What is Branding?

With businesses of all kinds rising at astronomical speeds, it is essential to cut through the white noise and stand out. The key to this is creating a foolproof brand strategy or branding. A company's brand is indicative of not only its services but also shapes the public perception of its identity, purpose, and values.

The power of branding, although intangible, is undeniable. When we consume a particular product, say a McDonald's burger, we buy the familiar comfort and reassurance associated with the company. Good branding builds recognition and presents the opportunity to foster customer loyalty. If your brand is an ecosystem, branding forms the heart of this ecosystem, comprising aesthetics, a strong narrative, and a clear vision. It goes beyond functional aspects, marketing, and advertising; branding encompasses emotionality and ensures an organization's longevity in a fast-moving market.

How to Learn Branding?

With the growth of business schools, degree courses on branding have garnered immense popularity. There are several ways to learn branding that are affordable and accessible.

Books are an invaluable resource on the subject. Experts have written about branding and brand strategies since the very inception of corporations, and some of the classics, to date, are considered to be a foundational read for learners.

Another excellent option is online branding courses. Usually self-paced, they provide great flexibility and are comparatively inexpensive. Some of the world's best universities offer these courses and present networking opportunities, a valuable asset for beginners and experienced professionals alike.

To build a sustainable and recognizable brand, a business must delve into the minds of its customers and gauge their needs. Branding, in essence, is about emotionality and perception. Therefore, while learning about branding, observation and an understanding of psychology can go a long way in establishing a fulfilling career.

What skills do branding experts have?

Dynamic brand builders are experts in a wide variety of skills. Most often, these are associated with emotional intelligence or soft skills. Some of these include:

• Advanced communication skills - The responsibilities of brand builders and managers cut across verticals and departments as they cater to the company as a whole. Given this, effective communication becomes a powerful tool for negotiation, persuasion, and giving or receiving feedback. Only when professionals interact with their surroundings and consumers can they take the brand to greater heights.

• Creativity - Some have an innate knack for creativity; for some, it is a cultivated trait. Either way, creative problem-solving and strategic thinking are crucial to branding. Moreover, with growing competition, brand managers are constantly looking for innovative ways to stand out and balance the same through structure and protocol.

• Quantitative reasoning - Branding strategies and outcomes are qualitative. But to analyze and convey the same, brand managers must be numerically savvy and be able to apply reasoning to quantitative data and analytics.

• Ability to read trends - No matter how technically sound a brand manager is, they must have the capability to tap into market trends and analyze the company's position within the same. Market research is key to understanding the social climate, getting insights into consumer needs, and locating or identifying potential customers. This is integral to building a strong brand strategy with a compelling narrative.

What is branding as a job?

Jobs in branding vary across different levels of hierarchy and industries and are deeply entwined with marketing. Some of the most sought-after roles that involve branding are public relations manager, brand manager, and product marketing manager. Executive-level roles for experienced professionals include director of communications and advertising, chief creative officer (CCO), creative director, and vice-president of digital marketing.

Why take an online course at Emeritus?

Each Emeritus online course is designed keeping key learning outcomes in mind by a team of experts. We use the backward design methodology to develop instruction for learners of all ages. This enables us to craft unique, interactive, learning experiences that include a combination of assessments, hands-on activities, skill application, and more.

Emeritus also partners with the best universities and faculty around the world to curate the course curriculum that can effectively tackle present challenges in the industry, while preparing you for the trends and risks in the future. Our courses consist of assignments, exams, capstone projects, networking opportunities, a fine balance of practical and theoretical concepts, and the opportunity to learn from top minds in the industry. This adds to the holistic experience we try to provide for each learner.

We are also focused on providing courses that are standardized in quality. This is done by adhering to standards set by a global organization called Quality Matters which is focused on providing quality standards for online and innovative digital teaching and learning environments. The rigorous criteria ensures all our learners invest in quality education which is easily accessible and affordable.

Can I work full-time while learning branding online?

Having learned the basics, digging deeper into a specialized skill set is a reasonable way forward. Interacting with branding using various situational problems is key to mastering the field and gaining a thorough overview of the subject matter. In addition, setting aside a little time each day can significantly improve one's proficiency in branding even while working a full-time job.

How valuable is an online branding certificate?

From early-career professionals to experienced job-seekers, everybody stands to benefit from an online branding certification. Offered by prestigious institutions, online branding courses train you to employ the right tools to gain expertise in the field. To top it off, the certificate gives you an edge over potential job-seekers. It demonstrates important attributes, such as motivation and discipline.