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Marketing a small business doesn’t have to drain your bank account. In fact, some of the most impactful strategies cost very little—if anything at all. With a bit of creativity, you can effectively promote your business and build your brand without spending a fortune. Below are five budget-friendly marketing strategies to help your business grow fast and make a lasting impression. 1. Leverage Social Media with a Content Plan Social media is an incredibly powerful (and free!) tool to engage with your audience. But to get the most out of it, you need a consistent content plan. Here’s how to make it work: Mix Educational & Fun Content:  Share industry tips, behind-the-scenes content, product updates, and customer stories. Use Hashtags Strategically:  Research trending hashtags in your niche to increase visibility. Post Consistently:  Create a schedule and stick to it—whether that’s three times a week or daily updates. Even with limited resources, tools like Canva allow you to design engaging social media graphics without needing professional design skills. If you want a standout brand presence, though, it’s worth working with a designer to develop your social media templates. 2. Collaborate with Other Local Businesses Partnerships are a great way to reach a new audience. Look for businesses that complement, rather than compete with, yours. For example: A coffee shop could partner with a bookstore for a joint event. A yoga instructor could collaborate with a healthy meal delivery service for cross-promotions. Offer each other’s products or services in bundle deals, or run joint giveaways on social media. This allows both businesses to tap into each other’s customer base and gain visibility at no extra cost. 3. Host Small Events or Workshops Events offer a chance to connect with your community in person or online. You don’t need to rent a big space or throw an extravagant party—small, intimate gatherings work just as well. Pop-ups and Product Demos:  If you run a retail business, set up a pop-up in another store or host live product demos. Online Workshops:  If in-person events aren’t feasible, host free webinars or live tutorials on Instagram or Facebook. These events allow potential customers to engage with your business, see the value you offer, and start forming a relationship with your brand. 4. Use Referral Programs to Encourage Word-of-Mouth Marketing Word-of-mouth is one of the most powerful forms of marketing, especially for small businesses. People are more likely to trust recommendations from family or friends. Create a referral program where customers get a discount or free product for referring new clients. Make it easy for them to share your business by providing referral links or codes. Bonus: If you pair this with social media shout-outs for customers, it will further incentivize them to recommend your business to others. 5. Refresh Your Brand Identity for Maximum Impact Sometimes, the biggest obstacle to growth isn’t your product or service—it’s your branding. Outdated visuals, inconsistent messaging, or a logo that doesn’t resonate with your target audience can hold your business back. Ask yourself: Does my brand identity reflect the personality and values of my business? Are my visuals memorable and easy to recognize? Is my website modern and easy to navigate? If not, a brand refresh could make a world of difference. Investing in a cohesive brand identity—logo, color palette, typography, and website—can elevate how customers perceive your business and attract the right audience. Ready to Give Your Brand the Edge It Needs? Whether you're hosting events, partnering with local businesses, or refining your social media strategy, effective branding ties everything together. A strong, well-designed identity helps your business stay consistent and memorable across all channels. If you’re looking to refresh your brand identity or need professional design services to support your marketing strategy, let’s talk! I specialize in helping small businesses create impactful branding that drives growth. Get in touch today, and let’s build a brand that makes your business unforgettable! CONTACT ME

In the fast-paced world of business, acquiring new customers is only half the battle. Retaining them is what truly drives long-term success. For small businesses, building customer loyalty is crucial—it not only ensures repeat business but also turns customers into advocates for your brand. Here’s a deep dive into strategies that can help you master customer loyalty and grow your business. Understand Your Customers The foundation of customer loyalty lies in understanding your customers’ needs, preferences, and behaviors. Here’s how to get started: Customer Surveys: Regularly conduct surveys to gather feedback. Ask about their experience with your products or services, what they like, and what can be improved. Data Analytics: Use analytics tools to track customer behavior on your website and social media. This data provides insights into what drives customer engagement and purchases. Personalization: Use the information you gather to personalize your interactions. Personalized emails, recommendations, and offers show customers that you value their preferences. Provide Exceptional Customer Service Customer service is the frontline of customer loyalty. Exceptional service leaves a lasting impression and encourages repeat business. Here’s how to excel: Responsive Support: Ensure your support team is responsive and helpful. Quick, effective solutions to customer problems enhance their experience with your brand. Train Your Staff: Equip your team with the skills and knowledge to handle various customer scenarios. Empathy and problem-solving abilities are key. Multi-Channel Support: Offer support through multiple channels—phone, email, live chat, and social media. Make it easy for customers to reach you through their preferred