Something I love about being a business owner in Denver, Colorado are the many friends I get to make along the way. Since diving into branding photos and consulting, I get to know business owners on a deeper level. Which leads me to todays business question: how do I know if I have a business or a brand? This is a question that comes up often in my brand consultations, and today I am answering it for you!

Business Vs. Brand

The first step to answering this business question is learning the difference between a business and a brand. Your business is WHAT you do. Your operations, transactions, structure. Pretty easy to explain and seemingly black and white. Your brand is HOW you do it and present it to others. Think of your work ethic, identity, connection, and how that looks in elements of branding like your logo, messaging and tone. This is the heart of your business and what really sets you apart.

Business Question Checklist To Know If You Have A Brand

Now that we have an idea of the difference between a business and a brand, let’s figure out which you have! Here are some questions to ask yourself:

1. Are you attracting the right people?

You are more than likely attracting people who are looking for your services, but you may not be attracting those who are a good fit for you. If this is happening, then you have a disconnect between your audience and branding. You want to present your branding in a way that attracts the type of people you are looking to work with. Do you want a younger clientele? Then use playfulness and humor in your brand messaging. Or maybe you want clients who are looking to invest time in education? Then set your brand up as one of great expertise. The right tone in your brand will bring in the right clients.

2. Do people recognize your business when they see it?

Brand recognition is everything! It’s not just about having a logo or a catchy slogan—it’s about creating a consistent identity that resonates with your audience at every touchpoint. From the colors you use to the tone of your messaging, every detail contributes to how easily people can identify and remember your business. Building trust, loyalty and even credibility.

3. Do your marketing efforts feel strategic or scattershot?

Another way to know if you have a business or a brand is through your marketing efforts. Effective marketing is all about purpose, which comes from quality branding. If your efforts lack a clear direction, chances are they’re not in tune with your brand. By aligning your messaging with your offer, you can maximize your impact and ensure every dollar spent is well worth it!

4. Can you confidently explain your value in one sentence?

A classic business question we all know and love is: what’s your elevator pitch? This is explaining what you do and how you do it in one sentence, just enough time to be explained between floors on an elevator. When you can confidently explain your purpose and value in a single sentence, it is a good sign that you have a strong brand.

5. Are you competing on price instead of value?

Because branding is all about how you do your work and present it to others, you will notice that when your brand message is lacking you will be selling on price rather than value. When consumers are looking for a business to buy from they are thinking “how can I get the most bang for my buck?”. However, when looking for a brand they understand the value of investing with someone who can bring significant impact to their business.

Ready to nail down your branding strategy to attract your ideal clients? Reach out here!

About The Branding Photoshoot

Christine is an interior designer in Durango, Colorado and strives make your home feel luxurious with a mountain flair. Transforming your home into a retreat from the world with full-service furnishings and decor, residential renovations and more. We captured her brand photos at a design store that she partners with at their Denver showroom, and it was AMAZING. Learn more about Mountain Luxe Interiors here.