What makes up a brand? Before starting my branding and web design business, I used to think a brand was a logo and a few colors. The more I served other entrepreneurs, I found out that it is so much more!

If you’re a solopreneur, your brand starts with YOU! Who are you? Can you answer that question? (Not what do you do…Who ARE you?)

I love branding because it starts with identity. When I work with women entrepreneurs who want a new brand and website, we first dive into their identity, who they are, who they serve, and why they love what they do. Knowing our identity plays a major role in how we live our lives and how we run our businesses.

Let’s look at your brand in three parts – Your Visuals, Voice, Client Experience

 

 

Visuals

Let’s start with the part of a brand that we see. Your visuals include your brand colors, logo, typography/font, photography, website, and the mood that is evoked by your visuals. When I work with my clients, I create a mood board with a variety of images and a color palette. Some brands evoke a luxury mood, or a fun mood, or a corporate professional mood. The mood of your brand will carry through to your logo, photos, and website.

Mood Board Examples

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Voice

Next, is the part of your brand that your audience hears, your brand voice. What is your tone of voice? Is it upbeat, casual, direct, professional? How do you speak? If you are the voice of your brand, then you want to be yourself because people will connect with your authentic self. Your voice will carry through to your brand statement, vision, mission, and content on your online platforms.  It’s also important to stay consistent with your tone of voice and how you speak to your audience. When you’re being your authentic self, it’s easier to be consistent because you are being you!

 

Client Experience

Now, let’s talk about the third part of your brand that some people don’t think about, your client experience. This is very important because if a business has great visuals and voice, but the client experience is poor, it’s unlikely they will get repeat business and referrals. You want to map out your client experience from all touchpoints a potential client has with you.

Before a client books with you, they will visit your website and social media platforms. What’s your website experience like? Is it cluttered, disorganized, and confusing? If it is, then this implies that the experience working with you will be disorganized. It’s OK, I got you. I’m great at transforming websites. Send me an application and we’ll get started on cleaning up your online home.

When a client sends you an inquiry, are you quick to respond or do you take days to reply? Make sure you are responsive to inquiries. If you wait too long, the client may have already booked with one of your competitors.

Once a client starts working with you, you want to make sure your processes are in order. Make it easy for clients to work with you, from digitally signed contracts, questionnaires, and easy online payments. Stay in communication with the client and keep them updated on project milestones. Get their input and feedback along the way to see how they are feeling.

Finally, do you get your clients RESULTS? This is why they hired you, for the problems you solve. Do you deliver everything you promised in the project proposal? Do meet and exceed your clients’ expectations? When your clients are overly satisfied with the results you give them, they will be loyal to you and be your champion to refer you to others.

Once you’ve developed the Visuals, Voice, and Client Experience of your brand, you are setting yourself up for success and will definitely wow your clients.

Until Next Time…Melanie

I design brands and websites for women who are pursuing their passion and purpose. I also take photos of them that capture their beauty and tell a story. I get to be a part of their process and journey of stepping into all that God has for them and I’m honored and blessed to do it. Ready to get started on your new brand and website? Email me at hello@melanielatrelle.com.