method. Build a Loyalty Program A well-designed loyalty program rewards repeat customers and encourages them to keep coming back. Here’s how to create one that works: Points System: Implement a points system where customers earn points for each purchase, which can be redeemed for discounts or free products. Tiered Rewards: Offer tiered rewards to encourage higher spending. For example, customers at a higher tier might receive exclusive discounts or early access to new products. Referral Bonuses: Encourage customers to refer friends and family by offering bonuses for successful referrals. This not only retains existing customers but also attracts new ones. Engage with Your Community Building a sense of community around your brand fosters loyalty. Engage with your customers both online and offline: Social Media Interaction: Actively engage with customers on social media. Respond to comments, share user-generated content, and create interactive posts to build a community. Events and Meetups: Host events, workshops, or meetups where customers can connect with your brand and each other. These interactions strengthen their bond with your business. Email Newsletters: Send regular newsletters with updates, special offers, and valuable content. Keep your brand top-of-mind and provide ongoing value. Deliver Consistent Quality Consistency in product and service quality builds trust and reliability. Customers need to know they can count on your brand every time: Quality Control: Implement strict quality control measures to ensure your products or services meet high standards consistently. Customer Feedback: Continuously seek and act on customer feedback to improve your offerings. Show customers that you listen and care about their experiences. Transparent Communication: Be transparent with customers about any changes, issues, or improvements. Honesty fosters trust and loyalty. Personal Touches Small personal touches can make a big difference in how customers perceive your brand: Handwritten Notes: Include handwritten thank-you notes in orders to add a personal touch and show appreciation. Birthday Discounts: Offer special discounts or gifts on customers’ birthdays. It’s a simple gesture that can make them feel valued. Follow-Up: After a purchase, follow up with a thank-you email and ask for feedback. This shows that you care about their satisfaction and are committed to continuous improvement. Create a Strong Brand Identity A strong brand identity resonates with customers and keeps them coming back. Ensure your brand’s identity is clear and consistent: Brand Values: Clearly define and communicate your brand values. Customers are more loyal to brands that share their values and beliefs. Consistent Messaging: Maintain consistency in your brand messaging across all platforms. This builds recognition and reinforces your brand identity. Visual Identity: Invest in professional design for your logo, website, and marketing materials. A cohesive visual identity enhances brand perception. Ready to Elevate Your Brand? Building customer loyalty requires a strategic approach and a commitment to excellence. Investing in your brand’s identity can significantly enhance customer retention. From crafting a memorable logo to creating a cohesive visual identity, I can help you build a brand that captivates and retains customers. Contact me today to discuss how we can elevate your brand through strategic identity design. Together, we can create a compelling visual presence that resonates with your audience and drives your business forward. Let’s turn your customers into loyal advocates!

In today's competitive market, branding is no longer just an option; it's a necessity. For small businesses, a strong brand can be the difference between blending in with the crowd and standing out as a leader in your industry. Let’s explore why branding matters and how you can harness its power to elevate your business. Why Branding Matters Branding is more than just a logo or a catchy tagline. It’s the entire experience your customers have with your company. From the visuals to the messaging, every interaction forms a perception in the minds of your audience. A well-crafted brand communicates your values, builds trust, and fosters loyalty. Building a Strong Brand Identity A strong brand identity is the foundation of your branding efforts. Here’s how to create one that resonates with your audience: Define Your Mission and Values: Start by clearly defining what your business stands for. Your mission and values should reflect in every aspect of your brand. Understand Your Audience: Know who your customers are, what they need, and what they value. This understanding will guide your branding decisions. Create a Memorable Logo: Your logo is often the first thing people see. Make it memorable and reflective of your brand’s personality. Choose a Consistent Color Palette: Colors evoke emotions and can influence perception. Choose a palette that aligns with your brand’s message and use it consistently across all platforms. Develop a Unique Voice: Your brand’s voice should be consistent in all communications, whether it’s formal, friendly, quirky, or professional. The Role of Visual Elements Visual elements are crucial in conveying your brand’s message quickly and effectively. Here’s how to leverage them: Website Design: Your website is your digital storefront. Ensure it’s visually appealing, easy to navigate, and aligned with your brand identity. Social Media Graphics: Use branded graphics to create a cohesive look across all social media platforms. This consistency helps in building recognition. Packaging: If you sell physical products, your packaging should reflect your brand. It’s an opportunity to create a memorable unboxing experience. Creating a Consistent Brand Experience Consistency is key in branding. It ensures that your customers have a uniform experience no matter where they interact with your business. Here’s