As a small business owner, you know that having a strong brand identity is crucial for standing out in a crowded market, building trust with your audience, and increasing your perceived value.

But what if you don't have a graphic design degree or any formal training?

The truth is, you don't need one. With the right mindset and approach, you can create a standout brand that reflects your values and unique selling proposition.

Here are some tips to get started:

Embrace Your Uniqueness

First things first, understand that you have something special to offer that no one else can replicate. Your brand should reflect that uniqueness. This means embracing your personal style, voice, and vision. Don't try to copy others or be something you're not. Instead, focus on what sets you apart from the competition and use that to your advantage.

When it comes to creating your brand identity, think about what colors, fonts, and visual elements resonate with you and your audience. Take inspiration from your favorite brands, but put your own spin on it. Remember, your brand should reflect who you are and what you stand for.

Some tips to try for capturing your unique brand personality:

• Conduct a personal brand audit: Take some time to reflect on your personal style, voice, and vision. Identify what sets you apart from the competition and what you want your brand to communicate.

• Define your brand personality: Think about the characteristics and values you want your brand to embody. This will help guide your visual and messaging choices.

• Use colors and fonts intentionally: Choose colors and fonts that align with your brand personality and resonate with your target audience. Consider the psychological impact of different colors and fonts, and use them to evoke the desired emotions.

It’s all about mindset

Many successful entrepreneurs and small business owners don't have a background in graphic design, yet they have been able to build a recognizable brand. This is because branding is not just about the visual elements, but also the message and personality behind the brand. By approaching branding with a strategic mindset, you can create a brand that accurately represents your business and resonates with your audience.

One key to developing a successful branding mindset is to focus on your business's unique value proposition. What sets you apart from your competitors? What message do you want to convey to your audience? By understanding what makes your business special and incorporating that into your branding efforts, you can create a brand that is not only visually appealing but also meaningful to your target audience.

Don't be afraid to experiment with different designs and strategies, and be open to feedback from your audience. As you gain more experience, your skills and confidence will grow, and you'll be able to create even more impressive designs.

Consistency is Key

Once you've created your brand identity, it's important to be consistent in its use across all channels. This means using the same colors, fonts, and visual elements in all your marketing materials, from your website to your social media posts.

Consistency helps build brand recognition and trust with your audience. When they see your brand identity repeated over and over again, it reinforces your message and increases your credibility. Plus, it makes your brand look more professional and polished.

Try using the following tools and tips in Canva for better consistency:

• Learning how to use brand kit

• Searching stock photos by your brand color

• Creating and reusing your own brand templates

Use the Right Tools

You don't need expensive software or a graphic design degree to create a standout brand. There are plenty of tools and resources available, including Canva. I love recommending Canva because it’s super user-friendly offers a wide variety of templates, graphics, and fonts. 

As a professionally trained graphic designer, I love Canva because it is integrated all in one and constantly adding new features that make content creation easy. I use it to create social media posts, website graphics, and all of the free e-book resources you see on my site. And the best part is, it has a free plan for you to get started on. 

Get a free 30-day trial of Canva Pro

If you want elevated Canva features like more fonts, stock photos, templates, and design assets, you can try the Canva Pro plan. 

For a 30-day free trial of Canva Pro you can head over here to give it a whirl! In addition to extra fonts and design elements, you also get the ability to create templates, and (my personal favorite) the image background eraser, which is perfect for creating a variety of posts to share with your audience. 

You can read my full review of Canva Pro here

Don't Be Afraid to Ask for Help

If you're feeling stuck or overwhelmed, don't be afraid to ask for help. There are plenty of resources available to help you create a standout brand, including online courses, design agencies, and freelancers.

You can also join online communities or attend networking events to connect with other small business owners who are going through the same challenges as you. By seeking out support and guidance, you'll be able to overcome obstacles more easily and create a brand identity that truly stands out.

Conclusion: The Non-Designer's Guide to Creating a Standout Brand with Canva

Creating a standout brand doesn't have to be a daunting task, even if you don't have a background in graphic design. By focusing on the strategic aspects of branding, such as messaging and consistency, you can create a strong and memorable brand that sets you apart from the competition. With the help of Canva and other design tools, you can easily bring your branding vision to life without the need for extensive design knowledge. By following the tips and resources outlined in this guide, you'll be well on your way to creating a brand that reflects your unique value proposition and resonates with your target audience. So, go ahead and take the first step in building a standout brand that truly represents your business.