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Branding Is More Than a Logo

Your brand is how people see and remember you. It’s your voice, your style, and the feeling your business gives off.

For startups, a clear brand builds trust, attracts the right customers, and makes you stand out—before you even make a sale.

    Branding Is More Than a Logo

    Your brand is how people see and remember you. It’s your voice, your style, and the feeling your business gives off.

    For startups, a clear brand builds trust, attracts the right customers, and makes you stand out—before you even make a sale.

      Tips to get you started building your startup’s branding

      (Click linked headings for more information)
      • Define Your Brand Identity
        Start by defining your startup brand’s core values, mission, and vision. This forms the foundation of your brand identity and should reflect your company’s unique personality.
      • Understand Your Audience
        Thoroughly research and understand your target audience. What are their needs, preferences, and pain points? Your brand should resonate with your ideal customers.
      • Differentiate Your Brand
        Identify what sets your brand apart from competitors. This unique value proposition should be the focal point of your branding efforts.
      • Visual Branding
        Develop a consistent visual identity that includes your logo, color palette, typography, and imagery. Ensure these elements are cohesive and reflective of your brand’s personality.
      • Brand Voice and Messaging
        Create a distinct brand voice that aligns with your values and resonates with your audience. Consistency in messaging across all channels is crucial for brand recognition.
      • Consistency is Key
        Maintain a consistent brand image and message across all touchpoints, from your website and social media to product packaging and customer service.
      • Storytelling
        Craft a compelling brand story that connects with your audience on an emotional level. Share your brand’s journey, values, and impact to create a memorable narrative.
      • Customer Experience
        Every interaction a customer has with your brand contributes to their perception. Ensure a positive and consistent customer experience to build brand loyalty.
      • Flexibility and Adaptability
        While consistency is crucial, be prepared to adapt your brand to changing market conditions and evolving customer expectations.
      • Ethical Branding
        Conduct your startup’s branding efforts with integrity and authenticity. Avoid making false claims or using manipulative tactics.
      • Brand Guidelines
        Document your brand guidelines comprehensively. These guidelines should cover everything from logo usage to tone of voice, ensuring a unified brand presentation.
      • Feedback and Iteration
        Gather feedback from customers and stakeholders. Use this input to refine and improve your brand over time.
      • Monitor Brand Health
        Implement brand monitoring tools to track how your brand is perceived online and in the market. Address any issues promptly to protect your brand’s reputation.
      • Collaboration
        Engage with other departments, such as sales and customer support, to ensure alignment with your brand values and messaging.
      • Long-Term Perspective
        Building a strong brand takes time. Don’t expect instant results. Stay committed to your brand strategy for the long haul.
      • Embrace Brand Evolution
        As your company grows and evolves, your brand may need to adapt as well. Be open to brand evolution while maintaining your core values.

      Tips to get you started building your startup’s branding

      (Click linked headings for more information)

      Define Your Brand Identity
      Start by defining your startup brand’s core values, mission, and vision. This forms the foundation of your brand identity and should reflect your company’s unique personality.

      Understand Your Audience
      Thoroughly research and understand your target audience. What are their needs, preferences, and pain points? Your brand should resonate with your ideal customers.

      Differentiate Your Brand
      Identify what sets your brand apart from competitors. This unique value proposition should be the focal point of your branding efforts.

      Visual Branding
      Develop a consistent visual identity that includes your logo, color palette, typography, and imagery. Ensure these elements are cohesive and reflective of your brand’s personality.

      Brand Voice and Messaging
      Create a distinct brand voice that aligns with your values and resonates with your audience. Consistency in messaging across all channels is crucial for brand recognition.

      Consistency is Key
      Maintain a consistent brand image and message across all touchpoints, from your website and social media to product packaging and customer service.

      Storytelling
      Craft a compelling brand story that connects with your audience on an emotional level. Share your brand’s journey, values, and impact to create a memorable narrative.

      Customer Experience
      Every interaction a customer has with your brand contributes to their perception. Ensure a positive and consistent customer experience to build brand loyalty.

      Flexibility and Adaptability
      While consistency is crucial, be prepared to adapt your brand to changing market conditions and evolving customer expectations.

      Ethical Branding
      Conduct your startup’s branding efforts with integrity and authenticity. Avoid making false claims or using manipulative tactics.

      Brand Guidelines
      Document your brand guidelines comprehensively. These guidelines should cover everything from logo usage to tone of voice, ensuring a unified brand presentation.

      Feedback and Iteration
      Gather feedback from customers and stakeholders. Use this input to refine and improve your brand over time.

      Monitor Brand Health
      Implement brand monitoring tools to track how your brand is perceived online and in the market. Address any issues promptly to protect your brand’s reputation.

      Collaboration
      Engage with other departments, such as sales and customer support, to ensure alignment with your brand values and messaging.

      Long-Term Perspective
      Building a strong brand takes time. Don’t expect instant results. Stay committed to your brand strategy for the long haul.

