How to Write and Set Your Brand Values
Values are the principles and standards vital to a person's identity. Brand values are no different—they define who you are and what you stand for as a brand, creating meaningful connections with your audience. Setting clear values early on in your brand journey will help lay the foundation for your long-term success.
Why Setting Brand Values Matters
Brand values are not just filler to stick on your website's "About" page. They are the core of your brand identity. Your values should help shape every interaction, decision and overall brand vision.
Choosing authentic core brand values will:
Set you apart from other brands
Attract your ideal audience
Create meaningful relationships with your customers
Leave a lasting impression
In our overly commercialized world, people seek brands that stand out. Going the extra mile and creating core values will provide authenticity and foster trust, showing that a brand is driven by more than just profit. This authenticity will resonate with people, making emotional connections beyond transactions.
How to Define Your Brand Values
Although defining your values can feel like a big task, we promise it will be worth it in the long run. For some inspiration before you begin, take a look at our own brand values here at Cedar + Mint Co.:
1. Embracing Quality and Patience: We understand our clients are eager to dive into their new brand, design, or website, but we're all about delivering exceptional work. We believe that quality shouldn't be rushed. We take pride in dedicating our full attention and care to every project and every relationship we cultivate, and we value clients who appreciate our thoughtful, deliberate process.
2. Cultivating Relationships: Collaboration is at the heart of our studio. We love building close partnerships with our clients and their brands. Getting to know our clients personally helps us understand their personalities and their audiences better.
3. Embracing Growth as an Opportunity: Growth is exciting! We welcome the evolving nature of our business and our clients' businesses. We stay up-to-date with trends, algorithms, and new ways to keep our content and design relevant. For us, growth is about optimism, playfulness, and seeing it as just another opportunity.
Now it's your turn! Follow these five steps to choose the right values for you and your brand.
Steps to Set Your Brand Values
1. Know Your Purpose
Before choosing your values, it's important to reflect on why you started your brand. Ask yourself why your brand exists and what you want to achieve.
Although these questions seem straightforward, they are a great way to get yourself in the mindset of why you began your brand journey. Once you understand your purpose, the values that align with it will come more easily.
2. Align with your People
Audience connection is a major component of any business. Understanding your target audience and what they care about will help you build meaningful relationships with those who can benefit most from what you offer.
Think about your ideal customer - what do they believe in, and how can your values connect with them on a deeper level? When your brand reflects its values, it fosters trust and loyalty.
3. Keep it Real
Authenticity is key to creating lasting brand values. Avoid adopting trendy values; instead, aim for those that genuinely show who you are as a brand.
Develop a list of values that feel realistic and consistent with your product or service. As you brainstorm, keep your brand purpose and ideal audience in mind to ensure your values truly reflect what your brand stands for.
4. Narrow Down Your List
Now, refine your list further. Choose two to four core values that resonate most with you and sum up the heart of your brand—embodying its purpose and the audience it aims to serve.
It's better to select a few strong values that align closely with your brand. Once you find your core values, describe what each means to you and your business.
5. Share and Live Your Values
You've made it to the final step! Now, it's time to share your values and put them into action. Your values should shine through all aspects of your brand- from your communication style and customer interactions to your website and social media presence.
Remember that your brand's dependability will keep people coming back, leading to opportunities for growth and overall success.
✿ Written By Tori Warkentin
Hey there! I’m Tori, the in-house writer at Cedar + Mint Co.! With a deep love for words and a passion for storytelling, I specialize in crafting engaging, insightful content that resonates with readers.
