There are about one bazillion things you need to think about when you decide to start a new business, and none of them seem to be any less important than the others. But the one thing can that separate you from your competitors is how you present your brand to the world.
Your business’s image is a vital part of your identity that can set you steps above the others. Creating a cohesive brand for your business can even help build trust with potential clients by projecting a professional image. Tell the world that you have your stuff together and that you demand to be taken seriously!
Here is my list of the 3 branding items you absolutely must have for your new business.
1. Logo
Let's start at the very beginning (a very good place to start). The first item I would recommend to create for you business is a logo. A logo is a visual representation of your business and its core values, all boiled down to a simple design. This is the mark that people will recognize as your own and will build trust with your clients. It is the one piece of design that you will use the most and you truly want to spend time making sure it's right for you and your business.
2. Business cards
There's nothing worse than excitedly telling someone about your new business, only to have them ask for your information and you don't have a card to give to them. Once you have a logo, slap it on a business card with your contact info so clients can start getting ahold of you. Give them to everyone! Look how professional you are!
3. Website
You practically don't exist today without a website. There are no more yellow pages, so if people can't find you online, then you are missing out on a HUGE opportunity for your business. And taking that a step further, if your website looks cheap or fishy in any way, people are going to bounce without even seeing how amazing you are. So be sure to spend time really thinking through your website strategy and how it represents you on the interweb.
3 ½. Bonus items
Letterhead - Nothing makes you look and feel more official than having your logo and info on some letterhead every time you print something important.
Thank you card - My branded thank you cards have come in so handy! I send a handwritten one to clients after we've wrapped up a project and it adds a lovely personal touch.
Branded "just because" card - After seeing how much I used the thank you cards, I decided I also needed a general "just because" card. I use these on occasions when I'm not thanking someone, but wanting to drop them a note, welcome them as a client, or just say hello.
Email Signature - Once you’ve got your logo you’ll want to plaster it everywhere so that brand recognition starts building and email signatures send it along with every communication. Instead of putzing around trying to design one, I use HubSpot’s free email signature generator and it looks great!
Branding is just one piece of your business, but it’s so important because it’s the face you put out there for the world to see first. Plus, you will never feel more official than when you have a cohesive brand put together to make you look like the real professional that you are.
Do you have these must-have branding items in place for your business? Are there any other bonus items that you’ve found useful?