      Embrace Brand Evolution
      As your company grows and evolves, your brand may need to adapt as well. Be open to brand evolution while maintaining your core values.

      Building your brand isn’t a one-and-done task—it takes knowing your audience, staying consistent, and showing up authentically. When you get those pieces right, you’ll create a brand that clicks with your customers and stands out from the noise.

      Building your brand isn’t a one-and-done task—it takes knowing your audience, staying consistent, and showing up authentically. When you get those pieces right, you’ll create a brand that clicks with your customers and stands out from the noise.

      Basic Resources

      Essential online resources to kickstart creating your startup’s branding

      Basic Resources

      Essential online resources to kickstart creating your startup’s branding

      What is Branding? Understanding its Importance

      Ultimate guide to branding basics, including a free downloadable guide - From HubSpot

      Brand Awareness vs. Reach

      Literal Humans explains the difference

      Discover 6 Ways to Improve Brand Consistency Today

      Canto and MarketingDive provide a free downloadable guide to creating a brand messaging strategy that keeps your messaging strong

      Everything You Need to Know About Brand Experience

      Guide to building your Brand Experience - From HubSpot

      What Is Brand Essence? 5 Examples

      HubSpot defines and discusses Brand Essence and provides examples.

      Branding with Consistency: Email Templates and More

      Campaign Monitor discusses how to consistenty brand across emails, website, and your other marketing channels.

      How to Measure Brand Awareness

      9 key metrics to track - From Zapier

      Brand Identity

      How to Develop a Unique & Memorable Brand - From HubSpot

      Brand Strategy 101

      7 Important Elements of a Company Branding Plan - From HubSpot

      What Is Brand Perception?

      How to measure it and 4 examples - From HubSpot

      How to Make Brand a C-Suite Priority

      Wall Street Journal discusses 4 metrics can help marketers demonstrate the financial impact of brand investment on the company’s bottom line.

      Brand Purpose

      The CTA recap: Dr. Marcus Collins talks brand purpose with Marketing Brew’s Ryan Barwick.

      Brands that are totally killing it with voice, tone & style (and how you can, too)

      Article on brands that excel in voice, tone, & style - From Medium

      May require Medium registration

      How to Build a Consistent Brand

      A free downloadable comprehensive guide to effectively define, launch, scale, and monitor your brand - From HubSpot and Brandfolder

      A guide to building a B2B SaaS brand strategy that's more than a logo

      B2B SaaS branding guide - From Kalungi

      How to Craft Brand Messaging Your Target Audience Will Love

      A comprehensive brand messaging guide - From HubSpot

      Brand Attributes

      What They Are and How To Define Yours (Infographic) - From Brafton Agency

      How to Implement a Brand Activation Strategy [+Examples]

      HubSpot discusses what brand activations are, how to strategically plan a brand activation, and some ideas to inspire your own branding events.

      Vetting Branding

      Hive Help from Daily Carnage

      What Is Brand Strategy?

      Definition and guide - From Shopify

      Brand Strategy Kit

      $300 kit that provides everything you need to develop new branding - From Karalyte

      What is brand management?

      Canva discusses how it works, and how to do it well.

      How to Develop a Strong Digital Brand for Your Business

      An expert shares 7 tips to create an engaging website and digital presence - From Mailchimp

      What is a Brand Personality, According to Marketers Who've Developed Them

      HubSpot defines and discusses Brand Personality development and provides examples

      How to Develop Brand Architecture

      HubSpot defines Brand Architecture, provides models for the various types, and discusses how to develop one.

      Logos

      Resources to help you develop your company’s logo

      Logos

      Resources to help you develop your company’s logo

      What makes a good logo?

      10 design tips to follow from Canva

      Brand Logos:

      20 Logo examples & sources of inspiration from HubSpot

      How to Design a Logo

      Step-by-step guide from HubSpot

      Thinking Of A Logo Redesign?

      This is how to do it - from Logo.com

      5 Mistakes Marketers Make When Choosing A Logo

      May require free registration

      BrandMark

      Low-cost AI generator for professional, unique logos with free previews

      Brand Archetypes

      Resources to help you define your brand’s archetype

      Brand Archetypes

      Resources to help you define your brand’s archetype

      3 Tips to Create a Brand Archetype for Your Business [+ 4 Examples]

      HubSpot explains Brand Archetypes and how to use them

      What's Your Brand Personality?

