6 - Stay consistent with your branding

Now that you’re ready to start marketing and selling, remember to apply your branding in practice. Stay on-brand throughout all social media channels.

That will make you memorable and recognizable. Each touchpoint with your customer and each interaction needs to be natural for your brand.

Don’t forget to use your brand colors, fonts, and catchy lines all throughout social media accounts. Show some personality.

Step #7 - Brand ambassadors

Evolving and upgrading your brand identity doesn’t end at the selling point. It continues long after.

A great brand follows up and stays in touch. They ensure they provide awesome customer service and retain their customers.

They turn visitors into buyers, buyers into loyal customers, and loyal customers into brand ambassadors.

Hope you found this valuable, and don’t forget to bookmark this thread for when you need it the most. 🔝

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