Branding Strategy: How a Strategic Identity Fuels Small Business Growth | Sarah Harkleroad

Branding is not decoration. Branding is direction.
It’s the structure your business stands on—one that protects your message, elevates your credibility, and clarifies your identity.

From niching down and navigating the messy middle to knowing when to move beyond DIY, Sarah offers a guide to the strategic mindset behind a strong brand—and the clarity required to lead a business well.

Today’s guest, Sarah Harkleroad, is the co-founder and brand strategist at Daor Design. Daor Design helps small businesses build big brands with strategic logo design, website design, and marketing services. Since 2011, they've helped over 700 small businesses across the country build their brands and grow their businesses.

Have you ever asked yourself:
🔑 How can I improve brand recognition as a small business?
🔑 What are the key elements of effective brand strategies?
🔑 Why is branding, positioning, and identity important?
🔑 How do I create a brand that resonates with my target audience?

We're talking about:
✔️ How to build a brand on clarity rather than assumptions.
✔️ Knowing when it’s time to release the DIY route to level up the identity of your business.
✔️ Knowing when it's time to change the tools, not the strategy.
✔️ It’s not just about what you say—it’s about where and to whom you say it.
✔️ The business grows when the leader grows.


Learn more about Emboldened Entrepreneur at emboldenedentrep.com.

Learn more about Sarah and Daor Design at:
Website: daordesign.com
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/daor-design/
Free Brand Review & Consultation: https://calendly.com/sarahharkleroad/30-minute-meeting 

00:00   Introduction to Branding and Design Journey
04:13     Defining Marketing in Today's Landscape
07:57     Understanding Target Markets and Niches
10:08     The Importance of Cohesive Branding
16:09     Common Branding Pitfalls and Mistakes
19:34     Advice for Small Businesses Moving Forward
20:42    Transitioning from DIY to Professional Help
22:53     Overcoming Fear and Limiting Beliefs
27:18      Finding Supportive Relationships
30:26    Balancing Learning and Implementation
34:22    Separating Identity from Business
37:45    The Heart Behind Helping Small Businesses