      12 Brand Archetypes explained by Laire Agency

      Naming

      Resources to help you name your company

      Naming

      Resources to help you name your company

      How to Come Up With a Brand Name [+Where 3 of Our Favorites Came From]

      HubSpot discusses how to create a good brand

      How to come up with a brand name your target audience will love

      SurveyMonkey discusses how to create and test a brand name

      29 ways on how to come up with a good business name

      Sticker Mule discusses ideas to help generate brand names

      Business Name Generator

      Shopify provides a free tool to provide AI-generated brand name suggestions

      Brand and Style Guides

      Resources to help you develop your startup’s branding or style guide

      Brand and Style Guides

      Resources to help you develop your startup’s branding or style guide

      Digital Style Guide Examples

      10 Digital Style Guide examples from famous companies such as Apple, Google & Starbucks from HubSpot

      How to create a style guide

      With 14 style guide examples to inspire you - From Zapier

      Brand Style Guide Examples

      31 brand style guide examples for visual inspiration from HubSpot

      Email Style Guide and Brand Guidelines

      How to create them - From Litmus

      50 Brand Style Guides for Inspiration (Plus Free Templates)

      Examples and templates from Canva

      Top Templates and Elements for Creating Your Brand Style Guide

      Everything you need to get started creating a Brand Style Guide from Brafton Agency

      5 tips to design better brand guidelines, faster

      Advice on creating brand guidelines from Dribbble

      The Branding Package Checklist & Pricing Guide

      Discover everything you need to create a successful branding package, plus examples and the cost of hiring an agency to create one.

      Brand Identity Elements

      Resources to help you decide which brand elements you need

      Brand Identity Elements

      Resources to help you decide which brand elements you need

      What Are Brand Identity Elements?

      HubSpot explains the basics of the brand elements you should consider when building a new brand

      Brand Messaging With Zoom Backgrounds

      MediaPost discusses using Zoom backgrounds to promote your brand.

      How to Identify a Brand Character for Your Company

      HubSpot helps you create the personality of your brand

      25 Elevator Pitch Templates

      Free downloadable e-pitch templates from HubSpot to better sell your product, fund your business, or network.

      What Are Brand Assets?

      HubSpot provides 6 examples to inspire you.

      How to Write an Effective Business Slogan

      HubSpot provides FAQs about creating a slogan, along with a free downloadable guide that includes tips and examples

      Rebranding

      Resources to help you through the rebranding process

      Rebranding

      Resources to help you through the rebranding process

      What is Rebranding?

      Best Examples & Strategies from HubSpot

      Rebranding to Stay Relevant

      Building defensible brands in the age of hyper-competition - From Brandfolder

      Rebranding

      Five Steps to Building a Story of Evolution and Growth - From MarketingProfs

      May Require free registration

      Brand Messaging/Story

      Resources to help you develop your Brand Story

      Brand Messaging/Story

      Resources to help you develop your Brand Story

      35 Mission and Vision Statement Examples That Will Inspire Your Buyers

      HubSpot discusses mission and vision states, and provides a free download with 100 templates and examples

      How to Craft Brand Messaging Your Target Audience Will Love

      HubSpot discusses developing your brand messaging

      The Stories That Matter for Your Business

      A Framework from Buffer that will help you influence, engage, and connect

      How to Tell a Compelling Brand Story [Guide + Examples]

      HubSpot provides guidance on crafting your brand story, including a free downloadable guide

      Tools to help develop and manage your startup’s branding

      Tools to help develop and manage your startup’s branding

      Canva

      Canva is a user-friendly design tool that offers a wide range of templates for creating logos, social media graphics, business cards, and other branding materials.

      Shopify Logo Maker

      This is a free logo generator that helps you create professional logos by selecting from a variety of styles, icons, and colors.

      Piktochart

      Piktochart is another infographic and visual content creation tool that can be used to create brand visuals like banners and posters.

      Brandfolder

      Brandfolder is a digital asset management platform that helps you organize and manage your brand assets in one central location.

      Adobe Creative Cloud

      Adobe's suite of design software, including Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Photoshop, is powerful for creating custom branding assets like logos, graphics, and marketing materials.

      Fiverr

      Fiverr is a freelance marketplace where you can find professional logo designers to create custom logos and other branding materials for your company.

      ColorPicker

      Use ColorPicker tools like Adobe Color Wheel or Coolors to find and create color schemes that resonate with your brand.

      Adobe Color Wheel

      Coolors

      LogoMakr

      LogoMakr is an online logo design tool that allows you to create simple logos quickly using their library of icons and fonts.

      Tailor Brands

      Tailor Brands offers logo design and branding services. You can also create your brand identity with their AI-driven platform.

      Google Fonts

      Google Fonts provides a wide selection of free fonts that you can use to establish a consistent typography style for your brand.

      Behance

      Behance is a platform where you can discover creative inspiration and connect with graphic designers and artists to help with branding projects.

      Looka (formerly Logojoy)

      Looka uses AI to generate logo concepts based on your preferences. You can customize and purchase the logo you like.

      Venngage

      Venngage is a tool for creating infographics, charts, and visuals that can be used for branding and marketing materials.

      Stock Images

      These websites offer high-quality, royalty-free images and stock photos that you can use for your branding and marketing materials.

      Unsplash

      Pexels

      Adobe Stock

      Stills

      Don’t let marketing slow you down—or drive you nuts. If you’re stuck, swamped, or just tired of Googling everything, Mathlete Marketing has your back.

      Don’t let marketing slow you down—or drive you nuts. If you’re stuck, swamped, or just tired of Googling everything, Mathlete Marketing has your back.