Ep. 58 | When You SHOULD (and Shouldn't) DIY Your Brand
Jun 18, 2024
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Today we’re diving deep into a question that many business owners grapple with: When should you invest in a professional custom-designed brand, and when is it perfectly fine to DIY your brand?
The Importance of a Brand
Before we get into the nitty-gritty, let’s clarify why a brand matters in the first place. A brand is not just a logo or a color palette; it’s the embodiment of your business, encapsulating your values, mission, and the unique value you bring to your clients. It differentiates you from other businesses, be they competitors offering the same services or even those promising similar results like high-level coaches or marketing agencies.
Why Do You Need a Brand?
- Differentiation: Separate yourself from the pack, whether it's other designers, marketers, or any professional arena you operate within.
- Communicate Value: Effectively convey the worth of your products or services. A beautiful, well-crafted brand makes what you offer appear more meaningful and impactful.
- Increase Credibility: Establish authority and trustworthiness. Clients are more likely to invest in services that look professional and well-conceived.
- Monetary Goals: Ultimately, an authentic and appealing brand helps you attract more and better clients, making your business more profitable.
Should You DIY Your Brand or Hire a Professional?
Consider Your Goals
Short-Term and Long-Term: Evaluate where your business currently stands financially and where you want it to go in the future. If your sales are strong and you consistently attract your ideal clients, investing in a professional brand can amplify those results. However, if you're still experimenting with your offerings and client base, a DIY brand could suffice while you refine your vision.
Assess Your Current Situation
There is an optimal time to invest in a professional brand. Ideally, this is once you've seen some success and have a clearer picture of your ideal clients and business goals. It's not too early to brand yourself when you're preparing for a significant launch or scaling up your business. Waiting too long, however, might make rebranding a cumbersome task down the line when you have a lot of materials to overhaul.
Evaluate Your Resources
Time, Money, Energy, Skillset: The resources you have at your disposal will significantly impact your decision. If you enjoy working with design tools and have an aesthetic eye, DIY might be a fun and feasible option. But if branding feels overwhelming or you lack the time and energy, hiring a professional will free you to focus on other vital aspects of your business.
When to DIY Your Brand
DIY-ing your brand is a great option if:
- You enjoy using design tools like Canva.
- You have a good eye for aesthetics and design.
- You have some experience in marketing or branding.
- You’re still experimenting with your offers and target audience.
- Your business isn’t ready for a full-blown professional brand yet.
When to Hire a Professional
Consider professional branding if:
- You want a polished, cohesive brand that accurately reflects the high value of your services.
- You’re preparing for a significant offer or launch that you believe will define your business.
- You want to scale quickly and make a strong impression.
- You don’t have the time, skill, or desire to DIY your brand.
- You’re ready to position yourself as a premium service or product provider and charge higher rates.
The Red Carpet Experience
If you're convinced that a professional brand is what you need, take a look at my signature service, The Rebrand Experience. This isn't just a brand makeover; it’s a complete transformation that encompasses not just design, but also your business’s core messaging and strategy. It's designed to provide you with everything you need to reinvent and elevate your brand.
DIY with Professional Guidance
If you’re not quite ready to invest in a full rebrand but still want a solid foundation, consider Brand in a Day. This self-guided program walks you through each step of creating a meaningful, cohesive brand, with all the guidance and resources you need to DIY effectively.
Whether you decide to DIY or go the professional route, the key is to approach your brand thoughtfully and strategically. Your brand is your business’s face to the world—make it count!
Remember, there's no shame in either path. Choose what aligns best with your goals, resources, and where you currently are on your business journey.
Work with Rebecca:
- Brand + Website Design
- Personal Brand Mastery
- Brand in a Day
- Creative Partnership
- Client Case Studies
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Welcome to Aesthetically Speaking: The podcast for all things branding, design, and aesthetics for women in business.
On this show we’ll discuss the strategies that make brands of all sizes massively successful. I’m Rebecca, a brand strategist and designer and my sister, Abby is a lawyer with no design experience, here as my co-host!
Have you ever wondered how to create a brand so cohesive people can recognize it a mile away, no matter where they see it? Do you ever struggle to capture the attention of your ideal client and KEEP it with a compelling brand and message? Are you ready to stand out as a unique and valuable service provider regardless of how “saturated” the market is? Aesthetically Speaking is for you!
We believe that your brand is the most valuable asset in your business and should be your greatest investment. As moms and entrepreneurs, we know how to use branding to put your business in front of the RIGHT people, get them EXCITED about your offer, and help your brand BLOW UP online, so you can make more impact *and* more money.
Every TUESDAY, we’ll discuss a unique branding challenge and analyze different aspects of creating a unique and high-value brand for YOUR business.