When should I invest in branding?

A lot of female entrepreneurs and business owners deal with an overwhelming amount of tasks, responsibilities, investments, and priorities. A question that comes up time and time again is, when should I invest in good branding?

After years of offering my services to clients, I have some controversial opinions, and you’re free to make the decision based on what you feel works best for you and your business.

I definitely recommend investing in a good brand identity (which involves brand strategy and visual identity) after you’ve had your business around for at least 1-3 years. The benefit of being around for that length of time is that you’ve grown to understand some of the key elements that will make your brand clear and focused. Essentials such as target audience, user persona, your competitors, your best-selling product or service, your reputation in the market, and your long terms goals may be.

When you have this important information and experience, you’re much better equipped to get the biggest ROI. You will be able to confidently and clearly answer the questions needed to level up your business and create a visual identity that will propel you to the next level of your business success.

The timing of your brand identity will not only help you gain confidence and clarity on what your future goals and plans are, but it will also build a consistent and clear brand strategy.

You will feel more confident speaking about and sharing, especially when it comes to fundraising, investments, and partnerships that will level up your business.

So, what do I recommend when you’re starting up? If you have the time and the eye for design, I suggest you either do it yourself or work with a junior graphic designer to help you build an essential identity to get started with. If you’re invested in the long term, your time is of the essence, and you like doing things right the first time, you can work with us for the essentials, and once you’re ready we can smoothly transition into the full brand identity when you’re ready.

Either way, you understand the value of intentional design and you value the time and effort it took for you to get to this point. Make sure they know your story.