While everyone’s talking doom and gloom, at Retrograffica we like to think positive. So here’s ten tips to re-invigorate your brand during lean times

1. Be true to yourself

Your unique ‘brand experience’ is  why your customers come back to you again and again. Now more than ever retaining customers is absolutely vital, so be true to yourself, deliver your brand experience like never before and keep them coming back. Also, happy customers pass on the word and positive word of mouth will attract new customers without costing you a penny.

2. Don’t cut costs, add value

Low price is the least sustainable competitive differentiator.  Unless you are absolutely the cheapest on the market and trade as such, someone else can always undercut your prices.  And lower price says “lower value” to your customers. By focusing on the value your product or service adds to your customer’s business, being sure you can deliver that value and helping your customers to see and understand what you can do for them you can increase your sales whilst also increasing your prices.

3. Don’t be scared to change

If you’re struggling to engage with your customers in this shifting economic environment, your customer base has changed or your marketing message is no longer appropriate be bold and don’t be scared of change. It may be just the right time to change your brand’s positioning to make the most of the current situation.

4. Keep positive and be confident

When things are looking miserable a friendly face and positive words are very welcome. Focus on the good things, keep smiling and be confident. Customers are currently nervous and distrustful, confidence in yourself, your business and it’s offering will transfer to your customers.

5. Build your brand and win more customers

As other businesses batten down the hatches it could be just the right time to go out and win their customers! Build your brand, promote your business and go out and be seen.

6. Rally the troops

In lean periods it is inevitable that staff become nervous, unmotivated and under-productive. Your staff are one of your most important assets and it is more important now than ever to keep them on-side, feeling secure and valued. Happy staff will go the extra mile which is exactly what it takes to weather the storm. Proactive and compelling internal marketing will motivate your team and help keep them focused.

7. Re-focus your brand strategy

In lean times it is important to remain fixed on your customers radar. Now is the perfect time to re-focus your brand strategy, re-asses you marketing materials and implement a proactive marketing plan. A clear, confident strategy, consistent message and constant communication will help keep you in your customer’s mind.

8. Aim higher

Some sectors always have money to spend, whatever the state of the economy. Maybe it’s time to re-think your target audience, branch into new sectors, introduce new higher end products or re-position your brand to make sure you get a slice of the spending.

9. Replace passion with compassion

With fear and uncertainty on the rise, the businesses that will have a competitive advantage from the downturn are those that offer their customers compassion, show that they understand their customers situation and communicate that they are adapting to help. May businesses are adapting but are failing to tell their customers meaning their efforts go unnoticed.

10. Realign your brand identity

If your market is changing, it won’t pay to stay the same. Those businesses that weather the storm and come out the strongest are the ones that adapt to the current situation and reposition themselves to accommodate the changing needs of their clients. At this time many businesses will benefit from realigning their brand identity to ensure that their new brand personality is accurately represented to their customers.