how to maintain consistency: Brand Guidelines: Develop a set of brand guidelines that outline your logo usage, color palette, typography, and tone of voice. Ensure all team members and partners adhere to these guidelines. Customer Service: Your customer service should reflect your brand’s values. Whether it’s through email, phone, or social media, provide a consistent and positive experience. Content Marketing: Your content should be aligned with your brand’s voice and values. Whether it’s blog posts, videos, or social media updates, consistency in content builds trust and recognition. The Impact of Branding on Growth A strong brand doesn’t just attract customers; it keeps them coming back. Here’s how effective branding can impact your growth: Builds Trust: Consistent and professional branding builds trust. Customers are more likely to choose a brand they recognize and trust. Creates Loyalty: A strong brand fosters loyalty. Customers who connect with your brand on an emotional level are more likely to become repeat buyers. Differentiates You from Competitors: In a crowded market, a unique brand identity sets you apart from competitors, making it easier for customers to choose you. Ready to Elevate Your Brand? If you’re ready to take your small business to the next level, investing in your brand is a crucial step. Whether you’re starting from scratch or looking to refresh your existing brand, professional design services can help you create a cohesive and compelling brand identity. Contact me today to discuss how we can elevate your brand through strategic identity design. Together, we can create a visual presence that captures attention, builds trust, and drives your business forward. Let’s make your business unforgettable!

Are you looking to dive into the world of entrepreneurship and make your mark quickly? Some business ideas have the potential to grow faster than others due to current market trends, demand, and scalability. Here are ten small business ideas that can help you hit the ground running and see rapid growth. 1. E-commerce Store With online shopping becoming the norm, starting an e-commerce store is a great way to capitalize on this trend. You can sell a wide range of products, from niche items to everyday essentials. Platforms like Shopify and WooCommerce make it easy to set up and manage your online store. 2. Digital Marketing Agency Businesses of all sizes are looking to enhance their online presence. If you have expertise in SEO, social media marketing, or PPC advertising, starting a digital marketing agency can be a lucrative venture. The demand for skilled digital marketers is high, and this field offers plenty of growth opportunities. 3. Subscription Box Service Subscription boxes have become incredibly popular, offering curated experiences from beauty products to gourmet foods. By creating a unique and appealing subscription box, you can build a loyal customer base that provides recurring revenue. Focus on a niche market to stand out and grow quickly. 4. Freelance Graphic Design If you have a knack for design, offering freelance graphic design services can be a fast-growing business. Companies constantly need logos, marketing materials, and website designs. With platforms like Upwork and Fiverr, you can reach clients worldwide and scale your business rapidly. 5. Online Course Creation The e-learning industry is booming. If you have expertise in a particular area, creating and selling online courses can be highly profitable. Platforms like Udemy and Teachable make it easy to reach a global audience. High-quality, in-demand courses can generate significant passive income. 6. Social Media Consultancy Social media is a vital tool for businesses, but many struggle to use it effectively. As a social media consultant, you can help businesses develop strategies, manage their accounts, and engage with their audience. With the right approach, you can quickly build a client base and grow your consultancy. 7. Health and Wellness Coaching Health and wellness are top priorities for many people today. If you have a background in nutrition, fitness, or mental health, starting a coaching business can be both rewarding and profitable. Offer personalized plans and online sessions to reach a broad audience and scale your business. 8. App Development With the increasing reliance on smartphones, app development is a hot field. If you have coding skills, you can create apps for various purposes, from productivity tools to entertainment. The potential for growth is substantial, especially if your app addresses a unique need or problem. 9. Dropshipping Business Dropshipping allows you to sell products without holding inventory. When a customer places an order, you purchase the item from a third party who ships it directly to the customer. This low-risk model can grow quickly, especially if you find the right niche and market your products effectively. 10. Content Writing Services Quality content is crucial for businesses looking to attract and engage customers. If you have a talent for writing, offering content writing services can be a fast-growing business. From blog posts to whitepapers, companies need various types of content, and you can scale by taking on multiple clients. Ready to Elevate Your Business? No matter which small business idea resonates with you, having a strong brand identity is crucial to stand out and attract customers. Investing in professional identity design can significantly enhance your business's growth potential. From creating a memorable logo to establishing a cohesive visual identity, I can help you craft a brand that captures attention and fosters loyalty. Contact me today to discuss how we can elevate your brand through strategic identity design. Together, we can create a compelling visual presence that resonates with your audience and drives your business forward. Let's make your entrepreneurial journey a successful one!

