Ever feel like your brand looks a little… homemade?
We get it. You’re out here doing everything yourself. Running a business, answering emails, and maybe even designing your own logo at midnight with a free Canva template. But deep down, you want your brand to look sharp, pro, and trustworthy — not like you cobbled it together in a rush.
Good news? You can build a polished, professional brand without hiring a big agency or breaking the bank. You just need the right strategy, a little creativity, and a few smart shortcuts.
In this blog, we’re breaking down DIY brand tips that don’t look DIY. These are the same tools, techniques, and mindsets we use with our own clients at Kickin’ It Media Group. Whether you’re launching your brand or leveling it up, these ideas will help you show up strong.
1. Know Who You Are (And Who You’re Talking To)
Before you create a logo or pick a color, take a step back. Ask yourself:
- What does my brand stand for?
- What do I want people to feel when they see my content?
- Who is my audience really?
This is where real branding starts. Not with colors or logos. But with purpose.
Personal branding tips 101: People connect with people. So even if you’re a business, don’t be afraid to be human. Share your story. Your values. Your mission. That’s what sticks.
If you’re a dog groomer, maybe you care about calming anxious pets. If you’re a handmade soap maker, maybe you started because your kid had allergies. These stories make your brand real.
Bonus Tip: Create a brand “voice” doc for yourself. It doesn’t have to be fancy. Just write down how you want to sound: warm? fun? expert? Then check your content against it.
2. Choose Brand Colors That Actually Work (And Stick to Them)
This is one of the easiest start-up branding tips to get right. Yet most people skip it.
Here’s the trick: Choose 2-3 colors that represent your brand. Then use them everywhere. Your logo. Your social posts. Your website. Your email banners. Your packaging.
Avoid using random colors just because they look pretty. That confuses people.
Branding tips for small businesses: Stick to a clean, consistent color palette and your brand will feel more professional right away. Even if you’re using Canva!
Use tools like Coolors.co or Adobe Color to find palettes that work.
Bonus Tip: Add 1 “accent” color for call-to-actions (like buttons or headlines). It helps guide the viewer’s eyes where you want them.
3. Pick Fonts with Personality (But Not Too Much)
Fonts have a voice. They whisper things about your brand before anyone reads a single word.
So let’s get intentional. Use 1-2 fonts max. One for headlines, and one for body text.
Here’s a quick cheat sheet:
- Modern & Clean: Montserrat, Lato, Open Sans
- Chic & Elegant: Playfair Display, Libre Baskerville
- Fun & Friendly: Poppins, Quicksand
Keep it simple. Avoid overused or goofy fonts like Comic Sans or Curlz MT (yes, really).
And once you choose your fonts, use them everywhere. Website, IG posts, flyers, etc.
4. Take Better Photos Without a Fancy Camera
Yes, professional photos make a big difference. But while you save up for that brand shoot, you can still create visuals that feel high-end.
Here are a few photo hacks:
- Use natural light by facing a window
- Clean your background (decluttered = elevated)
- Use the same filter or preset for all photos
- Take photos from multiple angles to reuse content
Your phone is enough. Just be intentional.
Personal branding tips: People love seeing you. Show your face. Behind-the-scenes shots. Your workspace. It builds trust fast.
5. Don’t Just Post. Tell a Story.
Ever scroll past a perfect photo that says, “New post up!” with no caption?
Yeah, don’t be that brand.
Start-up branding tips that actually work? Storytelling. Every post, email, or video should answer this: Why should they care?
Talk about what led you to launch. Share the struggles behind the scenes. Celebrate small wins. Be honest, but hopeful.
People remember how you make them feel.
6. Create Templates (So You Stay Consistent)
Canva is your best friend here. Create 5-7 templates you can reuse over and over:
- Quotes
- Testimonials
- Product highlights
- Behind-the-scenes
- Announcements
Why it works: It saves time and builds brand recognition.
Branding tips: Make sure your templates use your fonts, colors, and logo. Consistency is what makes a DIY brand feel professional.
7. Ditch the Cheap-Looking Logo
We’re going to say it: If your logo was made in 3 minutes with no thought, it probably shows.
But that doesn’t mean you need to hire a $5K designer.
Use tools like Looka, LogoMakr, or even Canva Pro to create something clean and simple. Stick with something minimal, readable, and scalable (aka: looks good big and small).
Avoid trends. Go for timeless.
Bonus Tip: Your brand isn’t just your logo. So don’t obsess over it. It’s just one piece of the puzzle.
8. Be Consistent Everywhere You Show Up
This might be the most powerful branding tip for small businesses:
Make your online presence match your real-life vibe.
If your IG is pink and friendly but your website is cold and cluttered, that creates confusion. Same if your emails are stiff but your TikToks are silly.
Your brand should feel the same everywhere. That’s what makes people trust you.
9. Stay True to You (Even When You’re Inspired By Others)
It’s easy to fall into the comparison trap. You see someone else’s polished brand and think, “I could never…”
But here’s the truth: People connect to realness more than perfection.
Use inspiration as fuel, not a measuring stick. Your story matters. Your voice matters. No one else can be you.
If you’re feeling stuck, come back to this: Who am I here to help? How can I make their day better?
That’s the brand.
10. Know When to DIY — and When to Call In Help
There comes a point when doing it all yourself becomes a burden.
You might need help when:
- You’re too busy to stay consistent
- You’re stuck with content ideas
- You want to scale and grow
That’s where we come in.
At Kickin’ It Media Group, we help small businesses show up online with pro-level visuals, content strategy, and creative support. We’re local, we’re approachable, and we’re obsessed with helping brands like yours shine.
So keep doing your thing. But don’t be afraid to tag us in when you’re ready for the next level.
Final Thoughts
DIY doesn’t have to mean messy. With the right tools and mindset, you can build a beautiful brand that grows with you.
Let these branding tips be your guide as you keep showing up, learning, and leveling up. Your dream clients are out there. Let’s help them find you.
Looking for more branding tips for small businesses? Subscribe to our newsletter or join one of our content creation days. Let’s get your brand from DIY to OMG that looks amazing. 💕
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