The Best Branding and Business Resources in One Place
Are you looking to elevate your brand but don’t have the budget for an agency? Whether you’re a small business owner, entrepreneur, or brand designer—my selection of branding resources has everything you need. This list includes must-read books, valuable courses, and useful tools to enhance your branding skills and grow your business.
Books
“Obsessed,” written by the co-founder of branding agency Red Antler, is a truly inspiring book. The simple language and detailed examples make it perfect for anyone new to branding.
Jenni Romaniuk provides an evidence-based perspective on what makes brand assets distinctive.
Based on decades of research, this book reveals scientific laws about the buying and marketing performance of brands.
Michael Johnson explains his five-step branding process and offers many examples along the way.
Daniel Kahneman’s book is a must-read to understand how we think and make decisions.
“Alchemy” offers many insights and into behavioural science and is a delight to read.
This book shares findings from a three-year neuromarketing study, revealing how branding affects our brains.
Jonah Berger explores what makes things popular and why some stories are more infectious than others.
Courses and Educational Resources
Offers courses on everything from copywriting to strategy. I found it extremely invaluable when I first got into freelancing and branding.
Get your 1st month free with my link.
My favourite resource for typography. The creator, Typewolf, also has a database of web typography examples to inspire your font and font-pairing choices.
Provides courses in business and design. I can recommend their typography and lettering classes.
Offers a range of affordable classes. I particularly liked Tatabi Studio’s course on sustainable packaging.
Download my step-by-step guide to build a brand that resonates with your audience and grows your business.
This short workbook guides you through crafting your origin story, mission, values narrative, and customer success stories.
Mockups
Features an impressive collection of premium mockups from various sources at a great price point.
A versatile range of well-staged premium mock-ups, from T-shirts to brochures and devices.
Use my code “NINE20” for a 20% discount.
Beautiful mockups with a feminine and elegant touch.
Use my code “NINE15” for a 15% discount.
Offers minimal mockups for various needs—from branding and packaging to website presentations and billboards.
High-quality, realistic mockups for devices, books, stationery, posters, and apparel.
Use my code “NINEBLAESS” for 15% off on orders over $20.
A small yet beautiful selection of minimal packaging mockups you won’t find anywhere else.
High-quality, realistic mockups for various deliverables including devices, books, and stationery.
Newsletters & Communities
“Sweathead” offers a fantastic community of strategists of all levels, sharing ideas, resources, experience and even jobs.
Ana’s substance background in sociology gives her an interesting perspective on topics such as brand, business or culture. She publishes her thoughts on Substack.
Podcasts
The “On Strategy Showcase” podcast offers an insight into the strategies behind some of the most-known campaigns and brands.
Mark Pollard talks strategy with some of the biggest—and smaller—names in the advertising industry.
Stef talks to many interesting people about branding. He interviewed Rory Sutherland, Jenni Romaniuk and many more.
“Just Branding” is the ideal podcast for anyone new to branding. It explores branding approaches, tools and more.
Publications and Blogs
Showcases real-world examples of typography in use—from branding to packaging to web design projects.
A branding publication focussed on packaging, featuring plenty of inspiration.
This site showcases branding work from studios and designers around the world.
LSN Global shares a range of free trend and consumer insight articles on their website, with the option to become a member for full access to all content.
Their blog offers insights into marketing strategies, brand innovation and trends.
TrendWatching offers reports and case studies on emerging trends and shifting consumer behaviours.
Tools
Affordable, functional, and easy-to-use web page builder for WordPress. My go-to tool to build websites that are easy to maintain by my clients.
Multiple tools for creating and managing colour palettes, including a palette generator and contrast checker.
Track your website’s progress, monitor rankings and backlinks, and gain insights into your audience. If you’re looking to rank on Google, give Semrush a try—I’m using the free version and highly recommend it.
Grammar, spelling and style checker for texts. The premium version is even better, but the free version does the job.
I sometimes run my texts through the Hemingway Editor to make sure they are easy enough to read.
This list contains affiliate links. By purchasing through my links, you can support my work here. I wouldn’t recommend anything I truly believe in, and I select my affiliate partners carefully.
I do my best to keep these branding resources updated and fresh. I’d love to hear from you if you have any recommendations or feedback.