Solo Entrepreneurs: How to Create a Standout Brand

Starting your own business can be both exciting and terrifying at the same time, but it’s especially intimidating if you’re planning on taking on the challenge of going solo as an entrepreneur. Being a solo entrepreneur can bring its own unique challenges, so you need to have a well-defined plan in place from the beginning if you want your business to truly stand out among all the others in your industry. Things solo entrepreneurs should consider when starting a brand:

Your business plan

One of the first steps in creating your brand is developing your business plan, which will help you identify your strengths. Even if you are only launching a side hustle venture, a solid plan of what you want to achieve and how can make all the difference. Your business plan will serve two purposes:

• Identifying the best approach to market your idea
• Ensuring that your idea is viable

As part of the plan, you will also determine crucial elements of your business identity, aka your brand, by figuring out who your customers and competitors are. 

Your logo

To create a logo that is memorable and reflects your brand to be used across all of your channels, you’ll need to spend some time on it and rely on expert designing skills. The first step is deciding what your logo will say about you. Is the logo playful or serious? Simple or complex? It can be tough to create a design that encompasses your message, so that’s why it’s a good idea to work with a professional designer for your side hustle and startup logo. The logo is a summary of your business identity: It must be identifiable, recognizable and above all, unforgettable. 

Brand voice

Creating your voice is key for solo entrepreneurs because it gives you the opportunity to build a personal connection with your customers. One way to do this is by using casual language, which feels more authentic and personable. Another option is to use professional language, which helps you put your best foot forward in business. Whichever tone of voice you choose, be consistent and make sure that it matches the values of your business.

Your online presence

For your audience to get to know you, you have to be authentic. Social media is an excellent place for solo entrepreneurs to share their passions with their customers. It’s also a great place for them to interact with their audience and see what they have in common or ways they can help each other out. As long as you are genuine and consistent, you will build your brand one social media post at a time.

Your values statement

Your business values are the foundation of everything you do and can reflect your audience’s beliefs too. It’s important for you to be true to yourself and stand up for what you believe in. Keep these guidelines in mind as you craft your values statement:

• Think about what motivates you and how this will influence your decision-making process. What are the things that matter most?
• What does your company stand for and believe in? Why should people care about it? Where does your company fit into the world?

Figuring out what your brand should be is no easy task. Your brand is a combination of visual identity, values, tone of voice, and your approach to the market. It’s okay to take time and consider what you want people to feel when they see your business.

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