What I’ve Learned About Branding
I celebrated five years of business in November. These past few months have been quite the time of reflection of all that I’ve been through since launching. Although business is about the brass-hard facts and the bottom line, it’s also a journey. As entrepreneurs, we never quite are “finished” with building our brands. It’s a journey with highs and lows and wins and setbacks that we have to be prepared to ride. As we close off the second month of 2026, I’d like to share what I’ve learned about branding in these past few years.
First, let’s get down to basics. What is a brand? When you hear the word “brand”, what do you think of? A lot of us have a pretty clear idea of what it is. Most of us think about big, trendy brands like Starbucks and Apple that we feel pressured to buy to prove our status. It’s about the like-minded client who share similar values and the noticeable logo. Sure enough, big brands with mega influencer endorsements are great examples. However, the truth is ANY business can be a brand.
Consistency is Key. The most successful brands are consistent. Starbucks might not necessarily have the BEST coffee in the world, but it’s consistent. Whether if you go to New York or California, you’re going to get pretty much the same experience. This is what gets people coming back for more. If you have business, make sure you’re giving the same experience. No better, no worse. People will notice.
Emotions Matter. Many people think business is cold. However, strong brands evoke emotions. How do you want your potential clients to feel when they come across your brand? Do you want to pursue a sense of playfulness or seriousness? Is your presence calm or energizing? Marketers give a lot of thoughts to how the build brands. Colors, fonts, values and slogans are all important ways to build a rememberable brand.
Authenticity is Essential. Companies must stand the image they portray. If you claim to be eco-friendly but fail to follow through, the public will notice and you will lose your reputation. Your potential clients are informed and have access to research. A lot of consumers (especially younger ones) really pay attention to this. Make sure your words are genuine, it’s not a good look if you’re not.
Don’t Rush It! Entrepreneurs (including myself!) can be inpatient. We live in a world filled with deadlines pressure to finish a task at a rapid rate. It can be challenging to wait for the branding process to unfold, but sometimes there’s bumps in the road. The branding process is best when you pay close attention to the details. If something isn’t feeling right, make sure you check why it’s not working. It’s very important to pay attention to all the details before executing your brand. If this process is taking longer than expected, it’s ok!
Branding can be a stressful but is a fun part of being an entrepreneur! It’s your chance to be thoughtful and creative of what you want your business to be. Like an artist paints a picture, there is your opportunity to create your image. Make sure it’s well thought out to how you want people to see you. A strong brand can help grow your presence in so many ways. If you’re having a difficult time with the branding process, reach out to us to learn more!
