OK, so you’ve come up with a smashing business idea or changing directions of your current one. You’re ready to go all in and you know that a cohesive and purposeful brand will help you build the professional business you know it can be.
You think it’s time to contact your favourite brand designer (insert picture of amazing designer here) 😄 but before we dive into developing the visual branding there’s a few things that need to be done first.
1 - IT'S ALL IN THE NAME
Assuming you’ve already picked a business name you will need to search the Australian Securities and Investment Commission (ASIC) Here you can find out if your chosen name is available and follow the steps in getting this registered.
2 - DOMAIN NAME
If the name isn’t being used or trademarked, it’s then a good idea to complete a domain name search. The best way to check if a given URL is in use, is to use the tool on www.auda.org.au. Ideally you want the domain name to be as close to the business name as possible. So it’s always a good idea to check the domain availability before making the commitment to the business name.
I highly recommend Site Ground for affordable domain names. I earn a small commission if you use this link to make a purchase, but won’t cost anything extra for you! I only recommend tools that I have either personally used or were highly recommended, so I know you’ll be in good hands.
3 - GET SOCIAL
Next register your social media name as close to your business name as possible, keeping short and sweet in mind. Use a consistent social media handle across all platforms. Username consistency will make it far easier for potential connections to find you when searching for your business.
4 - GET CLARITY ON YOUR BUSINESS
Next you need to gain some clarity on your business.
- What do you want to be known for?
- Which problems are you solving for your customers?
- Which feelings do you want your brand to invoke?
- What sets your business apart from your competitors?
The more you understand your business the more strategic and purposeful I can be when developing your visual branding.
You should have a crystal clear picture of your brand in your mind, whilst understanding your target market, your why, your mission and values. Without these it’s a lot like fumbling around in the dark.
If you need help answering some of these questions and are ready to dive in, here is where I work closely with you to build a document outlining your who, what and why from the get go.
5 - KNOW YOUR AUDIENCE
Now that you understand your why, it’s time to look into your audience more closely.
What demographic are you addressing?
Which problems or concerns are you solving for them?
Who are the people you want to reach and why?
Your brand needs to speak to your ideal audience first and foremost.
If you don’t have an audience yet, research your competitors’ audiences.
- What do they have in common?
- What will attract them to your business?
The clearer you can be, the easier it will be to come up with a design strategy that is targeted to the right audience.
6 - GATHERING INSPIRATION
Ok, so I’ve heard on so many occasions, ‘I don’t know what I like but I’ll know when I see it!!!’
(Insert picture of amazing mindreader here) 😄 actually that’s definitely not me. I’m not a mindreader and chances are you do have an idea of what you like and don’t like, so here is where I send you some homework.
Try to curate a collection of photography, typography, and designs that represent your brand’s words, aesthetic, tone, and feel – i.e. a moodboard. Pinterest is an amazing tool for saving these ideas.
For example, is your brand trendy, fun, and quirky? Or is it sophisticated and classic? Simple and chic?
Focus on what it is that speaks to you. Is it the colour, or a pattern or font? Do you like the mood it evokes? Try to hone in on what inspires you about these designs.
Now that you’ve done some ground work, you are ready to move onto the next stage. The Visual Branding!
I’m here to help women entrepreneurs like you, establish a beautiful and strategic brand and website. If you would like to find out if a logo or brand design is the next step for your business, download my free guide below.
