In the five steps of branding, which of the following is not included?

The process of branding typically involves five key steps that focus on establishing and growing a brand in a way that resonates with consumers. Among those steps, identifying a target audience, creating a brand strategy, and monitoring brand performance are all essential components.

Identifying a target audience is crucial because it helps the brand understand who their potential customers are, what their needs and desires might be, and how to reach them effectively. A well-defined audience is the foundation for any successful branding effort.

Creating a brand strategy involves developing a unique brand positioning, messaging, and visual identity. This step guides how the brand communicates and engages with its audience, ensuring consistency across all platforms and touchpoints.

Monitoring brand performance is important because it allows brands to assess how well they are resonating with their target audience and whether adjustments are needed in their strategy. This often includes tracking metrics such as brand awareness, customer feedback, and sales performance.

Identifying a similar competitive brand, while it may provide insights into market positioning, is not typically considered a formal step in the branding process. Instead, competitive analysis is usually part of broader marketing research that helps inform the brand's strategy but does not constitute a distinct step in the branding framework. Thus, this is why it’s excluded from the primary