Discovering the Heart of Your Brand – Finding and Defining your Brand Pillars

strategy

As you step into the best version of yourself and of your brand, you need get clear on what your brand is all about, and that begins with defining your brand pillars. Every brand strategy framework begins with brand pillars and they are at the core of everything you do! Think of them as the sturdy legs that hold up your brand’s table. They are your guiding principles, the North Star that keeps your brand sailing smoothly. You want your brand to stand out? Well, these pillars are your secret sauce, the magic that makes people stop and say, Hey, I like what they’re all about!



Now let's talk about to find your own.

Start with a piece of paper and draw a big “+” sign dividing your paper into four quadrants. Label them vision, voice, visual and values. Now, write down everything that comes to mind…

What are Brand Pillars?

Vision

Imagine you’re dreaming about your brand’s future success. What does that look like? What’s a big, audacious goal you’re aiming for? Think about where you want your brand to be in five, ten, even twenty years down the line. Envision it. Dream big. Think of how you want to convey this message to your audience.

Voice

Close your eyes and think about how you want your brand to sound. If your brand could talk, what kind of personality would it have? Is it funny, serious, quirky, or maybe a bit of everything? Consider how you communicate with your audience—what tone resonates with them? Do you find yourself leading certain conversations often? Do you have unique POV or edge that sets your brand apart? Try speaking to your audience like they are your friend, using common language that feels familiar, inviting, and warm.

Visual

Now, let’s paint a picture. What does your brand look like? Imagine flipping through a magazine, scrolling through Pinterest, or capturing moments in your everyday life—what catches your eye? What inspires you? Think about the vibe you want to evoke, the emotions you want to stir up when someone sees your brand.

Values

Last but definitely not least, let’s get to the heart of it all—your values! What do you stand for? What principles guide every decision you make? Think about what matters most to you and your audience. Your values are the compass that keeps your brand headed in the right direction. Think about how you can impact your audience through education surrounding your brand values.

Putting it all Together

Now look for overlap amongst the 4 quadrants. What really fuels your fire? Narrow down 3-5 Topics that you feel like you can speak endlessly about, the conversations you want to lead. Those are your brand pillars.

Remember, big dreams are fulfilled in small moments and with unwavering self-belief.  So don’t wait for things to be perfect, when your brand is built with heart the rest will follow!

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