Considering a Rebrand? Do These 5 Things First
The time has come. You’re ready to invest in your brand.
→ Maybe your DIY brand is starting to get lost among competitors.
→ Maybe you’ve hit a new level of business and have outgrown the brand that got you started.
→ Or maybe you’re saying yes to a dream business venture for the first very time.
Either way, you know you want a brand that actually feels like you, connects with your dream clients, and reflects where you’re heading (instead of where you’ve been).
When the time has come for you to dig into this new chapter of your business, you want to be sure to get your ducks in a row so that the brand you build will accurately reflect your business pillars, grow with you into the next phase, be strategic for the industry and clients you’re after, and actually be a worthwhile investment of your hard-earned money.
Whether you're eyeing one of my new Semi-Custom Brand Kits or you’re planning to go fully custom with my studio, these 5 steps will help you make that investment confidently — and walk away with a brand that actually is strategic, aligned grows with you into the next chapter.
Nail Down Your Name
Before you dive into colors, logos, or websites, you need a name that’s available, memorable, and official. Your business name is your first impression — the phrase people will type, search, and say.
Plus (and most importantly) your name is what will be captured in your logo and branding assets. You want to make sure you’re 100% locked in before starting the branding process.
Checklist:
✅ Check availability on Google, Instagram, and domain platforms like GoDaddy or Squarespace
✅ Do a search with your Secretary of State to ensure it’s not taken locally
✅ Check for trademark conflicts at uspto.gov
✅ Secure the domain and social handles — even if you’re not ready to use them yet
Tip: If your perfect name is taken, consider unique spellings or industry-specific add-ons like “studio,” “co,” or “collective.”
2. Define Your Brand Foundations
Think of this as the blueprint behind the brand. Before choosing a visual identity, you need to get crystal clear on the core pillars of your business — the things that will guide your brand voice, visuals, and positioning moving forward.
Your Core 4:
Who You Are (your values, brand personality, mission)
What You Do (your offerings + the problem you solve)
Who You Do It For (your target audience + ideal clients)
How You Do It Differently (your value proposition)
These core areas are the foundation of everything — from how your brand looks, to what it says, to how it sells. Without this, your visuals are just decoration.
→ TIP: Want to go a little deeper on these key areas? Check out this blog post to learn how to define your target audience, value proposition, and more.
3. Outline Your Core Offerings
If you’re not clear on what you’re actually offering, your potential clients won’t be either.
Before investing in branding, nail down:
Your core product or service
Define the transformation or result you provide to your target audience
A simplified offer hierarchy so people understand your offerings and what might be the best fit for them.
→ TIP: Even if you offer a wide range of services or products, start by grouping them into 2–3 umbrella categories that your brand can speak to clearly.
4. Prep for a Brand Photoshoot
A cohesive brand experience includes strong visuals — and that goes far beyond a logo. Your photos should feel aligned with your future brand, not your past one. Think about the energy, colors, and aesthetic your dream clients will connect with.
Plus, when people ask me the #1 asset for a killer website? The photos are what make or break your online experience.
With that in mind, I strongly recommend getting a brand shoot on the books before you start your branding process. That way, the imagery can be incorporated into your final assets and output.
TIP → If you’re considering a Semi-Custom Brand Kit, don’t let a lack of imagery deter you. We can complete a beautiful brand suite with sourced imagery or we can plan your customization week around your photoshoot schedule.
Tips to Get Started:
Find Your Photographer: Browse local photographers and find a photographer that aligns with your visual aesthetic and budget.
Date and Location: Select a date that ideally aligns with the timeline of your brand project. I recommend at least a 2-hour shoot to capture all the types of imagery and wardrobe changes you want. For location, something neutral with great lighting or one that is relevant to your industry.
Moodboard: Pull together a moodboard and shot list. I recommend getting a mix of straight on headshots or product shots, in-action or lifestyle imagery, and miscellaneous inspirational or editorial content. Having a moodboard ready before your shoot to share with your photographer can make a huge difference in elevating the end result.
TIP #1 → Shoot a mix of horizontal, vertical, still, and videos you have ample assets to work with!
TIP # → Invite a friend or assistant on shoot day to get some BTS iphone imagery you can use for social or b-roll!
5. Write Your Brand Statement
If you can’t clearly explain what you do, who you help, or how you do it differently… your audience won’t be able to either. This is where a Brand Statement comes in — it’s your elevator pitch, main website headline, your IG bio, and how to organically share yourself with others.
Need help with this?
Grab my free Brand Statement Builder — a step-by-step guide to help you clarify and communicate your brand in a way that’s magnetic and memorable.
In Summary...
Before you invest in branding — especially if you’re considering my new limited-edition Semi-Custom Brand Kits — give yourself the clarity that makes picking the right brand easy.
Because when you’ve taken the time to get clear on who you are and what you do, you don’t just pick the brand that’s beautiful…
You pick the one that’s built for you.
About Semi Custom
Semi-Custom Brand Kits are launching to the waitlist August 28th and to the public on September 4th. These shoppable, designer-made templates are limited edition. Only 5 of each will be sold, meaning you get an exclusive, refined brand that’s tailored to fit your business (not someone else’s).
Learn about Semi-Custom Brand Kits →
Meet the Kits →
The Waitlist Is Open — Join Now for First Access and $200 Off
Joining the waitlist means you’ll get first access when these kits open to the waitlist on August 28th (before it goes public on September 4th) and you’ll receive an exclusive $200 off your kit just for joining early.
Hi there, I’m Blake!
Branding expert, graphic designer, and your new (personal) cheerleader. With over a decade of experience building brands, my sweet spot is helping passionate entrepreneurs like you grow their business with confidence and clarity. Let’s work together →