I’ve been swimming in branding clients this past month and a half, and it’s awesome! During a Skype call one of my new branding clients said something that I’ve been thinking about a lot recently.
She found me through a Facebook Group and said she decided to hire me because out of all of the sites she looked at, my site just spoke to her. She loved the colors, she loved the designs and patterns, she loved my logo. And, that make me SO happy to hear. Because my branding, my site, even this blog are 100% me. I’ve put so much of myself and my heart into it and hearing that just makes me want to do a little (super embarrassing) happy dance.
I’m going to let you in on a secret. I rebranded this year because my business coach said that my branding didn’t stand out enough. If I wanted Sass in my business name, I needed create a brand that had more of it. She said that my colors (hot pink, navy, dark grey and pale pink) as they were looked more like they belonged on a wedding invitation than in a Sassy brand. And she was completely right (also, they were totally 4 of the 10 colors I used in my wedding…our wedding was very colorful). My old brand was something that I threw together when I started my business with the done is better perfect mentality. And at the time, it was “perfect”. BUT this time, with 2 years of getting to know my business underway I knew I wanted it to be more fun and more sassy. To show potential clients the kind of work I love and thrive on. So, needless, to say that was a total compliment (happy dancing, remember?)
SOMETHING FOR YOU TO THINK ABOUT:
When was the last time someone told you they connected with you because of your brand and your site?
If it’s been awhile (or it’s never happened!) consider some of the following:
Does your brand embody your business the way you want it to?
Do you want to come off as happy go lucky? As the fierce go-getter? A brand that’s whimsical and carefree? How about vintage and a bit granola? Have you created a brand that embodies those emotions? Because if you don’t see it, your ideal client certainly won’t either.
What sort of message is your brand conveying to people who come to your site?
Think about the colors you’re using. Are they vibrant limes or muted navys? Neither one is bad it’s only bad if it’s not conveying what you want it to. Are you a life coach that wants people to feel calm and tranquil after talking with you? Then you probably want to opt for a softer pastel. If you’re a party planner for children’s birthday events, bright pops of color might be your thing.
Now, think about your fonts. I’ve already talked about Fonts and Their Feelings and How To Choose Fonts For Your Brand so take a refresher on those posts if you need help there because fonts are super helpful in creating a certain feel you’re going for!
And then just take a look at your site (social media, newsletter…etc) in general. Is your brand/colors/fonts/design/imagery coming together in a cohesive way? Is it conveying the same excitement about your business to others that you have within your own mind?
Does your brand make people excited when they see it?
When someone from your target market sees your business, you want them to be excited, right? Duh! Does your brand need some extra pizzazz or giddiness factor? What would cue the confetti and happy dancing for your future prospective clients and customers? Is it brighter colors? A complete rebranding? Actual confetti?
Take some time to think about if your brand is attracting the right people (or any people for that matter!) and if it’s not brainstorm what you can do to change that.
Change up a few small things? Hire a branding designer for a complete overhaul? Just be more consistent overall with your branding? Figure out what that is for you and start taking steps to fix it today.
In the meantime: are you interested in seeing the behind the scenes of my rebrand?
Sketches, doodles and inspirations from the cutting room floor (aka, the millions of notebooks and sketchbooks I used, plus my secret pinterest board). I’m putting together a secret peak into the process I went through during my own rebranding for all my subscribers. Want in on the fun?
Get it sent directly to your inbox by signing up below!
CONSIDERING A RE-BRAND? I HAVE 2 SPACES OPEN FOR NOVEMBER!
LET’S CHAT –>
This topic speaks to me! I think this is so true and as a designer, it’s something that I struggle with – showing my personality and style in my brand to attract the right clients.
I just love your brand so much! And I have to tell you how refreshing it is to see a designer who isn’t using a overhead shot of a desk with a few fancy office supplies strategically scattered around as their hero image. Keep up the amazing work!
It’s a hard formula to master, especially when you can design a lot of different styles and need to focus on just one! And thank you!! I’ll admit, I was tempted, but literally everyone else was doing it and I just couldn’t find one unique enough :)
This offers a great insight into determining the characteristics of your brand. Your branding looks fantastic and it’s great to see your voice clearly defined in each element.
Thank you so much! I’m so glad you found it helpful :)
Oooh lots of things to think about as I update my site brand! Thanks Meg!
Yay!! Thanks Tiff!
First, I love your branding. ;) Haha. But seriously, I do. It speaks to me!
I have gotten a lot of comments on my branding and website – all positive. Most of my clients and inquiries tell me they LOVE my branding, the colors, the theme (lemons, lemonade). So, all good signs! Then again, my background is graphic design, so I kind of cheated? Nahh!
Excellent post, can’t wait for more!
Thanks Kara!! Sounds like you’re rocking it with your branding too :) Awesome!!