In the past six years of running this business of mine, I’ve learned a lot of do’s and don’ts when it comes to building an authentic brand. I’ve seen sweet clients shouting to the masses with every brand message and strategy, only to see them caught up in the comparison game of how others are standing out from the crowd, and receiving inquiries from less-than-ideal clients.

As most of y’all know earlier this year, I guided a group of fellow brand designers and strategists through my signature program, the Brand Strategy School. Inside the doors to that program, we covered a lot of solid ground as we focused on implementing my proven brand strategy process throughout their own business! But aside from all the course work and fun bonuses, we were able to dive into the real-life questions that these designers and strategists were facing. And one of the most common questions I heard was this – how can I equip my clients to create a brand that stands out from the crowd authentically?I

Here’s the thing, friend. I know these talented designers aren’t the only ones wondering how to make this happen. I hear creatives across the industry wondering how they can build a brand that stands out in a sea of look-alikes and sameness. So today, I’m sharing with you my best advice on how to stay in your lane and create a personal, elevated brand that connects you to your dreamy, high-end clients you long to serve.

Create authentically.

Are you ready for some hard truth? Do the work that you feel called to create, not the work you see others doing. It’s easier to follow a path forged by someone else, but just imagine what it could look like to instead blaze your own brave, audacious trail. I think too often we look around at what others are doing and feel we have to create in the same way. But the thing is, when we get caught creating what others are already doing, we begin to lose our own passion and purpose and slowly drift from the business we once envisioned and serve clients who don’t authentically bring us joy.

Lean into the work you are most passionate about, even if no one else is doing it. That authentic passion will permeate everything you create and it’ll enable you to capture the attention of your dreamy, ideal client without compromise.

Keep your head down (and eyes on your own paper!)

All too often in the creative industry, we spend time scrolling through Instagram and Pinterest only to leave the platforms with a sense of confusion, envy and burn out. If you’re ever going to create a brand that stands out from the crowd, you have to stop looking to what others are doing first. Attempting to absorb all the strategies, visuals, and offerings that others are putting out into the world will only leave you feeling overwhelmed and worn out. Remember, comparison will get you nowhere.

Instead, keep your eyes focused firmly on the path in front of you, not in front of your industry bestie or girl boss crush. Exit out of Pinterest, unfollow those noisy accounts on Instagram that only bring distraction, and focus instead on what you’re creating.

Do the work.

Never underestimate the power of taking action to help you create clarity in your own journey. If you’re going to craft a brand that stands out, you have to be known for doing quality work that speaks for itself. The only way to do that is to steadily put one foot in front of the other as you chase after work that brings you fulfillment, leaning into the brand that only you can create, while serving the ideal clients who are made just for you.

Creating a brand that stands out in a saturated industry doesn’t have to feel like rocket science and shouldn’t leave you feeling burnt out. If you’re ready to dig into this advice and create an intentional, elevated brand that immediately captures the attention of your ideal client, get in touch to schedule a free consult where we can explore how to make your brand stand out from the crowd. I’m currently accepting new branding clients for late summer and early fall projects. It truly would be a joy to help you craft a visual brand that reflects the heart of your life’s work.

Get in touch here to schedule your complimentary consult call!