Building Your Business Brand from Scratch
As a business owner I'm sure you’ve dreamt of creating a brand that represents what you stand for, attracts the right audience, and sets you apart from the competition. Starting from scratch can seem intimidating, but you can build a brand that does all those things, with the right steps.
Understand Your Core Identity
What is that? Well, a core identity in branding deals with the fundamentals that define a business’s or organization's character, it helps distinguish it from competitors. It’s the foundation for the WHOLE business. How do you understand what yours is? Here’s how:
1. Define Your Mission and Vision
Start by articulating what your business stands for. What problems are you solving? Who are you solving them for? Your mission and vision statements should reflect your business’s core purpose, what you aim to achieve, and what you hope to accomplish in the future.
Ex. Life Coach business
Mission:
"To empower individuals to achieve their personal and professional goals by providing personalized coaching and support, creating an environment where change is not only possible but inevitable."
Vision:
"To be recognized as a catalyst for transformative personal growth, helping thousands worldwide to achieve a balanced and fulfilling lifestyle."
2. Identify Your Target Audience
Knowing who your brand is speaking to is crucial. Define your ideal customer’s demographics, interests, and pain points(specific problems that potential customers experience). This will guide your branding efforts and help you craft messages that resonate deeply with your audience.
“Mid-career professionals, male or female, between the ages of 30 and 50 who are looking to navigate significant life transitions, or advance their careers. This group is typically well-educated and values personal development.”
3. What Are Your Values?
These are your beliefs and principles that will guide your business's actions and decision-making processes. Values help shape the culture within your business and how you interact with customers, communities, and partners.
“Empathy, Integrity, Commitment, and Respect.”
4. Come Up With Your Brand Personality
This is the set of human characteristics associated with the brand. It could be friendly, professional, innovative, caring, etc. Brand personality helps with forming a connection with the target audience by conveying the brand’s identity in relatable terms.
“Warm, inspiring, and approachable. This life coach brand is like a wise friend who’s always there to guide you through life’s ups and downs with a smile and a gentle, yet insightful, push towards your best self.”
5. What Is Your Unique Selling Proposition (USP)?
This is a clear statement that describes the unique benefit offered by the business, how it solves customers' needs, and what distinguishes it from the competition.
"Being a certified therapist for 30 years, I combine proven psych techniques with personalized tools, I offer a transformative coaching experience that not only changes your mindset but actively shapes your future to align with your deepest desires."
Create Your Visual Identity
1. Design a Memorable Logo and Color Scheme
Your logo and color scheme are often the first things people will notice about your brand. Choose colors and designs that stand out and also communicate the essence of your brand’s personality. If you aren’t sure where to start, consider hiring a web designer!
2. Design Consistency Across All Channels
Consistency is key in branding. Ensure that your visual elements and tone are uniform across all marketing materials, from your business cards to your website to your social media.
Amplify Your Brand
1. Build an Online Presence
Building an online presence is essential for businesses and individuals looking to expand their reach and influence. It starts with a well-designed website that serves as the hub of your online business identity, boosted by active engagement on social media platforms where most people spend their time. Consistently creating and sharing valuable content, such as blog posts, videos, and resources, can establish you as the go-to business in your field. SEO (Search Engine Optimization) is crucial in making your content discoverable, by increasing your visibility in search engine results. If social media is not your strong suit, consider hiring a social media manager.
2. Engage and Evolve
Engage with your audience through regular updates, prompt customer service, and community involvement. Stay open to feedback and be ready to evolve your brand as you grow and learn more about your market. Your audience will not only remember the service or product you provided to them, but how they were treated in the process.
By following these steps and staying true to your vision, you can create a brand that not only looks great but also connects and grows. Go ahead and start building a brand that you're proud to call your own!
If you're ready to start building your online presence, check out our website template designs in our template shop. Or reach out to work with us!
