Many times in business we just get the ball rolling by getting what we need to get started, we take the necessary steps, we get the necessary tools, but perhaps we don’t give them the thought and full attention they deserve to serve us—and our long term goals—best… 

so we just “get a website” and “order some business cards“, instead of designing a total brand experience from the ground up, and maintaining that ground, thoroughly. Because a brand is not a logo, a brand is who you are, and how you connect with your audience on a not just seen, but FELT level.

Your brand should convey what your client wants to FEEL, because it is a “taste” of what’s to come for them if they choose you—it’s a promise.

And you already deliver on that promise! You’ve been doing it for years in all you do.  It’s just that your current branding and website maybe doesn’t SHOW that stellar quality yet. “Branding” is how that core brand is expressed visually and aesthetically, so it’s not just a matter of hiring a web designer, it’s a matter of hiring someone who understands all this, and knows how to put it into action on all your materials across the board.

For over 16 years I’ve been genuinely listening-to, caring-for, and confidently guiding brilliant business owners just like you, with great success—and I’ve learned a thing or two about what it requires… 

So without further ado… I present the Ultimate Branding & Design Checklist: a simple and straightforward list of items to check off when you’re about to embark on a re-design and re-branding for your business and want to hire a new designer but aren’t sure what to look for. 

YOUR BRANDING & WEB DESIGN SHOULD:

»  Make your visitors immediately drop their jaw and go “WOW“, from the moment they land on your site, before they’ve even read a single word, they are intrigued, captivated, moved.

»  Instantly impress upon your viewers your unique and stellar quality, so that they’re visually and emotionally engaged enough to find out more and read on.

»   Be beautiful and unique — so that it doesn’t just look like another “canned website”, and sets you apart in a sea of competition.

»   Be easy to update, simple and user-friendly, and has the ability to grow with you.

»  Show the world who you are, and why they should trust you with their business.

»  Make your viewers positively giddy to share you with friends and family saying things like “OMG, Check this out!”

»  Make a stand-out impression on potential partners and investors so you can get on track for real growth and change.

»  Let your audience know—in an instant—the caliber of quality they can expect from you. 

»  Create an emotional connection that captivates the senses & leaves a lasting impression on your audience.

»  Re-inspire and re-ignite your own passions and pride in your business for the years ahead.

YOUR DESIGNER SHOULD BE SOMEONE THAT:

»  Understands all of the above & knows how to put that to work for you.

»  Actually listens to you, hears you, cares about you, and just plain “gets you”.

»  You can count on to take care of things for you, and get back to you, without having to be micro-managed or chased.

»  Takes the time to understand your vision and execute it to its highest potential.

»  Demonstrates a thorough understanding of your value, as well as mutual respect and appreciation for what you do.

»  Understands how visual design, psychology, and marketing work together to create powerful connections.

»  Genuinely cares about quality of customer service, quality of connection, and quality of life, as much as you do.

»  Has a clear understanding of your brand experience as a whole, and how to make that palpable in your visual presence.

»  Is on the ball, totally reliable, and dedicated to your needs while still being warm & easy going.

»  Makes things clear and simple for you always, and doesn’t play games, or leave you guessing.

»  Makes your life easier by allowing you to focus on the things you do best, so you can grow, thrive & be continually re-inspired.

THINGS TO CONSIDER:

»  How does design affect your OWN buying choices? 

»  Are you personally more apt to pick a company, product or service when their site and branding is beautifully designed? …and you can see and feel their quality from it?

»  What does that quality tell you about their service before you’ve had a chance to know them personally? or test their product/service for yourself?

»  Do you feel proud and excited to share your current site and branding with people, partners, vendors or investors?

»  Does your current branding inspire you about the possibilities to come for you? Does it accurately reflect you?

»  Does it invoke a feeling from your viewing audience? Does it invoke the RIGHT feelings from your viewing audience?

»  Is what you have now going to support you in growing your business and reaching your goals over the next 3-5 years?

Remember: your brand presence is just a tool that you use to get what you really want, so whatever you decide to do, just make sure you get a tool that is up to the job. 

»  Got more questions? Want to find out how to work with me?  Get in touch! I’d love to hear from you »