How exciting! This is my first blog under Zeely Creative!
The other day I finished my first “official” email introducing Zeely Creative to my existing clients to let them know I’ve moved from Christyl Benford the freelancer, to an actual company that has a Purpose, Specialty and a specific Client Type that I’ll be catering to from now on.
Ok so you’re probably asking yourself what’s the difference?
The difference is huge! I had to separate myself from just designing any and everything that came through my door. I had to separate the “Designer” from the “Business Owner”.
This is actually harder than it seems because you are totally changing your mindset and taking on more conscience responsibilities. I actually had to sit down by myself (and with 2 of my smart and most trusted comrads), study, and then ask myself 3 simple questions I’ve asked clients in the past.
- Who is your target market?
- What do you offer?
- What does that look like?
Let’s be honest. These were only a few questions out of what seemed like a hundred, in building my brand. But I started with these for myself. I had to really reign it in because as a creative person I can sometimes be all over the place.
So I’ll start here with you. Here are the 3 questions to ask yourself when branding your business.
1. Your Target Market
These are the people you want to help and can help. This is your ideal client, your audience. You have something in common with them and you would actually like working with these clients. They have a problem that you love solving. Think who they are, what they look like, how much they make, etc.
2. What You Offer
This is your product, your service, your specialty. This was a hard one for me because I can do so much. However like me, you will want to think about what you’re good at (your specialty) and how people can benefit from it. This will set you apart and make you a specialist at that one thing.
NOTE: Not that you can’t do other things, but starting out your message needs to be clear across all platforms and in everything you do. Remember, you can’t be all things to all people!
3. The Look
As a designer I would say the look is very important don’t get me wrong. But it’s not the visual look I’m talking about here. It’s the feel of your company and everything it offers. Your clients will feel some type of way when they think of you or see your name. It’s how you communicate, your clarity on what you do and the consistency in doing that. This will all translate into your look eventually.
So what have we learned?
Help those you can with your specialty and create a feeling that will have them coming back for more.
You deserve to be the best You in your company. Your brand is you and your company needs a fair start to success. Start by asking yourself these 3 questions. Then ask your loved ones these questions about you and listen to what the see.
Check out the book “The Brand Called You” by Perter Montoya with Time Vandehey. It’s never too late to invest in you.
I would love to hear your thoughts. Jot them down in the comments below and share this on your page and with your friends. Thanks for reading!
Until next time!
Christyl
