5 Brand Basics Every Business Needs
This is a common question I get! Sometimes it can get overwhelming to look at all of the different brand design offerings there are, and try to figure out what your own business should have. Here are five brand basics every business needs.
01. Keywords.
Part of my brand questionnaire for business includes a bit of a deep dive on the words that describe your brand and business. These then go on to be your ‘keywords’ – words that you can refer back to when you need a little boost or to be kept on track with what your brand is all about! Every small business should aim to have 5-10 of these at their fingertips.
02. Logos.
Of course every business needs a logo, but not just one! Different platforms and mediums require different versions of the same logo, and that’s why every business should have three versions of the same logo. These are the main logo, secondary logo, and monogram. The main logo should be big, bold, and clear, while the secondary can be an alternative version of the main logo that still echoes elements from it, and the monogram or symbol can be much more simplistic like initials or a selection from the brand icons. (More on those later!).
03. Colors.
Oh yes. You absolutely need colors! I usually include 3-5 brand colors, sometimes more, depending on the complexity of the brand design and what’s needed. These colors should range from dark to light hues, because you’ll need a variety to use throughout your brand suite.
04. Fonts.
When you’re creating a graphic for your social media, typing up a newsletter, or even creating a sign for your business, which fonts can you refer to? You’ll need at least two fonts to utilize throughout all of these materlals (header or title fonts, and paragraph or body fonts).
05. Brand icons.
Throughout your brand identity design, it’s important to have a mini suite of brand icons or illustrations you can refer to and utilize in your brand materials. Whether that’s a pattern or icon appearing on brand merchandise, custom Instagram highlight covers, or a fun little drawing sprinkled throughout your emails and website, these are part of what make your brand truly memorable.
Does your brand have these 5 key elements? Have more questions about them? Comment below or send me an email. If you’re interested in working with me and getting these five basics nailed down for your brand, check out my design services & process, and get in touch! I look forward to hearing from you!
