How to build a brand: Complete guide to getting started! [2024 Edition]

What budget should you set aside for creating your brand?

It's difficult to give an exact answer to this question... It all depends on your ambitions, the type of products you want to sell, the size of the business you want, the legal status, and the type of outlet you want to use to present your brand.

All these budgets can range from a few hundred dollars for small brands looking to get off the ground quickly, to several thousand dollars for companies aiming to compete with the big names.

Let's try to draw up a list of expenses that are likely to come up quickly in your process, for an emerging brand and a small business.

• Graphics: Your logo, images, and visual identity can cost you money if you want to outsource this work to a professional.
• Marketing: To give visibility to your brand and company, you'll certainly want to boost your ads with online and physical advertising.
• Production: If you want to launch an ecommerce or physical store, you'll need to produce the products and offers that'll enable you to sell.
• Website: If you use turnkey solutions, particularly in ecommerce, this is not the most significant expense item.

Did you know that there are other ways to create your own brand and sell products without logistics? Another form of ecommerce, dropshipping lets you sell your suppliers' products without having to stock them. On your merchant website, you'll act as the intermediary between customers and your supplier, who will take care of sending your orders to your recipients. It's a great way to save money on stock while creating your own brand with your own identity!

What should you study before starting your brand?

In fact, to create your own brand, you don't need any particular diploma.

Many entrepreneurs are self-taught in order to realize their entrepreneurial dreams. What's more, thanks to free online resources, from training courses to videos on streaming platforms, it's possible to learn the basics of ecommerce without having to go to school or to learn today's marketing techniques without having to go to university.

Also, when it comes to graphics and brand identity, many brands are built with the help of professionals in the field. So, as an entrepreneur, you don't need to have all the skills you need in every area of brand creation to succeed: you may well find potential partners along the way, with whom you can work to make your business a success.

However, for those wishing to follow a specific curriculum, there are business school courses available directly after the baccalaureate, to give you first-hand experience of the realities of entrepreneurship and management.

Schools and courses

At the university level, business or technology schools can also offer professional licenses as well as master's degrees for a successful entrepreneurial career.

Once again, if you'd like to go into brand building without having taken a course of study, this is very possible and can enable you to retrain professionally alongside your main job to start with, as a total retraining project, or as a student or retiree project, for example. The only skills that no school can teach you will be a passion for your field and tenacity in the face of your entrepreneurial journey.

Online training

If you're looking to get started in ecommerce while learning the ropes, look no further than the WiziShop solution, which offers free, comprehensive ecommerce training as part of all its subscriptions!

In this way, WiziShop makes ecommerce accessible to everyone, whatever the project and the product to be sold.

How do you launch your new brand? 

Launching your own brand is an exciting and intensive challenge, requiring a large number of steps before your products and services are ready for the market.

By being organized and methodical, and by not rushing into your projects, you can build your own entrepreneurial path. To help you do this, follow the steps below, so that you always stay on course, your objectives well aligned with your actions.

1. Perform market research

The first step in any branding project is market research. Don't panic! This action means analyzing all the details that make up the market you want to enter. Whether it's direct and indirect competitors, threats and weaknesses, your strengths and weaknesses, but above all your target customer, always keep an eye on what's going on in your environment.

From this precise, well-constructed analysis, you'll be able to draw up administrative documents that'll help you stay on course throughout your adventure. Also, never forget that market research has no expiration date: keeping an eye on your business environment is always beneficial, so that you can renew, innovate, and improve your offerings throughout your adventure.

Four key points are essential to any market study.

• Demand: the starting point for any brand creation
• Regulations: the passport to being able to start your business
• Offer: the essential analysis of the players in its market
• Products: the basic ingredients for establishing yourself in a sector

2. Find your target customer

Through market research, one of the main objectives in preparing your brand creation in advance is to be able to find your target customer and identify all their characteristics (socio-professional category, age, geographical origin, etc.).

This step is just as important as the market research itself, if not more so: without knowing your target audience, your business won't exist or survive.

Who do you want to address your offers and services to? Who is the person who has a need that you want to meet? What are the buying habits of this clientele that you need to know in order to excel in your sector?

In short, by answering all these questions, you'll be able to offer products and services exactly tailored to well-defined consumers—potential customers who would be interested in your brand.

To help you, you can use online tools such as Hubspot or Canva.

