Before we start I'm just gonna throw in a disclaimer: Most of these ideas will be extracted from a book called "The Brand Gap" by Marty Neuimer (pick up a copy if you want the specifics) also browsing over "The Marketing Plan" by Malcom McDonald and Peter Morris as well as various other internet sources that I'll try to remember to refer to when I bring them into the mix....any hoo enough of the boring legalities lets discuss what brand is and how, why and where brand is used...
Branding is an identity; its more than a logo,more than a product,more than strategically chosen neon colours to attract consumer attention. It is "not what you say it is, it is what
A consumers choice to buy a product is led by their lifestyle and not necessarily by the one they own but perhaps by the one they wish to attain. We buy into an idea, we accumulate the things we associate with the life we want therefore buying into a brand is more than picking up a shiny product its choosing a representation of yourself.
So when it come to marketing and branding your product you need to think 'why me?'
What will set you apart from the competition?
What will make your customer trust your brand?
What will be the personality of your brand?
I personally think the best way is to create a character who represents your brand, discover what they do and like, learn more about them and their habits and then make your product something that they couldn't live without!
so...branding really is key to giving your product a place in the market....