When you here the words Corporate Branding and identity, chances are the first thing that may come to your mind is big companies like Coca Cola or Facebook doing all sorts of fancy and creative things and in the process using buzzwords like "focus sessions, emotive response," The words corporate branding definitely is not something you may associate with a small business. However if you are a small business do not let the term Corporate Branding Identity sway you from creating an image that represents what you do and an emotive feeling that you wish to convey to both your customers and suppliers. People do make a snap second judgement of you and your small business when they see you. Therefore make that quick second of judgement one that is favourable and one that you wish to convey. From small boutique law firms, to your local pizza parlour and even a small Barber shop there are ways in which to make your business convey a message that tells about your business. The Back Alley Barbershop is one such example.

1. Create memorable, unique branding elements.
2. Select functional, high-quality promo items.
3. Consistently showcase your brand identity.

Back Alley Barbershop Corporate Identity

A Barbershop by the name of Back Alley is a small Barber who's business mission is to bring back retro old-school barbering back to modern men. Therefore a lot of the visual identity looks back to a vintage by-gone era. However at the same time Back Alley wanted some modern sleek aesthetic touches to showcase that they are in fact not simply retro but they are new school as well. To achieve this they approached designer: http://plus63.com/ to create a visual corporate identity style and merchandise that would communicate this effectively. Here are the results:

The logos, the font, the business cards have all been designed with an Old and New School vibe that conveys everything that the business is about.

The merchandising includes:
- Monogrammed coasters
- Personalised Business cards
- Engraved scissors
- Printed Brush
- Promotional notepads

The logo itself i thought was quite special. The BA represents the words Back Alley of course, which is the name of the Barber, however when viewed side on it is also the silhouette of a pair of scissors.

The above example is a perfect representation of how getting corporate merchandise and identity can be achieved effectively for a small business. This Barber after all is a local business that is owner operated solely and I think he did a marvelous job in creating this sense of identity for his business.

Creating a Memorable Logo

A well-designed logo is essential for establishing a strong brand identity for your small business. Here are some tips to create a memorable logo:

• Keep it simple: Simple logos are easier to recognize and remember.
• Be versatile: A good logo works well on different mediums (print, digital, promotional items) and in various sizes.
• Choose a meaningful colour palette: Colour combinations can evoke different emotions and associations.
• Implement a unique design concept: A creative logo that represents your business will help set it apart from competitors.

Selecting Effective Promo Items

Promotional items can also reinforce your branding and spread awareness. To make the most out of your promotional products, follow these guidelines:

• Align with your brand: Select items that complement your brand's identity, values, and target audience.
• Ensure high quality: Good quality items will reflect positively on your brand.
• Be functional: Promotional items that serve a purpose are more likely to be used and appreciated.
• Opt for unique items: To stand out from competitors, choose promo items that are distinct and memorable.

Final Thoughts

Effective branding and the clever use of promotional products can help small businesses like Cubic Promote Australia make a lasting impression on their customers. By creating a memorable logo, selecting relevant promotional items, and consistently showcasing your brand identity, you can convey your business values and enhance its perceived quality. Always remember that your brand is the face of your business, so give it the attention it deserves.