So first, let’s acknowledge the elephant in the room…

During these uncertain times, when everything feels up in the air and more than a little chaotic… Is your brand really that important? 

Well… short answer… Yes! 

Longer answer… still yes… and I’d add, “more than ever.”

Right now, when everyone is overloaded, overwhelmed, and trying to figure out which way is up, having a strong brand identity reinforces your values, lets people know – at a glance – whether your product or service is for them (or not for them), and sets you apart from the competition by inspiring trust and showing people that you’re a “real business,” and that you’re in it for the long haul and not just capitalizing on a moment in time. 

So, with that in mind, let’s talk about three quick ways you can boost your brand right now, when you (and everyone else) need it most!

If you have brand guidelines, dust them off. If you don’t have them, it’s time to create them. You’ll want to follow them every time you connect with potential clients (that means any time you post, share, or put anything out there publically.)

And here’s the thing – most people aren’t making the most of their brand. Which means that every change you make to align your brand more perfectly with your values is setting you apart more and more as a business. 

Boost Your Brand Today

Maybe your website needs an update. Go for it, but that takes time. Let’s talk about three quick things you could do right now to boost your brand. 

1. Post branded images.

Branded images convey the feel of your brand. And if done right they start to make you instantly recognizable. Colors, fonts, filters, style, content … they all matter. Got the branded image thing down? What about your personal page? 

To Do: Post branded images on your personal page as well as your business accounts today. Then plan to do so regularly. 

Here’s an example of a suite of branded templates, like the ones we create for clients!  A good set of templates will allow you to post on-brand photos, quotes, and product promotions without having to go back to the drawing board every time.

2. Make sure your emails are on brand.

Do you know what your emails look like to other people? Whether you are using regular old gmail or an email marketing platform like ConvertKit or Mailchimp, you’ve got choices about how things show up. Don’t go with the default. At a minimum, use your colors and your fonts. Ideally, design a custom template and signature (or have someone make one for you)!  If you use images in your communications, make sure they’re on brand.

Here’s a couple examples of branded emails that we’ve created for clients – and for ourselves – from more complex newsletter templates to very simple branded signatures:

Get it done: Make sure your email template includes information about your business—who you are, what you do, how to get in touch or find out more. If you’ve done that, go check. Is the information up to date? Is the branding up to date? Make that change today. 

3. Update your profile picture everywhere!

When you show up on different platforms—profiles on Facebook, Google, Instagram, Pinterest, LinkedIn, Twitter … wherever else you are—do people actually see your picture? Or do they see some kind of default?

If your picture is showing up, yay! But … do your profile photos on all your platforms look like the same person? One that people would recognize now? Be current and consistent. 

Three steps to get tip 3 done: 

1. Make a list of all the places you show up. (Gmail, social media platforms, your website, your email marketing, pdf documents, guest posts on other peoples’ blogs… etc)
2. Choose a picture. (Yes, get one that’s on brand, but don’t overthink it or wait until you think you’re ready for a professional photo shoot – just grab one you like!)
3. Log in and update your profile picture. (Yeah, this is the annoying part, I know.  The platforms are all different and how you update your profiles often changes. Just google each one, follow the steps, and check each one off when it’s done.) 

What else can you do to boost your brand? Get our personalized recommendations with a $97 Brand Strategy Blueprint!

With a Brand Strategy Blueprint, we use our experience and expertise in design, marketing strategy, and customer experience to develop custom Profit-Focused Recommendations, tailored just for your brand. Let us help you maximize conversions and give you the biggest bang for your buck. Click here to find out more and sign up!