I can’t stress enough how much an impact a quality brand identity has on your business. This includes everything from the photography choices, color palette, logo and other design elements. Don’t undervalue the role that this “look and feel” has in your business. Good design builds trust! Without consciously acknowledging it, the design of a website, business card or advertisement impacts our initial impression of a business. When it comes to your business, here are a few pitfalls you can easily avoid, in order to make your brand identity as quality as your business is.
AVOIDING ESTABLISHING A BRAND IDENTITY
There is no way around producing marketing materials without a brand identity. Even if you only have a website, you still are required to establish a look + feel. What colors evoke your brand? What typefaces speak to your audience? Photography style? It is necessary and actually such a fun way to see your vision come to light. So before you get any marketing materials such as flyers, and/or business cards, make sure you establish your brand identity.
PURCHASING A CHEAP LOGO
Insert cringing emoji here lol. There are several sites that offer logos as cheap as $50. While this may seem like a great way to save money up front, I urge you not to do it. You will be guaranteed to end up with a logo that does not reflect your vision, value or quality you deserve. Also, you are most likely going to replace this cheap logo down the road, so really you are spending more money by having to hire this service twice. You deserve quality, and it is best to establish a cohesive brand up front.
TRYING THE DIY METHOD
I totally understand wanting to have control over every aspect of your business, however it is best to stick with what you do best. Whether that is photography, event planning or creating products, you should spend your energy there. Though you may know your way around Photoshop, brand identity designers are better suited to reflect your business in the best way possible. This will save you loads of time and grief.
CHANGING YOUR BRANDING FREQUENTLY
If you are constantly revising your brand identity drastically, it is most likely due to the desire to conform to design trends. You want to build a timeless brand, rather than one that constantly shifts. Through sticking with one brand identity, you build a cohesive brand, that in return reflects immediate recognition + trust among your followers and advocates.
RUSHING THROUGH THE PROCESS
Though you may feel overwhelmed with the growth you are seeing in your business, I urge you to not take the brand identity process lightly. Take time to invest in defining the vision behind your brand, and discover your business purpose. These details help your designer truly reflect your business, so that you are left with a brand that just fits you perfectly! By taking the time up front, you are less likely to re-brand in the future.
HOW TO AVOID THESE PITFALLS
The best way to avoid these common mistakes in your brand is to invest the time up front. Try to understand what makes your business unique, as well as define your purpose. Once you have a good grasp of your vision, hire a quality designer to give a face to your brand, and help build a cohesive design. If you would like to
work with me for your brand identity + web needs shoot me an email cmsnia@gmail.com.
NEXT WEEK ARTICLE EXCLUSIVE PREVIEW
Breakfast is Haute-N-Ready!
For some getting started, or even just going through a revamp, establishing a brand can be a creative process but also a source of stress. Once you have a good idea of what you’d like your brand to convey, the next step is to translate these ideas into a look and voice. Your brand is the first touch point your followers will make with your product or service, and putting your best face forward is pretty haute!
Check out what Fashion Blogger & Social Media Specialist, Leslie Eugene revealed about visually branding yourself. Next Tuesday, Dec 13th right here on Branding for Breakfast. Subscribe to our email list to receive news & updates.