12 Brand-Building Habits for Creative Business Owners (That Actually Make a Difference!)
Brand-building habits are the small but powerful actions that shape how people see, connect with, and remember your business.
Branding isn’t just about having a polished logo, a beautifully designed website, or a catchy tagline. Those things help, sure – but what really makes a brand memorable is how you show up consistently.
A strong brand isn’t built overnight. It’s shaped through small, intentional actions that, over time, create a business that feels aligned, attracts the right people, and makes marketing so much easier.
If you want to build a brand that stands out and supports your long-term success, it’s time to focus on habits – not just aesthetics.
Here are 12 brand-building habits that will help you create a business that not only looks good but also feels authentic and actually helps your business grow.
Habit 1: Show Up Like the Brand You Want to Be
One of the biggest shifts you can make in your business is showing up as the brand you’re building – not just the business you have right now.
It’s easy to get stuck in the mindset of “I’ll feel more professional once I have X”—whether that’s a refined website, a bigger following, or a more polished visual identity. But the truth is, your brand isn’t something you wait for – it’s something you embody every day.
How to Build This Habit:
Show up as your future self – If you envision yourself as a sought-after creative business, start showing up that way. Speak with confidence, price your services accordingly, and present yourself like the expert you already are.
Refine your presence – Even small changes can shift how people perceive your brand. Update your bio, refresh your portfolio, or start communicating with more clarity about what you do.
Be intentional – Whether it’s how you respond to inquiries, the way you package your work, or even how you sign off emails, small details add up to create a more aligned brand experience.
When you start embodying the brand you want to be, your audience will pick up on that confidence—and the right clients will take you more seriously.
Habit 2: Know Your Brand Values (and Actually Use Them)
Your brand values aren’t just nice words on a website – they’re the foundation of how you make decisions, attract clients, and build a business that feels right for you.
When you’re clear on your values, everything from your messaging to your offers feels more aligned. You naturally attract people who resonate with your approach, and marketing stops feeling like a guessing game.
How to Build This Habit:
Define your values – If you haven’t already, take time to clarify what truly matters to you in your business. Think beyond generic words like "quality" or "passion" – what do you really stand for? (Need help? My free Brand Values Workbook will walk you through the process – grab your copy here!)
Use them as a filter – Before taking on a new project, launching an offer, or even writing an Instagram caption, ask: Does this align with my brand values?
Communicate them clearly – Share your values through your content, in client conversations, and even in the way you design your services. When people see what you stand for, they’ll know if they’re the right fit.
The more you lead with your values, the more naturally you’ll attract the kind of clients and opportunities that feel like a perfect match. And if you’re feeling unsure about what your brand stands for, my Brand Values Workbook is a great place to start – download it for free here.
Habit 3: Speak to One Person (Not the Whole Internet)
When you try to appeal to everyone, your message ends up resonating with no one. The strongest brands don’t try to be everything to everyone – they focus on attracting the right people.
Instead of writing content or creating offers that feel vague and broad, imagine you’re speaking to one person – your dream client. What do they struggle with? What excites them? How can your work help them in a way that no one else can?
How to Build This Habit:
Get clear on who you’re talking to – If you’re struggling with this, revisit your Ideal Client Workbook (or grab it here if you haven’t yet!) to define exactly who your brand is meant to serve.
Use ‘you’ more than ‘I’ – Make your messaging personal. Instead of “I create illustrations for all kinds of clients,” try “Imagine a custom illustration that captures your story in a way no stock image ever could.”
Test your messaging – Before posting, ask yourself: Would my dream client feel like I’m speaking directly to them? If not, tweak it until it feels more personal and engaging.
When you shift your focus from reaching as many people as possible to deeply connecting with the right ones, your brand becomes magnetic – and selling feels so much easier.
Habit 4: Show Up Consistently (Without Burning Out)
A strong brand isn’t built in a day – it’s built through showing up consistently over time. But consistency doesn’t mean forcing yourself to post every day or constantly churning out content until you hit burnout. It means creating a rhythm that works for you and your audience.
The goal? Staying visible, memorable, and connected – without feeling like your business is running you into the ground.
How to Build This Habit:
Find a content rhythm that feels sustainable – You don’t need to post daily, but showing up regularly builds trust. Whether that’s weekly emails, Instagram stories a few times a week, or monthly blog posts, consistency is key.
