Website Or Branding: What Comes First?

Picture this: you're scrolling through your website, and it hits you – it's time for an update. The colors are so last season, the layout is clunky, and don't even get me started on the font choices. You're ready to dive in and give your online presence a much-needed facelift.

Or maybe you’re frustrated because you’re not getting the discovery calls you need to keep growing. So you decide that switching up your brand colors and tweaking your website is the right next step.

But wait just a second. Before you start playing website makeover, there's something you need to know. Updating your website without first developing a strong brand foundation is like putting lipstick on a pig – it might look prettier, but it's still a pig.

The Problem With Putting the Website Before the Brand

I get it. You're eager to revamp your website and start attracting those dream clients. But here's the thing: if you don't have a clear understanding of your brand, your new website is going to fall flatter than a pancake.

Your brand is the very essence of your business. It's what sets you apart from the sea of competitors, and it's what makes your ideal customers sit up and take notice. Without a well-defined brand, your website is just another generic online destination.

I've seen it happen time and time again. Business owners come to me with a website that they've thrown together without any real thought to their brand. They've chosen colors and images that they personally like, but that don't necessarily resonate with their target audience. They've organized their content in a way that makes sense to them, but leaves potential customers scratching their heads.

The result? A website that looks decent enough, but fails to connect with the people who matter most – the ones who could actually benefit from what you have to offer.

Why Your Brand Deserves the VIP Treatment

So, what exactly is a brand, and why should it get the red carpet treatment? Your brand is like your business's personality. It's the way you communicate, the emotions you evoke, and the promise you make to your customers.

Crafting a strong brand takes some serious soul-searching. You need to dive deep into understanding your target audience – what makes them tick, what keeps them up at night, and what they aspire to achieve. You need to figure out what makes you different from everyone else in your industry, and why people should choose you over the competition.

Once you've got that brand foundation locked down, you can create a website that doesn't just look good, but actually does the heavy lifting for your business. Your website should be an extension of your brand, showcasing your unique value proposition, building trust with your audience, and guiding them towards taking action.

Putting Your Brand in the Driver's Seat

I know what you're thinking – this whole brand development thing sounds like a lot of work. And you're right, it is. But trust me, it's worth every ounce of effort.

When you prioritize your brand before diving into your website, you:

1. Attract the people you actually want to work with (and repel the ones you don't)

2. Build trust and credibility with potential clients

3. Stand out in a crowded market and make a lasting impression

4. Create a cohesive and memorable experience across all touchpoints

5. Save yourself from endless revisions and redesigns down the road

The Moral of the Story: Branding Comes First, Always

Listen, I know you're itching to give your website a glow-up. But before you start tinkering with templates and color schemes, do yourself a favor and focus on your brand first.

Take the time to really understand who you are as a business, what you stand for, and who you're trying to reach. Nail down your unique selling proposition, your brand voice, and your target audience. Then, and only then, should you turn your attention to creating a website that truly reflects your brand and connects with your ideal customers.

Remember, your website is just one piece of the brand puzzle. By giving your brand the attention it deserves, you're setting yourself up for long-term success and creating an online presence that doesn't just look good, but actually works for your business.

So, before you give your website a facelift, ask yourself – have I done the brand work? If not, step away from the website and give your brand some love first. Trust me, your business (and your sanity) will thank you for it.