Growing a small business requires a blend of strategy, creativity, and a keen understanding of what makes your brand stand out. Here are ten actionable ways to fuel your growth, with a focus on leveraging the transformative impact of identity design. 1. Define Your Brand Identity Start by clearly defining what your brand stands for. Your identity goes beyond visuals—it encompasses your mission, values, and unique selling proposition. A strong identity serves as a foundation for all your growth efforts. 2. Create a Memorable Logo and Visual Identity Invest in a professionally designed logo and establish a cohesive visual identity. Consistency across your website, social media profiles, and marketing materials reinforces your brand’s credibility and makes it easier for customers to recognize you. 3. Build a Professional Website Your website is often the first impression customers have of your business. Ensure it reflects your brand identity through design elements, colors, and messaging. A user-friendly and visually appealing website enhances credibility and encourages engagement. 4. Enhance Customer Experience Deliver exceptional customer service and create a seamless buying experience. Your brand’s identity should extend to every touchpoint, from customer interactions to packaging, leaving a positive and lasting impression. 5. Differentiate Yourself from Competitors Identify what sets your business apart and highlight it through your brand identity. Showcase your unique strengths and values to attract customers who resonate with your story and offerings. 6. Utilize Social Media Effectively Engage with your audience on social media platforms that align with your target demographic. Consistent branding across social channels reinforces your identity and builds a community around your brand. 7. Implement Strategic Marketing Campaigns Integrate your brand identity into marketing campaigns to create a cohesive narrative. Whether through digital ads, email newsletters, or content marketing, align your messaging with your brand’s values to attract and retain customers. 8. Seek Customer Feedback and Adapt Listen to customer feedback to understand their needs and preferences. Use this insight to refine your products or services and adjust your brand identity as necessary to stay relevant and appealing. 9. Network and Collaborate Build relationships with complementary businesses and industry influencers. Collaborations can expand your reach and introduce your brand to new audiences, reinforcing your identity through trusted partnerships. 10. Continuously Evolve Your Identity Stay attuned to market trends and evolving consumer preferences. Periodically refresh your brand identity to maintain relevance and appeal, ensuring your business remains competitive and adaptable. Embrace the Power of Identity Design Incorporating these strategies with a thoughtful approach to identity design can amplify your small business’s growth trajectory. Your brand’s identity is not just about aesthetics—it’s a strategic tool that shapes perception, builds trust, and drives meaningful connections with your audience. Ready to redefine your business’s identity and accelerate growth? Contact me today to explore how we can craft a compelling brand presence that resonates with your audience and sets you apart from the competition. Let’s embark on this journey together towards building a stronger, more successful small business.

In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to fall into the trap of multitasking. Many believe that juggling multiple tasks simultaneously is the key to getting more done. However, research and experience show that multitasking can significantly reduce your productivity and the quality of your work. At Manubranding, we’re all about optimizing creativity and efficiency, especially for small businesses in the graphic design industry. Let’s dive into why focusing on one task at a time can be a game-changer for your productivity and creativity. Your Daily Level of Energy Every day, you wake up with a finite amount of energy. Think of it as a full circle, representing 100% of your available focus and effort. How you allocate this energy can drastically impact your daily productivity. Multitasking: Dividing Your Focus When you multitask, your energy is spread thin across various activities. Imagine splitting that full circle into several smaller portions. Each task receives only a fraction of your total energy, leading to decreased attention, increased errors, and ultimately, lower quality results. It’s like trying to fill multiple cups from a single jug of water – each cup ends up only partially filled. Single-Task Focus: Maximizing Your Effort In contrast, when you dedicate your full attention to one task at a time, you can pour all your energy into it. This focused approach allows you to complete the task more efficiently and with higher quality. Picture pouring the entire jug of water into one cup – it fills up quickly and completely. Overall Benefits of Single-Task Focus By adopting a single-task focus strategy, you not only complete tasks more effectively but also experience several additional benefits: Improved Quality: With all your energy dedicated to one task, the quality of your work improves. Enhanced Creativity: Deep focus allows for more creative thinking and better problem-solving. Reduced Stress: Multitasking can be overwhelming. Focusing on one task at a time reduces stress and mental fatigue. Time Efficiency: Completing tasks more quickly and efficiently frees up time for other important activities. Practical Tips for Small Businesses and Graphic Designers For small businesses and graphic designers, where creativity and efficiency are crucial, mastering the art of focus can be particularly beneficial. Here are some practical tips: Prioritize Your Tasks: Identify the most important tasks for the day and