The Rae Report
CREATIVE STRATEGY x PURPOSEFUL BRANDING
Why your brand feels “off” (and what to do about it)
If your brand feels off, but you can’t quite explain why, you’re not alone. Maybe your visuals don’t reflect the work you do anymore. Maybe your messaging feels inconsistent. Maybe your attracting the wrong customers or second-guessing how to show up online.
Most business owners build their brand reactively–making quick decisions based on what feels urgent, not what’s aligned. But at a certain point, reacting stops working. You need to start strategically steering.
In this blog, I break down why misalignment happens (it’s not your fault), what’s really causing that disconnected feeling, and five low-lift ways to check in and start realigning your brand.
Branding, Design, and Marketing Aren’t the Same (So Why Do People Keep Mixing Them Up?)
Branding and marketing get mixed up all the time – and if your marketing isn’t working, your brand could be the actual problem.
Your brand strategy sets the foundation.
Your brand design brings it to life.
Your marketing puts it in front of the right people.
So, if you’re struggling to market your business, it’s time to take a closer look at your brand. Let’s break it all down so you can stop guessing and start building a brand that actually works.
Check out the full breakdown.
Why your brand feels off: 5 common branding struggles (& how to fix them without another rebrand)
Feeling stuck in the endless cycle of tweaks, rebrands, and second-guessing? Your brand isn’t the problem, your strategy is. Learn the 5 biggest branding struggles and how you can fix them.
Blue Umbrella Bakery
Amy’s brand transformation didn’t happen overnight – it was a journey in two parts. In 2019, we established her bakery’s brand from scratch, refining her audience and building a strategy that made marketing easier. The result? Double the orders in one year and a reputation as a go-to for wedding cakes and desserts.
Brand strategy vs. graphic design: why you need both
A logo alone won’t fix your brand. Without strategy, even the best design can fall flat. Learn why a brand strategy matters more than a logo, how to avoid constant rebranding and the key steps to building a brand that works. Plus, grab my free Brand Cheat Sheet template!
The Ultimate Guide to Creating a Consistent Brand Across Every Buyer Touchpoint
Consistent Branding vs Confusing Branding – The Ultimate Guide
Big brand energy for small businesses 🍄
Brand strategy is for everyone, not just for big corporations. Whether you’re a coffee shop, ethical maker, or small-town restaurant, intentional branding can help your business stand out from boring, cookie-cutter brands.
Learn how Alice Mushrooms uses whimsical design, bold experiences, and educational packaging to create a brand their customers can’t ignore – and how you can too.
Niki Nichols, Boki’s Kitchen
“Kirstin has a way of putting together visions for people.”
If you are looking for YOUR ORIGINAL brand... talk to Kirstin. If you are looking for something pretty and surface level–don't waste her time. She is here for brands that want to stand out and whose story wants to be told. She and the people she works with are the face of authenticity in business.
brand values adjective list
This curated list of adjectives is designed to help you articulate your brand’s personality and values, ensuring every touchpoint reflects your unique identity.