Understanding Your Core Values to Create a Stronger Brand
So, you’ve taken the leap and are now fully committed to make what was just an idea become your dream business, which sooner than later is going to be supporting you full time.
Yeay!!! That takes courage, vision and a lot of planning and action.
But where to start? You want to build your business and make it a success. You want to attract your dream clients, and make sure that your offers truly resonate with them and speak to their hearts.
Ok now, before you jump there, do you know what’s driving your brand and business, what’s holding it up so that you can build on that strong foundation, and start attracting an audience that’s in need of your services?
UNDERSTANDING YOUR CORE VALUES FOR A STRONGER BRAND
This is where getting super clear about your business core values helps on building a brand that truly resonates with your audience, core values are the foundation. They aren’t just words you stick on your about page on your website or your bio on your social accounts; they’re the beliefs and principles that shape every part of your business - from the way you show up and interact with clients to the messaging you share.
WHAT ARE CORE VALUES?
In simple terms, core values are the guiding principles that define what you stand for as a brand and business. They’re your non-negotiables—the values you live by and which shape how you show up in your business.
If you're feeling a bit lost in your brand or unsure how to communicate it clearly, chances are, your core values aren’t fully aligned yet.
Think of core values as the compass of your life, a compass that leads you to what truly and deeply matters to you, so that every decision you make becomes easier and more aligned.
WHY CORE VALUES MATTER
If you're feeling like your brand isn’t connecting with the right people, or you're attracting clients who don’t quite “get” what you’re about, it's worth taking a look at your core values. When these values are clear, your audience can sense them, and you naturally draw in people who share the same beliefs.
Here’s why core values are crucial:
Authenticity: When you operate from a place of values, your brand feels more genuine. People can tell when you're being real.
Consistency: Your values guide your messaging and help you show up consistently in every part of your business—whether it's your website, social media, or in person.
Connection: Brands that share their values in an honest and relatable way attract loyal clients who feel connected to those same values.
HOW TO IDENTIFY YOUR CORE VALUES
If you're unsure about your own core values, don’t worry—it’s a process. Here are some easy steps to get started:
Reflect on what drives you: Think about why you started your business in the first place. What do you care about most? Maybe it's helping people find balance and purpose in life (like me!) or creating a sense of community.
Look at the brands you admire: What values do you see in them that you feel aligned with? This can help you clarify your own.
Tune into your clients’ needs: If your clients are drawn to certain aspects of your business, that could point to values you already embody, even if you haven’t named them yet.
(You can also check out my Brand Essence Freebie Workbook, which includes a simple exercise to help you uncover your core values and align them with your brand identity and start attracting your dream clients.)
BRINGING YOUR VALUES TO LIFE
Once you’ve identified your core values, it’s time to integrate them into your brand:
In your messaging: Use language that reflects your values. If one of your values is balance, make sure your copy reflects a calm and grounded tone, or that it is open and able to offer more than a point of view. Also, encourage feedback and adjust your messaging based on the needs and responses of your audience.
In your client experience: Do your values show up in how you work with clients? For example, if collaboration is key for you, make sure your process involves a lot of open communication. And again, going back to the point above, get feedback and start conversations with your ideal clients.
In your visuals: Your design should also reflect your values. If simplicity is one of your core values, your visuals should avoid clutter and focus on clean, minimal designs. Using colour psychology, fonts personality and image aesthetics will support the way you convey your brand values into your visuals, and intrinsically connect to your aligned audience.
FINAL THOUGHTS
If you’re feeling like your brand is a bit disconnected or not attracting the right clients, getting clear on your core values is the perfect place to start. Values help you define who you are, what you stand for, and how you show up in the world — and that kind of clarity is what builds a brand that resonates deeply and attracts your dream clients to your offers.
If you are ready to take that next step and get started, then download my Brand Essence Freebie Workbook and discover the values that will shape your brand’s future.
