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How to diy your branding

Erin Mitchell

Owner PULP Brand Studio

Let’s talk about how to DIY your branding as a new business owner

Hey there, new business owner! Are you ready to create a brand that’s as unique and amazing as you are? Well, you’re in luck, because today we’re going to talk about how to DIY your branding without breaking the bank or losing your mind in the process.

Building a strong brand is one of the most important things you can do as a new business owner. It sets you apart from the competition, establishes your credibility, and helps you connect with your ideal customers. But branding can also be intimidating, especially if you’re just starting out and don’t have a huge budget to work with.

That’s where DIY branding comes in! With a little creativity, some basic design skills, and a lot of elbow grease, you can create a brand that’s uniquely you and that resonates with your audience. So grab a cup of coffee, put on your thinking cap, and let’s dive into the world of DIY branding!

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DIY Your Branding

1. Define Your Brand

Hey there! Let’s talk about how to define your brand, but let’s make it fun! After all, branding is all about standing out and making a memorable impression.

First things first, think about what sets your brand apart. What makes it unique? Is it your quirky personality, your innovative approach, or your exceptional quality? Whatever it is, make sure to highlight it in your branding.

Next, consider your target audience. Who are you trying to reach? What do they care about? Use this information to craft a brand message that resonates with them.

Once you have a clear idea of what makes your brand special and who you’re trying to reach, it’s time to think about visual branding. This includes things like your logo, color scheme, and overall aesthetic. Choose elements that reflect your brand’s personality and values.

Another important aspect of defining your brand is creating a consistent voice and tone. Whether you’re writing copy for your website, social media posts, or marketing materials, make sure your tone is consistent and reflects your brand’s personality.

Lastly, don’t forget to be authentic! People can sense when a brand is being fake or insincere, so stay true to your brand’s values and mission. With a clear and consistent brand identity, you’ll be sure to make a lasting impression.

How to DIY your Branding as a New Business Owner

2. Conduct Market Research

Conducting market research is an essential step in understanding your target audience and competitors. Market research helps you identify what your customers want, their pain points, and what your competitors are offering. By understanding these factors, you can create a brand that resonates with your target audience.

Start by researching your competitors. Look at their branding, messaging, and social media presence. What do they do well? What could they improve on? By understanding your competitors’ strengths and weaknesses, you can create a brand that differentiates you from them.

Research your target audience. Identify their demographics, interests, and pain points. What motivates them to buy your product or service? By understanding your audience, you can create a brand that speaks to their needs and desires.

3. Create a Brand Identity

Oh man, creating a fresh squeezed, extra juicy brand identity is so much fun, and super insightful! Here are some tips to help you get started:

  1. Define your brand personality: Think about what kind of personality you want your brand to have. Is it fun and playful, or serious and professional? This will help you shape your brand identity.
  2. Develop a brand voice: Your brand voice is the tone and language you use to communicate with your audience. Think about how you want to come across to your customers and develop a voice that reflects that.
  3. Choose your brand colors: Colors are a powerful tool in branding, as they can evoke certain emotions and associations. Choose colors that align with your brand personality and message.
  4. Create a logo: Your logo is the visual representation of your brand, so it’s important to make it memorable and reflective of your brand identity.
  5. Develop brand guidelines: Brand guidelines help ensure consistency in your branding across all channels. This includes guidelines for your logo, colors, fonts, and voice.
  6. Build a website and social media presence: Your website and social media profiles are the primary ways you’ll connect with your audience, so make sure they’re consistent with your brand identity.
  7. Live your brand: Your brand identity isn’t just about the visual elements, it’s also about the way you conduct business and interact with your customers. Make sure your actions align with your brand message and values.

Creating a brand identity can be a lot of work, but it’s also a chance to have some fun and get creative! Good luck on your branding journey.

How to DIY your Branding as a New Business Owner

Include Patterns + Textures on you mood board

Patterns and textures are a great way to add visual interest and depth to your mood board. Here are some tips to help you choose the perfect patterns and textures for your mood board:

  1. Consider Your Brand’s Personality: Think about the personality and message of your brand. Is it bold and vibrant, or soft and subtle? Choose patterns and textures that reflect your brand’s personality and message.
  2. Look for Inspiration: Gather inspiration from your favorite websites, social media accounts, and other brands that resonate with you. Look for patterns and textures that capture the vibe and personality of your brand, and make a note of what you like about them.
  3. Think About Your Audience: Consider your target audience when choosing patterns and textures. What will resonate with them? Choose patterns and textures that will appeal to your target audience and reflect their interests.
  4. Use Contrast: Use contrasting patterns and textures to create visual interest and depth. For example, pair a bold and graphic pattern with a soft and subtle texture to create a dynamic contrast.
  5. Stick to a Color Palette: Choose patterns and textures that fit within your color palette to create a cohesive and visually appealing mood board.
  6. Keep it Simple: Don’t go overboard with too many patterns and textures, as this can be overwhelming and distracting. Choose a few key patterns and textures that add interest without overwhelming the overall design.

