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If you’re ready to elevate your brand and make it not just recognizable but utterly irresistible, you’re in for a treat. Today, we’re unpacking some golden nuggets from my brand episode in the Seriously in Business podcast episode, to get your visual branding game on point.
Why Visual Branding Matters
First things first, why should we even bother with visual branding? Visual branding isn’t just about looking pretty—it’s your business’s handshake, your first impression, and trust-builder all rolled into one.
A strong visual brand can help your business:
– Stand out from the competition
– Build trust and credibility
– Make design decisions easier
– Command higher prices (because quality shows!)
– Create customer loyalty
In essence, a well-thought-out visual brand makes your business look professional and trustworthy, giving you the edge you need to grow and thrive.
The Must-Have Elements of a Strong Visual Brand
So, what are the foundational elements that make up a compelling visual brand? Here are the essentials you can’t skip.
1. Logo
Your logo is your visual identity’s cornerstone. It needs to be:
– Professional
– Versatile (different versions for various uses)
– Memorable
A good logo can be used in multiple ways—on social media, a letterhead, or even a t-shirt. The goal is for people to recognize it at a glance. Want a deep dive into logo design? Make sure to watch the video above.
2. Color Palette
A cohesive color palette is crucial. Aim for 3-6 colors that include:
– Light tones
– Dark tones
– Mid-tones
The idea is to have a variety that makes your graphics versatile and those light and dark colours will be instrumental in designing readable text and visually appealing images.
3. Fonts
Make sure you have consistent set of fonts—no more than three:
– A primary font for headlines
– A secondary font for body text
– An optional accent font for special elements
Consistent fonts help in keeping your brand look unified across all platforms.
4. Brand Elements and Style
This includes visual elements like:
– Icons
– Frames
– Imagery style (e.g., hand-drawn, retro, minimalist)
These elements add personality to your brand and should be used consistently to create a recognizable style.
Pro Tips for Maintaining Brand Consistency
Consistency is key to a strong brand. Here are some tips to ensure all your visual elements are working in harmony.
Tip 1: Create a Brand Style Guide
A brand style guide or brand guidelines can serve as your branding bible. It should include:
– Your logo and its variations
– Your colour palette (with hex codes for consistency)
– Your fonts
– Any additional brand elements or icons
CLICK HERE TO DO THE BRAND CHALLENGE AND GET THIS STYLE GUIDE TEMPLATE FOR FREE!
Tip 2: Utilize Canva’s Brand Kit
If you use Canva (and who doesn’t?), take advantage of the brand kit feature if you have Canva Pro. Upload your:
– Colours
– Fonts
– Logos
– Brand elements
This tool makes it super easy to maintain consistency across all your graphics effortlessly.
Tip 3: Apply Your Branding Everywhere
From your website to social media posts, every touch point should reflect your brand. Regularly check-in to ensure everything from your freebies, online courses, and even Facebook groups are on-brand.
Bonus Tip: Use Sub-Brand Logos
Have different offerings like courses, challenges, or summits? Create mini-logos for each, using your existing color palette and fonts. This addition makes it easier to design related graphics and helps your audience instantly recognize your offerings.
Embrace Imperfection but Stay Consistent
Your brand doesn’t need to be perfect to be effective. Consistent use of your existing visual elements—even if they’re not exactly how you want them yet—can still build a strong, recognizable brand. Then, when you have the time and resources to refine it, leverage that updated consistency.
And there you have it! My wisdom distilled into actionable steps to maintain a strong visual brand. Ready to take one more giant step toward a business that dazzles and delights? Check out the Seriously in Business Challenge for more insightful tips on building a brand that stands out.
Till next time, happy branding! 🥳
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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