How To Nail Your Branding And Business Stationery By Lala

I first met Lala at a networking event and immediately clicked with her, not only because she was wearing a bright pink jacket, but also because she was so knowledgeable and charismatic, and honest!

Lala has had her successful business; Lala Designs since 2003 and makes the most beautiful wedding invitations and business stationary. When I was preparing my magazine, I knew I had to ask her! Lala says:

‘The question I get asked the most from business owners, is how do I stand out from everyone else? My reply is your BRANDING!!!!

Business branding is not just a logo! Your brand is all the elements that speak for your business when you are not there to speak for it. A successful brand takes investment of money and time, BUT it can be what makes you stand out from all the other businesses in your arena.

Having your business branding strategy set in place is the foundation of you building a successful business. It will help you make the decisions you need to keep moving forward and assist you in being consistent in everything your brand presents to the world. 

1 – Do your homework!

You must research what is out there in your chosen business field. Sit down and thoroughly go through businesses in your field in your state, country and worldwide. Write down the Pros and Cons of each business. What you like about their brand from a customer’s point of view. 

2 – You are building a brand for your ideal customer, not you.

The common mistake I see, is people choosing colours, fonts, design elements based on what they personally like and not what appeals to their ideal client. 

For example; You may love plants, but if you are a wedding photographer, does having a plant design in your logo really tell you ideal clients, couples getting married, that you are a wedding photographer, or does it say you sell plants, or maybe you are a landscaper?

3 – Know who you are selling to

Also known as your ideal customer. This is so crucial; we never build a brand strategy or create a logo without knowing who we are trying to sell too. If you are not clear in who you are marketing to, how will the client know you are speaking to them?

4 – Invest in a professional

I understand money is tight when you start, but consumers (your ideal client) are smart. They know if your logo is a predesigned one you bought online because they have seen it before, or if you slapped a logo together in Canva, with no design eye or experience. Invest if you can with a professional, experienced brand designer.