Don’t Believe Everything You Hear About Branding

Let’s face it - there’s a lot of noise out there about branding. If you’ve ever heard conflicting advice or felt unsure about how to move forward with your brand, you’re not alone. So let’s clear things up.

Here are 10 things I hear all the time from small business owners, and why they’re definitely not the whole story.

WHAT NOT TO BELIEVE ABOUT BRANDING:

01. “A logo is enough.”

Your brand is more than just a logo. It’s how people feel when they interact with you - on your site, social, packaging, emails, everywhere. A logo’s just one piece of the puzzle.

02. “I’ll just DIY it.”

Sure, you can! But a good brand isn’t just about looks - it’s about strategy. When you’re ready to move from ‘scrappy’ to ‘standout,’ a pro can help you align your visuals with your goals.

03. “I need to use all the things.”

Fonts, textures, patterns, 6 colors, gradients… pause. Simplicity often makes the biggest impact. (And makes your audience actually remember you.)

04. “Branding = looking cute.”

Aesthetic matters, but it’s about connection. Branding is how you show your purpose, values, and personality - not just how you decorate.

05. “I don’t need a brand guide.”

Without one, things get messy fast. A solid guide keeps you (and your team) on the same page - visually and verbally.

06. “Only big teams need strategy.”

Strategy helps everyone. Even if you’re a team of one, it gives your brand focus, clarity, and a north star.

07. “Audience research is too complicated.”

It doesn’t have to be. A few surveys, honest convos, and some scroll-time on social can teach you so much.

08. “I’ll never get clear on my message.”

You will. It just takes asking the right questions. When you know what you stand for (and who you’re speaking to), the messaging gets easier.

09. “Feedback will slow everything down.”

The right feedback actually speeds things up. It’s how you refine and make sure your brand actually resonates.

10. “A rebrand is risky.”

If your brand doesn’t reflect who you are anymore, the real risk is not evolving. A rebrand done with intention helps your audience connect more deeply.

If any of these feel familiar, you’re not alone - and it might be time for a brand refresh. Whether you’re starting from scratch or ready for a rebrand, I’d love to help bring clarity and creativity to the process.