The Hidden Cost of Looking “Almost” Legit
There’s something I need to say that might sting a little. 🐝 I'm pretty sure you’re not losing potential clients because you’re bad at what you do. It's most likely because you're “almost” the right match.
And “almost” is expensive. It’s the lead inquiry that never gets sent or the partnership invite that goes to someone with half your experience but double your polish. Ouch. 💔
I’m all for DIY branding when you’re just starting on a tight budget. You gotta do what you gotta do to start making sales and living the dream. But, after time, that DIY brand starts to repel your ideal, right-match clients. Those clients who will introduce you to higher-paying and dream-worthy opportunities.
Why? Because DIY brands tend to be based on visual preferences (a color you really like, a font similar to something you saw on Instagram), instead of brand strategy (what will make you irresistible to your ideal client).
Ideal clients can tell when a brand was stitched together in Canva at midnight after long work days. They can sense when the messaging is vague and the visuals don’t match the price point. And they won’t say, “This looks homemade.” They’ll say, “Hmm…this isn't for me.”
🚪 That “not for me” is costing you rooms you should already be in. When you invest in professional branding, you’re set up to attract and book the right-match client because your messaging and visuals will cater to their values and wants. They’ll be certain you’re the one for them and will buy into your positioning and products.
DIY can really help you out, but it could also keep you waiting to be a perfect match.