An eight step sassy guide
Dummy? Not you!! You’re a rockstar who just doesn’t have all your stars aligned right now. But you will!
So, you’ve decided to take the plunge and start a business. Good for you! But hold on—before you get too excited about your future as the next business mogul, there’s something we need to talk about: branding. You know, that little thing that makes your business recognizable, memorable, and actually worth talking about. You might think it’s just slapping a logo on everything, but honey, it’s so much more than that.
8 STEPS TO ALIGNING THOSE STARS*.
ONE
Define Your Brand—It’s Not Just Your Logo, Darling
Let’s get one thing straight: your brand is not just your logo. It’s the vibe, the mood, the whole aura of your business. Think of it like this: if your business were a person, how would they dress? What would they say? Would they sip martinis at a rooftop bar or chug a craft beer at the local dive? Nail this down because if you don’t know who your brand is, no one else will either.
TWO
Know Your Audience—No, They’re Not “Everyone”
Here’s a reality check: your product or service is not for everyone. Seriously. Trying to appeal to everyone is like trying to please your in-laws and your best friend at the same dinner party—impossible. Narrow down your target audience. Who are they? What do they like? Where do they hang out? Stalk them on social media if you have to, just figure out who you’re talking to before you open your mouth (or launch that ad campaign).
THREE
Be Consistent—Yes, You Have to Stick to the Plan
Consistency is key, darling. It’s like choosing a hairstyle—pick one and rock it. Whether it’s your tone of voice, your colour scheme, or your social media presence, keep it consistent. If your brand is quirky, stay quirky. If it’s sophisticated, don’t suddenly start using Comic Sans. Inconsistency is confusing, and confusion is the kryptonite of branding.
FOUR
Create a Killer Logo—But Don’t Be Extra About It
Ah, the logo. The tiny little graphic that’s supposed to encapsulate everything about your business in one fell swoop. No pressure. The trick is to keep it simple but meaningful. Don’t overcomplicate things with too many colours, fonts, or hidden symbols that require a decoder ring to understand. You want people to recognise it instantly, not spend five minutes squinting at it wondering if it’s abstract art.
FIVE
Build a Story—People Love a Good Tale
People don’t just buy products or services; they buy stories. What’s yours? Why did you start this business? What problem are you solving? Make it juicy, make it relatable, and for the love of all things holy, make it authentic. Nobody’s buying the “I started in my garage with $5” story unless it’s actually true. Be real, be human, and people will connect with your brand.
six
Get Social—But Don’t Be Annoying
In today’s world, if your business isn’t on social media, does it even exist? But here’s the catch—just being on social media isn’t enough. You need to engage with your audience. That means posting consistently, responding to comments, and not just posting selfies of your dog (unless, of course, your brand is about dogs—then by all means, post away). But for everyone else, keep it relevant, keep it fun, and for goodness’ sake, keep it on-brand.
SEVEN
Evolve—But Don’t Lose Your Identity
Brands need to grow and evolve, just like you. But there’s a fine line between evolving and having an identity crisis. Don’t suddenly become something you’re not just because it’s trendy. Trends fade, but a strong brand can last forever. Stay true to your core values, but don’t be afraid to spice things up when necessary. Just make sure the spice fits the dish, okay?
EIGHT
Brand It Everywhere—No Really, Everywhere
Once you’ve got your branding locked down, slap it on everything. Business cards, social media profiles, your website, your mom’s fridge (okay, maybe not that last one, but you get the idea). The more people see it, the more they’ll remember it. And trust me, memorability is half the battle.
In Conclusion
Branding isn’t rocket science, but it’s not child’s play either. It’s about creating a cohesive identity that resonates with your audience and stands the test of time. So, roll up your sleeves, put on your thinking cap, and get to work. You’ve got a brand to build, and darling, I have no doubt you’ll do it fabulously.