3. Create your business plan

A business plan is an essential document for all entrepreneurs starting a project from scratch. In fact, the purpose of a business plan is to list all the characteristics of the brand, including market research, and financial data. This document is the common thread running through every brand: its design should be complete, summarizing and highlighting as much information as possible about the entrepreneur's planned sector.

Target customer, legal structure, start-up capital, future projections, types of products and services sold, direct and indirect competition, marketing and communications plan, graphic charter, presentation of suppliers and/or product manufacturing techniques, inventory of the target market as well as the desired sector, etc.

As you can see, this basic document needs to be as complete as possible, as its purpose is to be shared with all members of the brand team, as well as with potential future sponsors or investors.

This is the official document used to present the brand project to banks and investment funds in order to raise funds. So, you need to give confidence to those who will follow you in the future through the data in this document and accurately recount all the steps that have enabled you to get this far, in order to boost the enthusiasm of your interlocutors.

4. Find or make your products

Whatever type of product you want to market with your brand, whatever type of service you want to offer with your company, it's all a question of balance and coherence between product quality and brand positioning.

The starting point is simple: what is your DNA and who is your target audience?

Once you've found the answers, you can begin your search for products to sell or materials to use in the manufacturing of your products.

For example, if you want to launch your own clothing brand, using low-priced cotton will be ideal for offering items at rock-bottom prices. On the other hand, if you want to reach a wealthy clientele, it's better to turn to more noble, responsible, and sustainable materials, so as to be able to increase your company's prices.

Here are some common types of products to consider for your future business:

• clothing 
• jewelry
• sporting goods
• candles
• cosmetics
• luxury goods
• purses
• lingerie
• drinks

Beyond simply worrying about prices in your catalog, these choices affect your brand's positioning within your target market. They'll also impact your brand presentation, communication style, and the marketing levers that can be used accordingly.

After all, you won't communicate in the same way with a potential customer looking for cheap, trendy items as you would with a prospect interested in timeless, top-quality products. This search for the best product or the best workmanship should run parallel to the first stages of your process, as a backdrop to the best practices to be put in place right from the start of your adventure.

Be careful during this step: it'll be very difficult to radically change the type of product or service once your first offers are in place. Just think: if your brand focuses on high-end products, how can you remain consistent by transforming your catalog and listing only low-cost products?

Conversely, how credible would it be to launch a luxury line once you've established yourself in the affordable market? To help you gain customers online, take the time to make the right decisions from the outset and follow your core values, your history and your intuition, without doubting your choices!

5. Find a name that suits your brand identity

As in the previous step for brand building, find a name that resonates with your brand's DNA, positioning, and offerings.

Your brand name will influence the image you give to your products and services.

Depending on the market you wish to enter, the name of your company may guide consumers towards your catalog, or on the contrary, give an image that doesn't correspond to the chosen environment.

The best thing to do is to think about your brand name right from the start of your venture, at the market research stage, to find out the names of competing companies. In addition, when choosing a brand name, think about the people in your target audience who you wish to turn into customers: are they English-speaking? French-speaking? Or do you have ambitions to expand internationally in the near future?

To check that your brand name is available, you can go to your specific country's registry. For instance, if you wish to start a business in the US, you can head to the website for the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) and head to the Trademark Search section to do your research and make sure your chosen name is free for the taking.

If your name isn't available, don't force yourself to add more words or lengthen your name. It's better to choose another term or name and check whether it's also available.

For example, you can't call your fast-food establishment MADO or MDonalds, even if the spelling is different...

It's up to you to find the most precise name for your brand. Maybe your brand will be your own name? It's completely your choice!

6. Develop your brand voice

Brand voice refers to the unique and consistent tone, personality, and style of communication that a brand uses across all its messaging, including marketing materials, social media, customer interactions, and other communication channels. It encompasses the words, language, and overall communication style that help shape the brand's identity and how it is perceived by its audience.

The impact of brand voice on the success of a brand is significant. A well-defined and consistent brand voice can do the following:

• Build consistency: A consistent brand voice creates a unified and recognizable identity, fostering trust and loyalty among consumers.
• Enhance brand personality: The way a brand communicates contributes to its perceived personality. A distinctive and authentic brand voice helps establish a connection with the target audience and can set the brand apart in a competitive market.
• Engage the target audience: An effective brand voice resonates with the target audience, making the brand more relatable and appealing to its customer base.
• Differentiate from competitors: A unique brand voice helps distinguish a brand from competitors, making it more memorable and identifiable.
• Support brand values: The brand voice should align with the values and mission of the brand, reinforcing its commitment to certain principles and ideals.

