When is the Right Time to Invest in Professional Branding?
Back in January 2022 I did a solo episode on my podcast all about how to know when its the right time to invest in professional branding. While there isn't a one-size-fits-all answer, I wanted to revisit this topic here on my blog in the hopes that you might find it useful. Since 2022 I have also run numerous rounds of my twelve-week course ‘Design Your Own Branding’ which provides an alternative for those who are not ready to outsource their branding. The next round is in September 2024 so look out for when the waitlist opens for that if it’s something you’re interesting in doing.
Ok so back to the topic at hand. The question is, when might be the right time to invest in professional branding?
If you’re starting a brand new business:
If you're at the beginning stages of starting a brand new business, there are key pieces of information that will help you with your branding. Questions about your target audience, brand values, and mission statement are foundational elements that provide clarity on what your business is about and who you want to attract. If you have a clear vision and the budget to do it, then investing in professional branding right from the start can give you a strong foundation and confidence in your business's look and feel.
What about for the ‘accidental’ business?
Many people stumble into entrepreneurship accidentally. Maybe someone shows interest in their creative work, prompting them to consider turning it into a business. In these instances, where your business might evolve and change as you experiment, spending thousands of dollars on branding may not be the best use of your money. Creating branding yourself or using off-the-shelf options can be a more suitable choice. As your business grows and you gain clarity on your target audience and goals, that's when investing in professional branding becomes beneficial.
What is the benefit of investing in personal branding?
Professional branding has a significant impact on businesses. It saves time, makes you more money, and builds brand recognition and trust. However, some business owners have a natural flair for consistency and design, creating successful branding themselves. Budget constraints or a strong personal vision may also make self-branded options more appealing. Remember, there's no one-size-fits-all approach to branding, and it's essential to find what works best for you and your business.
Doing your branding yourself:
If you choose to do your branding yourself, there are several options to consider. One option is buying a semi-customizable logo that you can tailor to your business. Another option is taking a course that guides you through the branding process. My course, Design Your Own Branding, breaks down the branding process into manageable modules over twelve weeks. It provides support, guidance, and a community of fellow learners to help you create branding that aligns with your vision. Alternatively, keeping things simple by choosing a beautiful typeface and maintaining consistency with colors and fonts can also be effective.
Finding the Right Designer:
If you decide to outsource your branding, it's crucial to find the right designer for your business. You can do this effectively by:
Getting recommendations from other business owners. This can be helpful as they provide insights into working with specific designers.
Researching designers' portfolios, Instagram accounts, and websites. This can give you a sense of their style and whether it aligns with your vision.
Considering other factors such as cost, location, and their working process. You can usually request a general quote or reach out to designers directly via their website which will help you gather information and make an informed decision. Most designers will offer a 15-30 minute enquiry call or have a form for you to fill in to see if you are the right fit for each other.
Conclusion:
Investing in professional branding is an important decision for any business, but the timing varies depending on the circumstances. Whether you choose to outsource or do it yourself, the key is to align your branding with your business goals, target audience, and vision. Remember, there's no right or wrong approach. It's all about finding what works best for you and your business. Make sure to take the time to explore your options and create a brand that you're proud of and confident about promoting.
Any thoughts, comments or questions, please leave a comment below!
Wishing you success in building your brand!
