365-Degree Branding
Author: Jeffrey Harkness - Principal
Hark — We’re a brand(ing) agency…
We’ve said it for years, from the speaker’s podium to the boardroom, and we’re finally taking the time to capture exactly what we mean. Less about what and who WE are and more about what we really do: 365-degree branding.
Hark created its vision for what we like to call “365-degree branding™”. Not just 360 degrees- fully around the compass, but 365 days of the year. Consistency is king, queen, and jack. In the ever-evolving business landscape where competition is only growing, and consumer choices are abundant, the importance of effective branding cannot be overstated. Branding is not just about creating a visually appealing logo or a catchy tagline; it’s a comprehensive strategy that should permeate every aspect of an organization.
What is 365-Degree Branding?
365-degree branding ™ goes beyond the conventional realms of positioning, marketing, and advertising. It is a holistic approach considering every customer touchpoint, aiming for a seamless and consistent experience across all channels. From website interactions to product packaging, from social media engagement to customer service—every element contributes to an immersive brand experience.
To make 365-degree branding™ work, organizations must align every department and operation with a unified brand strategy. It’s about creating a narrative that connects with customers emotionally and consistently reinforces it at every opportunity. This consistency builds trust and loyalty, crucial in a market inundated with choices.
Going Beyond the Surface
365-degree branding isn’t just about external interactions. It involves aligning internal processes, values, and employee engagement with the brand identity. When employees embody the brand, it resonates authentically with customers, creating a brand-led culture within the organization; this is probably the most forgotten aspect of branding but commonly the most important. I realized quite some time ago that getting team alignment and engagement can be a force multiplier, helping supercharge the branding effort.
Brand-led organizations take it a step further. It’s not just about creating a brand; it’s about building the business around it. The brand becomes the core of decision-making, from product development to marketing strategies. Businesses become storytellers, weaving the brand narrative into every aspect of their offerings. Here, the brand isn’t just a label—it’s a promise. It’s a commitment to a certain quality, a specific set of values, and a unique identity that sets the business apart. This distinction is what attracts and retains customers in a competitive market. When consumers identify with a brand deeply, they are more likely to become brand advocates, spreading the word and contributing to organic growth.
Examples of Success
To illustrate the effectiveness of brand-led business building, consider companies like Tesla or Patagonia — they’ve transformed into symbols of innovation, quality, and lifestyle. Consumers don’t just buy their products; they buy into the ethos these brands represent.
365-degree branding and brand-led business building aren’t just trends; they’re essential strategies in today’s business landscape. These approaches recognize that a brand is a living entity, an ongoing conversation with customers, employees, and the market. By adopting these strategies, businesses can establish meaningful connections with their audience.
A Holistic Approach to Branding
When we delve deeper into how these values come to life: expression, vision, operations, and traction, we always consider them holistically, not siloed.
Vision
A clear and compelling vision is at the heart of successful brand-led business building. The vision serves as the guiding light, influencing the external image and internal operations and decision-making. A well-defined vision articulates the aspirations and values of the brand and aligns every facet of the business with a common goal.
Operations
365-degree branding™ involves an operational overhaul. Every process, from supply chain management to customer service protocols, should echo the brand’s values and promise. Sustainability, for example, should be reflected in eco-friendly practices. This holistic integration ensures the brand story isn’t confined to marketing materials but ingrained in the business’s fabric.
Expression
Expression is the outward manifestation of the brand’s identity. It includes visual elements like logos and design but goes beyond aesthetics. It encompasses the tone of communication, the style of customer interactions, and the overall brand experience. In 365-degree branding, expression is consistent and intentional, creating a cohesive narrative across touchpoints. Brand-led businesses understand each expression is an opportunity to reinforce the story, whether through a social media post, a product package, or an in-store experience.
Traction
Traction is the tangible evidence of a brand’s success. In a brand-led business, traction isn’t merely about sales numbers but the resonance it creates with its audience. It’s gauged by customer engagement, the growth of brand advocates, and the positive impact on the bottom line. This reflects the strategy’s effectiveness in capturing and retaining the target market’s attention, trust, and loyalty.
Brand-led organizations become dynamic via this interconnected process by intertwining vision, operations, expression, and traction. The vision informs operations, operations shape expression, and positive traction validates the effectiveness of the entire approach. This cyclical relationship ensures that the brand isn’t a static entity but a living, evolving force within the market. In essence, 365-degree branding™ and brand-led growth are not isolated concepts but interwoven threads that create a robust tapestry. A brand with a clear vision, seamlessly integrated operations, consistent expression, and measurable traction is poised not just for momentary success but for sustained relevance and impact in the ever-shifting sands of the commercial world.
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