Branding and visual identity: why it's a big part of your small business
Struggling with your visual identity? Trust me, I’ve been there, and I’ll tell you all about it!
Full transparency… since officially starting my small business, I’ve shifted my visual branding 2 times! After 3 years of experience, I thought I knew what my visual branding would look like, but when the time came to create my logos, choose my color palette, and design my own website, it proved more challenging than I anticipated.
Yes, branding is everything. But… I’m also here to tell you that it’s a process. Especially as a start up, sometimes you won’t know what your visual identity looks llike until a few months (or even a year) into your entrepreneurship - and it’s constantly going to evolve, as well!
Let’s talk about what makes visual identity so important to your business’ branding, as well as what the discovery process may look like for you, if you’re finding yourself overwhelmed.
Let’s talk about branding & visual identity
A solid visual identity is KEY for past, present, and future clients to identify you and your work. It allows you to truly stand out from the rest, especially your competition. So, what can you do if you’re not confident in your brand’s visual identity?
Look… it’s great if you enter your business venture with it fully figured out, but, let’s face it, that’s not always the case for everybody! As with anything, we can find our footing along the way. And here are some great ways to do so.
01. Understand your values & personality
What personality traits does your brand have? Are you someone who likes being in front of the camera, or behind? How much of your personal life will you share with prospective clients?
02. Research your ideal client
What’s your ideal client’s preferences? Do they favor particular aesthetics and/or interests? Who do they follow on social media? Remember: while this is impportant to keep in mind, always stay true to you! Authentic branding is important for building transparent and trustworthy relationships with clients.
03. Create a mood board
Pinterest can be your new best friend! See what aesthetics catch your eye, and which ones resonate and don’t. Do you align better with a certain color palette and imagery? Maybe explore that further!
The main takeaway being, give yourself grace! Know that you will discover your brand’s visual identity, and it’s okay for it to shift a bit over time. Seeking professional help is also a great way to seek additional support and guidance throughout your journey.
Showcase your brand with an affordable Squarespace or Wix website
Is the thought of creating your own website overwhelming? Are you having a hard time figuring out where exactly to start?
Finding help has never been easier and more affordable! I’m Madison, and I offer Squarespace and Wix website design and re-design services for small business owners both locally — in the Baltimore, MD area — as well as nationally.
Being a business owner can be costly, and you may be wondering whether having a website is worth it. I’m here to tell you that it is! And, it doesn’t have to cost you an arm and a leg. I work closely with clients to help them identify their website vision and execute it so they have a well-designed website that speaks to their ideal clients.
Not ready to commit just yet? Know that I offer free 15-minute phone consultations to help you figure out whether or not I may be the right fit for you and your business!
Let’s make it happen!
