BECOMING YOUR OWN BRAND

Whether you’re starting a small business selling products, or offering your own services, you’ll need to think about your brand.

This includes the visual side of things: the logo, look of your website, brand colour palette (is your website simple black and white, pastel colours, brightly coloured?) but also the ethos. With what do you want people to associate you and your work? Are you an eco warrior and practising in sustainable design? If so, this needs to come across in every aspect of your offerings – the copy you use, the design details, your social media. Or perhaps you want to create a gentle, personal brand, including behind-thescenes shots, talking about things that matter to you.

Think about how you want to be viewed and make sure this runs through every element of your business. Look at brands you admire. What do you like about their approach? Perhaps they are trustworthy, or respond quickly to feedback and complaints. Maybe their copy is funny and this adds a lighthearted edge to their brand and services.

In everything I do, I aim to be punctual, efficient, reliable and good value for money. I like to be approachable in my manner – so this is reflected in the copy I use on social media and my websites. Other freelance mums are offering high-end bespoke services or luxury products and, similarly, this will need to come across as soon as you discover them – online, and in person.

If you are your brand, it goes as far as the way you dress when networking. What impression do you want to give?