Building a Brand That Sticks: My Journey and Tips for Standing Out Online

When I first started building my brands, I wasn’t trying to be perfect—I just wanted to be seen. Heard. Felt. Whether it was creating Melted Beauty + Co or pouring my experience into BrandsbyRaven, I was chasing more than income. I was chasing impact—the kind that makes someone stop scrolling and say, “This is for me.” I wanted my brand to feel like a breath of fresh air in a world full of noise, and I knew that wouldn’t come from just following the rules—it had to come from me showing up authentically.

Over time, I’ve learned that branding isn’t just about pretty colors, a cute logo, or an Instagram grid that looks flawless. It’s deeper than that. Branding is about connection—how your audience feels when they land on your page or experience your product. It’s about clarity—making sure your message is clear and speaks to the people you’re meant to serve. And more than anything, it’s about consistency—showing up in a way that feels true to your mission every single time.

Let me break down some of the biggest lessons I’ve learned while building my brands—and how you can take those same principles and apply them to your own journey.

1. Start with a Story—Not a Strategy

People don’t connect with businesses. They connect with people. And if your brand feels robotic or disconnected, chances are your audience is going to scroll right past it. That’s why when I created Melted Beauty + Co, I didn’t just want to sell lip gloss—I wanted every gloss to carry a vibe, a moment, a whole mood. Whether it’s the mysterious feel of Dark Temptation, the soft glow of Blush Glow, or the playful energy of Velvet Dream, each gloss tells a story. And that story reflects the confidence I want people to feel when they wear it.

The same should be true for your brand. Your story matters. Your experiences, your purpose, and your passion are what set you apart from everyone else in your industry. Take a moment to ask yourself: What transformation am I offering to the people I serve? Why does this matter to me? And what emotions do I want people to associate with my brand? When you lead with your story, the strategy will follow.

2. Design for the People You Serve

With BrandsbyRaven, I specialize in helping small and large businesses—especially those run by older entrepreneurs—create a strong online presence that appeals to younger audiences. A lot of these business owners feel out of touch with digital trends, and I love being the bridge that brings their vision to life in a fresh, modern, and user-friendly way. But design isn’t just about looking good—it’s about solving problems.

That’s why I focus on websites that are clean, mobile-friendly, and easy to navigate. I make sure the design tells a story from the very first click. Whether someone’s visiting a site to shop, book a service, or learn more, the goal is always the same: create an experience that makes it easy for them to take action. When your design truly speaks to your audience and reflects what they’re looking for, your website starts to work for you instead of against you.

3. Consistency Is Your Secret Weapon

One of the most underrated parts of building a strong brand is consistency. And no, that doesn’t mean you have to post on Instagram every day or show up on camera 24/7. Consistency means showing up in a way that makes people trust you. It’s about creating a vibe so strong that people instantly recognize your content, your voice, or your style—no matter where they find you.

For me, that means using templates that align with my brand, repurposing my content across platforms so I’m not starting from scratch all the time, and staying focused on my mission. I don’t hop on every trend or jump into things that don’t align with what I’m building. When you stay consistent—visually, emotionally, and energetically—your brand becomes recognizable, memorable, and trustworthy. That’s the secret sauce to standing out.

4. It’s Okay to Evolve

One thing I’ve learned over the years is that your brand is allowed to grow with you. When I started Melted Beauty + Co, I focused solely on lip gloss. But as I evolved, so did my vision. Now, I’m expanding into body butters, oils, and skincare because I know beauty is more than what you put on your lips—it’s how you care for your entire self. And it’s okay that my brand is shifting. It still feels like me, just in a new way.

The same goes for BrandsbyRaven. It started with website design, but now I help clients with content strategy, Notion templates, and full brand development. Your business should be allowed to grow. Just make sure your message and your heart stay aligned as you evolve. The best brands are living, breathing things—they adapt, expand, and level up as you do.

5. Be Real. That’s the Magic.

Here’s the truth: You don’t need a massive following or a viral reel to build a powerful brand. What you need is authenticity. People crave real. They’re tired of overly curated feeds and salesy pitches. What they want is someone who shows up with heart. Someone they can trust. Someone who keeps it all the way real.

I’ve had moments where I doubted myself, questioned my vision, or wondered if anyone was even paying attention. But every single time I showed up as me—raw, relatable, passionate—that’s when I connected the most. That’s when people booked with me, shopped from me, and shared my work. So trust me when I say this: Your authenticity is your brand’s greatest asset.

Need help building a brand that sticks? Let’s work together. I specialize in turning brands into digital experiences that connect, convert, and actually feel like you.

📅 Book a free call here: https://calendly.com/brandsbyraven/45

📲 Follow me on Instagram: @brandsbyraven_

We’re all building something. Let’s make sure yours leaves a mark.

— Raven 🤍