In the world of micro-breweries, where flavors abound and tales flow from taps, there’s a crucial ingredient that often hides in the shadows – branding.

Welcome to a place where your brew is more than a drink; it’s an identity, a connection, and a story. You know it’s essential, but it’s cloaked in myths and legends that make it seem as complex as deciphering ancient hieroglyphics. In this article, we’re here to shed some light on the world of branding and make it all crystal clear and surprisingly simple, with a touch of 80/20 expertise.

Myth #1: Branding Is Just a Logo

Let’s start with the logo myth, a classic! Picture this: a logo is like the tip of an iceberg – visible, but there’s a massive chunk beneath the surface. Branding is about the emotions, the stories, and the experiences your logo represents. It’s the feelings you evoke when someone sees it. So, the next time someone says, “It’s just a logo,” tell them it’s the key to a world of emotions.

Branding is not just your logo!

Myth #2: A Strong Brand Equals a Big Budget

Here’s a secret: You don’t need deep pockets to create a strong brand. Big budgets can help, but they’re not the only way. Your approach should revolve around efficiency – maximizing impact while optimizing resources. A powerful brand is about consistency, authenticity, and connecting personally with your audience. Think of it as the David and Goliath story in branding – a small brand can pack a mighty punch with the right strategy.

Myth #3: Branding Is Only for Big Corporations

Small, nimble, and innovative – that’s the essence of many small businesses and startups. And guess what? Branding is not a privilege reserved only for corporate giants. In fact, branding is even more critical for smaller players. It’s what helps you stand out in a crowded market, work with someone who specializes in making your unique fingerprint shine, regardless of your business’s size.

Myth #4: Branding Is a One-time Deal

Branding is not a relic on display in a museum; it’s more akin to a well-brewed beer, a living, breathing entity. Just as a brewery evolves its recipes to craft new and exciting flavors, your brand should evolve and adapt to stay fresh and relevant. Like a brewery introducing seasonal brews to delight its customers, your brand can introduce new elements to keep your audience engaged and excited.

Myth #5: You Can’t Measure the ROI of Branding

Some say branding’s ROI is an unsolvable puzzle, but it’s not. For example at 80/20 we work with a market research firm (Cimigo) to ensure our solutions are supported by facts and data proven to generate measurable business impact. You can do this too to justify the impact of your branding.

Myth #6: Branding Is All About Selling

Banding isn’t about constant sales pitches. Instead, it’s more like cultivating a meaningful relationship. You initiate a conversation, get to know your audience, and when the moment is right, you mutually decide to take the next step. Your brand becomes the trusted companion in this journey, focus on making this relationship with your audience not just memorable but also genuinely valuable.

Myth #7: You Need a Big Team for Effective Branding

Small teams, big impact – while a large team can be an asset, it’s not a prerequisite for success. With the right strategy, creativity, and focus, a small team can craft a brand that rivals the big players.

Branding is serious business … and fun!

Myth #8: Branding Is All Serious Business

Sure, branding is serious business, but it’s also where creativity shines. Injecting personality, humor, and a dash of quirkiness into your brand can make it memorable and relatable. Remember, people connect with people, so let your brand’s human side shine. Your brand is like a good friend – someone you can have fun with.

About the Author

Quynh Nguyen is the Founder & Managing Director at 80/20. A strategist trained in human centered design, she believes in using the power of empathy to unlock creativity and innovation.

Join Quynh for her Brew Asia workshop “Bottle to Brand: Elevating Your Brewery Brand Strategy” (19th October, Ho Chi Minh City)

About 80/20

80/20 is a brand consulting agency part of the Cimigo group.

Born with a contrarian urge: To do things in the simplest and most effective way. To do them with joy and playfulness. Where others complicate, we simplify.

Come to us if you are looking for bite-sized innovations for your brand which will deliver the maximum impact!