What is a branded template?
A branded template is simply a design that consists of your brand’s colors, font, and some graphic elements that when used together create your brand’s “look”. This template’s contents (text and photo) can be edited several times without really changing the integrity of the design which creates cohesiveness between all the different types of posts you make with it.
For those of you who are familiar with the graphic design tool Canva, you know how easy it is to edit one of their pre-made templates. However, if you want to stand out on Instagram, you can’t use templates every Canva user has access to. You have to create one unique to your brand, and here’s why:
1. Branded Templates Create Brand Recognition
When someone is scrolling through their feed, you want them to immediately recognize your posts. That increases the likelihood of them clicking over and engaging with your post. After all, you’re not making content for them to scroll past it.
The more your followers recognize your posts in their feed, the more you
stay top of mind as the go-to expert in your niche. Your potential clients typically need 7 touchpoints before they buy from you, but if they keep missing your posts, they’ll never get those touchpoints.
2. Branded Templates Positions You as an Authority
When brands want to position themselves as the go-to expert, they hire a designer for their brand identity so they can put their logo on their stationery and business cards. Well in 2021, your Instagram is your business card now.
Having a well-designed page is critical if you want people to
have a good first impression of you. If your page is full of selfies and quotes that you shared from someone else’s account, it makes you look like an amateur. If you sell high-ticket services, your page needs to look professional otherwise there will be a disconnect between what you look like and what you charge. If those two things don’t align, it creates mistrust in your potential buyer.
3. Branded Templates Set You Apart From Competition
What makes you different from the hundreds of other coaches or service providers in your space? It’s one thing to say it in your bio, but it’s a whole other level to show it on your profile page.
When you use branded templates, each of your individual posts come together to paint a picture of what it’s like to work with you, and what your brand personality is like. For example, doctors typically use blue in their branding to represent calm and professionalism. If you want to be different and let people know you’re a cool, fun doctor, you can use purple.
People want to work with people they like. Use branded templates to show your personality and
attract the
ideal
clients
who would love to work with you for you.
Are you convinced? Want to create your own branded template?
Here are the 3 elements you need on your template:
- Your Brand Colors – Alternate them as your background colors or text colors.
- Your logo (if applicable) – Pop this onto one of the corner ends of your template for quick brand recognition. If your logo text is illegible when small, just use the icon of your logo. You can also use your website or Instagram handle instead.
- 1-2 Visual Elements – This could be a certain border design, a talk bubble or icon-related niche-related (a carrot if you are a nutritionist). You can also use a pattern. The idea is that the element makes sense for your business, and you use these elements consistently on all your posts.
Your brand is more than just visuals. The way you show up, connect, and communicate matters too.
For more resources, visibility strategies, and behind-the-scenes insights for women business owners,
visit my YouTube channel here.