tackle them one by one. Create a Distraction-Free Environment: Minimize interruptions by creating a workspace that supports deep focus. Set Clear Goals: Define specific goals for each task to maintain clarity and direction. Take Breaks: Schedule regular breaks to recharge your energy and maintain high productivity levels. Embrace the Power of Focus Transitioning from multitasking to single-tasking might require some adjustment, but the benefits are well worth the effort. By focusing your energy on one task at a time, you’ll find yourself achieving more with less stress, leaving you with the satisfaction of high-quality work. By integrating these focus strategies into your daily routine, you can enhance your productivity, boost your creativity, and achieve better results for your small business. Ready to take your brand to the next level? Contact us today to discover how we can help you stand out in the competitive world of graphic design. #Productivity #SingleTasking #Multitasking #Focus #SmallBusiness #GraphicDesign #Creativity #Branding #DesignTips #EnergyManagement #WorkSmart #OptimizeProductivity #BusinessGrowth

Does your photography business feel like any other photography business? Or do you often times question yourself: “Would people actually hire me? There are A LOT of photographers out there.” Well, this article is definitely for you. Why? Because A. I’ve been in your shoes. That uncertain feeling that keeps nagging on your head is not very good for your well-being. B. I am here to tell you that you are NOT like any other photographer. You are you and you are unique. I’m going to share with you four (4) ways on how to make your photography business stand out from the rest: Let them fall in love with you People patronize brands and services that speak to who they are, that they can feel a connection with. In short, they buy things from brands they love. So make them fall in love with you and your brand. If you’re not sure how will you make your future clients fall in love with you, ask your closest friends, your mom or your s/o. There are things that they will love about you. Believe me. Tips: Treat your brand as if it is an extension of who you are. We are all created equally and uniquely. All of us have different personalities that set us apart from each other and this is the key for your brand to stand out from the rest by being uniquely YOU. Also, it is okay if not everybody will like you: it should be like that because if everyone likes you then it is going to feel diluted. Share your story. Tell them how you started. Why you fell in love with photography. All of us love a good story, right? Create your niche Don’t do the same thing that every other photographer is doing and definitely don’t take on every other job that comes your way. Build your brand by building your portfolio and your expertise. When you’re finished doing this, take your business to the direction that you want and speaks to you the most. One photographer I worked with and love is Hayley of @taylorandcophotography who specializes in organic, down to earth and magical wedding photographs. She’s based in Perth, WA. Her IG is full of beautiful moments of one of the best days of your life captured forever through her pictures. Not only are you paying for the photos, you are also paying for the wonderful experience with working with a professional who truly loves and is very passionate about her craft. Tips Don’t just offer a service. Offer your clients a once in a lifetime experience that they can only get when they work with you. Maybe your specialty is shooting head shots for millennials who are trying to make it in the tech industry or you want to be a photographer who specializes in boudoir photos. Whatever it is, brand your photography business and be known for the experience you give your clients. This is how you stand out in an oversaturated market. Let your clients experience with working with you speak for itself. Have people come to you. Create your own unique niche. Provide Value Value comes in many forms: inspiration, education, storytelling, brand culture, your community and the list goes on. The point is put a premium to your craft and be your clients guide – take them from Point A to Point B. Tips Give and then give and then give some more. Ask your clients questions like: “What are you struggling with?”, “What do you need to hear today?”, “What products or services do you need and why?”. Give everything you’ve got and do not fear that others may steal your ideas. Make their experience about them when they work with you. Most often than not, photographers are only concerned about themselves and that is where the problem starts. They focus on why they are not getting engagements and comments on their photos, the question is, are they engaging with others? Are they sharing about themselves in their Instagram posts and stories? Remember it is not about you, it is about your client and your community. Create an unforgettable brand experience Any successful brand, whatever industry they belong, would tell you about their unique and unforgettable brand experience. From the way they arrange their instagram stories and their posts on their social media channels. Take a moment and think about how you feel when you interact with brands that you love. What are they doing that makes you feel this way? What are they doing to inspire you with what they are doing? It could be their mission and vision, storytelling, design, aesthetics and overall vibe. Tips Ask yourself: What do you want to make people feel when they interact with your brand? Write this down. Then list the possible ways to interact with them. It may be your instagram stories – posts – highlights, your website, Pinterest, e-mail newsletter, freebies and a whole lot more. Also, make your brand interactions cohesive, consistent and clear. Inspire your audience to take action.

