Branding isn't a creative gift you're either born with or not. It's a craft with a process. And like any process, it works when you do the steps in order. This is the nine-step brand strategy framework I use with consulting clients to build a brand from scratch — one that's clear, consistent, and actually does something for the business behind it.

When you’re working without a designer to DIY your brand, it can feel overwhelming to figure out where to start, let alone how to stand out. One of the easiest ways to define your brand’s personality is by using Brand Archetypes.

Here’s the mistake most people make when choosing their brand’s color palette: they start with their favorite colors. But your brand isn’t about you, it’s about the experience you create for your audience. The right palette starts by asking, “How do I want people to feel when they interact with my brand?”

If you’ve ever wondered why some businesses attract die-hard fans like it’s nothing, even when they’re selling something nearly identical to everything else, the answer is branding. A brand is your business, personified.

Some typefaces are just letters. Others practically hum with nostalgia the second you type them.

If you’re creating a brand, blog, or content series that leans into vintage, bold, or 90s editorial inspired visuals, having the right font is like finding the perfect thrift store gem. It sets the tone before you ever say a word.

There’s a swell of requests from my clients for clean, classic, and quietly confident visual branding. On Pinterest, it’s everywhere. Understated color palettes, moody editorial photography, and serif typography that looks straight out of a legacy magazine spread.

If you’re trying to build a brand or design your own visual identity, you’ve probably downloaded dozens of freebies and tried hundreds of tools. I’m not trying to add to the list of things you’ve been unimpressed by. These are the resources I use myself and the ones I recommend most to my freelance clients.

We connect with what’s a little messy, a little honest, a little us. I’ll cut to the chase:. If you’re building a brand — as a small business, side hustler, or content creator — you need to care about your words.

If you’re creating content to grow your business, build your reputation, or share your ideas, you’re already building a brand. The truth is you don’t need to post more. You need a content strategy. Let’s break down what a content strategy is, why it matters, and how to build one.