9 Types of Branding with Examples (And Applications)

Any brand needs certain components to function well. These features include your brand's logo, brand book, color scheme, and even font choice. While each component is valuable on its own, taken as a whole, they help to develop the ideal brand identity for your company.

Typically, when we discuss a brand, we discuss the business strategy, the logistical concept, and the management of the brand's finances.  

The term "branding" is broad and covers a wide range of topics. You must be familiar with all forms of branding in order to make a firm selection for your company.

You're in luck because today we'll talk about all 9 types of branding with examples and their applications.

So, let’s get started.

What Is a Brand?

 

A commercial and marketing idea known as a "brand" aids consumers in recognizing a specific organization, item, or person.  

Because brands are immaterial, you cannot physically touch or see them. As a result, they influence how people view businesses, their goods, or particular persons. Identifying markers is frequently used by brands to build their identities in the marketplace.

Why Are Brands Important?

Brands are significant because they provide value for both businesses and consumers. They also give a company a competitive advantage over its rivals in the market.  

A company’s customer base is increased by effective branding, which also fosters trust, credibility, and brand loyalty. These factors provide a company with a competitive advantage in the market and a larger bottom line.

Related: Importance of Branding for Small Businesses

9 Types of Branding with Examples

Without a brand, marketing techniques are useless since there is nothing to associate the service with. Because all marketing tactics have their origins in branding, branding is a fundamental component of marketing.

Branding services in Dubai are not just for products. Today, we see the branding of businesses, things, locations, and even individuals. The following 9 branding types are important to understand:

1- Personal Branding

When you think of branding, you often think of goods or services, but a human may also be thought of as a distinctive brand. Simply said, personal branding is that.  

Your unique skill set and experiences work together to define who you are and how you connect with the outside world. It may also occasionally be referred to as personal branding.

Although personal branding occurs across all industries, it is most prevalent among influencers, politicians, singers, athletes, fashion designers, and actresses.  

But it's not just for the well-off and well-known. Your ability to differentiate yourself from the competition and gain competitive advantage can help you progress professionally and change how others perceive you.

Example  

LeBron James, commonly known as "King James," is perhaps one of the greatest basketball players of all time and a prime example of effective personal branding.  

No other athlete comes close to James' abilities as a master of personal branding, which he brings on the court and off it. Several other players are great at marketing themselves.

2- Service Branding

It is totally concentrated on the service that a person or business is offering. Hence, if you choose to adhere to this branding, keep in mind that the quality of the service you provide to your clients is all that matters.

Simply put, by using your service, you establish a trustworthy relationship with your clients. Also, keep in mind that there are numerous ways in which your business might deliver the services.

Travel agencies, hotels, and airlines are the most typical companies in the service branding industry. Consultancies in management or marketing may also be included.

Example  

  
For instance, Emirates is among the first airlines to offer a travel safety kit recently. In order for the passengers to travel safely and comfortably, they are also making sure that all SOPs are followed.

3- Product Branding

We are surrounded by products, each of which has its own identity, persona, and function.  

The goal of product branding is to impact perception in the marketplace and in the minds of consumers by using strategic brand colors, meaningful logos, memorable slogans, and inventive package designs.

Example 

  
Jeni's Ice Cream, an upscale provider of Philadelphia-style ice cream, is a prime example of fantastic product branding. Jeni's is renowned for their premium ingredients, which include grass-fed milk, no eggs, and no artificial flavors.  

Furthermore, they are extremely unique with distinctive flavors like brown butter almond brittle and fluffernutter pie. The brand essentially started the artisanal ice cream trend with its inclusive fellowship model that supports "growers, makers, producers, suppliers, and customers." 

4- Corporate Branding

With the aid of corporate branding, you may establish a long-lasting relationship with your clients, making it simpler for them to associate you with new services you provide.

Corporate branding emphasizes a company's success and image. It includes everything, including the goods and services, personnel, brand, and any other connections to the business that may exist.

Example  

Consider Mercedes and the way it has developed a reputation for being highly pricey and opulent. As they don't have the same reputation for being economical, all of the services and goods they offer are of a higher caliber.

5- Online Branding

This kind of branding, often known as "internet branding," refers to how you present your business (or yourself) online.  

Any online activity that is done in your name, such as creating a website, joining social media, or posting a blog, falls under this category.

Example  

We can take Lego as an example of online branding. As it has been on the market for so long, Lego has successfully created a mechanism for gathering product ideas from customers.  

Customers here contribute product ideas to the business, and they are actively involved in the development of the products.

Related: How to rebrand your business on social media? 

6- Offline Branding

 

There is a ton of information available concerning internet branding. You can get how-to manuals and advice on attracting attention on social media just about anywhere.

Yet, you do not need to confine yourself to the tried-and-true strategies for creating a brand. Go beyond the box and explore different strategies, such as organizing a trade expo and bringing regional media to it.

