10 Tips to Brand Your Business by @socialsocialdesign
Jan 10, 2023
Hi, I'm Sophie, the owner of Social Social Design. After starting my business in 2020, I instantly fell in love with the power of brand & web design and how it can help you grow your business. I work with photographers to build beautiful designs full of purpose and strategy.
Here are my TOP 10 TIPS TO BRAND YOUR BUSINESS.
1. BAE = Ideal Client
Who is your dream client? What do they look like? Where do they hang out online, i.e. Instagram or LinkedIn? It's important to think about them whenever you're considering your brand. Gather research prior to implementing a brand strategy that answers questions about who you want to work with. At the end of the day, these are the people you want to attract to your business so it is vital that you have a clear picture in mind before starting your brand.
2. Start With Strategy
Now consider your brand... What does it represent? How do you want your dream clients to feel when they see it? Does it have a luxe and editorial feel, or is it more fun-loving & funky? Everything about your brand should convey these emotions from your values, tone of voice, right down to the design. This is key to attracting your ideal client.
3. We Love A Moodboard
Moodboard your heart away with examples of the aesthetic you'd like to achieve. As you'll know with photography, it's an amazing way to spark some ideas and for branding, it allows you to have a strong foundation to build from. I always start the design process with my clients by undertaking research and preparing moodboards which consider photography style, typography, potential colour palettes, packaging inspo... the works! After reviewing the feedback, that's when we start designing!
4.Online Logo Makers... Don't Do It!
It's so easy to fall into the trap of generating a logo online when you're first starting out - trust me, I've been there! Whilst it can be the quick, easy & budget friendly option, it can also cost your business in the future. Due to so many people doing the same thing, you will notice that your logo isn't unique to you. With overuse, a lot of businesses will look the same, making it easy for you to blend into the crowd. It also won't reflect your brand's personality, which means it will be harder for you to resonate with those dream clients.
5. Colours Are Crucial
Colours are an easy way to make your brand memorable. If you have a well thought-out colour palette, stick to it! Use this throughout your print collateral, social media & website. They will help your brand become noticeable & stop the scroll as people will recognise you just from the colours you use!
6. Getting Colour Happy...
Now, you may have a palette and you may use it consistently but... linking back to the strategy here, does it feel authentic to your brand? Don't just pick colours that you like, try to consider colour psychology to design a palette that will spark the feelings you want your ideal client to identify with.
7. Do You Have A Type?
TYPOGRAPHY! Let's talk about it. Similarly to colours, your typography should be an important part of building a strong brand presence. Using the same typography across the board will help to keep everything polished and professional as well as making your brand memorable. A brand designer will put together a typography hierarchy for you to use detailing fonts for headings, subheadings & body text that compliment your brand. You should only ever use these fonts.
8. Branching Out...
I speak to a lot of photographers that work in different sectors, i.e. brand photography & family photography. How do you attract these ideal clients when they may not have similar needs? I've found brand adaptations to be the best solution to this grey area. Keeping your logo the same but adapting the colour palette to 'alter the vibe' is a great way to adapt your branding to appeal to different sectors.
9. Don't Get It Twisted
It can be really easy to overcomplicate things and compare yourself to others. Remember, stay true to you and your brand. Try not to get distracted by what other people in your industry are doing if it does not feel right to you and your business. If you ever feel like you're losing track, refer back to your brand guidelines or your original moodboard and consider if that is still aligned to your business & strategy. If you feel like you've outgrown it, it might be time to consider a rebrand.
10. Consistency Is Key
Once your branding is completed, it's down to you to keep it consistent but you'll have all of the tools you need to do so. Building up a brand presence isn't something that happens overnight but when it takes off, you WILL know about it. You'll have the knowledge of how to use your branding to grow your business, start to consistently attract those clients you've always wanted to work with & your confidence will skyrocket, knowing that you have a "proper, professional business" (this is the phrase I hear the most upon completion of my brand projects & I LOVE it).
If you'd like to know more, you can contact me here - Sophie // Brand expert & web designer.
