Branding is a natural part of your business but not always the business you’re passionate about.
We think branding should be accessible and achievable for everyone so we’re breaking down the branding process into manageable steps. If you want to build a brand or have a brand concept brewing, this is for you!
We think branding should be accessible and achievable for everyone so we’re breaking down the branding process into manageable steps. If you want to build a brand or have a brand concept brewing, this is for you!
CONSIDERING YOUR BRAND STORY
|
This week we want to continue the #diybranding series talking about brand story. We believe that the sooner you conceptualize and solidify a brand story, the sooner you can be on your way to complimenting this story with a boat load of assets! It can be much more difficult to do it the other way around, building a story around existing ideas and graphics.
Having a brand story gives meaning to your brand or product purpose. Remember, your target market is made up of human beings — so craft a brand story that resonates with the people you want to be servicing.
So what is a "brand story?" Very simply put, a brand story is the reason why your brand exists. Are you saving the planet with an alternative straw? Did you grow up on a dairy farm and now make your ice cream with an old family recipe? You get the picture. Tell your audience who you are and what is driving you to build the business you are. Consumers want a reason to connect and many consumers are happy to support a brand who they believe in. This all comes down to the brand story.
The more personal or clever the story, the memorable it will be for others to remember so don’t be afraid to be vulnerable and authentic. THIS is how you get shared and supported!
Storytelling comes naturally so let it flow... you never know what you might think up. Brainstorm and write down everything. Don’t be afraid of making a mistake or something that doesn’t work. Don’t be afraid of the creative process! 😄
What story does your brand tell?
#branding #diybranding#brandingprocess #brandstory#storytelling #tellastory#brandbuilding #creativeprocess#getcreative #thinkoutsidethebox#wetheadvisory
Having a brand story gives meaning to your brand or product purpose. Remember, your target market is made up of human beings — so craft a brand story that resonates with the people you want to be servicing.
So what is a "brand story?" Very simply put, a brand story is the reason why your brand exists. Are you saving the planet with an alternative straw? Did you grow up on a dairy farm and now make your ice cream with an old family recipe? You get the picture. Tell your audience who you are and what is driving you to build the business you are. Consumers want a reason to connect and many consumers are happy to support a brand who they believe in. This all comes down to the brand story.
The more personal or clever the story, the memorable it will be for others to remember so don’t be afraid to be vulnerable and authentic. THIS is how you get shared and supported!
Storytelling comes naturally so let it flow... you never know what you might think up. Brainstorm and write down everything. Don’t be afraid of making a mistake or something that doesn’t work. Don’t be afraid of the creative process! 😄
What story does your brand tell?
#branding #diybranding#brandingprocess #brandstory#storytelling #tellastory#brandbuilding #creativeprocess#getcreative #thinkoutsidethebox#wetheadvisory
PLANNING: THE FIRST STEP IN BRAND BUILDING
Ready to launch your brand? Let's get started! Get on the path to brand building with these first steps in planning to set your expectations and balance your time-management.
STEP 1: PLAN A TIMELINE
Let’s consider planning as a major first step to the branding process.
Having a timeline of the tangibles creates a roadmap that helps to manage the tasks of the overall project. Some companies want a quick + dirty basic brand with only a logo, typeface and mood board while other companies are ready for the whole kitchen sink, right down to the event swag and social media campaigns through Q3.
STEP 2: DETERMINE NEED
Know what you want for your brand and prioritize your needs. Research how long each activity takes and make a reasonable timeline based on your skill set and those you’re working with.
A common brand build list of needs might look like this:
STEP 3: EVALUATE + ROUND UP
Add more time than you think! The brand building process can entail lengthy decision-making delays, various creative concept changes, logo or name re-work, brand vision shifts, sick photographers, and more. ⠀
Build-in extra time for holidays where companies may be closed or for timezone delays; anticipate maternity leave and family time like spring break or summer vacations. The above brand build example is approx. 9mos long. Forecast how that looks against existing commitments or planned time off, and round up.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
STEP 4: PLOT OUT A CALENDAR
It’s likely to take about a year to complete this branding list in a realistic way. For working professionals and parents, it’s ok to expect that you’ll only be able to commit 2-3hrs per week. Keep building and remember, some work is better than no work!
TAKE-AWAY
Being realistic about your timeline will strengthen the brand development, in turn creating a solid brand identity. 🎯 The biggest thing is to just get started! Map the plan and start taking the steps. Check back next week for more DIY brand building! 😃
#brandingisbusiness #branding #brandbuilding #getstarted #diy #smallbusiness #entrepreneurs #businessownership #businessplanning #brandstrategy #planning #wetheadvisory
STEP 1: PLAN A TIMELINE
Let’s consider planning as a major first step to the branding process.
Having a timeline of the tangibles creates a roadmap that helps to manage the tasks of the overall project. Some companies want a quick + dirty basic brand with only a logo, typeface and mood board while other companies are ready for the whole kitchen sink, right down to the event swag and social media campaigns through Q3.
STEP 2: DETERMINE NEED
Know what you want for your brand and prioritize your needs. Research how long each activity takes and make a reasonable timeline based on your skill set and those you’re working with.
A common brand build list of needs might look like this:
- Research + Define Brand (6wks)
- Design Logo + Type (8wks)
- Craft Brand Story + Vibe (2wks)
- Design Business Card (2wks)
- Design + Build Website (12wks)
- Implement Social Plan (6wks)
STEP 3: EVALUATE + ROUND UP
Add more time than you think! The brand building process can entail lengthy decision-making delays, various creative concept changes, logo or name re-work, brand vision shifts, sick photographers, and more. ⠀
Build-in extra time for holidays where companies may be closed or for timezone delays; anticipate maternity leave and family time like spring break or summer vacations. The above brand build example is approx. 9mos long. Forecast how that looks against existing commitments or planned time off, and round up.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
STEP 4: PLOT OUT A CALENDAR
It’s likely to take about a year to complete this branding list in a realistic way. For working professionals and parents, it’s ok to expect that you’ll only be able to commit 2-3hrs per week. Keep building and remember, some work is better than no work!
TAKE-AWAY
Being realistic about your timeline will strengthen the brand development, in turn creating a solid brand identity. 🎯 The biggest thing is to just get started! Map the plan and start taking the steps. Check back next week for more DIY brand building! 😃
#brandingisbusiness #branding #brandbuilding #getstarted #diy #smallbusiness #entrepreneurs #businessownership #businessplanning #brandstrategy #planning #wetheadvisory