Insights How to build a brand that actually stands out

You have a brand, but does it stand out? And we’re not talking just about how you look. 

Branding is more than your logo or a catchy slogan. It’s a feeling. A feeling that permeates every interaction someone has with your business. 

It’s a shorthand for who you are, what you believe, and why anyone should care. It’s an impression that lingers, or doesn’t, depending on how you move forward. But, with clarity, consistency, and authenticity, there’s no reason to be scared of what’s to come! 

Get these right, and everything else will fall into place. 

Know what you stand for, and say it like you mean it

A strong brand has a strong point of view. What are you here to do? Who are you for? What’s the truth about you that no competitor could claim? You can write a clean position line, but without carving out a distinct space in people’s minds you run the risk of falling into irrelevancy. 

Stand-out brands don’t try to be everything to everyone, they’re unapologetically themselves. 

You need a sharp, specific and self-aware focus on your values and ideas, because they’re going to anchor every business decision. 

Make every touchpoint feel like you


Clarity might define your brand, but consistency makes it recognisable.


Whether someone lands on your website, sees an Instagram post, or picks up your packaging, the experience should feel unmistakably you. It’s not so much a rigid approach, but being intentional with what you do and how you act. 

From your visual language to your tone of voice, consistency creates trust. It gives people confidence that they’re in the right place. And with the way we live today, with split-second decisions and constant trends, that trust is priceless.

If you want a strong brand, you need a system that grows with you, adapts to new platforms, and still feels like your signature. The best brands evolve, but never lose their core. They stay consistent, not by staying still, but by knowing how to flex without falling apart.

Show up like a human, not a headline

This one’s become a bit of a cliché, but for good reason.


We’re in an era where people are more attuned to inauthenticity than ever. Brands can no longer ride on the too polished, too perfect, too performance-driven creative that’s served them well in the past.

Today it just won’t land. 

People are craving honesty and personality, even if that means embracing your flaws. They want to connect and see themselves in something.

Some might believe authenticity leads to oversharing, but just focus on being real. It might mean showing your process, the progress of where you are today, or simply telling stories from behind the scenes. 

Feature your community and ditch the stock photography for something that reflects the work you do and those who are helping pave the way. This type of emotional resonance is what builds loyalty that lasts.

An identity that’s unmistakably you 

Every brand wants to be memorable, but to do that, you can’t solely rely on Canva templates or what’s worked for someone else. .

Ownable branding means creating a visual identity that couldn’t be mistaken for anyone else’s. That doesn’t always mean loud colours or crazy typography. It starts with building something rooted in your truth, something that can evolve without losing its sense of self.

With a distinctive design system, your visual world should tell a story and invite people in, growing with you as time goes on.Take the time to define what’s yours and what’s not. The brand will not only feel good, but it’ll feel right!

Boldness matters when it’s backed by meaning


Being bold comes from being brave enough to say something true, without watering anything down. 

Powerful brands connect while they communicate, tapping into emotion and challenging convention. There needs to be clarity behind the creativity, where every visual choice and written word ties back to something bigger. 

Let it evolve without losing your positioning

One of the biggest misconceptions about branding is that it’s a one-time project. It’s easily done when there’s a shiny new logo and a big launch. 

But, actually, great brands evolve. They adapt to new audiences, new channels, and new realities. What stays the same is their core. 

The challenge, and the opportunity, is protecting that core while allowing space to grow. So, keep your identity fluid, not fixed, allowing the design system to stretch and messaging to breathe.

Let it be you.

The brands who are doing it right

Some of the most memorable brands today didn’t get there by following the rules; they earned their place by rewriting them. 

In industries often weighed down by convention, a few standout names went against the grain by leading with personality, clarity, and a deep understanding of what people want. 

Whether it’s reshaping banking, rethinking gifting, or reinventing education, these brands have built an emotional connection on top of their products, with loyalty, and a sense of identity.

Monzo

A fintech brand with a friendly tone of voice, Monzo made banking relatable. They use plain English, emoji-friendly updates, and a visual identity that’s recognisable and cohesive across everything from app UI to physical cards.

There’s no jargon. Ever. Just honest explanations of financial services. What could be more comforting than that in times of need? Everyone loves the neon coral card, and social posts, in-app comms and tone across help docs stay consistent. Not only that, but they’re transparent about features and outages, talking like real people. 

Bloom & Wild

A DTC flower delivery brand that’s nailed the emotional connection? Their tone is warm but modern, and they were pioneers in letterbox-friendly bouquets — showing a deep understanding of their audience.

Their thoughtful gifting remains at their core, and every campaign ties back to the care, ease, and most importantly, joy. This all flows through the packaging, socials and brand emails. You know it’s beautifully, recognisably, Bloom & Wild. They even led the movement to stop marketing around Mother’s Day for those grieving, showing empathy over algorithms.

Duolingo

Duolingo took something as dry as language learning and made it fun, playful, and unforgettable. Their visual tone is loud and cartoonish, and their owl mascot is borderline unhinged on social… in the best way, of course.

You can learn a language in just a few minutes a day, and the proposition is instantly graspable. From UI design to TikTok chaos, everything screams Duolingo. They’ve leaned into humour, memes, and cultural moments in a way that feels human. 

Clarity. Consistency. Authenticity. Let’s go!

Wanna know the first steps to take? It’s time to forget the trends and focus on the truth. That way, you begin to build a brand that’s clear, consistent, and unapologetically authentic. We can promise you’ll stand out, but you’ll also stand for something important within your values. 

At The Escape, this is the kind of work we live for — building brands that break through the blend. We’re not here to sell you a logo or a short-thought slogan. Let’s uncover what’s already there, the little moments that make your brand different and meaningful. We’ll make it worth remembering. 

Whether you’re evolving your brand or launching something new, get in touch with us to start your branding journey.