There’s two big categories when it comes to branding. There’s a business brand, and there’s a personal brand. If you’d like to read more on the pros and cons of those or what the heck the differences are – check out this blog post. Whichever one you lean into the most, building a brand as a whole usually begins with one person, needs a vision and requires an audience. So whether you’re just starting out or you’re growing into your brand and feel it’s needing an evaluation or better connection from you – here are some ways to help you better know your brand.

1. Understand yourself first.

   Take time to understand your strengths, weaknesses, where you want to be within your own business, and figure out what lights you up. I’d say figure out your purpose – but honestly, your purpose changes as you grow and over time. So I wouldn’t get too caught up in the purpose aspect of it, but rather focus on what keeps you present and what lights you up. How can you bring that into your business? If you can’t bring that into your business, then we need to figure out why or if it’s time to start adding to your team so you can take some of that weight off your shoulders.

2. Have a vision of where you want your business to be

   If you’re looking to grow your business and looking to connect with it more, make some goals and have a vision. Sometimes looking too far down the road can be overwhelming, so try looking a little closer to home. Where do you want to be in 3 months, 6 months, 1 year, 2 years and then tackle 3 and 5 years. I personally like to reverse engineer it and look more long-term first then break it down into smaller chunks. By doing that, you can build a more practical strategy and create content that is more specific to helping you reach said goals.

3. Build your foundations with a mission, vision and value(s).

   This is your elevator pitch, what defines your business, how your audience can connect with you at its core AND the mantras/culture that will build your business within. Attract the right employees, contractors and audience that aligns with your business.

4. Understand your services and products

   Once you have some solid goals set in place, figure out what services fit where and what products work for you to help you reach your goals. For instance, it doesn’t make sense if your goal is to book x amount of family photo sessions but all you’re booking right now are wedding days. Fit your services and products to fit your goals. If you have to, make some new services and products or remove ones that no longer serve you and your audience.

5. Know your market

Your market isn’t going to be everyone and it shouldn’t be everyone. Oddly enough, the more you niche down the broader you may find your audience. Why? Because your message is clear, people understand what you do, what your business is about and how they can share your business with others. Create a dream client, or an ideal client and build that person to represent a group as a whole.

6. Connect everything together to create your design(s), visuals, content and well, your brand

When you have a solid idea on who you are, what your business is about, the services it offers and who you’re wanting to help/work with – then you’re ready to start evaluating your designs and visuals to make sure that it makes sense. If you need help with any of this, I know someone who can help! ME. It’s me. I can help. Email me at carly@hey-carl.com or fill out my form and we’ll set up a time to chat!