Branding plays a crucial role in customer experience. Each aspect of branding influences how your customers perceive your restaurant. Today, we’re going to explore the importance of branding and understand why your food needs to look AND taste good.
So, what is branding?
First, let’s begin by clarifying what branding actually means – because it may be different than you think. Branding is so much more than a great logo; It encompasses nearly every aspect of how a business is perceived. Branding should be identifiable and unique to each business, and should be consistent with the overall mission. When looking at the restaurant industry, branding may entail decor, food presentation, brand voice, and the restaurant’s exterior. Each element plays an important role in the overall feel of your restaurant.
With that in mind, let’s explore why your restaurant needs excellent branding.
Branding is the cornerstone of creating strong relationships with your customers. Each element of branding plays a role in your customer experience and directly correlates to how your customers perceive your restaurant. Here are a few of the most important reasons you need great branding:
- Great branding creates trust.
As a business owner, earning trust is one of the most important achievements you can attain. When your branding is professional, polished, and clearly voices your brand identity, you’re more likely to gain the trust of your customers. - It increases brand awareness.
Brand awareness relates to how many people will recognize your business based on quick images, colors, or phrases. For example, seeing a glimpse of a green sign and people holding coffee may instantly trigger the thought of Starbucks without ever seeing the business’s name. The goal is to have repeated, excellent branding so that one day, subconsciously, your brand guidelines will make customers both remember and recognize your business. - Sets you apart from your competition.
In a crowded market, high-quality and identifiable branding can help set you apart from your competition. A recent study showed that it only takes 50 milliseconds for consumers to judge the visual appeal of your brand. Choosing to invest in great branding will help your business to rise above, and not be just “another option.”
How To Use Your Branding Effectively
Implementing your branding into different elements of your restaurant will help with brand awareness. Remember – the more times someone sees your branding, the more likely it is to stick with them. Here are a few ways to use your branding effectively and further it’s awareness.
- Invest in quality signage and exterior decor. Remember, first impressions are crucial!
- Focus on the little things. Everything from bathroom decor to light fixtures will play a role in your customers’ overall experience and perception of your restaurant. Ensure that each detail aligns with your brand’s message.
- Implement your branding into food packaging products. Having your branding on high-quality packaging such as to-go containers, cups, napkins, bags, stickers, and more will further facilitate brand awareness.
Ready to get started? Check out our custom-branded food packaging products. Our products are second to none, offering high-quality products and the lowest minimums in the country. Contact us to learn more about branding with Gator Paper to elevate your business.