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Launching a new business is so exciting… until you realize how many little details go into it. Branding might seem like just a logo or a pretty color palette, but in reality? It’s the foundation for how people see, feel, and remember your business.
As a branding specialist who works with small businesses every day—especially women building one-person empires—I created this simple ultimate branding checklist to make sure you don’t skip a single step when launching!
Whether you’re DIY-ing everything yourself or planning to hire help, this checklist will walk you through exactly what you need to build a brand that looks professional, feels aligned, and is built to grow with you.
Why Branding Matters
(Especially for Small Biz Owners)
Before we get into the checklist, let’s set the record straight.
Your branding is NOT just a logo. It’s the entire experience your customer has with your business. That includes:
- Your tone of voice
- Your messaging and values
- Your visuals (colors, fonts, photos)
- How you make your audience feel
In a saturated online world, strong branding is what makes you memorable. It’s how you turn browsers into buyers and one-time customers into loyal fans!
THE ULTIMATE BRANDING CHECKLIST
1. Define Your Brand Foundations
Before you even open Canva or pick a color scheme, write down:
- Mission Statement – What do you do, who do you help, and why?
- Core Values – What does your business stand for?
- Brand Voice – How do you want to sound online? (Friendly? Expert? Fun?)
- Target Audience – Who are you really talking to?
Bonus Tip: Struggling with this step? Grab my freebie: “5 Mistakes New Mompreneurs Make + What to Do Instead.” It’ll guide you through the mindset side of launching your business!
2. Visual Branding Essentials
Now we can get into the fun part! But with strategy behind it..
- Primary Logo – Full logo with brand name + optional tagline
- Secondary Logo – Simplified or stacked version for tighter spaces
- Brand Mark / Icon – A small symbol version of your logo
- Color Palette – 3–5 complementary colors that align with your vibe
- Font Selection – A heading font + body font (max 2–3 fonts total)
- Mood Board – Visual inspiration that represents your brand’s personality
Need help with this? I offer custom branding kits for small business owners. Get pro-level branding without the crazy price tag.
Shop Branding Kits on Etsy here → CRAFTEDbyJeanna
3. Brand Messaging
+ Copywriting
Words matter! They tell your audience what to expect..and whether they want in.
- Elevator Pitch – One sentence that sums up who you are + what you do
- About Section Copy – Your story + why you started
- Service/Product Descriptions – Clearly state the benefits and transformations
- Call-to-Actions – What do you want people to do next? (Buy? Book? Subscribe?)
4. Digital Touchpoints
Make sure your branding shows up everywhere your customer interacts with you!
- Website (Homepage, About, Shop/Services, Contact)
- Social Media Profiles (Bio, Highlights, Link in Bio)
- Email Newsletter (Branded header, tone of voice, welcome email)
- Blog or Content Strategy (Optional, but so helpful for SEO and gaining traction online!)
Hosting your site? I recommend WordPress for bloggers, or Shopify for product sellers! It’s easy, sleek, and scalable.
5. Brand Collateral
+ Marketing
Think of this as an “extras” folder..but a very important one. These are the branded assets that make you look polished and professional from day one.
- Social Media Templates (Instagram posts, Stories, Pinterest Pins)
- Business Cards / Email Signature
- Client Welcome Packets or Order Inserts
- Promo Graphics / Sale Announcements
- Lead Magnet or Freebie (like the one I created to grow my list!)
- Packaging or Label Design (if you sell physical products)
6. Stay Consistent
Once your branding is locked in, stay consistent across ALL platforms. This builds trust, recognition, and credibility fast.
- Use the same fonts and colors on every post
- Keep your tone and messaging aligned
- Show up consistently..visually and personally!
Bonus Tips for a Strong Brand Launch
- Invest in branded templates to save time and stay cohesive
- Use your color palette + logo on all email graphics
- Start collecting emails from day one (freebie offers work like magic!)
- Preview all designs on mobile first
- Outsource what drains you, and focus on your expertise!
🎁 Want a Head Start?
If you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or just not loving what you’ve designed so far… let me help!
→ Check out my branding kits and custom logo packages..made just for small business owners, content creators, mompreneurs, and Etsy sellers. Affordable, polished, and tailored to help you launch strong!
Save + Share This Branding Checklist!
This post is your go-to launch prep tool. Don’t forget to:
📌 Pin it for later
📝 Bookmark it as you build
📥 Share it with your biz bestie
You’ve got this, and I’ve got your back!
Ready for more support?
✨ Join my email list below for branding + marketing tips
✨ Follow me on Pinterest for daily inspo
✨ Get custom design help
CRAFTEDbyJeanna 
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