Branding in healthcare & fitness is key

Branding in healthcare & fitness is key

Whether you own a private practice or Pilates studio, you’re not just building a business, you’re building a brand. Strong branding doesn’t happen overnight. It takes time, hard work, and a clear marketing strategy to become a recognised, trusted and respected brand.  

A strong brand-building process is key to helping you develop a brand that will stand out in the fiercely competitive healthcare or fitness markets. Finding a way to be unique is essential for differentiating yourself from your competitors, both locally and online. When developing TM3 Connect, we wanted to ensure you had the tools required for brand continuity across all platforms and communications. In doing so, you’ll reap the benefits you’ll reap the benefits of a strong brand however before we get to that, let’s go back to the fundamental basics.

What is branding?

A brand is more than a logo, the colours you use, or even your company name. Think about the Coca-Cola Christmas advert, it’s not the company logo or product but you know exactly what it is when you see the ad each year. That’s the effect you want your brand to have on your clients. Your brand is your clients overall perception of your business and services. It’s your reputation and what people say about your business when you’re not there.  

Your branding is a combination of strategy, identity, and clinic or studio marketing. A successful brand is consistent across multiple touchpoints. It seamlessly transitions throughout your website, online bookings, client portal, social media, communications and both your virtual and in-person services. Building a brand requires strategic thinking and planning; it’s about cultivating a positive image whilst also standing out from the crowd.  

It’s a great starting point to think about how you want to be perceived and what you want the world to say about your company: How do you want the world to see your business? This question will set the foundation for your brand.

Why is a strong brand important for success?

A strong brand requires more than a logo and a colour palette. It’s all that and more; it’s your identity. Good branding translates across mediums. By combining skill, creativity, and strategy, you can create a brand that stands out from the competition.  

Here are four reasons your healthcare or fitness business needs a strong brand:  

  1. Trust

Your branding creates a spark between business and client. Your brand tells your story, creates a connection, and builds trust. This connection and trust build gradually over time; it’s not immediate. Generally, people are more likely to purchase or commit to a product or service from a business that feels polished and legitimate. Your branding can reinforce that trust throughout your business. This keeps pushing the point that you are an authority in your niche, and your customers should trust you.  

2. Recognition

Your logo is a major part of your branding. Often, a logo ends up turning into the face of the company. Eventually, you can recognise a brand based solely on a logo. A well-designed and professional logo is powerful and memorable enough to make an impression. A great logo makes an impression on a customer. The better your brand awareness, the more your potential clients will think of you when they see your logo, messaging, services, and products.  

3. Motivate and Inspire

A great brand does more than attract new clients; it motivates and inspires your staff.  When a business has a great brand, it has a mission and an identity that rallies its employees. Your team understands the reason for the business, its purpose. This means they can all work towards a common goal in achieving the mission you have set out. A consistent and unified brand helps to create passionate employees. The brand is reinforced in your design and logo and in the daily interactions your members have with your team.  

4. Generate Clients

A strong brand presence helps to generate clients. It solidifies your business in your customer’s minds, making them more likely to refer their friends and family. Successful businesses, small or large, have established themselves as a leader and authority in their niche. A strong brand helps you build that authority that will mean customers will come to you because you are unique and stand out from the competition.

Branding Framework

Next week, we’ll be releasing our 5-step framework for healthcare and fitness branding success. Until then though, why not book a one-to-one demo and discover the benefits of our whitelabelled client portals, mobile apps and online booking sites for your business.