What You REALLY Need to Start a Brand
- Jena Cervantes
- Dec 11, 2024
- 3 min read
You don’t need to break the bank or get tangled in a web of complex brand guidelines to kickstart your marketing efforts! Let me share a little secret that most branding agencies won’t tell you: you can dive into promoting your business without an exhaustive set of brand rules holding you back. Let’s simplify the process and get your brand out there!
Start With the Basics
It can be overwhelming to think about starting the creative process of building your brand, but starting a brand doesn't require you to spend a fortune or create super complex elements and map out a full scope of brand guidelines. Sure, branding can be intricate and involve all kinds of elements, but when starting out, you don't need all of that—yet. With that said, keep in mind that some types of startups will require more brand details, such as if you're trying to reach a large-scale audience or are involved with something that requires large investments immediately. But, for most small businesses or solopreneurs just getting started, the truth is that you can begin building a brand with just a few essential pieces and grow from there. So, here's the lowdown on what you REALLY need to get your brand up and running (without breaking the bank or your brain):
Your Brand Purpose (AKA Value Proposition)
This is the starting point of your brand. You have to know:
What is the reason for starting your brand?
What problem does it solve or need does it fulfill?
Who is it for? (AKA, who is your target audience?)
If you're unclear on these questions, your audience will be, too. So, get clear on your brand's purpose first. It can also be helpful to include a tagline or slogan with your logo or on your website and social media that sums up your brand's purpose. Need help coming up with your slogan? There are lots of free AI tools like ChatGPT that can help you come up with creative (or practical) slogan ideas.
A Logo (of course)
Yes, a logo is essential, but don't get too caught up in creating the perfect one. Here's what you really need:
Simple is better. A typeface logo is totally acceptable—just choose a clean, stylish font that matches your brand's vibe.
Free tools exist. You don't need a graphic designer (yet). There are plenty of online programs where you can easily generate a logo for free. (Bonus, some programs like Adobe Express Logo Maker* and Canva* help you develop a logo AND a tagline with their AI tools!)
You can always update it later. So, don't let logo perfection hold you back. Just get started with something that works for now and tweak it as your brand grows. Some of the biggest brands even had a logo redesign at some point.
*Requires a free account
Brand Color Scheme
Colors are powerful. They set the tone for your brand and make it visually recognizable. Here's the key:
Keep it simple. You don't need a rainbow of colors. A few signature colors (even just one) will do.
Colors tell a story. Think about the emotions colors evoke. For example:
Blue = Trust and calm
Red = Energy and excitement
Green = Health and growth
More colors = More complexity. Sure, you can use several colors, but the more you add, the harder it is to keep your brand looking cohesive. Especially when starting out, it's best to stick with 1-3 colors.
Brand Font(s) (Optional, But Helpful)
Fonts are like the personality of your brand. While not strictly necessary from the get-go, it can help if you:
Use a consistent font style. Whether it's bold, uppercase, or script, sticking with the same style helps with brand recognition.
But, NEVER compromise your logo: If you use typeface logo, never use a different font for your logo. It's a non-negotiable—until you have a logo redesign that is.
Consistency Over Perfection
Here's the big takeaway: Don't stress about making your brand "perfect" right away. You can always evolve it over time. In fact, your brand will likely shift and grow as your business does. So, focus on getting these core elements down and start building your audience. Perfection can come later!
That's REALLY It!
You don't need much to start a brand, and definitely not as costly as you might think. By focusing on these 4 key elements—a message, a logo, a color scheme, and possibly a font—you're laying the foundation for a brand that can evolve as your business grows.
Still feeling a little stuck? Don't worry, we're here to help! Book a free 30-minute consultation with us, and let's chat about your goals for your brand.
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