A Guide to the Branding Process
Probably the most asked question I get on discovery calls: what’s the process like?
Branding is a mystery to a lot of business owners— but it shouldn’t be! It’s an investment, so it’s important to know what you’re getting. Branding with me is a 6-step process that makes it easy + fun for the business owner from start to finish.
STEP 1:
Questionnaire
The questionnaire is where you word-vomit all your thoughts and feelings about your biz. There’s no pressure here! Most biz owners have never done this before, and find this step brings them clarity.
EXAMPLE:
Why did you get into this business?
What makes you stand out from your current competitors?
What’s your favorite ice cream flavor? (very important)
STEP 2:
Brand Strategy
I organize all your thoughts from the questionnaire into a 10-page brand strategy document. This document ends with suggested messaging for you to use as taglines, your Instagram bio, etc.
EXAMPLE:
STEP 3:
Stylescapes
I use the information gathered in the brand strategy doc to create two stylescapes (aka creative directions) for you to choose from. This is where the fun begins!
EXAMPLE:
STEP 4:
Brand Development
If the branding process were a story, this step would be the climax! I develop out your full branding, and send it your way in the form of a presentation with a voiceover.
EXAMPLE:
STEP 5:
Refinement
If you need them, you have two rounds of refinement to really make sure your branding is on target for your business. We’ll continually revisit your brand strategy to affirm this.
EXAMPLE:
“Revisiting my brand strategy, one of my brand buzzwords is ‘luxurious.’ Could we possibly use a more elegant title font?”
STEP 6:
Build-Out
Business cards, website, social media, merch… Now’s the time to build out your brand materials with the design we’ve created. Consistency is key.
EXAMPLE:
It ends with the delivery all your final files in a neatly packaged folder. You hold a celebratory disco party (optional).
Each step in the process is designed to guide you to your dream outcome: consistent visuals, brand recognition, and increased trustworthiness + professionalism.
