Ambitious to grow? Let your brand message speak for you

Where your business gets noticed first

If you’ve just launched your online store, it’s unlikely that your first customer will come from an email newsletter. They probably haven’t had a chance to sign up yet. Instead, they’ll see you for the first time on Instagram, TikTok, or maybe in a Google ad.

That very first post, your profile description, or a short tagline in an ad is where your brand message begins. The question is: does it sound like you? And does it speak to the person you want to reach?

A strong brand message is not just a slogan or mission statement. It’s the feeling someone gets when they read your words or see your visuals. When people sense there’s a real person behind the business – not just a product – that’s when they remember you.

Look at your vision, mission, and value proposition

Your brand message can’t come out of thin air. For it to be meaningful and consistent, you first need clarity on your brand’s vision – where you’re headed – and your mission – why you’re doing what you do.

Your vision is your direction. It answers the question: what kind of change or impact do you want to make in the world? Your mission, on the other hand, is about the here and now – who you serve, and how.

It’s also essential to define your unique value proposition. What makes you different? What do you offer better, easier, or more meaningfully than anyone else in your space? That distinct edge is what your brand message should be built on. If you know what sets you apart, you can communicate it with confidence.

When your vision, mission, and value proposition are clear, writing messages that reflect your identity and build trust becomes much easier.

What is brand messaging – and why does it matter?

Brand messaging is the voice of your business – the way you communicate with your audience. It shows up in your social media posts, ad copy, product descriptions, and later on, in your emails. It’s how you express what you stand for and how you build trust.

When your business is small and just starting out, your message becomes one of your most powerful tools. It gives people a reason to follow you, click your ad, or trust you enough to make that first purchase.

A simple exercise to help define your message

Here’s a short and practical exercise that helps bring your brand voice into focus. You can do it in twenty minutes.

First, ask yourself what you believe in. Not your business idea – but what drives you as a person. Maybe you believe beauty and wellness products should never compromise the environment. Or that parents deserve products that truly support everyday life and last. Write one or two honest, simple sentences.

Next, define the problem you solve. Say it clearly and simply. How would you explain it to a friend or your grandmother? For example: “We make comfortable, stylish shoes that last for seasons.” Or: “We help people find natural skincare that actually works.”

Then, think about your tone. Do you want to sound warm and friendly? Bold and cheeky? Calm and professional? Once you choose those traits, let them guide everything you write – from captions and ads to emails.

Finally, ask yourself: what do you want people to say about you? If someone recommends you to a friend, what would they say? Maybe: “They’re such a cool brand and their posts are so fun.” Or: “They feel so genuine and human – I remembered them right away.”

Why consistency matters more than clever design

Your brand message can be beautifully written and emotionally compelling, but if it sounds different in every channel – casual and open on Instagram, stiff and formal on your website – people might get confused. They won’t know who you really are or what you stand for.

Consistency doesn’t mean being repetitive or boring. It means that your message always reflects the same values, personality, and purpose. If your brand stands for honesty, your ad copy shouldn’t make unrealistic promises. If you’ve promised friendly service, it should show up in your customer support replies too.

Consistency builds trust. People trust what they recognize and understand. The more they feel they “know you”, the more likely they are to choose you – and recommend you to others.

How to use your message across different channels

When your message is grounded in your vision, mission, and value proposition, it becomes easier to use everywhere. It helps you stay true to yourself on social media and avoid sounding like every other brand. In digital ads, it helps you connect with the right audience. And once your email list starts growing, the same voice carries through in your welcome emails, newsletters, and special offers.

We recommend writing down your brand voice in a document you can share and refer back to. Use it as inspiration every time you write something new – whether it’s an Instagram caption or a banner on your website.

In the end: all you really need is courage

You don’t need an expensive agency to find your brand voice. What you need is clarity, consistency, and a little bit of courage. Courage to be yourself – and to speak to your customers honestly. That’s what truly stands out.

Once you’ve laid the foundation and you’re ready to share it with the world, MakeCommerce can help you create a smooth and reliable payment experience to match.

We support businesses that are just starting out – and those who are ready to go much, much further.