If B stands for brand, then A stands for accepting the fact that branding is the first step in building a successful business.

Branding has been misunderstood for years, and while everyone throws the word around loosely, only associating it with a logo, a cursive font, and a group of complementing colors. Branding is identity, reputation, storytelling, experience, perception, connection, and trust.

Branding appeals to your audience through all 5 senses. It’s about creating a message of who you are, what you do, and why people should care, then taking that message and reverberating it through every touch point your client has with you. Branding is the initial step because it builds your message, the foundation for all the other things that come after.

It happens in 5 stages; well, according to my 5-point framework for branding, it goes like this: Fundamentals, Strategy, Design, Assets, and Content.

There is A LOT that goes into proper branding, and it can feel overwhelming. This is why you hire a professional brand strategist to lead you, but until you find the right person (wink, wink), here are some things you can do TODAY to ensure your brand is top-tier.

1. Define Your Brand Values: Identify the core values that represent your business. These will guide your brand’s messaging, actions, and overall presence.

2. Create a Consistent Visual Identity: Develop a simple logo, choose a color palette, and select fonts that reflect your brand’s personality. Use these consistently across all platforms.

3. Craft Your Brand Story: Write a compelling story about why your business exists, who it serves, and what makes it unique. Share this story through your website, social media, and other communication channels. And for all the rest, I am just a message away, hello@jwinston.co.

-B stands for the brand, Jess (wink)