JUSTINE LAMER

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THE MEANING OF BRANDING FOR SMALL BUSINESSES

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what is the meaning of branding for small businesses

You stopped here because you are serious about starting branding your business and wish to know exactly what is the meaning of branding for small businesses?

Well, you are about to learn everything you need to know to get started!

Let’s dive right into the meaning of branding for small businesses.

The meaning of branding for small businesses

1- WHAT IS BRANDING?

So, I think the first thing we need to talk about is “branding”.

You probably know what’s a brand right? If you see the M of Mc Donald’s, you know who they are and what they do thanks to their logo. That is their “brand”.

Now, if you look at Mc Donald colors, typography, tagline, and packaging, that is “BRANDING”

Basically, branding is the way your target audience recognizes your brand thanks to different assets.

So, what are those assets?

2- WHAT ARE BRAND ASSETS?

There are a lot of things incorporated in Branding, but here are some examples.

As a small business, to have a strong brand identity, you will need:

  • Primary logo: That is the logo that includes any logo mark, logotype but also taglines. This is considered a more “formal” presentation.
  • Secondary Logo: This logo is another variation of the primary logo. It will be displayed on most consumer-focused products/services.
  • Text Only Logo: This format works well where the logo mark or symbol cannot be used.
  • Icon or Brand Mark: Used when the consumer is already aware of the company name. (also used as watermark)
  • Responsive Logo: This one is used for super small areas like mobile headers, social media profile pictures, etc.
  • Color Palette: Strong 3 to 5 Primary colors to represents your businesses model and voice.
  • Typography: Come up with a typography system by always using the same type and fonts. Up to two different types.
Justine lamer Branding services

2- WHAT ELSE DO I NEED TO BRAND MY BUSINESS?

Well, if you did all the basics and wish to do even more, here is what you can start working on:

  • Packaging: for product-based businesses! How awesome to have packaging that incorporates your business colors, fonts, and logo?
  • Business Cards
  • Thank you Cards
  • Flyers
  • Social Media Templates: You must be aware of how important social media platforms are for your business. They are really powerful lead generators for your products or services. So, one of the things you can do is designing social media posts that using all of your brand assets.
  • Digital stickers and Gifs

I hope this article helped you understand a little more about what is the meaning of branding for small businesses and that you have enough to get started.

If you are interested in working with me to build your DREAM business brand, you can check my services here and then contact me there.

Thank you so much for reading about the meaning of branding for small businesses

Before you leave, you might be interested in reading about 5 free social media templates.

See you back here soon

Justine Lamer

5 APPS YOU NEED TO RUN YOUR SMALL BUSINESS

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5 APPS YOU NEED TO RUN YOUR SMALL BUSINESS

You stopped here because you want to learn more about the 5 apps you need to run your small business.

So, running a business as an entrepreneur can be stressful. You get overwhelmed easily with all the things you need to do.

The best way to run a business is to stay organized.

But as a new entrepreneur, you would love to use apps where you don’t have to spend the extra money you don’t have (YET)

Alright, let’s get right into the 5 apps you need to run your small business.

5 APPS YOU NEED TO RUN YOUR SMALL BUSINESS

1- TRELLO

Ok, let’s talk organization RIGHT AWAY!

When running a business, you need to have some kind of calendar, lists, goals, and more at the same PLACE.

Switching from an app to another can be tiring, and this is why you often forget to do something.

So, what is Trello?

Trello is an online organization tool that helps you manage projects, lists, and your overall business using a “workflow”.

Basically, Trello will let you create boards, for example, a digital marketing board for your business.

On this board, you can create lists like Social media.

And, in those lists, you can add cards like Instagram.

Each card can be edited with attachments, due date, checklist, and more.

The best thing about Trello is the power-up you can add like google calendar and some butler options.

Oh also, Trello is free!!

5 APPS YOU NEED TO RUN YOUR SMALL BUSINESS
Related: 5 WAYS TO PROMOTE YOUR BUSINESS ON INSTAGRAM

2- CANVA

Now, let’s talk graphic design.

You cannot run your business without branding and graphic design.

The visual part of your business is very important for your brand awareness.

So, what is Canva?

Canva is a graphic design tool so simple that everyone can use it.

This tool makes graphic design accessible for anyone who wants to create any kind of content.

So, Canva can be used to create social media posts, banners, invoices, business cards, online presentations like webinars AND SO MUCH MORE.

Also, YES you can use Canva for free!!

5 APPS YOU NEED TO RUN YOUR SMALL BUSINESS

SHOP MY DIGITAL STICKERS

Digital Sticker Shop
Related: WORK FROM HOME PRODUCTIVITY TIPS USING YOUR PHONE

3- PAYPAL

Is this third point obvious? I have been using PayPal for my business for as long as I remember.

I have a couple of clients that still love to pay me by check, otherwise, I use PayPal to send money requests to my clients.

PayPal is a great tool to send invoices, money requests, keep track of your pending payment and taxes!

I totally recommend opening a Business PayPal account.

5 APPS YOU NEED TO RUN YOUR SMALL BUSINESS
Graphic design services Justine Lamer

4- HOURS TRACKER

So, if you are working hourly as a freelancer, you need to download this app to run your business.

This app called HoursTracker is pretty complete and will help you make sure you get paid for how long you worked on a project.

So, the app lets you enter the name of the client you are working for, then you can add your rate per hour and around time!

Whenever you start working, clock in! When you take a break “start break” or “end break”.

And then, when you are done with your day, simply clock out.

The app will calculate exactly how much you made that day and will even tell you your estimated tax rate.

5- One drive or iCloud

So, whatever one you decide to go with. YOU NEED STORAGE.

But you need storage ONLINE.

Why? Because as an entrepreneur you will need to have access to your files EVERYWHERE YOU GO.

I personally use both of them.

My iCloud can storage 200GB and my One Drive about 1T

That is plenty of space for my small business.

Thank you so much for reading about the 5 apps you need to run your small business.

Before you leave, you might be interested in reading about how to brainstorm your personal brand or how to bring your online business idea to life.

 

See you again soon,

Justine Lamer