Whether you’ve had an idea for years or are just getting started, you’re in the right place. This article will review the foundations of building your outdoor brand. Keep reading for the best ways to narrow down your idea, select your audience, and build your brand!

Do your research

The first step to building your outdoor brand is to do your research. Is your idea one of a kind, or are you competing with other businesses? Make sure that when you research ideas, you explore what works and what doesn’t for other brands. 

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You want to ensure your outdoor brand brings value to the table, and you’ll want to set your brand apart. Find out what values other outdoor brands appeal to– Is it freedom? Exploring the unknown? An appetite for adventure?  

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The next step in research includes making sure you follow the laws and rules in place. These might vary depending on your state, so determine how your state registers businesses. This might mean deciding between an LLC or sole proprietorship, how you want to file taxes, and where the company operates. 

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Finally, file the necessary paperwork, like articles of incorporation, and select a good bank to start your business.

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Find your niche

After you solidify your idea, it’s now time to make sure that an audience exists. Not every outdoor brand is the same! Think about whether you plan to market toward people who enjoy a specific activity– perhaps hiking or water sports– or if you will target a broader outdoor or multi-sport audience. 

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Research will be an important part of this step to make sure the demographic actually exists in your area. If it seems like the market is oversaturated, consider pivoting your outdoor brand to meet an underserved population or need.  

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A niche is crucial to ensure your brand does not set too wide or too narrow goals. If you can’t connect with a specific group of people, your brand won’t succeed. 

Identify your goals

The next step in building your outdoor brand is to set measurable goals. Create action items and concrete steps, like a timeline or how many products you want to sell by a specific date. 

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As you identify your business goals, your research will help you navigate the best steps for your brand. Tools like Wave can be great for monitoring finances, and project management sites like Asana can help you create organized to-do lists. 

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Decide on your business model

Just like every outdoor business is different, so are the options for your business model!  This is an important step of the process, because your business model will decide how you earn profit. For outdoor brands, you’re in luck! 

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There are plenty of ways to create a brand, whether you choose an outdoor store franchise, wholesale retail, e-commerce shop, or even an outdoor tech company. 

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Once you decide how you’d like to earn money and who you’d like to serve, your brand will start to take off!

Build your brand 

Building and marketing your brand might be the most exciting part, but it’s best to save this as one of the final steps. Of course, your brand will need to represent your values and your target audience. Will you choose a fun voice for your brand? A serious one? Humorous? The best part of building your outdoor brand is adding your touches!

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As you build your brand and use marketing strategies for outdoor brands, you must stay authentic and organized. No one enjoys looking at a website or ad with typos, sloppy graphics, or a lack of time and care. Whether you design your own logo and content or hire a designer, try to ensure that your marketing materials are cohesive and true to your brand. Agencies like Alogfy can be a great way to do so!

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Another great way to introduce your outdoor brand is to build on existing audiences. Consider creating content for other outdoor brands or collaborating with existing companies. Giveaways, promotions, and shoutouts can be great ways to familiarize people with your new idea and brand!

Wrapping Up

Now that you have the first steps to starting your outdoor brand, it’s time to get started! Grab a notebook and write down your ideas for where you see yourself and your new business. With just a little research, time, and dedication, you’ll be on your way to building your brand’s empire!

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