Small business branding isn’t necessarily easy, especially for those who are not seasoned brand consultants. A lot of strategy, research, and experience goes into building an authentic brand that resonates with your ideal audience. Over the years, I have learned how to simplify this not-so-easy task of branding. Introducing the “5 V’s”, a branding strategy that simplifies the process and yields results.

Who Needs Small Business Branding?

As a brand coach, I have worked with all types of “small” businesses, from the solopreneur just getting started to a local hub beginning to franchise. Every business that I have worked with needs small business branding!

If you are just getting your feet wet before diving into making your side hustle a full-time gig, then branding is a necessary step that will allow you to gain clarity and direction. This will allow for strong launches, clearer messaging, and greater connection in the future.

On the other hand, you may be a small business that has been around for a while. If this isn’t your first rodeo, it may be time to check back in with your branding. Is it still relevant? Does it meet your current audience’s needs? Chances are, your brand strategy may need a bit of maintenance.

How To Best Brand Yourself With The 5 V’s

The 5 V’s are designed to allow you to begin your branding session and get the basics down! These are area in branding that are often overlooked, but are critical to a brand’s overall success. Let’s dive in!

Vision

Before anything else, define your vision. Understanding your mission and purpose as a small business will keep you rooted in what makes you authentic and unique. And if there is one thing I have learned in business, it is that people love authentic! Don’t miss out on opportunities to connect with your audience by skipping this step!

Value

What you do as a business brings value to your consumers! However, too often, I see business owners not understanding their value and, as a result, lack confidence in their product or service. In addition, they do not market and advertise effectively because there is an obvious disconnect within the business.

Voice

The best way to brand yourself is by discovering your voice! Voice becomes clearer and more directly related when you have a strong vision and understand your value first. Then, you are able to speak to your consumers in a way that will resonate and ultimately converts. Remember, your voice is more than just how you talk, but it is also strategic in what you talk about and verbiage you use.

Visuals

As a Denver photographer of over ten years, this may just be my favorite part! Creating visuals through photography, fonts, logos, and colors is part of the creative magic that you need for your brand recognition! Creating a cohesive brand is what adds professionalism to your business. Making you even more desirable to work with!

Vehicle (Visibility)

Think of this last V as what gets you to your ideal consumer. And not just you but also your vision, value, voice, and visuals. For every business, this will look a little different, but typically, it is through social media, websites, and other marketing. All of this small business branding is nothing if it doesn’t get in front of the people who matter most!

If you are ready to DIY your brand, then consider my Build A Brand Course! With 26 video lessons, 5 comprehensive workbooks, and actionable steps, your brand will be up and running in no time! If that isn’t your style and you want a more personal touch, check out my free brand strategy call schedule, and find a time to meet!