5 steps to building a standout brand
I don't know about you, but I like to collect step-by-step guides on my recent interests in developing my business. It provides something to later build on when you are just learning and gives you action steps you can take immediately.
The truth is, building a brand takes time, and "Your brand isn't what you say it is. It's what they say it is." as Marty Neumeier says in The Brand Gap. However, I have great news for you! The way you show up and present yourself has an influence on that.
Think about it this way you have an invitation to attend this free online course, where there is a chance to face to face network with people a few years ahead of you, who can connect you with the best customers you've ever had. You don't show up naked to "show everything you are all about" and talk about the nice run you had yesterday. No, you select your clothes carefully to fit the occasion and choose your words appropriately, so they understand you are a fit for their network. Am I right?
So, to help you avoid "appearing naked" in front of your potential customers, I'm sharing with you How I help my clients build their brands in a Step-By-Step list.
How I help my clients build their brands in 5 steps
Step 1: Discovery
Step 2: Strategy
Step 3: Direction
Step 4: Concept
Step 5: Application
Let’s see more!
Step 1: Discovery
In this phase, we dig deep and look at the brand as it is right now and what they would like to achieve. This way, we can measure success on our project.
Questions to ask yourself:
Who is my dream client?
Where am I at the moment?
Where would I like to be?
What goals do I need to achieve to get there?
Step 2: Strategy
Now, we have a clear idea of where we are, where we want to go, and discovered our project goals. We are ready to figure out how we will get there.
Questions to ask yourself:
Why did I first started my business in the first place?
What impact do I have on my clients?
How do I want to make my clients feel?
What values do I share with my clients?
How do I want to present myself in the eyes of my client?
Who are my competitors?
How am I different from them?
Step 3: Direction
After we created a plan on how we would like to make the brand look, sound, act, and we looked at how we can stand out from the competition. It is time to create our visual version of our strategy.
Questions to ask yourself:
What colors communicate my values?
Which fonts evoke the right emotions?
What images depict my ideal customers & the life they want to have?
If my brand was a texture, what texture would it be?
Step 4: Concept
In this phase, we create a logo that tells our story and evokes emotions aligned with our brand values.
Questions to ask yourself:
What shapes and forms evoke the right emotions?
What symbols are out there that can show my values?
How can I build these symbols using geometric shapes?
How can I simplify it even further?
Step 5: Application
After we nailed down the final look, we move onto applying our new brand identity to all brand assets. We design social media posts, email templates, free downloadable lead-magnets, and so forth. Everything that you will need thought each phase of your client's journey within your brand.
Questions to ask yourself:
Where will my marketing appear?
What documents do I use?
Where will I delight my clients?
How will I delight my clients?
Align everything you put out there with what you just planned!
Not enough time right now?
Download a copy of this article to work on these questions when you have more time!
