You have a reason why you are doing what you are doing. A Mission! Something inside you is burning to share this passion with the world.
Developing a brand can help you tell that story. It can help you share that message It can spread your passion.
A Brand validates and communicates to your potential audience, readers, and customers the goal you are trying to achieve.
Here is a grouping of checklists that you can use when thinking about developing a brand.
1. Message
a. Mission
b. Vision
c. Values
d. Services Descriptions
e. About Info
2. Look
a. Logo
b. Colors
c. Fonts
d. Graphics
e. Icons
f. Photos
3. Placement
a. Social Media (Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Twitter, LinkedIn)
b. Website
c. Sign and Print Materials
d. Promotional Items
Quick Lesson: Start with the message, then go develop the look, and lastly focus on placement. Doing things in this order will make it easier for you.
Caution… This can be a lot to swallow! Building a brand isn’t something you do overnight. It is something that you think through and follows a plan or checklist like this one.
Take Action:
Ask yourself these questions.
1. Ask yourself WHY!
– Why are you building this business or nonprofit? What is driving you to do it?
2. Develop your MESSAGE.
a. Mission Statement
b. Vision Statement
c. Values Statement
3. Think about your LOOK.
Sketch out your logo. What do you want it to look like? Get out a sheet of paper and start doodling. Try to come up with something you like. You can also check out Logo Basics, another post that goes into more depth on this subject.
4. Where do you want to put your brand?
Can you list out a few areas where you can put your brand on your own? For those you can’t place on your own, where else do you want to place your brand? Find someone who can help you and go.
Once you’ve completed the steps. Share your success with us. Post on social media using #_________________
Want to take it a step further? Download a printable worksheet that goes along with this post. You will also get access to a Trello board that you can use to help you think through everything.