1.2 - Create your brand and logo
Let's start by laying the foundations: your brand is much more than just a pretty logo!
It's the very essence of your company, what sets it apart from the competition and what resonates with your customers. It must be built to be memorable, create differentiation from the competition and evoke emotion.
1 - Define your brand identity
Take the clothing brand Patagonia, for example. Their identity is centered on sustainability, adventure and environmental preservation. Every aspect of their brand, from their clothing design to their marketing campaigns, reflects this commitment to nature and exploration.
To do this, start by thinking about what makes your company unique and valuable. What is your value proposition? What are your key strengths and commitments?
For example, if you run a natural beauty products business, your brand essence might focus on the use of organic and sustainable ingredients, as well as your commitment to animal welfare. This identity will guide all your business decisions, from product formulation to marketing strategy.
Once you've done that, you can concentrate on identifying a target audience to match your offer with its demand.
2 - Find your audience and niche
Obviously, not everyone is your customer. And that's a good thing! But who are they? What are their needs and desires? What problems can you solve for them?
Let's take the example of an online vintage clothing boutique, inspired by brands like ModCloth. Their target audience is mainly young women with a passion for retro and vintage fashion. These customers are looking for unique and original clothes that allow them to stand out while expressing their personal style. They are drawn to whimsical designs, bold patterns and flattering cuts that evoke the aesthetics of decades gone by.
By understanding the needs of this audience, such as the search for original, quality clothing, the company can offer a carefully chosen selection of vintage garments, accompanied by a friendly and inspiring shopping experience. ModCloth is also distinguished by its commitment to inclusivity and diversity, offering a wide range of sizes to suit all body types and celebrating the beauty of every customer, whatever their shape or size.
Once you understand your audience, it will be easier to create a brand that resonates with them. It's from this meeting that the first ideas for a name, logo and identity will emerge.
3 - Create your logo
The logo is your company's visual calling card. You can hire a graphic designer to create it for you. Here are a few platforms to find one: Malt, Fiverr, Upwork, Graphiste.
But if you're on a tight budget, there are also online platforms that will enable you to create it more cost-effectively: Canva, Design, Tailor Brands, Turbo Logo.
And since we live in a beautiful world, don't hesitate to take advantage of the benefits offered by artificial intelligence. If they can't give you a clear answer, they can provide the inspiration you need: ChatGPT, Google Gemini, Midjourney.
Once you've got your logo, it's time to build your world.
4 - Establish a consistent visual identity
In addition to the logo, your visual identity must include elements such as colors, fonts and images used in all your communication media.
Take Coca-Cola, for example. Their visual identity is instantly recognizable thanks to their distinctive colors palette - bright red and white. These colors are used consistently across all their communication media, from TV ads to product packaging to their website. What's more, they use a specific font for their logo and messages, consistently reinforcing their brand and image.
Maintain this visual consistency across all channels to reinforce brand recognition and create a unified experience for your customers.
And that's it! You're ready to conquer the world! Or at least to create a site and communication that reflect your image :).