What “Brand” Actually Means (and Why It’s Not Just a Logo)

When you’re running a trade business, your van isn’t just transport — it’s a moving advert for your work. Every time you pull up outside a house or drive through town, people are seeing your business.

But what do they see?

If your van has no logo or looks inconsistent with your website and socials, you’re missing a chance to build trust.

Your brand isn’t just your logo — it’s how people feel about your business before they’ve even spoken to you. It’s your look, your tone, and how you show up online and offline. A strong brand makes people think, “They look professional — I’d hire them.”

Keep It Consistent — Everywhere

Think about all the places your business appears:

• Your van signage
• Workwear and uniforms
• Business cards and flyers
• Website and social media
• Invoices and quotes

If each one looks different, it can make your business feel disorganised. Keeping your logo, colours, and fonts consistent across everything instantly makes your business look more professional.

Pro Tip: Pick two colours and one clean font — then stick with them everywhere.

Show Your Work — Properly

You do great work every day, so show it off!

• Take clear before-and-after photos.
• Make sure the area’s tidy and well-lit.
• Add your logo or a simple border in your brand colours.

Posting consistent, professional photos makes your business instantly more memorable and shows pride in your work — which customers love.

Be Proud of Who You Are

Branding doesn’t mean pretending to be a big company. It’s about owning who you are.
If you’re a one-person business with years of experience, that’s a huge selling point.

Share your story. Use your name, your values, and the reasons you started your trade. People connect with people — not faceless businesses.

Keep It Simple and Professional

A strong trade brand doesn’t need to be fancy.

• A clean logo
• A consistent colour scheme
• A short tagline like “Reliable Plumbing in Bristol” or “Carpentry You Can Trust”

Those little details show pride and reliability — and that’s what wins work.

Final Thought

Your brand is always working for you — on your van, on social media, and in people’s minds.
So next time you’re driving to a job, ask yourself: does my van show the business I want to be?

If not, we can help you get there.

👉 Get in touch with Brimble Marketing — we help tradespeople turn their vans into brands that get noticed.