When developing your brand voice as you work on building your own brand, keep in mind that understanding your target audience is essential. Get a feel for their preferences and the tone that resonates with them, tailoring your brand voice to connect effectively with these consumers.

It's also crucial that you clearly define the personality traits you want your brand to exhibit. Whether it's friendly, professional, humorous, or authoritative, ensure that your brand voice consistently reflects these traits. 

In addition, your brand voice must remain authentic, as authenticity is key to building trust with your potential customers. Your brand voice should therefore align with your brand's value and be genuine in its communication, regardless of the type of content or channel you're utilizing.

Finally, although it's important to maintain consistency in your communication, be mindful of adapting your brand voice to suit the nuances of different communication channels. For instance, the way you communicate on social media platforms might differ from how you communicate through formal documentation.

By carefully crafting and consistently applying a brand voice that resonates with your target audience, you can establish a strong and memorable brand identity, contributing to the overall success of your brand.

7. Write a catchy slogan

A slogan is a concise and memorable phrase that encapsulates the essence of a brand, serving as a powerful tool for brand identity and marketing.

Crafting a creative slogan is crucial for brand establishment as it provides a succinct and memorable message that communicates the brand's values, mission, or unique selling proposition. A well-crafted slogan can enhance brand recognition, foster consumer loyalty, and differentiate a brand in a crowded market.

Many iconic brands have created memorable slogans that have become ingrained in popular culture. Here are some examples:

• "Just Do It" (Nike): This simple and powerful slogan encourages individuals to take action, embodying the brand's spirit of determination and athleticism.
• "Think Different" (Apple): Apple's slogan emphasizes innovation and individuality, capturing the brand's commitment to pushing boundaries and challenging the status quo.
• "Open Happiness" (Coca-Cola): Coca-Cola's timeless slogan focuses on the emotional experience of enjoying their product, associating the brand with positive and joyful moments.
• "I'm Lovin' It" (McDonald's): This catchy and upbeat slogan reflects the idea that McDonald's food is not just satisfying but also enjoyable, creating a positive emotional connection with customers.
• "Impossible is Nothing" (Adidas): Adidas's slogan inspires a can-do attitude and emphasizes the brand's dedication to helping athletes overcome challenges and achieve their goals.
• "The Ultimate Driving Machine" (BMW): BMW's slogan positions its vehicles as the pinnacle of driving pleasure, highlighting precision engineering and a superior driving experience.
• "The Happiest Place on Earth" (Disney): Disney's slogan captures the essence of its theme parks, emphasizing the joy and enchantment associated with the Disney experience.
• "When It Absolutely, Positively Has to Be There Overnight" (FedEx): FedEx's slogan conveys reliability and a commitment to meeting urgent delivery needs, establishing trust with customers.
• "The Quicker Picker Upper" (Bounty): Bounty's catchy and descriptive slogan emphasizes the brand's effectiveness in quickly absorbing spills and messes.
• "There are some things money can't buy. For everything else, there's MasterCard." (MasterCard): This slogan highlights the convenience and versatility of using MasterCard for various transactions, both practical and sentimental.

These slogans have become synonymous with the brands they represent, demonstrating the impact a well-crafted slogan can have on brand recognition and consumer perception.

To create an effective slogan, focus on simplicity, clarity, and relevance to your brand's core identity, staying consistent with your other branding actions. Use memorable language, consider the target audience, and aim for a phrase that resonates emotionally, leaving a lasting impression on consumers.

8. Choose your colors and fonts

The graphic charter of a brand is very important when launching a business, and nothing should be left to chance.

Just like the logo, slogan, and brand name, your color palette and fonts are branding features you'll need to choose precisely to create the whole universe of your brand.

Once chosen, you won't be able to change them easily, because colors and fonts will become inherent elements of your identity.

To maintain a strong coherence around your brand image, the colors and fonts defined shouldn't be too numerous: the more information is added, the more the brand identity will be diluted towards a muddled appearance. What's more, too many fonts and too many colors will lose the user, especially on your ecommerce website.

To start with, consider two or three colors and two or three specific fonts, in different shades and shapes, to maintain consistency on all your pages, particularly for your online store.

