6 Signs You’re not Ready for Custom Brand Design
Starting a new biz or want to turn your side-hustle into something a little more serious (and successful)? If you've done your research, you'll know that a pro-looking brand is one of the first places you should start.
And here at S&S, we are all about that brand game!! We want you rocking a gorgeous visual brand that makes you excited to show up and show off. But that doesn't mean we recommend a custom brand for everyone.
“When shouldn’t I invest in custom brand design?”
The easy answer is: When you’re not ready yet.
A custom brand is a biiiig – and often expensive - investment. And even though we believe it’s an investment that eventually pays for itself (and then some!) with brand cred, appeal and connection, you need to be in the right place in your biz to make the most of it.
Otherwise? You could end up creating a brand that struggles to support your business goals and dreams, or a brand that you’ll need to change way sooner than you want.
So, how do you know if you're ready for a custom brand?
Sign #1: Your biz is brand new
If you’ve been in business for less than two years and you still have that new-biz-smell, it might be too soon to invest in custom brand design. You’ll want to walk a mile – or few – in your businesses’ shoes before doubling down and creating a timeless brand that’ll grow with you.
Sign #2: You don’t have a defined audience
Not sure who you’re selling to yet? You definitely shouldn’t invest in a custom brand just yet! Your brand should be designed to connect with your FYT (F*ck Yes Tribe, read more about them here). So, if you don’t know who they are yet, hold off on spending the big bucks on custom branding.
Sign #3: You don’t know exactly what your business offers (or will offer in the future)
If you’re still figuring out your product or service as you go along, that’s totally cool – and keep evolving, babe! – but this is a sure sign that you aren’t ready for custom branding just yet. For example, one of our past clients couldn’t decide if she wanted to be a brand photographer or a wedding photographer. So, she offered both. The result? Confusing and unclear communications that hindered instead of helped her conversions.
Sign #4: You want a brand YOU love
The whispered part of this sign? It’s a brand ONLY you love. Your brand should be designed to draw in your dream clients. Yes, you should love it. But that should be secondary to your FYT loving it. You’re already sold on your business – your brand is to sell them on it. And custom brand design is for when you’re ready to look past your needs and focus on what your dream clients want to see.
Sign #5: You’re playing the comparison game
You are a one of a kind. You can’t compare yourself – or your business – to anyone else(s). Which is why your branding should be totally original, too. So, if you’re still trying to copy your competitors and mimic their marketing, you should hold off on custom branding. You need to focus on cultivating confidence in yourself and your vision first.
Sign #6: You haven’t settled on a business name
Okay, this is a big one. If you don’t know your business name yet, you won’t be able to create a brand. Not only ‘cause you need it for your branding, but because it’s a symptom of a deeper problem: Not knowing your business yet. And custom branding is best for businesses who have their foundations sorted and are ready to grow.
“But, guys, branding is SO important! How can I look pro when I’m starting out?”
DIY it, babe! Uh-huh, DIY brand design is TOTALLY an option when you’re launching your business.
And, nope, you don’t need to be a pro brand designer to successfully make your own brand. At least, not when you use our DIY Canva Brand Templates. 😉 Come on over and check ‘em out for yourself!
Remember, you're not just blending two niches; you're creating a whole new space for yourself and your audience, breathing fresh life into old ideas. 💡 Embrace the potential of the crossover niche and redefine the boundaries of your industry. 🚀🌟
