Starting a Business in 2025? Here's My 5 Step Guide to Building a Brand that SHINES
Launching a new business is exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming. Where do you even begin? Trust me, I get it. I've been there! So, if I were starting a brand new business today, here's the exact roadmap I'd follow to create a brand that not only looks amazing but also attracts dream clients and sets the stage for success.
Step 1: Dive Deep into Research (aka Pinterest & Instagram Stalking)
Before you even think about logos or websites, it's time to get those creative juices flowing! Create a Pinterest board and start pinning everything that inspires you – color palettes, fonts, photography styles, website designs, brand voices, the whole shebang. Don't be afraid to go down the rabbit hole and explore different aesthetics until you start to see a clear vision emerge.
Next, head over to Instagram and start stalking brands you admire. Pay attention to their visuals, their messaging, how they interact with their audience, and the overall feeling their brand evokes. What do you love? What could you do differently? This research will help you define your own unique brand identity.
Step 2: Invest in Your Brand Foundation (aka Hire a Brand Designer)
Once you have a solid vision for your brand, it's time to bring in the experts. A skilled brand designer can help you translate your ideas into a cohesive and compelling brand identity. They'll help you with:
Logo Design: Your logo is the face of your brand. A professional designer will create a logo that's memorable, versatile, and represents your brand's essence.
Color Palette & Fonts: Colors and fonts evoke emotions and create a visual identity. A designer will help you choose colors and fonts that align with your brand personality and create a cohesive look and feel.
Brand Messaging & Voice: How you communicate with your audience is crucial. A brand designer can help you craft compelling messaging that resonates with your ideal clients and establishes your brand voice.
Brand Guidelines: This document outlines all the essential elements of your brand identity, ensuring consistency across all your marketing materials and online presence.
Step 3: Capture Your Brand Visually (aka Book a Photoshoot)
Before you build your website, invest in professional brand photography. High-quality images are essential for creating a visually captivating online presence. Work with a photographer who understands your brand aesthetic and can capture images that showcase your products, services, or brand personality in the best possible light.
Step 4: Craft Compelling Content (aka Hire a Copywriter)
Words matter! If you're not a natural wordsmith, consider hiring a copywriter to help you craft compelling website content that tells your brand story, highlights your unique selling points, and engages your audience.
Step 5: Build Your Online Home (aka Hire a Web Designer)
Now it's time to bring it all together! A skilled web designer (like me! 😉) can help you build a Squarespace website that showcases your brand, captivates your audience, and drives conversions. They'll ensure your website is:
Visually stunning: Using your brand guidelines, they'll create a website that's aesthetically pleasing and reflects your brand identity.
User-friendly: They'll design an intuitive and easy-to-navigate website that provides a positive user experience.
SEO-optimized: They'll implement SEO best practices to help your website rank higher in search results and attract organic traffic.
Mobile-responsive: They'll ensure your website looks and functions flawlessly on all devices.
Bonus Tip: The All-in-One Solution
If you're on a budget or prefer a streamlined approach, consider hiring a multi-talented creative (hi, it’s me) who can handle all aspects of your branding and website design. This can save you time, money, and ensure a cohesive brand identity across all platforms.
Building a successful brand takes time and effort, but by following these steps, you'll be well on your way to creating a brand that shines and attracts your dream clients.
