It's an evolution, not a destination!


Hey Bootstrapper,

Each week, I deliver a fresh, feminist-inspired, creative marketing email to your inbox...let's dive in!

Writing these weekly emails is bringing me so much *JOY* right now during these wild times.

I don't know about you, but I've just not been feeling as inspired to show up on social media and create content for Instagram as I once was. Totally giving myself permission to do what feels good right now, and I want you to do the same!

Last week, I was telling you a bit about my struggle of going against the learned instinct to hustle through my brand refresh. And so many of YOU were able to relate.

This sparked some awesome conversations about how to tackle a brand refresh, a full-on rebrand, or even creating a professional brand for the very first time!

I was hearing that it felt overwhelming to put all of the pieces together, and I just so happen to LOVE puzzles of the branding variety. So, I'm going to share the nitty-gritty steps that you can take when you're ready!

First, you need to know what you want to do and who you want to work with the most! The women I partner with are usually those who have tried the DIY route and have experience working with a range of clients, but they're now ready to elevate their brand and define their ideal client with more precision. I like to say that this process is really an entrepreneur's right of passage because we all start somewhere, right?

When you are clear on what you are doing and who you enjoy working with, it's time for a brand strategy! This is where I develop your brand's purpose, vision, mission, and values. I'll also clarify who your ideal client is and what their pain points are. But that's not all! I also develop your brand's personality and voice based on who YOU are as a person. This is what makes your brand unique and memorable!

After you have a solid brand strategy in place, you can start to develop your visual branding. This includes things like your colour palette, fonts, photography direction, and your logo. This is where your brand really starts to come to life!

And now, it's time to give your brand something to say! The next step is copywriting. This is the text you will use on your website to communicate who you are as a brand and business owner online. Using your brand strategy, your copy should be infused with your personality and values, and most importantly, it should speak directly to your dream client!

I always recommend having your copy done before photography because it allows your visuals to perfectly capture the essence and tone of your brand messaging, which ensures that your photos reflect your unique personality and style. That being said, these things can also be done simultaneously.

Last but not least, it's time to build a website that's as stunning as it is strategic! We're not just talking about slapping a logo on a template and calling it a day. You're going to want a website that's engaging, easy to navigate, and designed to convert visitors into leads.

So, that's the branding process in a nutshell.

Take your time, enjoy the journey, and remember that building a brand is an evolution, not a destination. It's about creating a strong foundation for your business that reflects your values, attracts your dream clients, and sets you up for success.

And trust me, when you have a brand that truly aligns with who you are and what you offer, the results kind of feel magical!

Branding Tip of the Week

Alright, it's time for this week's branding tip!

Let's face it...the online space sometimes feels like a never-ending sea of "shoulds."

"You should be posting every day."

"You should have a perfectly curated feed."

"You should be using this trendy marketing tactic."

Ugh, it's exhausting, right? And honestly, it can stifle your creativity and make you feel like you're not doing enough.

But here's the truth: there's no one-size-fits-all approach to branding. What works for someone else might not work for you, and that's perfectly okay!

In fact, it's more than okay...it's an opportunity to embrace your unique quirks and create a brand that really stands out from the crowd.

Instead of getting caught up in the "shoulds," I encourage you to create your own path. Challenge norms, break the rules a little, and create a brand that's as bold and different as you are.

Think about it....what makes you different? What are you passionate about? What do you want to be known for? These are the questions that will help you build a brand that's truly authentic.

Remember, your ideal clients are drawn to your unique personality and perspective. They're not looking for another cookie-cutter brand that blends in with all the noise. They're looking for someone who's not afraid to be different, someone who speaks their language, and someone who can help them achieve their dreams.

Once you have a good understanding of what makes you tick, you can start to infuse those elements into your branding.

So, don't be afraid to let your freak flag fly and create a brand that's truly unforgettable!

Tools + Resources

I want to share some good news this week!

Black History Month - This month is a great reminder to honour all of the Black feminist women who have been brave enough to lead movements and challenge discrimination. It's a time to make (even more) space for Black stories and voices and support Black creators and business owners. Check out this link to support some amazing Black feminist-founded businesses!

I Love Me from A to Z Board Book - My inclusive children's book was released this week!! You can order it here or anywhere that books are sold. I am so excited!!!

Goodnewsletter - With so much social and local media being overrun by negative news, we all have been feeling more hopeless. I came across GoodGoodGood, which shares "real good news, not just feel good news," which is something I think is so important right now. I signed up for their newsletter because I'm ready to focus on the people who are doing good (for lack of a better word, haha) in the world right now!

Office Hours - Register for the next event! Join me NEXT WEEK virtually for a FREE hour on February 12th at 12PM EST to get feedback or advice on anything marketing, branding, and website design.

Thank you so much for reading and giving me space in your inbox! I am so grateful for you.

Missed a previous email? Catch up here!

xo Emily Lauren

Whenever you're ready, here are some ways we can work together:

✍️ Branding – Anything but vanilla branding so you can stand out and call in dream clients!

💋 Website Design – Websites that stop your clients in their tracks and are so good they work while you sleep (you're welcome).

Hey, I'm Emily, and I don't just create stand out brands - I create change.

I am a multi-passionate, feminist creative marketer who helps women stand out online without burning out. As an accomplished web designer, brand strategist, and published author, I know a thing or twenty about helping women-owned businesses grow their online presence, wealth, and impact in the world (because women do good stuff with their money) AND confidently take up space online.

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