What is the difference between business and brand, and why should you care as an entrepreneur? I often get this question from clients who want to understand the difference and why a good brand strategy is important.
The biggest difference is that a company is based on practical fundamentals such as products, operations and sales, while a brand consists of the visual and emotional aspects that the target group associates with the company.
Although there are overlaps between business and brand, they are not the same thing. It’s crucial to know the differences because you need both a clear business strategy and a strong brand story to be successful. Below you will find the nine most important differences:
1. basics
The basis of a company is to sell products or services. A brand, on the other hand, tells a story – an authentic story about your mission, values and unique offering. It differentiates itself from its competitors by the way it fulfills customer needs.
In e-mobility, for example, this can mean that your company sells electric cars, but your brand communicates a clear vision for sustainable mobility and a clean environment.
2. goals
The main goal of a company is to earn money. A brand goes deeper and connects with people on an emotional level by offering them more than just products and services.
A brand manages to inspire customers through its values, inspiration or knowledge. The aim of brand management is therefore to strengthen the loyalty of existing customers and at the same time attract new customers through clear messages and visual communication.
3. tools
A company often relies on short-term tactics such as discounts and special offers to increase sales. However, a brand focuses on long-term values such as reliability and trust in order to persuade customers to buy.
A company in the renewable energy sector could, for example, offer solar panel discounts in the short term to attract more customers. A strong brand, on the other hand, relies on a long-term strategy to build trust and a loyal customer base.
4. people
A company concentrates on offering customers added value and selling products. A strong brand builds a community that is emotionally connected through targeted branding.
In e-mobility in particular, where there are numerous providers, a brand can create an emotional bond with its customers so that they remain loyal even when competitors offer better prices.
5. customer needs
A company understands the needs of its target group on a functional level: What products or services are they looking for? A brand tries to understand why the target group is looking for these products, what frustrations, wishes and challenges they have.
In e-mobility, for example, this means becoming aware of why customers prefer electric vehicles to conventional cars. This is the only way a brand can communicate its message clearly and purposefully.
6. properties
A company must work efficiently in order to save resources and time. Everything should work like a well-oiled wheel. Brands, on the other hand, need to create a clear identity that is presented consistently across all marketing channels – from social media to the website.
7. messages
Product descriptions are important for companies to promote sales. However, to build a brand, you need to create high-quality content that underlines your expertise and credibility. This content should gain the trust of your target group and create strong customer loyalty.
In the renewable energy sector, content in the form of blog posts, videos and white papers can show how your brand is addressing the challenges of the future.
8. customer interaction
A company focuses on efficiency and cost reduction and wants to offer customers a smooth purchasing process. However, a brand aims to create a pleasant and engaging experience with every interaction.
A brand in the field of e-mobility could offer informative newsletters, exciting events or even test drives without focusing directly on sales.
9. company vs. brand
A company is an organization that encompasses operations, infrastructure and logistics. A brand is what customers remember about that organization.
Examples: Business vs. brand
1. tesla
As a company, Tesla sells electric cars, batteries and solar systems. But as a brand, Tesla stands for innovation, sustainable mobility and the visionary founder Elon Musk.
2. BMW i
The BMW i-series stands for innovative electric vehicles. The BMW i brand represents a clear message: a combination of luxury, technology and environmental friendliness.
3 SMA Solar Technology
SMA Solar Technology produces inverters and offers energy management systems. But as a brand, SMA stands for innovative solutions in the field of renewable energies and a sustainable attitude to life.
Conclusion:
If you want to grow your business successfully, you need to understand the differences between business and brand and how they are connected. They need to develop a clear strategy and at the same time differentiate themselves in order to create a unique identity.
It may seem like extra work at first, but this is the formula for success: More sales in the short term, higher customer loyalty and better ratings in the long term.
