I'm a PR major. I'm drawn to fashion, beauty, and lifestyle specifically, so brands such as Fabletics, Glossier, and Coach make my heart flutter. This is because their branding is so amazing. We as people are brands too. Every time we write an article on Odyssey, post on Instagram, or send a tweet, we are contributing to our personal brand. Some of us don't think of social media that way, but being in PR that's just how I see it. So, it's extremely important for our brand to be uniform. It sounds much easier than it really is because if you're like me, you like a lot of different styles. Some days I really am feeling dark aesthetics and others I'm loving blush pinks and gold polka dots (hey, Kate Spade). So branding is extremely hard! I'm learning everyday how to keep my brand uniform and I'd like to share my tips for success.
When you develop a signature style and tone you reinforce people’s perception (and memory) of who you are, what you do, and your general vibe, child. This consistency makes your online presence a magnet for your right people to find you, not to mention professional opportunities.
~ Crosby Noricks, Founder & Director of PR Couture
Alright, step one is to ask yourself these 3 questions: how do I want my audience to feel when they discover me? What do I want my audience to know when they discover me? What do I want my audience to do when they discover me? These questions are your guidelines for creating your aesthetic.
When creating your aesthetic you need to be conscious of a few design elements. Fonts and colors, filters, photography, and templates. Coordinating all these elements will make your page(s) visually pleasing to your viewers, therefore influencing their decision to follow your brand (YOU). When choosing fonts, you are going to choose 2. One for headlines and one for body paragraphs. I can't specifically tell you how to choose 2 that are different but still go together because it's more of a feeling. You will be able to tell if it doesn't go. Personally, I like a more whimsical and fun font for my headlines and a traditional font for my body, Times New Roman or Arial. For colors, you will choose 3: 2 main colors and 1 accent. For me, my absolute favorite color combination is navy blue, petal pink, and gold. It has the dark element, but it's still girly and refreshing, kind of like my personality! Having fun yet?
Ever wonder how people manage to maintain GORGEOUS Instagram aesthetics? They use the same filter on every picture. Sure they change the intensity, saturation, contrast, etc. but the undertones are all the same. (For an example of an awesome aesthetic check out @happilygrey on Instagram.) My favorite filter is in the VSCO app and it's called HB2. It has grey undertones and looks good with any picture I choose.
A good filter is useless if your picture isn't quality. Building a brand isn't about how many selfies you post; it's about how your photographs show of who you are: your personality, style, and visual eye. I'm not dissing the selfie, I still post a one every once in awhile, but showcase who you are with your selfie. If you're reading an amazing book, take a picture with it and share it with all your friends/followers. This method shows your interests! "Think like an art director and create mood boards of inspiration and style your own shoots. Think of it as practice doing the same for clients down the line!" -Crosby Noricks
The last tip for your perfect aesthetic is making a content schedule. Firstly, original content is key. No one likes a copy cat and it could get you in trouble if the source finds it. With your schedule, think of 3-4 pieces that will be posted regularly such as "5 Things Friday" where you post 5 tips about a category on your blog or Instagram story, or "Self Love Sunday." Be creative! It should really be your goal to be educational AND entertaining.
Hopefully these few tips will really help you on your way to success with building your brand. There are tons of blogs and resources out there if you need more help or inspiration. Just remember, your brand is you and it's telling your story. Be true to yourself and others will fall in love.
