Does branding really matter?Does branding really matter?

Your primary medium for communicating with consumers and with investors is your package. Make sure it leaves a good, and strong, impression. 

Technology is rapidly improving the way people can collect and analyze data. How can you leverage data to boost your brand?

Does distinction in your brand correlate directly with success? CircleUp thinks it might.

Investors look for companies that are ready to scale. Are you ready? 

Have a plan and stick to it, but be adaptable. Stay flexible in terms of categories and channels: Will you be able to expand beyond the product consumers first know you for?  

Figure out early on who the heavy user of your product is—and how you can find more people like them.

Important boxes to check include the traditional three—good price point, good product taste and convenience—but also a fourth, brand and packaging. 

What do you want people to remember about your brand? Write an obituary for it as a thought exercise.

If you need to rebrand, do it earlier than later. But don't rebrand if the problem is in the product and not the packaging.

Be mindful of your channel strategy. One size does not fit all; have appropriate offerings for different channels.