Batch and schedule – Life happens, creativity ebbs and flows, and inspiration isn’t always on tap. Set aside time to batch-create content so you’re not scrambling last-minute.
Repurpose your best ideas – If a post resonated with your audience, turn it into a reel, an email, or even a podcast episode. You don’t always need to reinvent the wheel.
Instead of aiming for constant content, aim for consistent impact. Over time, this builds recognition, trust, and a community that actually engages with your work.
Habit 5: Make Your Brand a Two-Way Conversation
Your brand isn’t a billboard – it’s a conversation. The most engaging and memorable brands don’t just talk at their audience; they listen, respond, and build relationships.
Instead of worrying about the perfect caption or flawless website copy, focus on connection. How can you invite your audience into the conversation?
How to Build This Habit:
Ask open-ended questions – Instead of only sharing what you think, ask your audience for their opinions, experiences, or struggles.
Reply to comments and messages – It sounds simple, but responding to people who engage with you makes them feel seen and valued.
Share behind the scenes – People love seeing the process, not just the finished product. Whether it’s a messy sketch, a work-in-progress, or a peek at your workspace, let them in on your world.
The best brands don’t just attract followers – they create a community. When people feel like they belong, they’re far more likely to stick around, recommend your work, and eventually become your best clients.
Habit 6: Set Boundaries That Protect Your Brand (and Your Energy)
It’s one thing to define your brand values – it’s another to stick to them when real-life challenges come up. Maybe a client asks for “just one more revision” for free. Or a project feels misaligned, but you say yes anyway because turning down work is scary.
Here’s the thing: Strong brands don’t just attract the right clients – they repel the wrong ones. The more you honour your values through clear boundaries, the easier it is to build a business that feels good and works for you.
How to Build This Habit:
Know your ‘hard no’ list – What are the things you absolutely won’t do? Discounting your work? Working weekends? Define these now so you’re not caught off guard later.
Create policies that support you – Put clear pricing, revision limits, and project scopes in place. Boundaries aren’t just for you—they help clients know what to expect, too!
Learn to say no (without guilt) – Not every client, project, or opportunity is right for you. Saying no to the wrong fit makes space for the right ones.
Your brand isn’t just about what you do – it’s about how you choose to do it. When you set clear boundaries, you’re not just protecting your energy – you’re building a brand that people respect.
Habit 7: Make It Easy for People to Say ‘Yes’ to Working With You
You might have the most beautifully designed brand, the most compelling messaging, and the best service in your industry – but if potential clients struggle to understand what you offer or how to work with you, they’ll move on.
Confusion is the quickest way to lose a dream client. That’s why clear, simple, and inviting brand touchpoints make all the difference.
How to Build This Habit:
Simplify your offers – Is it obvious what you do and who it’s for? If your audience has to piece it together, it’s too complicated.
Make booking you effortless – Do they have to DM you, fill out a form, send an email, wait for a reply…? The fewer steps, the better.
Check your website through a fresh lens – If someone landed on your homepage for the first time, would they instantly know what to do next?
Your brand should feel inviting and friction-free – so when the right people find you, they don’t hesitate to take the next step.
Habit 8: Cultivate a Memorable Brand Experience
Branding isn’t just about how your business looks – it’s about how it feels at every touchpoint. A strong brand experience keeps your dream clients engaged, excited, and eager to come back for more.
Think about your favourite businesses – what makes them so unforgettable? It’s probably a mix of thoughtful details, a seamless experience, and a brand personality that makes them stand out.
How to Build This Habit:
Refine your client journey – From the first time someone interacts with your brand to the final handover, ensure every step feels intentional and enjoyable.
Add personal touches – Handwritten thank-you notes, behind-the-scenes peeks, or a fun surprise can leave a lasting impression.
Create a signature moment – What’s one thing that makes working with you extra special? Maybe it’s a unique onboarding experience, a curated playlist, or a beautifully designed welcome guide.
A brand experience that feels intentional, thoughtful, and uniquely you is what turns happy clients into loyal fans who rave about you to others.
Habit 9: Position Yourself as an Expert (Even If You Don’t Feel Like One Yet)
Many creatives shy away from calling themselves an expert – but here’s the truth: if you have knowledge, experience, and a passion for what you do, you already have something valuable to share.
You don’t need decades of experience or a massive following to position yourself as an authority in your field. You just need to consistently share what you know and showcase your unique perspective.
How to Build This Habit:
Talk about what you know – Share insights, behind-the-scenes processes, or tips that help your audience. What feels obvious to you might be gold to them.
