BRANDIN EU Branding Handbook for SMEs | Page 40

Branding should be used across all touchpoints where customer can be influenced. Therefore, it is important to plan branding as an important activity before, during and after a sale. Whenever the customer is dealing with brand/product, they should be fully aware of its benefits and have the information they need to choose over competitors. The customer should make a conscious decision about wanting to use a brand. The aim should be to tempt the customer at each touchpoint, so the customer has a longer, more intimate interaction with a brand — to the point where a brand becomes invaluable. T The brand and customer experience should be consistent across all touchpoints, which can be classified as paid (traditional push media with advertising messages), owned (self-owned marketing instruments, websites, brochures, sales consultations) and earned (word-of-mouth publicity). Touchpoint interactions create benefits for consumers through the two-way communication between the customer and brand. This communication strengthens the customer-brand relationship, increasing experiential value, brand satisfaction and trust, providing a memorable brand experience for the consumer. Communication should be clear and concise. Any involvement or interaction with the customer is an opportunity to build brand’s image. A strong perception of a brand strengthens the customer’s loyalty. When a company communicate the same basic values and message across platforms, the brand recall and identity increase. Before purchase During purchase After purchase Social media Store of office Billing Ratings and reviews Website Transectorial emails Testimonials Catalog Marketing emails Word of mouth Promotions Service and support teams Community involment Staff of sales team Online help center Advertising Phone system Follow ups Marketing/PR Point of sale Thank you cards Customer touch-points www.surveymonkey.com It’s worth thinking about... Which touch-points are really relevant and lead to sales? Which offer makes successful innovations? 38 39