Big brand energy for small businesses 🍄
When you hear the words “brand strategy,” what comes to mind?
Maybe you picture corporate board rooms, endless marketing budgets, and fancy consultants with buzzwords that go over your head. 😅
But brand strategy isn’t just for the big wigs.
It’s for everyone – whether you’re running a cozy coffee shop, selling handmade products, or managing a small town restaurant.
And when done right, brand strategy can turn your business into something your customers cant ignore.
Let me show you what I mean, with a little help from one of my favorite brands: Alice Mushrooms.
Meet Alice: The mushroom brand that’s more than chocolate.
Alice Mushrooms makes functional mushroom chocolates – decadent, fair trade treats packed with nootropics, adaptogens, and all kinds of mushroom magic you didn’t know you needed.
The products are fantastic – beautiful even. I use them daily, and when I skip a day, I definitely feel it.
But what makes Alice so special is their brand.
They’ve built a brand that pulls you into their story. It leaves you curious, excited, and craving more. That’s the power of brand strategy – it’s the difference between a product you scroll past and one that makes you stop and think, “Woah buddy, this feels like it was made just for me.”
Here’s how Alice gets it right – and what small businesses can learn from their approach.
1 – Nostalgia meets modern design.
The first thing to catch my eye when it came to the Alice Mushrooms brand was their nostalgic yet modern aesthetic. Their branding feels like stepping into a whimsical, mushroom infused storybook. In the visuals, you’ll notice the playful nods towards Alice in Wonderland and a touch of old-school charm.
This design choice isn’t just another pretty aesthetic – it’s strategic.
Nostalgia builds trust by tapping into your happy memories, while the modern elements keep it relevant for today’s buyers.
⚡ Thoughtful design creates emotional connections. Whether it’s a logo, packaging, or the vibe of your store, think about how you want your customers to feel when they interact with your brand.
2 – Bold, memorable experiences.
When Alice was in the beginning stages of building their brand, they decided to be bold and create a fun, unforgettable experience. Ya know, something to get people talking and spread that WOM gold.
They rented a 1969 Chevrolet ice cream truck to tour California and bring their products directly to consumers to increase brand visibility and have direct customer engagement. This experiential marketing tactic was to create an unforgettable experience that boosted their visibility AND allowed them to engage with their audience face-to-face.
⚡ You don’t need an ice cream truck to stand out (though it helps). Small, bold touches – like hosting a pop-up event or including handwritten notes with your orders – can leave a lasting impression on your buyers.
3 – Educating through packaging.
Alice knows chocolate is great, but knowledge and how to use functional chocolate is better. 😏
Their packaging makes it easy to use their product by offering educational information right there in your hands. Flip the tin, and you’ll see a list of active ingredients and dosages, making it easy to understand what you’re consuming and how much to take.
And if you want more information, it’s easily found on the FAQ page on their website.
⚡ You can use your branding to add value. Whether it’s through your website, socials, or product labels, find ways to teach your customers about your products. When people feel informed, they’re more likely to trust – and buy – from you.
Brand Strategy for Small Business Branding
Alice proves that brand strategy isn’t reserved for the Amazons and Apples of the world.
Ultimately, brand strategy is about making intentional choices – choosing visuals, touchpoints, and experiences that align with your values and connect with your buyers.
For small businesses, this could look like:
Eco-friendly packaging: Use packaging as an opportunity to show your sustainability efforts in action. For example, swap traditional materials for recycled or compostable options, and include a short note explaining why you chose them. Strategically, it isn’t just about being sustainable but making sure your customers see and value those efforts, too.
Values-driven touchpoints: Your values can be utilized throughout your whole brand. Share behind-the-scenes stories that highlight how you live out your mission – whether it’s sourcing ethically or donating to local causes – these moments make your brand relatable and trustworthy.
Creating share-worthy moments: Give your customers a reason to talk about you. This could look like designing and unboxing experience that feels personal, a QR code linking to a playlist to pair with your candles, or surprising your restaurant guests with something special. People love to share thoughtful details, and it’s a simple way to create buzz.
The magic lies in finding creative ways to tell your story and helping your customers feel like they’re part of it.
3 simple action steps to start using brand strategy today.
Ready to bring some strategy to your small business? Start here:
Define your values: What does your business stand for? What do you stand for? Let those values guide your brand decisions.
Know your audience: Understand who they are, why your products matter to them, and the things they care about. Connect the ways your brand aligns to their values.
Start small, but be intentional: Whether it’s updating your logo, hosting a local event, or sharing your story online, make sure each move reflects your brands purpose. And remember, the smallest changes can have the biggest impact.
Own your brand, your way.
Look – you don’t need a big budget or fancy team to create a brand you love and are proud of. You just need intention, creativity, and a willingness to share your story.
Alice Mushrooms nailed their strategy with whimsical design, bold experiences, and customer education. Now it’s your turn.
Your brand doesn’t have to be cookie-cutter or overly complicated – it just has to feel like you.
Ready to build a brand that feels like it was made for you (because it is)?
Well lets chat then! I’m taking just 5 Identity Innovator branding clients for 2025. Ready to make your brand something your customers can’t ignore? Book your Discovery Call with me here to get started.