If your brand is slipping from the spotlight, you need help getting back front and center. In today’s competitive business arena, it’s essential that you adapt to what is new and stay on top of your game.

Here are 6 tips that will help you get your brand back where it needs to be – in front of your target audience.

1. Stay connected to your audience. Today you have to reach out to your customers and those who are like-minded. This can be accomplished by connecting through sites like Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest and other communities. It’s up to you to know which ones are relevant to your business.

2. Do people think your product is the “cat’s meow”? When people are crazy about your product or service, it tends to go viral. Keep track of what your customers think about your product; focus on the usability and how it can enhance your unique brand.

Also don’t underestimate the loyalty you’re customers and employees have to your brand and business. At the same time, if loyalty issues are a challenge with your business, find unique ways to get people on board with what you have to offer.

3. Discover the differences that set you apart from the competition. Maybe you offer a better guarantee or gave an outstanding product association. Avoid being generic; any business can brag about their great customer service.

4. Become more visible. In order to create a memorable brand, it is essential that you constantly strive to get your core values and message in front of the largest possible audience. Go above and beyond the traditional advertising methods. Participate in community events, sponsor charitable organizations, make it your business to become a recognized presence at industry trade shows. If you can’t go big in those areas find ways to be visible in online communities relating to your industry, in social media and through building a solid email loyalty list.

5. Remember that your brand identity isn’t just a logo and slogan. Your brand should flow through every aspect of your business, from the product and company to personality, messaging and online presence. How you are perceived visually and mentally by your potential target audience makes all the difference.

6. Your brand… what does it stand for? And is it wise for you to get political on social media?
Before you step into the divisive and murky waters of political posting and sharing of devise posts, think twice. Put your emotions aside, bias and opinions. Unless your business is one of news, politics for social change, you should tread carefully. Many small business owners can do irreversible damage to their company by getting ‘to personal’ with their beliefs. Be sure your brand managers and social media managers aren’t damaging your brand. Listen well.

A prominent, powerful brand will make the difference in whether you experience mediocre or stellar success with your business. By establishing a strong and memorable presence in your industry, you will see that loyal customers depend on you to provide exceptional products/services repeatedly.

Over time, a strong brand enhances the overall company value and profits as well. You reap a wide scope of benefits that include a higher market share, a high level of awareness and lower cost of promoting your business, as word-of-mouth is often the best form of advertising.

Is your company faltering in the brand department? Maybe it’s time to rejuvenate, put more energy in to your brand or consider a complete make-over.