Written by: Sara Rudin, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
Creating a business is a lot of work. Sometimes we become overwhelmed with the big picture causing us to forget the little things. When it comes to your brand, don’t forget these crucial first steps to jumpstart your business.
Step One: Start with colors.
Starting with colors allows others to identify your business easily. When it comes to your logo, website, and swag, these colors will represent your business.
It’s important to pick out between two to three colors. Make sure these colors are important to you or represent something you love. Next, verify you know the RGB or Hex number associated with the color you want. You will need to remember to use these exact colors every time you create physical or digital products. If you’re asking how you would find this RGB/HEX information, I’ll show you a quick way to locate the number.
Go to https://imagecolorpicker.com/ and upload a photo of the colors you like. Hover over the picture, and it will pop out the RGB and Hex codes for you. Each color, from Black to White and everything in between, has a unique associated code. Even two colors relatively close in the shade have completely different HEX numbers.
If you create a style guide for your business, be sure to include these representative colors.
Step Two: Determine your Business Name.
Picking a name for your business isn’t always simple. Sometimes you pick the perfect business name to find out the name is taken. I have a different method when it comes to picking out a business name.
I used to spend days, or even weeks, trying to come up with the perfect name. Now, I help business owners come up with a name as fast as one day. You will need three things: a pen, paper, and a timer.
Set the timer for 5 mins. Write as many names, phrases, and words relating to your business for those five minutes. Don’t stop to think. Let your thoughts go onto the paper. After five minutes, check and see what words or names stick out to you.
Take these words or phrases and hit up Google. Complete this practice again at least two more times. Once you have finished writing for five minutes three times, I don’t want you to choose a name yet. Relax your brain. I want you to finish your day, go to sleep, and wake up and try to finish out the day without thinking about your business name. This is usually when it will come to you.
Once you determine the name of your business, make sure to Google it and verify it is not taken. You can then register your business name with your state.
Step Three: Create a Website
Websites do not have to cost an arm and a leg. Use free website builders like Wix to help create a perfect informational hub for your business. Once you start making money, you can buy a domain or even have someone else build the website for you. I, however, am all about FREE.
Wix has many free resources for setting up your website. Check out YouTube if you have specific questions. Remember, simple is best. Ensure your website visitors know what you do, where you are located, and how to reach you for questions.
Your brand is the most important part of your business. Starting with these three steps will set up your brand for success.
Sara Rudin, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Sara Rudin has been training for over 20 years in sports, arts, and Corporate America. Using her experience growing small businesses, she aims to mentor other small business owners who are just getting started. Sara is an advocate for the sport of baton twirling, and she began the first Baton Twirling Podcast to highlight the sport. And she works to bring all things twirling into the digital age. When Sara is not mentoring, training, or coaching, you can find her watching way too many movies and hanging with her family in Austin, Texas.