Your font style can make or break your brand. It is very important to choose the right font style for your brand. You should know your brand aesthetic. If you don't know what your brand aesthetic is, I will post another blog article to help you define your brand aesthetic. But let us talk about fronts first, did you know fonts have their own personality too? Like Times New Romans feels very traditional while Impact Font is more in your face and bold and Comic Sans feels immature and playful. So yes, what font you use in your brand really matters. The Font Traits Your font style will be the one delivering your message to your audience and they have their own specific personality traits. Your font styles will each have a job to do to help you convey your brand's message. 1. Serif vs Serif Sans vs Slab Serif Serif: traditional, classy, high end - When you want your brand to be sophisticated, rich, high end and old school. Serif Sans: modern, clean and chic - When you want your brand to be proper yet outgoing and fashionable Slab Serif: friendly, bold, creative - When you want your brand to be fun, outgoing and creative 2. Italic vs Oblique Italic: Mostly used to highlight text and change the tone of what you are reading. When used with Serif Fonts it conveys a sense of politeness and pleasantness this is because it has the same features as writing in cursive. Oblique: Same as Italics but with a more modern and geometric feel to it. When used with Serif Fonts it conveys a feeling of speed and urgency. 3. Light vs Regular vs Bold Light: It can not be used for attention grabbing headings, it is too delicate a font. But, it can be used as paragraph text to convey a more light yet modern overall feel to it especially when pairing it to a bold font as a heading. Regular: Mostly used as paragraph text. This is the most reader friendly weight. Bold: These are designed to be attention grabbing and it emphasizes your text. It used to in logo's and other headings to make it feel more powerful. 4. High Contrast vs Low Contrast This is a variation of thick and thin strokes. High Contrast: Best used as display fonts. Example: headings and call to actions. They convey a feeling of boldness, creativity and uniqueness. Low Contrast: Best used for heading but if used with a smaller font then it can be read easily. A word of caution: when used as bold and has smaller font size, it can be blocky and loose definition. Low Contrast fonts are simple, modern and neutral. 5. Character Width The spacing and width of characters in a font plays a vital role in readability and overall feel. Regular: Best and most recommended in paragraph texts. The easiest to read and flows the best too. Condensed: Tightly spaced and often narrow fonts that are used when you fit texts of any length into small spaces. They have a more modern and funky feel to it. Best to use this sporadically for headings with fewer letters because they can be difficult to read. They are best paired with vintage retro style fonts. Extended: Wider in shape and can be spaced apart. It can feel much more horizontal. They have the tendency to be read slowly and can be memorable. It gives you a feeling of maturity, lightness and cleanliness Lowecase vs Uppercase Lowercase: Feels less intimidating and more playful. It can be used to add warmth to a brand or website and can feel a bit informal. Uppercase: In contrast, using Uppercase feels more mature yet classic. It stands out more. The Font Styles 1. Serif Fonts Serif Fonts have little bracketed feet at the end of them. They vary alot in thickness, ligature styles and typeface families (bold, italic , etc). They are interesting in shape and style. Used largely on magazines, fashion brands and newspapers because they are much easier to read. Serif Fonts are often used to give a feel of sophistication. Often paired with other typefaces. It is best to use this kind of font with Sans Serif to give it a more mordern vibe or with Script to give the text a more feminine vibe. It is NOT recommended to use it together with fonts that are similar to them such as Slab Serif. 2. Sans Serif Often used in mobile apps such as Facebook because it is easiest to read. They can be used as both paragraph and heading text as long as you create contrast between them (bold, italic). They have a much modern feel and can easiky make a difference in a brand when using all Sans Serif Fonts vs mixing then with other font styles. This is by far the easiest to work with since it can go from super modern and clean brand to a creative and classic brand. 3. Script The idea of this font is that letters are connected and flow together in a fluid motion. The Script Fonts can be very broad as it can include cursive, calligraphy, hand writing, hand lettering and brush script. Script Fonts tend to give you a feeling of femininity, delicate, relaxed and informal. When you use Script on introducing your brand it is to add warmth and a sense of personality. To make it feel more modern you can pair it with Sans Serif Fonts or if you want to make it more luxurious you can pair it with Serif Fonts. Do not use Script Fonts for paragraph texts or long sentences since it is more difficult to read. 4. Slab Serif This font has the same square or blocked feet as the Serif Fonts and has the body of Sans Serif Fonts. This font is often used as "stamp" fonts, on factory floors, hand tools and steakhouses. They give your audience a bit more bold and natural vibe but there are some Slab Serif Fonts that have rounded characteristics and make the audience feel warm and natural. This font works well with increased or decreased sizes. ----‐----‐-----‐-------------------------------------------------- Now that you have an understanding of the different emotions, traits and various typography styles I recommend that you take some time to analyze your brand and what you stand for and slowly go through your brand aesthetic and compile the fonts that would speak to your audience. If you're ready with your brand aesthetic, please drop us a line at contact@manubranding.com so that we could help you with the step by step branding process.

