As a graphic designer and brand builder, I often get asked which branding elements should be used and where. Of course placing your logo on your website seems natural, but there are many places that often get overlooked and are an effective and impactful way to expand your brand presence and credibility. Consider these areas and ways to elevate your business in big ways... 

1.      Favicon

If you’ve never heard of a favicon, you’re not alone! This is the small icon that appears next to your URL. This is a great place to use your submark which is a simplified version of your logo.

2.  Email Signature

If you’re like me, you probably spend a lot of time emailing back and forth with customers. This is a great place to implement your branding. Add your logo to your email signature and your brand will be present in every communication you have!

3.  Stationery

If you sell physical products, stationery is an excellent way to add a special touch to your client experience. Have your logo printed on a thank you card, note card, etc. and send them along with the products you ship to your customers or as a thank you to new customers. Stationery is also a great place to implement any brand patterns or textures that are distinct.

4.  Stickers, Stamps or Promotional Merchandise

A fun way to use your branding is on stickers or stamps used in packaging, promotional merchandise or simply to seal envelopes as a marketing freebie for new clients. Depending on the size and detail of your logo, you may want to use your submark for any stickers and stamps.

5.  Contracts & Invoices

I’m always surprised when businesses don’t brand their contracts or invoices. Your invoices and contracts are an essential part of your business and brand that virtually every customer will see when working with you. If you do nothing else, add your logo to the top of your contracts and invoices!

Many small businesses and entrepreneurs first starting out put their brand together quickly or unintentionally to focus on other functions. Budgets may be tight and a cohesive brand may be overlooked or put aside. In addition, many businesses haven’t yet learned who their ideal client is or developed brand values or mission.

Over time, as your business grows and you gain a deeper understanding of your ideal client, values, and business goals, you may realize your current branding doesn’t suit you anymore. This is a sign it’s time for you to consider a rebrand. A polished, cohesive brand can boost your confidence in your business, attract your dream clients, and allow you to adjust your pricing to reflect your value. Whatever the reason for deciding to rebrand, there are some things to consider before getting started to ensure the refined brand fits your business values and goals and resonates with your dream clients.

3 key things to consider when rebranding your business:

1. Before starting a rebrand, clarity on business values and mission is important. Spend time thinking what sets your business apart from your competition and what makes it unique. What problem do you solve for your clients? Are there any social impact elements of your business? Do you prioritize quality or sustainability in your materials? For a brand design to be effective, understand what sets your brand truly apart.

2. To truly define your brand, it’s crucial to understand your ideal client. What age are they? What are they passionate about? What problem does your business solve for them? What do they value? Where do they like to shop? These are all questions to ask yourself when starting the rebrand process. The better you understand your ideal customer, the better your brand designer can tailor the design to attract your dream clients.

3. Take stock of every business identity piece from printed to website - consider stationary, social media and all marketing materials. Make a list of everything where your new branding will be seen and work with your brand designer to rework that creative direction.

As your business evolves, so too should your brand. Having a brand identity that attracts your target clients is a great way to stand out from the competition and build a loyal customer-base. Rebranding is an important and exciting step for your business – by doing some pre-work and preparation and working with a brand designer whose style you like, you can ensure a brand that makes an impact.