In my post "Does my small business really need a full brand exercise?" I identified eight tips for consistent branding. The first tip is to identify your top five brand values.
Let's talk more about why values are important and why you should start there when building a brand.
Before there was a brand, there was you
Your small business is an extension of you and your own personal values. Your brand values don't have to fully align with your personal values, but there is likely to be some overlap. If you joke around a lot and love to have fun, your brand probably isn't going to list "serious" among its values.
Your values should feel authentic to who you are.
Brand values are the core of your brand
Values are the core – or foundation – of your brand. Everything you do and say should be grounded in these values, including:
• Visual identity (design)
• Message and tone (voice)
• Relationships (customer interactions)
Your values, when used consistently, will create trust with your audience.
Living your values
Values can be used to measure "on-brand" behaviour. Once you decide on your top five values, write them on a sticky note or make them into a desktop background. Begin to live those brand values. Everyone on your team should know your brand values and work to live up to them.
As you build your brand strategy and visual identity, these values should be top of mind. Review them before posting any content to make sure you sound authentic to the brand.
Get started now!
Here's a list of values to get you started. This isn't an exhaustive list, but it will get you in the right frame of mind to come up with your top five.
Adventurous
Altruistic
Authoritative
Bold
Calm
Caring
Clever
Collaborative
Cosmopolitan
Creative
Curious
Dependable
Diligent
Edgy
Efficient
Elegant
Empathetic
Energetic
Expert
Fair
Feisty
Friendly
Gentle
Glamourous
Healthy
Helping
Human
Humble
Humourous
Imaginative
Innovative
Integrity
Intellectual
Leader
Light-hearted
Luxurious
Mature
Mysterious
Neat
Passionate
Polished
Positive
Optimistic
Quiet
Quirky
Rational
Rebellious
Relaxed
Reliable
Respectful
Responsible
Rugged
Serious
Spiritual
Stoic
Strong
Sustainable
Sweet
Tough
Traditional
Versatile
Warm
Whimsical
Witty
Worldly
Youthful
When you're building a brand, there are many things to consider and it can be overwhelming. If you need help, we have an approachable step-by-step process for building brands. We can help you build your brand with confidence so you can focus on building your business. Reach out today to book a free consultation.