Brand materials checklist for new businesses

Blog / Article 

Congratulations! You’re starting a business! Or, maybe you’re reimagining your current company–either way, big things are happening! 

Your company identity is vital to improving your ability to attract, retain, and build a customer base. As humans, we are incredibly visual creatures. It’s all (or mostly) about attraction. Your visual identity is the magnet that’s either going to attract or repel potential customers.

We’ll further discuss the impact of your brand’s first impression next time, but for now we’ll just focus on the importance of establishing an identity and on the materials you’ll need to support it. That’s right materials. It’s not just about having the logo, you need to establish an entire look and use it consistently.

Now, when I say everything, I’m talking about all the materials that could ever, possibly, come across your audience’s line of sight:

Brand-Materials-Checklist-for-New-Businesses

Download the brand materials checklist

6 + 5 =

MUST HAVES

(if you can only get a few items to start, then these are what you’ll need)

  • Logo
  • Business Card
  • Website
  • Letterhead
  • Email Signature
  • Branded Social Media (avatars & background images)
Work Hard

SHOULD HAVES

(if you’re doing business that would involve these materials, you need to brand them)

  • Signage at Your Location
  • Product Packaging
  • User Interface (for software and apps)
  • Advertising (print or digital)
  • Flyers / Brochures
  • Presentations
  • Envelopes or Labels
  • Uniforms or Branded Wearables
  • Quotes / Invoices / Contracts
  • Mass Marketing Emails
  • Promotional / Explainer Motion Graphics
  • Tradeshow Booth
  • Annual Reports
Work Hard

GOOD TO HAVES

(take every opportunity you can get to put your brand before an audience, and try to be there when they need you)

  • Chachkies / Swag (free giveaways like pens, notepads, chapsticks, or calendars)
  • Welcome Packet
  • White Papers and Free Resources
  • Greeting Cards (for holidays, anniversaries, or follow-up)
  • Stickers / Magnets
  • Event Stationery
  • Branded interior of your location
  • Screen Saver
  • Notepads or Padfolios
  • Travel Mugs

If you’ve checked all of the boxes, great! You should be rolling in brand awareness and clientele. If you still need some of those materials (especially the MUST HAVES) then let’s talk! Your brand will thank you.

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