Showcase past work – Case studies, testimonials, or even “before and after” transformations build trust and credibility.
Create content with confidence – Whether it’s a blog post, Instagram carousel, or podcast episode, regularly putting out valuable content positions you as someone to watch.
You don’t have to be the expert. You just need to be the right expert for your audience.
Habit 10: Invest in Your Brand Like You Invest in Your Craft
As a creative, you probably spend time (and money) improving your skills – taking courses, upgrading tools, or refining your technique. But what about your brand?
Many creatives put off investing in their brand because they think they should be able to figure it out themselves. But here’s the thing: a strong, intentional brand makes everything easier – from marketing to client attraction to pricing with confidence.
How to Build This Habit:
Upgrade strategically – If your brand feels DIY’d, consider refining your logo, website, or brand messaging to better reflect your growth.
Get outside perspective – You’re too close to your own business to see what’s working (or what’s holding you back). Investing in brand strategy can give you the clarity you need.
Remember that branding is part of your business growth – Just like investing in better equipment or education, refining your brand is an investment that pays off in attracting the right clients.
If your brand doesn’t feel aligned with where you’re heading, it might be time to level up.
Habit 11: Make It Easy for People to Remember and Recommend You
A strong brand isn’t just about how you talk about your business – it’s about how others describe and share it. If your dream clients can’t easily explain what you do, it’s much harder for them to remember you or refer you to others.
Think about the last time you recommended a business to a friend – was it because of a complicated elevator pitch, or because something stood out and stuck with you?
How to Build This Habit:
Refine your brand message – Make sure your website, social media bio, and marketing clearly communicate what you do and who you help (without jargon).
Create a recognisable brand association – What’s something unique to you that people can subconsciously associate with your brand? It could be a phrase, a personal quirk, a favourite object, or even a recurring theme in your content. The goal is to make people think of you before they even realise it.
(For example, I talk about Spirit the cat a lot – it’s not directly about branding, but it helps people remember me and my business.)
Encourage word-of-mouth referrals – Make it easy for past clients to share their experience and recommend you by offering shareable content, testimonials, or a referral incentive.
A brand that’s easy to remember is easy to recommend – and that’s how you turn happy clients into your best marketing strategy.
Habit 12: Stay Curious and Keep Evolving
A strong brand isn’t static – it grows with you. The best brands stay relevant because their creators stay curious, adapt, and refine their approach over time.
Your brand doesn’t have to be “perfect” from day one. In fact, the most memorable brands are built by people who experiment, explore, and aren’t afraid to evolve when something no longer fits.
How to Build This Habit:
Keep learning – Read books, take courses, and explore new ideas that inspire your creativity and business growth.
Experiment without fear – Try new content, refresh your visuals, and test different ways of showing up in your brand. If something doesn’t work, tweak it and keep going.
Check in with your brand regularly – Does your messaging, look, and feel still align with where you’re headed? Small tweaks over time can keep your brand feeling fresh and true to you.
A brand that grows with you will always feel aligned – so instead of aiming for perfection, focus on curiosity, consistency, and staying open to change.
Wrapping It Up: Your Brand is Built in the Everyday Moments
Building a brand that truly feels like you isn’t about making one big, perfect decision. It’s about the small, intentional actions you take every day – the way you show up, the stories you tell, and the connections you build.
These 12 brand-building habits aren’t about creating something flashy or following trends. They’re about strengthening the foundation of your business so that everything – your marketing, your client relationships, your creative work – feels more aligned, effortless, and uniquely yours.
And remember, branding isn’t just about how your business looks – it’s about how it feels to the people who experience it. Every time you share your values, connect with your audience, and stay true to your creative instincts, you’re reinforcing what makes your brand stand out.
P.S. If you’re ready to go deeper and get real clarity on your brand, check out my Brand Clarity Kickstart. It’s designed to help you take everything we’ve talked about here and turn it into a brand that feels aligned, clear, and magnetic to the right people.
You made it to the end! Here’s your reward: a cat. 🐾
Yikes, this post turned out longer than expected – apparently, I have a lot to say about brand-building habits. If you’ve made it this far, you officially deserve a treat, so here’s a cute picture of Spirit the cat looking adorable and being her usual perfect self.
Go forth and build a brand that feels effortless and unmistakably you! And if you need a human (and her trusty feline assistant) to help, you know where to find me. ✨
