Building brands + websites with intention for creatives

Ribbon & Ink is a full service branding studio that works with small creative businesses to create brands with strategy and beautiful, purposeful content-driven websites to go with them. 

Welcome to the Blog

get a free website assessment

How to Choose “Brand Words” and How They Help You

March 29, 2017

Filed in: Business, Tips

Branding / Web design / website / photographer website / custom website / website ideas/ website inspiration / Brand board / brand design / custom logo / photographer brand / photographer logo / color palette / logo design / brand tip / how to choose brand words

Branding / Web design / website / photographer website / custom website / website ideas/ website inspiration / Brand board / brand design / custom logo / photographer brand / photographer logo / color palette / logo design / how to choose brand words

When working with all of my full branding creative clients I always have them give me three descriptive words for their new brand before we even have our coaching session. These words give me an initial peek into the inspiration behind their rebrand as I can compare the three words to their current brand and see what new direction my client wants to go in.

Choosing brand words is so important. They provide focus and vision.

You can always come back to your brand words when facing an unclear decision. You can ask yourself questions like…”Does this choice reflect my three brand words? Am I staying focused? Have I strayed from my brand words?”

Your brand words serve as the core foundation for your brand. They can help steer you along your branding and business journey. You want to always be cohesive in your branding and having brand words to rely on and reflect on can keep you cohesive and on track. The whole point of having a good brand is to be consistent because consistency in your image helps people remember you. Your audience will associate certain feelings, colors, thoughts, and words with your brand.

When choosing your brand words consider these points:

  • What is the purpose of my business? Often if you have a mission statement you can find a word or two in there.
  • Why do I love doing what I do? Brainstorm and write a list. You may find a word!
  • What do I want my audience to feel after visiting my website and/or Instagram?
  • What do I NOT want my audience to feel? Often zeroing in on what you don’t want your words to be can help create new ones in opposition to them.

These questions should guide you and help you to choose descriptive brand words that keep you focused on maintaining a consistent brand for your small creative business.


Need help in the branding department? View my full branding process here.

Leave a Comment

  1. thank you for getting me to think! It can be so hard being “on brand” all the time, but this will help.

  2. Great post! I’m such a words person and always describe out a foundation of a project before getting started. Awesome tips to brainstorm!

  3. Meagan says:

    Love this! I have 5 brand words.. LOL.. too much? I even have them written pretty on my homepage!

    “Romantic, simplistic, experience-driven, comfortable & Sophisticated.

  4. Emily says:

    Great thought for today! As a wedding photographer myself, my branding words are “timeless, stylish, romantic.” It always helps me to stay consistent with my imagery and branding when I think back to those words!

  5. Sarah says:

    I am a huge fan of specific words that I use regularly in my business. These words resonate my core message and are easily spotted by regular readers.

  6. I needed this today. Thank you! I’m always looking for ways to improve my brand and have been learning how important copy is. Thanks for the tips!

  7. I needed this! Thanks for sharing, Katie!

  8. Claire says:

    I am a little late to this post but I found it on Pinterest – it’s really inspired me and the exercise is so useful – it helps that I absolutely love words! Thank You!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Ready to build your dream brand?

If you are reading this I want you to know that I will be your biggest cheerleader, helping educate you on how to grow your business. You can do it! I'd love to help you in your journey.

inquire now