Headshots, happy hour & Heat waves
Branding is one of those terms that can feel vague and amorphous. Case in point, when you google "What is branding?" one of the first things that pops up is an article that states "Branding is key to a successful product."
😑 Wow. Thank you so much. We definitely have no follow up questions.
But seriously, there is a lot out there on the internet that can make branding feel confusing, overwhelming, and like you need an entire team to help you do it properly.
Our take? Branding is simply how you define yourself, your company, your product, or - ideally - all of the above. It encompasses how you look, the messages you use, your tone of voice, and even your principles.
Whether you're building your personal brand, launching a product, starting a consultancy, or opening a restaurant, the fact remains: clear, cohesive branding will not only help you to promote your business effectively, it will also help to ensure that the people who come into your world are truly your people, because they know exactly who you are, what you offer, and - in an increasingly conscientious consumer landscape - what you stand for.
So here are a few questions to ask yourself as you're developing (or updating!) your brand:
1. What's important to you/what do you value?
Whatever the answer is, make sure to express it in your visuals and messages. Representing these values right up front attracts like-minded clients and repels those who won’t be a good fit - bad fit clients only waste your valuable time!
2. What differentiates you from others in your space?
Express your differentiator early and often. Why customers should prefer you over the other options in the market should be a key component of your messaging, but also look for ways to convey the idea visually. Need an example? Think about Apple and how their clean, modern products are reflected in their minimalist brand design.
3. Who is your ideal customer?
Look at your brand from their perspective and ask yourself: does my look and feel appeal to this buyer? Am I delivering messages that engage them? Am I emphasizing - visually and verbally - the most important points to encourage this person to buy?
4. What will support you to show up most confidently as you promote yourself and your brand?
From personal experience, we can say that great photography can be a big part of establishing an authentic and appealing brand that you can be proud of.
🍸 📸 So we're planning a fun "Happy Hour & Headshots" event for the WT/SB community.
You’ll add some beautiful photos of you - your company’s leader and an integral part of your brand - to your toolkit at a lower price point than booking an individual session. AND you’ll have the opportunity to connect with like-minded women and gender diverse entrepreneurs while you’re at it. We can’t think of a better way to spend an evening.
>>> Want to join? Answer this 1-question form to help us plan the date!
🪢 Laura & Lauren
Things We Loved This Week
Laura’s Things
👙 This super comfy and cute bralette that’s perfect for this weather.
🥵 This actual footage of ConEd during a heat wave.
😈 The Devil Wears Prada sequel that's in development.
👯 This wonderful reminder that romantic love isn’t enough. (Swipe to slide 4 if you’re on mobile!)
Lauren’s Things
🧘 This set of stretches that fixes +/- 30% of the things that hurt on my body on any given day.
📸 Ryan Phillippe's Instagram, which is like following a hot guy from HS just to confirm that you were there when he peaked. (H/T KS <3)
🥵 I know I'm late on this, but the horny-as-hell new Anne Hathaway movie.
🎧 This podcast that reupped my sympathy for low-information voters at a time when I needed it.
🍹 This new-to-me bar in Williamsburg and specifically their clarified last word.
