I need to tell you about this absolute legend in my town who’s been living rent-free in my head lately…

There’s this person we parkgoers know as “the stone stacker” (not their official title, obviously, but IYKYK 😉). ​​Every day, they create these stunning, balanced stone sculptures in our local parks, and let me tell you—the reactions are unmatched! People stop mid-walk to admire the work, chat with total strangers, and share these cute little moments of awe, connection, and inspiration, all sparked by the stone stacker’s work.

Sometimes the sculptures get knocked down (ugh, rude 🙄), but the next day? New ones appear. 

The persistence, the dedication, the quiet confidence in their craft? It’s giving main character energy, and honestly, I’m OBSESSED.

But here’s the thing that gets me—this artist has NO idea how many amazing conversations are happening around their work. 

They’re not lingering around to soak up the compliments or hear the gasps of admiration. 

And yet, their impact? Undeniable.

It’s the ultimate ripple effect, and the same kind of ripple effect your brand can create.

What’s Your Brand Saying About You When You’re Not in the Room?

Real talk? Your brand, whether you realize it or not, is saying something.

Maybe, it’s confidently declaring, “I’m professional, confident, and worth every penny.”  💃🏻

Or maybe… it’s awkwardly whispering, “Help, I haven’t been updated since 2016, and I’m low-key cringing at myself.” 🥴

The reality is, your audience is forming an impression right now—based on your visuals, your copy, your overall vibe.

And, I hate to break it to ya, but if your brand isn’t telling the story you want it to, someone else’s brand will 👀

A strong brand creates its own ripple effect—it works behind the scenes to get people talking, sharing, and hyping you up. 

Sooo, how do you know if your brand’s leaving the impression you want?

How to Know If Your Brand’s Leaving the Impression You Want

Start by asking yourself some questions:

1. Are people talking about you (in a good way) when you’re not in the room?

When your brand’s on point, your work gets shared without you even asking. And you might be thinking, “but Lorin – how can I really know if people are talking about my brand behind my back?!”

A few ways to really know is if you receive random Instagram tags, word-of-mouth referrals (sometimes even from people who haven’t directly worked with you), and of course through testimonials. All of those things are like a ripple effect of recognition that starts with your brand. And let’s be clear: when I say “brand,” I’m not just talking about your logo or color palette. I’m talking about your values, your messaging, and the entire vibe of your business.

2. Do you feel confident AF showing it off?

Your brand should feel like an extension of you. If you’re hesitant to hand over your business card, share your website, or post on socials, that’s a sign your brand needs some TLC.

It’s kind of like when you put on an outfit that makes you feel totally yourself and you CAN’T WAIT to go out and about to strut your stuff. That’s how you want your brand to feel, too!

3. Does your audience feel something when they interact with your brand?

Whether it’s excitement, curiosity, trust, or something else, your brand should spark an emotional reaction. So get clear on what exactly you want them to feel—and then make sure every touchpoint delivers that vibe.

What to Do If Your Brand Feels “Meh”

If your brand’s not hitting the mark, don’t panic. Here’s where to start:

1. Audit Your Brand

Ask yourself:

• Does this reflect where I’m at now and where I want to go?
• Is it aligned with the experience I want to create for my clients?
• Would I be proud to shout it from the rooftops, or do I cringe at the thought?

If your answer to these questions isn’t a resounding “hell yes“, it’s time for a refresh.

A brand audit is the perfect way to get started. Look at your website, social media, marketing materials, and even how you interact with clients. 

Does it feel like you? Does it align with your business goals? If not, don’t be afraid to make changes. If it doesn’t make you proud, it’s time to ditch it.

And if you want a brand audit from a professional designer like me, you can book that here. 

2. Clarify Your Brand’s Story

Here’s what I really want to know—what do you want people saying about YOUR brand when you’re not in the room? 

Let’s get real for a sec with some questions to ponder:

1. What makes your approach different from literally everyone else in your industry?
2. How does your client experience make people feel?
3. What stories do you want your clients sharing in their group chats?
4. Beyond the deliverables, what transformation are you really providing?

Your brand story is about more than what you do, it’s about why you do it. It’s your values, the experience you want clients to have, and the transformation you deliver. 

Once you nail that down, everything else, your visuals, your messaging, etc. will fall into place.

3. Work with a Branding Pro

Sometimes, a fresh perspective is exactly what you need. A designer (👋oh hi, that’s me!) can help you take all those “meh” feelings and turn them into something that feels aligned, magnetic, exciting, and of course, B-E-A-U-tiful! 

As a designer, I bring fresh eyes and expertise to help you clarify your brand. When we work together, I look at every touchpoint of your brand from a new perspective, helping you cut through the clutter and create something that’s truly aligned, so you can focus on doing what you do best—running your business.

What Happens When Your Brand Finally Clicks

The greatest compliment isn’t just when someone loves your color palette or typography (though, as a designer, those moments give me LIFE). It’s when your name comes up in rooms you’ve never entered, and people are saying things like:

• “Their process made me feel completely seen.”
• “Working with them literally transformed my business.”
• “This was the best investment I’ve made all year.”

It’s every impression you leave, every interaction someone has with your business, and every story your clients tell their friends over coffee.

When your brand aligns with your expertise, personality, and values, magical things happen:

• Your audience starts hyping you up—without you asking.
• Opportunities roll in that feel like the perfect fit.
• You stop feeling the need to explain yourself because your brand speaks for itself.

Like the stone stacker, your work will leave a lasting impression—whether you’re physically in the room to witness it or not.

Ready to Create a Brand That Works as Hard as You Do?

If your brand’s been whispering “meh” instead of shouting “WOW,” let’s fix that.

I specialize in creating brands that:

• Showcase your expertise and personality.
• Make people excited to share your work.
• Have you feeling confident AF every time you show up.

Let’s make your brand the thing people can’t stop talking about.

P.S. Curious about real-life brand transformations? Check out my latest case study on how we turned one personal stylist’s brand from outdated to unforgettable.  Read the case study here→