By Laila Maline
According to Seth Godin, founder of Akimbo, a brand is “the set of expectations, memories, stories, and relationships that, taken together, account for a consumer’s decision to choose one product or service over another.”
The face of any business, branding is a foundational process that spares no one whatsoever. Yes, even when you are a solo-runner in an independent business or the CEO of a corporate giant. So, as a Solopreneur, how do you start off with the first steps to build your personal empire? What things do you need to focus on, and what tools do you need?
To answer these very questions, we bring to you: our Simplified guide to independent business branding. Let’s get started!
Design your website
(Source: Boho Studio)
You may be the star of your website but the spotlight should always be on your brand!
When your work speaks for itself, an audience remembers the way your brand identity shaped their customer experience. A website should reflect this exact feeling you wish to bring as a solopreneur.
The best way to get started is by defining the following, through your personal website branding:
- “What is the aim of my independent business?” – Brand vision
- “What do I stand for?” – Brand values
- “What message do I send to my customers?” – Brand voice
- “What graphics can represent my identity?” – Brand visuals
Use the art of storytelling
(Source: Anita Dongre)
Success story: from a fashion designer to starting a women empowerment and sustainability movement!
Once you have done the groundwork of defining your brand identity, the next step is to tell your story as best as you can. Being a solopreneur gives you an edge above others, as its easier to emotionally connect to an individual than a business front!
The way you master this art of storytelling is by showing your customers how they can recognize you as a friend they can trust. There’s a whole lot of personality that your personal pronoun (like her/him/them) can bring, than a gigantic corporate front.
So, share your experiences and let your audience get to know the real you!
Be original and consistent
(Source: Geraldine Nunez) Use a logo in branding your business consistently across all products and platforms!
“Customers appreciate it when a business has a consistent brand. In fact, consistent presentation of a brand has seen to increase revenue by 33 percent” (Lucidpress, 2019)
We can’t state how important authenticity is to the brand identity of any independent business. The more you reinforce it through a consistent choice of graphics and imagery, the more people will find it easier to identify your uniqueness. In simple words: a brand kit, consisting of a logo, your brand colors, type, and tone of voice – they all add up to your visibility quotient as a solopreneur.
Evolve your online presence
(Source: Marlene Morales)
Every effort you put into each detail of your business branding will reflect your personality as a solopreneur!
Yes, we know how ironic it is to mention evolution, right after we talked about consistency. Our goal in the times where change is the only constant, is tactful growth.
Let’s understand it through an example: logos of big companies and brands have changed significantly over the decades, including Coca-Cola and Google. What makes them so recognizable to this day, is their overall branding and identity (like, their trademark colors).
As a solopreneur, your branding should reflect your personal growth as an individual. Business strategy changes, whatever you learnt through your mistakes, and your personal style- grow as you go!
Simplified Tip: Want to make your branding and marketing assets? Choose any one of our templates, or start from scratch to make your masterpiece in just minutes! Right here on your Simplified workspace.
