From property leaflets to personal branding: What I’d do to put my best foot forward when starting a business
- Orange Lamb
- Nov 6
- 3 min read
Look what I found while clearing out the garage, a stack of old leaflets from Prime Site Lets, a property company I ran years ago with my husband, James.
Yes, before launching Orange Lamb (and somewhere between managing artists and managing tenants!), I was running HMO properties for professionals. And while property management definitely wasn’t my lifelong calling, people-pleasing 100 tenants will test anyone’s patience, it reminded me of something I’ve always valued: the importance of branding.
Even back then, I knew we needed to look professional, sound consistent, and show up in a way that people would remember. Wherever someone found us — online, in person, or through those glossy leaflets, they saw the same tone, visuals and message. In a crowded market, that recognition mattered.
Because branding isn’t just about logos or colour palettes.It’s about how you show up and how you make people feel.
So, if you’re starting a business and want to put your best foot forward — and you don’t yet have the budget to hire a brand strategist or designer, here are my top tips to help you build a brand that still looks and feels professional from the start:
My top 6 tips when starting a business
1. Get clear on your message
Before any logo or design, ask yourself: What do I actually want to say — and why does it matter? Your message should capture your purpose, your values and the transformation you create. It’s the foundation of everything else.
2. Know your audience
You can’t talk to everyone — and you shouldn’t try to.Who are you really speaking to? What do they need? What do they struggle with? Understanding this shapes your tone, visuals and content.
3. Define your offer
Clarity sells. When your services are confusing, people switch off.Be crystal clear about what you do, who it’s for, and the results it delivers.
4. Create a visual identity
It doesn’t need to be fancy or expensive — it just needs to feel you.Choose a logo, colour palette and fonts that represent your personality and style, and then use them consistently.Tools like Canva and Adobe Express make it easy to create branded graphics without needing a design background.Consistency builds recognition, and recognition builds trust.
5. Start simple
If you’re not ready for a full suite of marketing materials, create something tangible — even a one-page leaflet or digital guide — that people can hold, share or download. It gives your business a physical presence and makes it feel real.
6. Build your online home (when you’re ready)
Websites absolutely have their place, but they aren’t always feasible right from the start.If you do want an online presence, look at platforms like Wix or Squarespace that offer affordable hosting and customisable templates. Even a simple one-page scroll site is enough to show you exist, build credibility, and help potential clients find you.
Building a brand isn’t about perfection — it’s about consistency, clarity and connection.
Those old Prime Site Lets leaflets were a reminder that every chapter teaches us something valuable. For me, it was that branding has always been my thing — I just didn’t know it yet.
And truthfully, there’s absolutely nothing wrong with the DIY stage. When you’re starting out, doing it yourself helps you learn, experiment and find your voice. It builds confidence and connection with your audience — and that’s where the magic begins.
But as your business grows, so should your brand.When you reach the point where you have the resources to uplevel and invest, bringing in a brand strategist or designer can be a real game changer. It’s about refinement — taking what you’ve built and giving it the clarity, cohesion and creative edge to match the level you’re playing at.
That’s exactly where Orange Lamb comes in — helping evolving entrepreneurs and service-based brands step confidently into their next chapter with strategy, design and impact.
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