When you're starting your small business you get excited to think about the color pallets, the aesthetic of the design of your logo, the layout of your business cards. Before you think about all these you need to think think about the most basic foundation of your business. Don't get me wrong, your logo is one of the most important part of your business. But before coming up with a logo, here are are a few things that would make up your brand's foundation: 1. Unique Value Proposition What is truly different about your brand? What are the services you offer that is ony unique to only you? Before you dive deep into branding your small business, ask yourself: What insights, skills and experiences do you think you have that is uniquely yours that competitors don't have? If nothing comes to mind then you need to reconsider and reflect on what you do. Reframe your mind about your small business. EX. ManuBranding offers high end graphic/web design and branding solutions for small entrepreneurs that what to grow their reach and influence in their chosen niche. 2. Mission and Vision Statement Everyone knows that having a Mission and Vision Statement is very important to any business may it be small or big. Most business owners fail to do is to specify things in their Mission and Vision. Like when you say "We aim to give the best to my clients". What best do you plan to give? Business owners need to be specific when writing their Mission Vision Statement. Being more specific can help solve future problems too. EX. ManuBranding aims to inspire and make dreams come true thru quality web and graphic design services and aesthetically beautiful branding output to make our clients successful in their chosen niche. 3. Values As it is in life, we need guiding principles when handling our business. Define what really matters to you, what you want and what inspires you and make this your guidelines in handling your business. EX. Manu Branding's Guiding Principles Passion : We are inlove with what we're doing and that is why we will do everything to give you our 100% Craftsmanship: We put a premium in our services that is why we have superior attention to detail so that we can deliver quality work. Purpose: We are here to inspire and celebrate YOU. 4. Target Market Who do you want to work with? Who do you want to reach with your brand? Do market research, how do they consume information? What do they value? Who or what inspires them? These questions will carry you into every part of your business. These answers will guide you on how yu will market your brand and how to communicate your message. EX. Here at Manu Branding we what to work with creative and dynamic young business owners who are very passionate with what they do, value great craftsmanship and understands who s/he is and what her/his purpose is. 5. Message Now, you have a unique value proposition, you know your mission, you are guided by your values and you know your target market. What's next? You communicate with your audience. Your message may come in different forms: a tagline, speech or a web page title. It does not matter. All that matters is you speak to your audience in your brand's voice and always have personal touch. EX. Manu Branding: By dreamers, for dreamers. Now you have everything you need to start your brand journey to success. Good luck! If you're still confused on what to do, slide in to our DM's on Instagram @manubranding or e-mail us at contact@manubranding.com and tell us your ideas on what it takes to build a brand.

