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If you’re a small business owner looking to inject some seriously memorable mojo into your brand, you’ve come to the right place. Branding in 2025 is going to be a whole new ball game, and I’m here to ensure you’re not left on the sidelines. In this episode of “Seriously In Business,” I break down the three must-have elements for creating a bold brand that captures attention and loyalty. Spoiler alert: consistency, a touch of the unexpected, and, of course, you are integral.
1. Consistency: Your Secret Weapon
Okay, imagine your brand as that reliable friend who always shows up on time with exactly what you need. That’s precisely what you’re aiming to be for your audience. Visual consistency sends a clear message to your followers: “You can trust me!” You’d be amazed at how something as simple as a consistent colour palette, font style, and brand elements can propel you to the top of their minds.
It works like this: every Instagram post, lead magnet, presentation slide, podcast cover—basically, any visual element associated with your brand—should reflect a clear, consistent style. This isn’t about being boring or repetitive; it’s about being reliably recognizable. Use the same colours, the same 2-3 fonts, and similar brand elements repeatedly.
For example, every piece of content you put out should feature a selection of the colours or fonts from your style guide. Don’t feel pressured to slap your logo on everything, though. Your logo should naturally echo your overall vibe. Remember, we’re extending this to brand elements too. Whether it’s a simple doodle, a floral illustration, or a geometric shape, keeping these elements consistent will help embed your brand image into the minds of your audience.
2. The Art of the Unexpected: Spice Things Up
Ever gone through a sea of Instagram posts and felt like they all blend into one giant blur? Time to shake things up! A trick to stand out within industry norms is to introduce an unexpected element while retaining some conventional cues.
Let’s say you’re a nutritionist. Green is the expected colour because, well, food and health vibes. And you SHOULD use green because it’s what your audience expects and it looking for when they’re on the hunt for a nutritionist.
Your brand shouldn’t be different for the sake of being different, but if you want to stand out, find YOUR point of difference and bring it to life visually. For example, if you’re a really bold and playful nutritionist you could pair that expected green with a bold orange or a lively magenta? Or maybe your brand has a quirky twist—like you love bread (carb enthusiasts, unite!). Incorporate fun bread icons into your designs. Or if you love scrapbooking and give your clients real life meal plans – give you branding a collage style!
To put it plainly, it’s about mixing the expected with a dose of the unexpected. Don’t stray too far from industry norms—your audience still expects that visual cue—but sprinkle in your unique flavor. And, fair warning, it’s easy to overdo it. Balance is key.
3. You, The X-Factor: Put Yourself in the Brand
According to me, and likely many of you, the faceless brand trend has overstayed its welcome. In a world of algorithms and AI-generated content, the human connection is more critical than ever. Think about it: your unique personality, quirks, and values make you different than anyone else – so use that to your advantage! Whether you’re a solopreneur or have a team, embedding yourself into your brand can create a vivid connection that people crave.
Take, for instance, a brilliant marketing coach, Tahryn Bolt @thesocialbolt, embeds her love for Harry Potter and dogs into her brand. Irrelevant to marketing but highly relevant to building connection, right? These elements make her brand memorable. You don’t have to go full-scale with every hobby or interest, but blend in authentic snippets of who you are.
Be bold with professional photos showcasing you, share snippets of your interests, and embed pieces of your personality in your visual brand. This kind of authenticity not only makes your brand relatable but also trustworthy.
Four Questions to Get You started:
Here are four crucial questions to ask yourself if you want your audience to feel like you just get them and they can’t help but work with you.
- How do I want someone to feel when they look at my Instagram?Think about emotions: inspired, nurtured, motivated?
- What’s the main takeaway from someone working with me?Feelings of being equipped and inspired, perhaps?
- What makes me different from my competitors?Lean into that subtle point of difference.
- How can I showcase these through my graphics?Represent these ideas visually to connect on a deeper level.
Transforming your brand into a bold force in 2025 doesn’t have to be daunting. Consistent visual elements, strategic unexpected twists, and a healthy dose of your personality can bring your brand to life. This isn’t just about building trust; it’s about making sure your business is remembered and cherished among your audience.
So, what are you waiting for? Dive into your current branding materials, scrutinize them with these essentials in mind, and get started on your journey to branding brilliance. And don’t forget—each step you take solidifies your place in your audience’s heart and mind.
Stay tuned for next week’s insights, where I’ll dig deeper into Instagram design strategies that will make your posts unscrollable (in the best way). Until then, keep showing up, and remember: you’ve got this!
See you in the next episode, and hey, if this resonated with you, let’s chat more on Instagram @whitedeergd for all the latest tips and strategies. Happy branding!
Are you a 6-figure business owner ready to stop feeling stuck and start creating a brand that truly reflects the powerhouse business you’re building. I can’t wait to welcome you into The Co+Creation Design Club and help you make your million-dollar brand a reality.https://whitedeer.com.au/designclub
OR if you’re in those early stages of business and need some more affordable support that will get your branding started from the ground up join us in DIY Design My Biz! https://whitedeer.com.au/diy-dmb
If you loved this episode as much as I loved sharing it with you…there is more where that came from!
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