If you’re a small business owner of any kind, surely you’ve heard about “brand building.” A dozen different business writers will describe it a dozen different ways, but a solid definition is: enhancing your brand’s equity, awareness, and connection with consumers through consistent messaging and unique point of view. Brand building helps you reach more customers, create a public presence, and show off your unique value proposition.

So what does bottled water have to do with brand building? Read on.

How Can Custom Labels Help Build Your Brand?

Promotional giveaways run the gamut from useless to sublime. Bottled water with custom branded labels may have a short shelf life—from handout to drink to the recycling bin—but it can have a big impact.

Think of your custom-labeled water bottles as a way to start relationships with potential customers. This little plastic bottle can:

  • Start a dialogue. The person holding the bottle now knows who you are and what you do. When you include a strong call-to-action on your label, they know what the next step is.
  • Make an impression. The design, copy, and call-to-action should be true to your company’s mission and voice.
  • Illustrate your brand promise. A good custom label tells the potential customer what to expect from your business—whether you’re high-end, discount, artistic, fast, delicious, expert, or fun!
  • Differentiate you from your competition. Custom-labeled water bottles are like travelling billboards that put your company in the public eye.

Looking for inspiration? Check out some clever advertising to spark ideas.

Beyond the Logo: Custom Labels That Work

You can do a lot more with your custom-labeled water bottles than just show off your logo and give your web address.

  • For events like conferences, conventions, home shows, or speaking engagements, ask a question or use language relevant to the event. For instance:
    • Exhibiting at a home show? If you’re a remodeler, your label might read: “Got some great home ideas at the 2013 Home Expo? Make sure they’re done right. Call us for an estimate.” Or: “Don’t let those home ideas collect dust. Bring them to life with Company Name Remodeling.”
    • At a speaking engagement: “Have questions about the ‘Top Ten Challenges in Home Health Care’ Talk? Email Company Associates.”
    • You can even go the cheesy route: “Thirsty for more effective marketing strategies? Visit us at companyname.com.”
  • At fundraisers or events your company is sponsoring, either keep it low-profile or do the event or organization a solid:
    • A simple logo-and-info label is appropriate here. You might add a mention of the event: “Polly’s Fine Pastries Supports the Work of the Poodle Rescue Foundation.”
    • If you feel comfortable with it, you can tie the label in with the fundraiser or event: “Bring this bottle to Gloria’s Goggles for recycling and we will donate $1 to the Crayons for Kids Fund.”
  • At your place of business:
    • Labeled water bottles are a great takeaway for customers, potential clients, and visitors. A logo-ed label is perfect for this use. You can change up the design for the seasons or for any special promotions.
  • Which brings us to: special promotions!
    • Promo codes printed on the label not only help to bring in business, but they can also be used to track the effectiveness of your marketing.
    • Advertise specials, sales, or events on your custom water bottle labels.

When you’re ready to make a marketing splash, contact Endless Waters for custom-labeled bottled water.