If you're looking for a sign that tells you to update/upgrade your website... Well, girlfriend, THIS IS IT. And I know for a fact that you're not alone with this dilema but this can give a negative impact to your user experience. Statistically you have less than 30 seconds to capture an audience. Make your first impression count. When you impress your client during the first 30 seconds it's up to you to create a positive experience. You should put in mind that users can not navigate flawlessly a site that does not have strategy and is functioning poorly. Here are a few unbreakable rules that you should follow: 1. Same Window, New Window Here's the thing, you need to keep your users on the current window if you're linking them to an internal page within your website. If you're linking them to an external page, say for example, a Social Media Account, someone's website or your landing page, You need to redirect them to a new window but its up to you to decide whether you will redirect the user to a new window or let them stay on the current window. But what is the difference between a landing page and an internal page? An internal page is most evident with its URL. It houses the content for services, about page and contact page. In this case, an internal page is the extension of the home page. However, the landing page is NOT the homepage because landing pages are typically used to sell a specific service or educational course. 2. Favicon A rather small detail. Literally a Favicon is only 12 square pixels. It is often taken forgrantted. But you should not take this little guy forgrantted. You know why? It can amp up your SEO because once your favicon is on point they can increase your visibility in browser tabs and bookmarks. Make your Favicon a variation of your brand identity that is suited for small square spaces. Don't use your headshot or an image. 3. Hero Image Contrary to popular belief, thi is NOT another place to feature your amazing logo. Your Hero Image is like an apartment right next to Central Park in New York City, PRIME REAL ESTATE. This is the best place to talk to your audience about what you do, your services, etc. This is also the place for your CTA's or Call-To-Action tabs in order for your site to gain the traffic you desire. The 3 major components of a Hero Page are as follows: 1. Image Chose a photo that has your brand written all over it. A photo that best represents your aesthetic, your vibes and who you are as a person. If you don't use your own photos, credit the photographer/s in the Footer of your Homepage. 2. Text You have to be straightforward with your audience. Use words that speak to them directly. Identify your clients and speak to them in a way that you and your clients are most comfortable. 3. Call-To-Action (CTA) Do not use a lot of CTAs. The maximum number of CTA Buttons in a page is two. The primary CTA should redirect the client to the primary goal of the website and the secondary should be a less committal action item. A common primary CTA setup is having a "Let's Get Started" Button linking to your contact page. This is very good for your business because this is your chance to get users locked in to connecting with you. The second CTA gives your audience a chance to get to know you. This is a breathing room for your audience and future clients to take the next step in reaching out to you. With all of that being said, you must make sure the your primary CTA is present in all your internal pages. You've put on a significant amount of time and hard work to have a strategically beautiful website, don't do it in half measures. Give it your all. So, track down those links and pages that need updating and work on it.

It does not matter if you're a seasoned pro or a newbie, it is a must for photographers to have their own personal brand. We can all agree that it is nice to work with people who actually want to work with you because they believe in your work and not just people who chose you because you're the "cheapest" in the market. Potential clients look at your portfolio and how you present yourself before they decide to book you for their events or for photography sessions and that is where your personal branding comes in. Here are 3 reasons why it is important for photographers to have his or her own personal branding: 1. There is only one you. Personal Branding is PERSONAL. It is tailor made for YOU and you alone. It is about your philosophy and perspective, your aesthetic, your style and most importantly it is your own personal narrative of your own personal story. By building your own brand you can have the opportunity to share who you are as a person, -- topics like "why did I become a photographer?" or sharing your hobbies and other interests, by making yourself repeatable to potential clients and most especially have that unique touch to your outputs. These things slowly build intimate connections to your current and future clients thus making you and your work trustworthy. 2. You get to charge what you deserve Did it come to a point where you entertain every inquiry that pops on your inbox? What's great if you have a personal brand is that your brand is your own filtering system because clients come to you because you give them a distinct experience. When they hire you, they know that they are getting quality seamless service that ONLY YOU can give. What other photographers are charging is not applicable to you because you're creating a tailor made experience just for them. Through that, you can actually set your prices that feel good and is aligned to you. And let's be honest, being undervalued and charging less than what you deserve does not feel good. We've all been there and it was a hard lesson to learn. It is not sustainable for a business to cater to everyone. And sustainable is important in order for your business to grow -- which is why it is important to create a branded client experience so that you can have a steady clientele and they can recommend you to their family and friends. 3. You can be whoever you want to be You're not just a photographer. You're you and you're a treasure trove of talents and skills and potential. By creating your own personal brand, you open yourself up to a lot of possibilities. Just like me, I'm not just a graphic and web designer, I'm Manu in addition to being a graphic and web designer, I am also inlove with make up who fuels her creativity with travels, an equal rights advocate and cheese and wine connoisseur. The list is endless and it allows me to be more than just being a graphic designer. In the future, whatever I decide, I know I am not boxed inside a certain niche. I can be whoever I want to be. I am not tied down to just being a graphic and web designer. Just like you, you're not tied down to just be a photographer. However, if you're a photographer and run a photography business I strongly suggest you create your own personal branding. Why? It all comes down to TRUST. Clients need to trust you to take their photos. Clients need to believe in your craft for you to execute it well. More often than not, clients tend to be shy in front of the camera and they need somebody they can trust. Which is why you need to create a branding experience that you believe in and your clients can trust. I personally would rather hire somebody who does not sugar coat things, relates to who I am and gets it rather than someone who pretends to be perfect and great at something all the time. I am very passionate about helping photographers build their brand because it is after all more than just pictures. It's the process. It's the whole experience from start to finish. Its how you make people feel great about themselves. But most of all its the new bond that was forged through the project. Remind your clients you're there to support them through this process. Just like life, its all about the experience.