Ever look at your brand and wonder if it still feels like you? Or maybe you’re just starting out and feeling overwhelmed about what a “brand” even really means?
In today’s episode of the Dietitian Success Podcast, I’m pulling back the curtain on the branding journey behind Dietitian Success Center – the good, the bad, and the (according to my dad) ugly. We’re talking about what branding actually is (spoiler: it’s more than colors and logos), how to know when it’s time for a refresh, and the exact steps to evolve your brand without getting stuck in shiny object syndrome.
Whether you’re building a business from scratch or feeling like your brand needs to grow with you, this episode has realistic, action-focused advice to help you move forward.
Inside the episode, we’ll talk about:
- The difference between tangible and intangible brand elements
- How DSC’s brand has evolved over the years (and why)
- When to invest in professional support vs. DIY it yourself
- Why branding won’t solve a sales or marketing problem
- The exact steps to create a brand you feel proud of
Links:
Transcript Summary:
[00:00:00] Welcome & Community Updates
- What’s new at Dietitian Success Center
- CEU opportunities now available through the membership
- Free community growth and exciting upcoming topics
[00:04:00] Why We’re Talking About Branding
- Who this episode is for (new business owners + those considering a brand refresh)
- Setting the stage: Branding = more than just colors and fonts
[00:06:00] Defining Branding: Tangibles vs. Intangibles
- What people see (colors, fonts, logo)
- What people feel (how your brand makes them feel, what they say when you’re not in the room)
[00:08:00] The Early Days: DIY Branding Mistakes and Lessons
- Krista’s first DIY logo (and why it was good enough to start)
- Fiverr, Canva, and keeping things professional on a budget
- Why professionalism still matters—even in the early stages
[00:12:00] Evolving the Brand: When and Why We Changed
- Moving from a personal brand to a standalone business brand
- Setting brand adjectives as your North Star (with examples)
- How our visuals changed without changing who we are
[00:20:00] How to Know If It’s Time for a Brand Refresh
- Questions to ask yourself: Has your audience changed? Have you changed?
- Why a brand refresh should never be used to “fix” a marketing problem
- Signs you’re leveling up and your brand needs to match that
[00:28:00] DIY vs. Professional Support: When to Hire Help
- When it’s fine to DIY (and free tools to use)
- When investing in a brand designer is worth it (plus Krista’s real costs)
- How the right brand can boost your confidence in your business
[00:34:00] How to Start a Brand (or Refresh One) Step-by-Step
- Step 1: Get clear on your target audience
- Step 2: Define 3–5 brand adjectives
- Step 3: Look externally for inspiration (Pinterest, Instagram)
- Step 4: Build it yourself or hire support
[00:42:00] Final Thoughts on Branding & Growth
- Your business brand needs to evolve as you evolve
- Staying grounded in your mission while allowing your brand to grow
- Recap: Branding won’t “save” your business—but it can help you show up more powerfully
