4 Key Branding Secrets for Success From A Vancouver Creative Marketing Agency

Everyone dreams of building a successful business and brand. But what are the key elements that help the biggest names stay on top? Today, we’re pulling back the curtain to reveal the top four branding secrets that all successful brands share. At Unicorn Marketing Co, a creative marketing agency based in Vancouver, we use these strategies to help female-led businesses, non-profits, and like-minded organizations build lasting brand success.

Ready to unlock your brand’s potential? Here are the essentials:

Consistency is Key

Strong brands live by one golden rule: consistency. At Unicorn Marketing Co, we know that a unified, clear message is easier for your audience to remember. Think of it this way—if you’re memorizing a sequence of numbers, repeating it the same way each time is the only way to remember it. But if you change the order every time, you’ll end up confused. The same applies to branding.

If you want to be memorable, make it easy for your customers. Stick with the same graphics, designs, logos, colours, and messaging across all platforms. Our team helps businesses create cohesive branding strategies that stand the test of time, ensuring your brand stays consistent and clear, no matter the medium.

Build Intrinsic Value

How do you measure the worth of a brand? It’s more than just dollars and cents—it’s about the emotion and trust you build with your customers. Starbucks, for example, has intrinsic value that far exceeds its tangible assets. Customers don’t just buy a cup of coffee; they buy into the experience, the reliability, and the story behind that iconic green logo. Love ’em or hate ’em, they’re doing marketing right!

A great example of a brand that builds intrinsic value is Patagonia. The outdoor apparel company is known not just for high-quality products but also for its commitment to environmental sustainability. Patagonia’s intrinsic value comes from the strong emotional connection it has built with customers who share the brand’s values, such as protecting the planet and supporting ethical production practices.

Their “Worn Wear” program, which encourages customers to repair and reuse their gear, and their bold environmental activism, resonate deeply with their target audience. This loyalty and trust give Patagonia a significant intrinsic value beyond the products they sell, much like Starbucks or Apple. Customers are often willing to pay more because they believe in the brand’s mission.

You guessed it… At Unicorn Marketing Co., we specialize in helping businesses grow this kind of intrinsic value. Whether it’s through crafting a compelling brand story, fostering emotional connections with your audience, or building a socially conscious brand, we’ll help you create a loyal customer base that chooses your brand over competitors, time and time again.

In today’s world, consumers are increasingly drawn to brands that stand for something beyond their products. By aligning your business with values like sustainability, ethical practices, or community involvement, you not only build trust but also create a deeper connection with customers who share those values. We help you weave these important messages into your branding, so your business becomes more than just a service—it becomes a force for good that resonates with socially conscious consumers.

Strategic Storytelling

Successful brands know how to tell a good story. Take Toms Shoes—their mission of helping poverty-stricken communities through their “One for One” model turned customers into loyal fans. Supercrush is another great example – this mother-daughter duo know how to simplify a person’s journey to getting great hair, and they have fun sharing their entrepreneurial journey along the way.

Okay, our last example is Strawberry Milk Mob… If you know, you know. This TikTok profile has gone viral multiple times and blown up to over 2.2 million followers. For a bikini brand in Vancouver. How did this solopreneur do it? Well, she uses the power of storytelling to be relatable enough, talk directly to her audience’s pain points, and makes jokes about her boyfriend ‘Brad’ – that’s probably not his name, but we’re all drinking this Koolaid.

These are all incredible examples that show stories resonate because they’re relatable, meaningful, and emotional. Our approach to storytelling is all about crafting a narrative that connects with your ideal customers. We dive deep into what matters to your audience and create brand stories that inspire loyalty and trust. If you’re not sure what story your brand should tell, we can help you find it and strategically weave it into your marketing efforts.

Solid Design That Lasts

Trends come and go, but solid design stands the test of time. Just look at Coca-Cola—their logo has barely changed in 40 years. Why? Because it was built on a foundation of strong, timeless design principles. On the flipside of this, KitKat recently rebranded – ever so slightly – to keep their brand integrity alive, nod to the older version of the company, and to amplify the ‘break’ that each chocolate bar offers. Similarly, Saje, which started just down the street from my apartment in the Lonsdale Quay, recently rebranded with subtle adjustments. While it’s hard to distinguish from the old branding, the new design has a modern, sleek feel that feels fresh while staying true to its roots.

At Unicorn Marketing Co., we believe that good design should transcend the latest trends and remain relevant for years to come. We create branding that not only looks amazing but also lasts. Whether you need a brand refresh or a complete redesign, we’ll work with you to craft visuals that reflect your business’s essence, while also ensuring your brand can evolve without losing its core identity.

How Unicorn Marketing Can Help You Succeed

Consistency, intrinsic value, strategic storytelling, and solid design are the cornerstones of every successful brand. If you’re ready to take your brand to the next level but aren’t sure how to implement these strategies, Unicorn Marketing Co is here to help.

Our creative marketing team specializes in building brands with purpose, personality, and longevity. From defining your brand’s message to creating visuals that stand out, we’ll guide you every step of the way. Want to know more? Book a 30 minute introduction!

Let’s make some magic with your small business!

If you are interested in learning more about building your brand, check out this blog about ‘Strengthening Your Brand Identity With Brand Colours,’ ‘Critical Elements Your Brand Needs’ and this one all about ‘Why Branding is Good Investment’.

Listen to our Magic Hour Podcast which is an intentional space where we show up to let our curiosity drive inclusive, empowering conversations about marketing, design, entrepreneurship, and socially conscious topics.

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