Branding Basics for Start-ups

Establishing and creating a clear brand is an invaluable step in start-up business planning. It allows you to ground your identity from the get go - sharing your vision with your clients, prospects, and employees. A well-executed brand allows you to stand out in a crowded marketplace and be differentiated from your competition. Over time it builds trust, credibility, and an emotional connection. Your brand is your promise and it is important to be intentional from concept to execution. 

Many entrepreneurs have no experience in graphic design, color theory, typography, and identifying the softer elements of a brand. Because it is often not an area of expertise, it is treated as an afterthought or an evil necessity rather than a critical part of business formation. It is easy for business owners to find inexpensive app or contractor online to quickly draft a logo, but there are additional aspects to a brand that are worth thinking through ahead of time. 

Whether you are looking to use an online design service such as Fiverr or Upwork; or you have a robust marketing budget to hire a full-blown creative agency, MCBCreative's founder, Mary Claire Bouchér, gives you tips in this video to approach your logo development and overall brand in a meaningful way that will ensure you get an end product that is the best reflection of who you are and what you do. 

Topics in the video include:

• Why it is important to have a clear brand
• Establishing "why you do what you do" and other foundational concepts to anchor your brand
• Brief introduction to color theory
• Discussion of typography and why it matters more than you think
• Basics of logo creation and branding style guide
• Other "soft" branding elements and opportunities
• "Workshop" questions to consider before you get started

If you're in start-up, business planning phase and have questions about these or other brand related topics, MCBCreative is here to help. We are happy to offer you a free initial consultation to get you started.