One effective way to enhance your store’s visual appeal and establish credibility is by displaying the logos of the brands you sell. However, it’s essential to do this properly and responsibly to maintain good relationships with these brands. Here’s why and how you should go about it.
The Advantages of Displaying Brand Logos
Displaying the logos of the brands you sell has numerous benefits:
1. Increased Trust and Credibility: Customers are more likely to trust your site if they see familiar and reputable brand logos.
2. Enhanced Visual Appeal: Brand logos can enhance the aesthetic of your website, making it look more professional and appealing. For instance, a website selling high-end fashion could use the logos of luxury brands to create a sense of exclusivity and sophistication.
3. Free Marketing for Brands: It provides free marketing and exposure for the brands, showcasing their products on your platform.
Improved Website User Experience
Displaying brand logos on your eCommerce site can significantly enhance the user experience. A good user experience on an eCommerce website can mean the difference between success and failure for any online store. If shoppers become annoyed or frustrated with the user experience, they will bounce, and you will have lost yourself a sale… and potentially a long term customer!
Some specific enhancements to the user experience of your website when adding Brand logos include:
1. Easy Navigation: Shoppers often use brands as a way to find other products you offer from the same brand. By allowing users to click/tap a brand’s logo to view all products you stock from that brand, you create a more engaging and seamless browsing experience.
2. Boosted Sales: When customers can easily find and browse all products from their favourite brands, it can lead to increased sales. They might discover additional products they weren’t initially looking for, thereby increasing their purchase volume.
A good User experience increases customer satisfaction, encourages repeat visits, and drives higher sales by making it easy and enjoyable for shoppers to find and purchase products.
Seeking Permission and Adhering to Guidelines
Before displaying any brand logos on your website, it’s vital to seek permission from each brand. Here’s why:
1. Professionalism: Reaching out to brands to request permission demonstrates professionalism and respect for their intellectual property. Failure to do so could result in legal action or damage to your reputation.
2. Brand Integrity: Brands have specific guidelines on how their logos should be used. Some might have strict rules, while others might be more flexible. Adhering to these guidelines is not just a sign of respect, but also a responsibility that you, as a retailer, play in maintaining the integrity of the brands you sell.
3. Building Relationships: This approach can build trust with the brands. It shows that you value your relationship with them and are willing to adhere to their standards, which can lead to stronger partnerships and collaboration opportunities in the future. It can start a conversation that opens doors.
The Process of Seeking Permission
1. Research Brand Guidelines: Before reaching out, research the brand’s guidelines regarding logo usage. Some brands provide these guidelines on their websites.
2. Contact the Brand: Send a formal request to the brand, explaining how you intend to use their logo and asking for their permission.
3. Follow Up: If you don’t receive a response, follow up with a polite reminder.
4. Adhere to Guidelines: Once you receive permission, ensure that you follow all the brand’s guidelines strictly.
If for whatever reason you don’t get a response or are explicitly denied permission to use the Brand’s logo, then be prepared to have a placeholder image that fits with your website’s design. As long as you have a majority of Brand Logos available, you’ll be able to reap the benefits.
Conclusion
Displaying brand logos with the proper permissions and guidelines in place not only enhances the user experience, visual appeal and credibility of your eCommerce site but also fosters positive relationships with the brands you represent and can open doors to partnerships, promotions and other opportunities that would not have been available otherwise. This attention to detail can set you apart as a responsible and trustworthy retailer, committed to maintaining the integrity of the brands you sell.
In summary, taking the time to seek permission and adhere to brand guidelines is a minor effort considering the significant benefits for your eCommerce business and your standing as a business owner. It’s a win-win situation for both you and the brands you partner with, leading to a more professional, attractive, and credible online store. The process may seem daunting, but the rewards in terms of enhanced trust, visual appeal, and free marketing are well worth the effort.
By taking these practices to heart and making them part of your personal values, you can ensure that your eCommerce store and your reputation as a business owner stand out as professional and trustworthy. This, in turn, will strengthen relationships with the brands you sell and encourage word-of-mouth growth of your own reputation and brand.
