Image isn't everything - or is it?

 		Print
Written by Damian   
January 14, 2010

buy_from_this_guy

For our very first blog entry I wanted to write about something that I think needs to be addressed in a big way. A blog article for business's and individuals who have yet to wake up about how important their brand image is and the role it plays on their success.

We live in a visual world and no matter how you look at it (no pun intended) we depend on our eyes to interpret everything we interact with. From the food we eat to the car we drive we use our eyes to weigh in on our visual acceptance of what we buy and use in our every day life

I'm sure you have heard the saying "You Eat With Your Eyes". And its true as countless studies have shown that we humans are more prone to ordering something that we can visually see on a restaurant menu than something we can't. Sure we have our favorites, but when it comes down to a split decision between two entrees more often than not we will choose the one we can digest with our eyes. This same concept rings true for everything we purchase as an individual and as a business. If it looks good it must be good or at least good enough to consider.

So why do so many business's disregard this obvious human behavior when it comes to their brand image?

Who knows for sure, maybe some just don't see the importance of good design or just don't know where to get it or wouldn't know good design if it hit them. Perhaps they think that their product or service will sell itself - wishful thinking if you ask me. So here is my opportunity to yell at the top of my lungs to all of those who need to hear this. YOUR IMAGE IS MORE IMPORTANT TODAY THAN IT EVER HAS BEEN! You have to stand out from the ocean of competition and look professional if you want people to trust in your product or service. You have to acknowledge that you live in an information age where good design and well formatted marketing concepts make the difference between success and failure. Think about your favorite brands, you know like Coke, Pepsi, HP, Microsoft, Ford, Sony, Intel, Mac.... These brands understand that image is everything (aside from having a great product of course) and they invest in their brand image.

Take a moment and grade yourself. Try to visit your website like a new prospect would and imagine yourself in their shoes. Look at all your marketing materials that make up your brand image and then ask yourself "Does my brand image stand up to the standards I hold other businesses to?".