A Big Myth in the Brand Design Industry: "A Good Product/Service Sells Itself"
Positioning yourself as an industry expert means more than just sharing your knowledge on a topic—you need to be transparent enough to call out the bulls*** in your space (professionally, of course!). Today, I’ll dive into one of the biggest myths that perpetuates the brand design industry. But I’m not just gonna bust the myth; I’ll explain why it’s wrong, offer alternative thoughts, and share my personal take on why this myth exists in the first place. Then, we'll explore how Abby Leighton Studio, with my Brandscape signature 1:1 brand design service, can be the solution to this myth.
The Myth: "A Good Product/Service Sells Itself"
Some real talk here: One of the biggest myths in the brand design industry is the belief that a good product or service will naturally sell itself. So many people think that if they just create something amazing, customers will come flocking. I wish it were that simple!
While having a high-quality product or service is essential, it's only part of the equation. Relying solely on the quality of your product is like thinking you can throw a great party without sending out any invitations. People need to know about it, understand its value, and feel a connection to it.
Why This Myth is Harmful
This myth does a disservice to both branding service providers and businesses. A biz may invest all their resources into developing a fantastic product, only to feel frustrated and confused when sales don’t automatically follow. It sets unrealistic expectations and can lead to disappointment and wasted resources.
For brand designers, this myth undervalues the importance of branding and marketing. It diminishes the role that strategic branding plays in communicating value, building trust, and creating an emotional connection with the audience.
What We Wish People Understood
A successful brand is built on a foundation of multiple elements working together. You need to have more than a great product or service; you also need to present it, communicate its value, and connect with your audience. Think of your brand as a story that unfolds with every interaction—your product is a key chapter, but it’s not the whole book.
Elements like brand messaging, visual identity, customer experience, and consistency all play crucial roles. Your brand should make your audience feel something, tell your story, and create a memorable impression. It’s the combination of these elements that builds trust and loyalty.
Alternative Thoughts on the Myth
Instead of viewing your product or service as a standalone hero, consider it as part of a larger narrative. The story you tell about your brand is what engages people and makes them care about what you offer.
Brand Messaging: This is how you communicate who you are, what you stand for, and what makes you unique. It’s the heart and soul of your brand.
Visual Identity: Beyond your product, this includes your logo, color scheme, typography, photography direction, packaging, and overall aesthetic/vibe. These elements should be consistent and reflective of your brand’s personality.
Customer Experience: Every interaction a customer has with your brand contributes to their perception of it. From your website to your social media presence to customer service, it all matters.
Consistency: Consistency across all platforms and touchpoints helps in building a recognizable and trustworthy brand.
Why This Myth Exists
So, why does this myth persist? It’s partly because the quality of a product or service is often the most tangible and measurable aspect of a business. There’s also a lot of misinformation and oversimplification out there, perpetuated by those who may not fully understand the complexities of brand building.
Also, some businesses may say the idea that a good product is all you need because it’s a quick sell. It’s much easier to promise quick results with a single deliverable than to explain the ongoing process and investment required for comprehensive brand development.
How Abby Leighton Studio Busts This Myth
At Abby Leighton Studio, I believe in the power of a well-rounded brand strategy. I don’t just hand you a logo design and send you on your way. I dive deep into understanding your business, your goals, and your audience. Here’s how I ensure your brand is more than just a good product or service through my Brandscape signature 1:1 brand design service:
Discovery and Research: We start by getting to know you and your business. This includes market research, competitor analysis, and understanding your target audience. We dig deep to uncover your unique selling points and what makes your brand special.
Brand Strategy: We develop a comprehensive brand strategy that includes your brand’s mission, vision, values, and messaging. This strategy serves as the blueprint for all branding efforts moving forward.
Visual Identity Development: We create a cohesive visual language that resonates with your audience. This includes your logo, color palette, typography, and more, ensuring that all visual elements work together to tell your brand’s story.
Implementation: We help you implement your brand across all touchpoints, ensuring consistency and cohesion. This includes your website, social media, packaging, and more.
Ongoing Support: Building a strong brand is an ongoing process. We provide continuous email support after your launch to help you adapt and evolve your brand!
By offering a holistic approach to branding with our Brandscape service, we help our clients create memorable and evergreen brands that stand the test of time.
Conclusion
The biggest myth in the brand design industry—that a good product or service will sell itself—couldn’t be further from the truth. A great product is just one part of a much larger picture. To create a truly successful brand, you need a comprehensive strategy that includes brand messaging, visual identity, customer experience, and consistency.
At Abby Leighton Studio, I’m dedicated to helping you build a brand that’s more than just a great product. With my Brandscape service, we’re here to craft an experience that makes your clients feel valued, understood, and inspired.
Ready to bust some myths and build a brand that stands out? Let’s get started!