For example, if you choose a visual identity based on a pastel color palette, you might choose three colors such as lavender, mint green, and cream, which you can either intensify or fade to vary the modules on your website. The same goes for fonts: if you choose Times-New-Roman and Didot, for instance, you can use them in italics, bold, or all-caps, to offer variations without losing coherence on your pages.

9. Design a logo for your unique brand

Your logo is the emblem of your brand and a key element of a good branding strategy. Being able to create the most unique image possible will offer you several advantages: telling your brand's story to the public, representing your company visually, sharing your business values, and being able to set your company apart, particularly on the web.

When you go to create your brand logo, don't hesitate to check availability before granting yourself ownership of the shape of your logo. Just like your brand name, your logo design must be your exclusive creation.

For this step of brand building, you can take inspiration from other online logos on the internet. Then make sure you modify the style to suit the shapes you like.

If you choose software like Canva to create your company logo, make sure that you modify the details and colors of the templates offered by the platform so that it becomes your brand identity.

To be sure to create a logo design that's 100% original, reflecting your company and your products, you may need to consider contacting a professional graphic designer or a communications agency to help you with this project.

10. Get started on the internet with an ecommerce website

Now you're ready to start marketing your product. And to get started, why not launch your ecommerce website in just a few minutes?

By choosing an SaaS, turnkey solution like WiziShop, you can benefit from all the interface and modules essential to the success of your ecommerce business, with no maintenance issues and at rock-bottom prices: the opposite of this model is called open source, and this type of technique can quickly cost you $10,000 to get your merchant business off the ground.

A large number of entrepreneurs are setting up their own brands and turning to cloud computing and SaaS solutions to launch themselves effectively into the online shopping market. And if you want to turn to the best ecommerce solution on the market, stay with this article—we'll explain everything at the end!

When building your brand, it's crucial to keep in mind that one of the top ecommerce tips for success is to create a user-friendly, aesthetically pleasing website. You should therefore take the time to include the following types of content in your site's design:

• Homepage: Crafting a positive first impression is vital. For this reason, the homepage should promptly convey information about your company and its products or services so that people visiting your site instantly know what your business is all about.
• About page: Feel free to be as creative and personal as you'd like with this content (while always remaining professional of course). Talk about your brand's mission, story, target audience, and positioning statement. Consider telling people a bit about yourself and/or your team here to build an emotional connection with customers.
• Product pages: For each product page, you'll need to clearly state the item's key features, price, and unique selling points. Note the different variations available, such as in color, size, etc. Remember that people can't see or touch the item on your site like they could when visiting a brick-and-mortar store, so you'll want to offer as much helpful information as possible to guide them in their purchasing decisions.
• Landing pages: The creation of landing pages aid businesses in converting users to take specific actions, such as signing up for a free trial, subscribing to a newsletter, or making a purchase. You might not have very many of these when you first launch your brand but will likely create more of this kind of content as you develop your ecommerce content marketing and your business grows.
• Testimonials: Establish social proof by showcasing positive reviews from past and current customers. This strategy enhances customer trust, motivating them to make purchases from your business.

11. Work on the development of your communications strategy

Without realizing it, you've already started to build your communications strategy around your brand. Whether it's through your logo, your brand image, or all the elements surrounding your identity, your communications strategy is already underway.

For this to have a lasting impact, you'll need to write the story of your products and services, as well as that of your brand.

Who are you? What target audience do you address? What are your values? All these elements must be at the heart of all your marketing actions.

The aim of a good communications strategy is to deliver the right message at the right time to the right person.

There are many different ways to achieve this: SEO, social media, traditional advertising, blog posts, partnerships, affiliate marketing, influencer marketing, email marketing, SMS marketing... All these levers have different objectives, but they all serve the same purpose: to boost brand awareness and give visibility to your products in order to attract as many potential customers as possible. It's up to you to write your story!

How can you easily create your online store?

With the WiziShop ecommerce solution, creating your brand and marketing your products is child's play! In fact, the all-in-one solution has made all the most complex marketing levers its priority, simplifying them as much as possible and offering you the best features on the market.

With WiziShop, ecommerce is all about SEO power! In fact, more than 50 SEO optimizations are included in all subscriptions, enabling merchants to easily climb to the top results of search engines like Google.

In addition to this performance, a complete ecommerce training course is included with every subscription.

For any problems or questions you may have concerning your ecommerce business, our team of expert ecommerce Business Coaches is at your disposal, and they'll respond promptly to take charge of your ecommerce adventure from A to Z.