What Are Brand Values and Why Do They Matter for Creative Brands?
Let’s be real – building a brand isn’t always as simple as it sounds. You might know the big-picture stuff like your business goals or the services you offer, but when it comes to defining the heart of your brand – your values it can get a bit tricky.
Maybe you’ve been so busy juggling everything that comes with running a creative business (client work, marketing, admin – the list never ends!) that you haven’t had the chance to really think about what your brand stands for.
That’s okay – this post is here to help. I’ll explain what brand values are and why they matter, especially for creative businesses like yours, so you can feel confident and clear about what makes your brand unique.
What Are Brand Values? (The Me & Spirit Perspective)
What exactly are brand values?
At their simplest, brand values are the guiding principles that define what your business stands for. They influence how you operate, how you communicate, and how your audience experiences your brand.
Let’s break that down a bit more:
If you’re just starting to think about brand values, they’re the things that matter most to you as a business owner – your beliefs, priorities, and what you want to be known for.
For more established businesses, brand values serve as a framework for decision-making and team culture. They keep your business aligned, even when things get busy.
Here’s the thing: your brand values aren’t something you make up to sound good. They’re already there, built into how you work and what you care about. Defining them is just about uncovering what’s already true for your business.
At Me & Spirit Creative, my values – creativity, connection, and kindness – guide everything I do. They’re not just a checklist; they’re how I approach collaborations, tackle challenges, and celebrate wins with my clients.
Why Should You Care About Brand Values?
Let’s talk about why brand values matter (and no, it’s not just for corporate giants). Here’s what I’ve seen in my work with creative businesses:
They help you build a brand that feels true to you.
There’s nothing worse than creating a brand that looks great but feels out of sync with who you are. When your values are clear, your branding – visuals, messaging, and all – feels more natural and aligned.
They attract the right clients.
Clear brand values act like a filter, drawing in clients who share your ethos and respect your approach. It means working with people who “get it” and avoiding those mismatched collaborations that drain your energy.
They keep you focused, even when things get busy.
Passion-led creative businesses tend to have a lot going on – multiple projects, new ideas, and endless to-do lists. Your values act as a compass, helping you prioritise what truly matters and say no to what doesn’t.
Myth Alert: Brand values aren’t just for big businesses with huge teams. They’re essential for small creative businesses because they help you stand out in a crowded market.
The truth is, without clear values, it’s easy to blend in– but with them, your business becomes undeniably you.
Did you know? 62% of consumers feel an emotional connection to the brands they buy from the most. This highlights how deeply brand values resonate with audiences and the critical role they play in building trust and loyalty.*
Brand Values in Action
Let me tell you about one of my clients – a talented business owner who felt stuck because their brand didn’t reflect their personality or goals. Together, we worked to uncover their core values: community, creativity, and sustainability.
These values didn’t just shape their branding – they transformed their business. They started making decisions that felt intentional, from the projects they took on to the way they marketed their services. Before long, they were attracting clients who shared their values and building a brand that felt authentic and impactful.
This isn’t just a one-off story. I’ve seen time and again how defining brand values can help creative businesses like yours build stronger connections, make better decisions, and create a more aligned business.
3 Tips for Defining Your Brand Values
Feeling ready to uncover your own brand values? Here’s how to get started:
1. Look at your favorite moments in business.
Think about the projects or collaborations that felt the most rewarding. What values were present in those moments?
2. Consider the impact you want to make.
What’s the bigger picture for your business? Whether it’s inspiring creativity, fostering community, or promoting sustainability, your values are tied to your vision.
3. Grab my free Brand Values Workbook.
This step-by-step guide makes defining your brand values simple and actionable. Download it here!
Key Takeaways
To wrap it all up:
Brand values are the guiding principles that define your business and help it stand out.
They make your brand feel authentic, attract aligned clients, and guide your decisions.
Defining your values is a powerful way to build a brand that truly reflects who you are.
At Me & Spirit Creative, I help passion-led creative businesses uncover what makes their brand one-of-a-kind. If you’re ready to get started, let’s chat, or check out my free Brand Values Workbook to take the first step.
References
*62% of consumers feel an emotional connection to the brands they buy from the most. (Source: capitaloneshopping.com)
