There’s a lot of facebook and online experts on how small business owners must create the perfect brand in order to be a successful business. The brand includes the perfectly chosen color scheme, the matching and coordinating website, print literature, and business cards. That is not true.
I freely admit that you need a company name, logo, branding, and other basic marketing tools to get a good start on your business. But, do not let ‘developing the perfect brand‘ stop you from starting a business. Creating value from resources and making a profit is what you need to start and operate a business, not a pretty logo.
I agree with marketers that you should have an overall look and feel about your company and brand, but you do not need to spend lot of money creating a brand.
You should be spending your money on marketing, getting new customers, and increasing sales. No one really cares if you choose primrose red or apple red. Do you even know what Starbucks logo looks like? I would guess that many drinkers know that the logo is round, with green and white, but do not know there is a mermaid with a tail. What in the world does a mermaid have to do with coffee? Guess what. NO ONE CARES!
Most of the famous brands you see may not have started with that exact logo, or even company name. Starbucks, like all retailers, eventually have to remodel their stores and update them with modern looks. That’s the same with brands. There is constant remodeling of the brand and company image. McDonald’s and Taco Bell have updated their stores with modern looks.
Coca-Cola has been defining and redefining their brand for over 100 years. The Coca-Cola bottle symbol and the red curvy writing has evolved since its inception. What makes Coca-Cola successful? A lot of things, well, a lot of business decision things, besides just the red curvy font.
When I started Smart and Sassy Business, I obviously researched the name on google, research business names on U.S. trademark site, and websites with similar words. I eventually settled on Smart and Sassy Business and within a few hours I bought the domain name and started writing.
Guess what? I created a FREE logo from Canva.com. It’s pretty basic, I know, but why pay over $300 for a logo development and 4 weeks of time for the perfect logo? I used something simple. Picked a color that I liked and started. Here’s a side note though, if the Smart and Sassy Business turns into a million dollar brand, then I will consider creating a new logo. Until then, I will spend my time creating business content that you can use for your own small business. Just in case you were wondering, my logo is a soft purple circle with cream writing in a cursivy font.
What do you need to do today to start branding your business?
- Identify your target market.
- Create an identity that you like and your target may like. Example: If you are opening a Goth retail store will all black clothing and accessories, do not use pink flowers and a girly logo. Doesn’t go together.
- Choose a color scheme of sorts. You do not have to perfectly match the font and exact shade of purple on everything, but try. When I decided on the colors and font, I did write it down. If I have a choice to write the company name, I may try to use the exact color and font. If not, no big deal.
- Use your new branding when you can, but do not let it slow you down or complicate matters.
- Most importantly, get working on your business!
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