Are you more of a visual learner?
Here’s a video version of this post.
Myths about DIY Branding and DIY Websites
Most entrepreneurs just starting out don’t have it in their budget to hire a brand strategist, designer, copywriter, and developer.
But the thought of creating all of this on your own can be totally overwhelming.
Don’t panic because I’m going to bust the most common myths when it comes to DIY branding so you don’t find yourself stuck and not moving forward with your business just because you’re on a budget.
Myth #1: You have to be a trained designer to create a professional-looking brand and website.
Not true! You may think this sounds crazy coming from a professional designer, but just because you weren’t on the yearbook committee and never took any art or writing classes doesn’t mean that you aren’t capable of DIYing the visuals for your business.
Creativity is something that anyone can cultivate. We all have the ability to take our ideas and turn them into something visual with a bit of know-how, guidance and with the help of step-by-step formulas.
The other thing is, no one knows your business like you.
Some entrepreneurs choose to bite the bullet and invest in hiring a professional despite the fact that it is breaking the bank and then they STILL end up unhappy with the outcome.
It can be tough to find someone who gets your brand voice just right and has a clear understanding of what your audience is struggling with.
So, whether you think you’re creative or not — you CAN do this. I’ve seen it happen time and time again.
Myth #2: You don’t have the time to DIY your brand and website
Oh, I get it! You may still be working at that 9-5 job dreaming of going out on your own, but instead of having this “side-hustle” happening that everyone keeps talking about, you spend your evenings and weekends trying to fit in the client work you currently have, making your family dinner, shuffling your kids to various activities and tackling that never-ending pile of laundry.
The way I see it though, you have 3 options:
- Take the time to find a professional and pay them to do the work.
- Hold off on starting your business until you have saved enough money to hire a professional, or
- Take the time to do it on your own.
The sooner you can start promoting your business, the sooner you’ll start making profit, so waiting doesn’t make sense and if you’re on a tight budget, you’re going to need to be scrappy in the beginning.
The good news is if you use a system like the one I teach in my program Simple Start you’ll have a step-by-step guide to get it done in just 30 days spending only a few hours each week.
Myth #3: You have to be a coder to build a website
It wasn’t too long ago, that you did have to hire a developer to build a website.
Those days are long gone though! Lucky for all of us, you don’t have to know how to code, or be overwhelmed by all the tech, to have a good looking and fully functioning website.
With all of the various website builders available today, you can simply “drag and drop” your way to easily get your website launched now AND have the capability of handling the future growth of your business.
Yes, you can totally DIY your branding and website!
It’s wildly worth it to quiet that inner critic in your head telling you that you can’t do this and push past your fear so that you can move forward with your business.
Remember, done is better than perfect!
And if you want to save you loads of time as you DIY your brand and website by having a step by step guide with professional guidance, check out my Simple Start Success System.
Hi, I'm Alli McAuley.
I help passionate entrepreneurs, like you, create a strategic brand and website that stands out to your dream clients so you can run a successful business online.
My ultimate goal is to empower you with the tools you need to live your best life by doing the work your love.