Offline branding is still very much alive despite its drastic decline. To promote your brand and your products, you can still employ billboards, event booths, newspaper ads, car wraps, trade exhibitions, etc.

Use the approach that works for you because you are the expert in your industry. Choose your area of expertise and begin your offline branding campaign.

Example  

It's normal practice to support the companies you favor in your own branding plan; McDonald's selling Coca-Cola products is one famous example.  

In contrast, Taco Bell sells Pepsi goods. One collaboration involves two red, jovial, family-friendly companies that fit our idea of traditional America. The other is less anxious about not being number one and is a little more edgy and specialized.

7- Cultural Branding (Geographic Branding)

Cultural and geographic branding types are not that dissimilar from one another. That's because in order to brand the business, both types take the geography or cultural norms of their target market into account.

Because of the geographic or cultural association, it draws people's attention. And it is a major factor in why it is largely utilized to boost tourism by emphasizing the unique attractions that set them distinct from other nations.

Example  

Times Square in New York, which attracts lots of travelers and helps the nation draw in visitors, is a prime example of this.

To disseminate information about events locally, the state has created an official website for the area. And by doing so, they invite everyone to participate in a culture based on a specific area.

8- Co-Branding

This is the point where collaborations and branding come together. Co-branding occurs when two or more corporate names are linked to the same item. For instance, Uber and Spotify collaborated on the "soundtrack for your ride" campaign, allowing users of both applications to customize the music playing during their rides.

Example  

  
Taco Bell and Doritos' collaboration is a prime example of co-branding. The "Doritos Locos Tacos" ad was a big hit thanks to the two of them working together!

Why then did this co-branding initiative succeed so well? The main factor is that Taco Bell and Doritos both cater to young people who enjoy rapid, affordable junk food.

9- Retail Branding

The retail sector has been significantly impacted by the digital revolution. Online shopping is becoming more and more popular, and this trend is not likely to stop anytime soon.

Retail branding is crucial to keep customers coming through the doors for this reason. Get your customers to shop at the retail store by upping your retail game.

Example  

One retailer that excels at retail branding is Trader Joe's. The typical Trader Joe's, which is based in the US, is smaller than other supermarkets, giving it a more cozy, intimate atmosphere.  

Each visit is a delectable adventure because of the location-specific decor displays, which bring a piece of the city's own culture into the store.

These are the cornerstones of a successful retail brand and things that online can't even come close to replicating.

FAQs

What are the three main categories of branding?

The three main branding categories come under the umbrella of corporate branding, product branding and personal branding. Each of them is discussed above.

Can a small business benefit from branding?

Yes. Absolutely. Good branding will keep customers coming back for more after they start to recognize and purchase a product or service. A good business with excellent products and strong branding resonates strongly with customers. Long-term, this will boost client loyalty.

How long does it take to establish a strong brand?

Generally, the branding process requires between four and six months, in addition to ongoing work and rollout.

A brand's development typically takes between two and five years, depending on a wide range of variables.  

Smaller, freelance-type personal brands can develop and become successful in as little as two years, and in some circumstances even less, whereas larger organizations can take anywhere between five and ten years to do the same.

Is it necessary to have a brand strategy in place before starting a business?

In order to establish and market your product or service in sizable consumer markets, branding strategy is crucial. Your brand strategy imbues your product or service with a personality that customers associate with your brand.

Can branding help increase sales and revenue for a business?

Customers are more inclined to buy more, pay more, and decide quickly to make a purchase if you have a strong brand, and they also tend to tell others how fantastic your goods or services are. A strong brand also shortens the sales cycle.

What are some common mistakes businesses make when it comes to branding?

Here are some typical branding errors your business can be making and you must avoid them at all costs:

• Not being aware of a brand's power.
  
  
• Not establishing and applying rigorous brand rules.
  
  
• There is no established, clearly defined Brand Voice.
  
  
• Not giving your brand's message enough clarity.
  
  
• Identity inconsistency.
  

How can a business differentiate itself from its competitors through branding?

In order to stand out from your competitors, look at how they conduct business, including their sales strategy, customer service approach, and service delivery method, to see where you may make improvements.  

You have a chance to stand out from the competition and offer superior customer service by filling these gaps. Read more in our crisp blog about 7 ways to make your brand stand out from the crowd (10X faster).

Wrap Up

 

Your business will have a huge competitive advantage over rivals that have not done the same by starting with discovery and creating a defined brand strategy.

Consider how you can use two or more types of branding together to express your brand.  

Perhaps the best way to promote your brand is with eye-catching vehicle wraps for your company cars and packaging that resembles miniature versions of those cars, or perhaps the best way to make an impression is with an app that simulates the experience of browsing through one of your brick and mortar stores.  

Have fun with it and experiment with it because while you're having fun, you're being real, and excellent branding is all about authenticity.

Are you looking for more information about types of branding with examples? Get in touch with the branding experts at PLAN A Agency.  

Let’s discuss what should be your branding approach in 2023!