Brand vs Branding vs Brand Identity

“Oh, I love their branding!” — How many times have you said this after spotting a cute logo or snazzy ad? But here’s the tea: that thing you’re pointing at could be the brand, the branding, or the brand identity. Yep, three different beasts. And if you’re a founder, marketer, or design nerd, understanding the difference is the ultimate power move.

This blog unpacks the differences between brand, branding, and brand identity, clears up the mess of misconceptions, and explores how these elements work together to build unforgettable businesses. We’ll also peek into what makes companies like Apple, Amazon, and AirBnB the gods of branding.

Read till the end to become fluent in branding lingo and learn how to flex your business identity like a pro!

Key Takeaways

• Brand, branding, and brand identity aren’t interchangeable. Know the difference.
  
• A strong brand strategy is rooted in emotion and perception.
  
• Branding is the ongoing process; brand identity is the visual output.
  
• Misunderstanding these terms can derail your entire marketing brand game.
  
• Real-world examples (Apple, Amazon, LV, etc.) show how it all plays out brilliantly.

What Is a Brand?

Your brand is what people feel when they hear your company’s name. It’s the gut reaction, the trust factor, the vibe, the story. It’s not created by you; it’s shaped by your audience.

As Jeff Bezos famously said, “Your brand is what people say about you when you’re not in the room.”

Brand = Perception

Think reputation. Your brand is made of:

• Customer Perception
  
• Emotional Connection
  
• Brand Values
  
• Experience Across Touchpoints
  

Misconceptions About Brand, Branding & Brand Identity

Misconception	Reality
Branding is just a logo	Branding is the entire experience
Brand = Identity	Brand = Perception, Identity = Visuals
Once you design a brand kit, you’re done	Branding is an ongoing process

One of the most dangerous myths? Thinking that branding and marketing are the same. Nope. Marketing pushes a message. Branding pulls people in.

“Design is the silent ambassador of your brand.“

Brand, Branding & Brand Identity For Business

The Brand: The Soul

Your brand is the story. It’s how your audience feels about you. It’s your voice, your values, and the emotional bridge you build.

Branding: The Action

This is the branding process, what you do to shape perception. It involves:

• Brand Position: A brand position serves to answer the question, “Why should people buy from us instead of anyone else?” As an example, Volvo’s positioning  built around safety, and Tesla’s position as innovators and champions of sustainability.
  
• Product Branding: This is how you build and communicate the identity of specific products or services as part of your offering. This gives strong branding to individual products, which differentiates them, allows them to connect with a specific customer function, and creates an overall positive impression of the brand.
  
• Customer Experience (CX): The sum of all interactions a customer has with your brand, from their first encounter (seeing an ad) to the post-purchase experience. Every interaction counts, whether it be your website, retail store, customer service, or social media, and creates their perception of your brand.
  
• Tone of Voice: The personality of your brand, when speaking to its audience. For instance, Old Spice has a voice that is humorous and absurd, while a luxury brand like Rolex has an understated sophistication.
  
• Social Media and Branding Strategies: In the digital age, social media is a powerful tool for branding. This involves developing a cohesive strategy for how your brand appears and interacts on various social platforms.  Consider how brands like Nike use compelling visuals and inspirational messaging on Instagram to reinforce their athletic and empowering brand image.

SimplePlan’s brand designing services don’t just deliver pixel-perfect logos. They help you strategise, build messaging, and carve out a unique space in your customer’s mind.

Brand Identity: The Skin

This is the face of the brand — visual cues like logos, colours, typography, iconography, and photography style. Think of this as your brand’s wardrobe and makeup. It should match the personality you want to portray.

How to create a brand kit that actually works:

• Use consistent typography, colours, and logo placement.
  
• Create templates for social, print, and web.
  
• Maintain tone and voice guides.
  

LEARN MORE: Power of Verbal Branding

Why It Matters?

Still not convinced this isn’t just marketing fluff? Here’s why it matters:

• Builds trust and credibility.
  
• Makes you recognisable.
  
• Sets you apart in saturated markets.
  
• Fuels word-of-mouth referrals.
  

Want to learn how to grow a brand consistently? Nail your brand strategy, then let your branding and marketing reinforce it every day.

Examples of Great Brands & Why They Work

1. Apple: Emotional Excellence

Apple doesn’t sell gadgets. It sells aspiration, minimalism, creativity. Its brand identity ideas are sleek, futuristic, and consistent. Their branding strategies scream “Think Different” — and we do.

2. Amazon: Customer Obsession

Amazon’s brand = convenience, speed, reliability. From its smiley logo to its UX-first design, every part of its product branding supports this brand promise.

3. Hermès: Legacy in Luxury

Hermès nails brand marketing definition. Scarcity, craftsmanship, exclusivity. Their brand identity? Iconic orange boxes, serif fonts, horse-and-carriage elegance.

4. Louis Vuitton: Consistent Class

LV’s monogram is more than a logo. It’s a lifestyle. The branding ideas here tie deeply into history, celebrity culture, and status.

5. AirBnB: Belonging Everywhere

Their branding is all about emotion, belonging. From the logo (the “Bélo”) to the brand voice, they make you feel at home, worldwide.

Each of these shows how brand and branding together can build empires.

Conclusion

In the end, it’s not just about how good your design is. It’s how well you connect. That’s what branding does. That’s how you create a professional brand. That’s how you become a brand.

Let’s face it: anyone can launch a business these days. But building a professional brand that actually sticks in people’s minds? That takes intention, strategy, and soul.

A business sells. A brand connects. A business offers services. A brand offers meaning. Your audience isn’t just buying your product; they’re buying into your story, your vibe, your values. That’s where branding steps in as the MVP. It humanises your company, differentiates you in a sea of sameness, and builds long-term trust.

So, don’t just aim to look good. Aim to feel right. That’s what a strong brand does. It feels familiar, dependable, and alive.

If you’re looking to revamp or even just define your brand overview, SimplePlan Media is here to help you build a brand that talks, walks, and works.