What is a brand? How is it different from branding? What about a brand identity?
A brand is not a single thing, it’s made up of everything your business does and offers. It’s not something that can be designed, but instead it’s an emotional response from the customer about your business. Let’s start with debunking some brand myths.
#1. A brand is not a logo.
A logo is a component of a brand, but a logo alone is not a brand. It’s a first impression of who you are, but it doesn’t capture your beliefs, values, or what your audience feels about you.
#2. A brand is not a product.
A brand can apply to more than just consumer products. It applies to a person, a service-based business, and e-commerce.
#3. A brand is not defined by you.
A brand is not how you define it. Your audience defines your brand. It is driven by emotion, and the perception of your business. Every experience you have with your customers builds your brand, whether customers are visiting your office space or interacting with you on social media.
“Your brand is whatever your customer says it is.”
– Anonymous
#4. A brand does not stop evolving.
Brands need to evolve to continue to cultivate loyalty. Regularly engaging and listening to your audience will help you provide the products or services that your community needs.
Older brands that have been around longer than 100 years have evolved by updating their brand every decade.
Are you speaking to your dream client?
Download our free guide to creating an effective brand statement, and learn how to sing your value to your ideal client.
#5. A brand is not branding.
Branding is the active maintenance of a brand. It’s a planned set of marketing actions like crafting your brand messaging, creating weekly content for your blog, and engaging with your community on social media.
#6: A brand is not a brand identity.
Brand identity is a collection of visual assets like your logo, website, brand colors, brand typography, product packaging, and brand voice. Simply redesigning your logo or your website alone, will not encapsulate your brand but it’s a good place to start.
Brand identity is what makes you instantly recognizable to your customers. It helps create a perception of your brand based on the look and feel. It can differentiate you from your competitors and can attract people by the personality it portrays.
Typical building blocks of a brand identity are:
Typography and colors
Colors and fonts have psychological meaning behind them. Choose the typography and color scheme that resonates with your ideal client, not on your favorite colors or what you think looks good.
Logo
A logo is an essential symbol for your business. It should be a simple, adaptable, and versatile representative for your business. It’s the most important aspect of your brand identity and brand recognition.Website
A website should embody your brand identity. The logo, imagery, colors, typography, products, and brand voice should really make your brand shine.
The goal of an excellent brand is to build trust and value. Be consistent with your brand identity across all channels to help you build brand recognition and brand loyalty. If you need help with your brand identity or website, book your free consultation and let’s chat about your business goals.
Hi, I’m Monica. I’m a brand and website designer with a background in graphic design. I am a mom, creative, and entrepreneur. I started my side hustle about 10 years ago. When I became a mom, I knew it was time to leave my day job and take on my business full-time. The last 5 years of my business have been full of growing pains, but also many wins. I’ve been blessed with wonderful clients that have helped me survive the pandemic, and in turn, I’m here spilling design and business knowledge on these pages. My goal is to help small creative businesses thrive and accomplish their biggest dreams. What’s your dream?