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4. Create a Brand Style Guide

Creating a brand style guide is a grand adventure, and what’s life without adventures?! Here are some tips to guide you on your journey:

  1. Define your brand’s personality: Before you start designing your brand style guide, you need to have a clear understanding of your brand’s personality. What tone and vibe do you want to project? Are you quirky and fun, or more serious and professional?
  2. Choose your brand’s colors: Your brand’s colors are one of the most important parts of your style guide. Pick colors that accurately reflect your brand’s personality and values. Don’t be afraid to get creative and try something new!
  3. Pick your fonts: Your fonts are another crucial element of your style guide. Choose fonts that are easy to read and match your brand’s personality. Make sure to include the font sizes and styles you’ll use for headings, subheadings, and body copy.
  4. Create your logo: Your logo is the visual representation of your brand, so it’s essential to get it right. Make sure your logo is clear and legible, and reflects your brand’s personality and values. Include guidelines on how to use your logo in different formats and sizes.
  5. Define your visual style: Your brand’s visual style includes the types of images and graphics you use, as well as any patterns or textures. Make sure they’re consistent with your brand’s personality and values.
  6. Set guidelines for social media: Your social media presence is a critical part of your brand, so make sure you have guidelines for how to use your brand elements on social media platforms. This includes profile pictures, cover photos, and any other graphics you use.
  7. Include examples: Don’t just tell people what to do, show them! Include examples of how to use your brand elements correctly and how they should look in different contexts.

Creating a brand style guide can be a fun and exciting process, and it’s a great way to make sure your brand is consistent across all channels. So let your creativity flow and have fun!

5. Create Marketing Materials

Creating marketing materials for your brand can be a super fun and creative process! Here are some things to help the process:

  1. Know your audience: Before you start creating any marketing materials, you need to know who your target audience is. What are their interests, needs, and pain points? Understanding your audience will help you create marketing materials that speak directly to them.
  2. Develop a strong message: Your message should be clear, concise, and consistent across all marketing materials. What is the main benefit of your product or service? What sets you apart from the competition? Make sure your message is compelling and resonates with your audience.
  3. Choose your marketing channels: There are a ton of marketing channels out there, from social media to email marketing to print advertising. Choose the channels that make the most sense for your brand and audience.
  4. Create eye-catching visuals: People are visual creatures, so it’s essential to create marketing materials that are eye-catching and memorable. Use high-quality images, graphics, and videos to capture your audience’s attention.
  5. Use persuasive copy: Your copy should be persuasive and engaging. Use language that speaks directly to your audience and highlights the benefits of your product or service. Make sure to include a clear call-to-action to encourage your audience to take action.
  6. Be consistent: Consistency is key when it comes to branding. Make sure your marketing materials are consistent with your brand’s personality, message, and visual style. This will help build trust and recognition with your audience.
  7. Measure your results: Finally, make sure to measure the results of your marketing efforts. This will help you see what’s working and what’s not, so you can make adjustments and improve your marketing materials over time.  Don’t be afraid to get creative and try new things. Just remember to keep your audience and brand in mind, and you’re sure to create materials that resonate and drive results!

     

     

    Conclusion:
    And there you have it, my DIY branding friends! You’re now armed with the knowledge, tools, and confidence to create a brand that’s uniquely you and that resonates with your audience.

    Remember, building a strong brand takes time, effort, and creativity. But with a little bit of trial and error, you’ll find the perfect combination of colors, fonts, imagery, and messaging that represents your brand and speaks to your customers.

    So don’t be afraid to experiment, try new things, and get feedback from others. And most importantly, have fun with it! Building your own brand is a journey, not a destination, so enjoy the ride and celebrate every little win along the way.

    So go forth, my branding warriors, and conquer the world with your amazing brand!

    Looking for some DIY Guidance? Look no further!

HI! MY NAME IS ERIN AND I’M COMMITTED TO HELPING SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS  BUILD BEAUTIFUL BRANDS:

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