How to Build an Iconic Brand Without Breaking the Bank — This Founder's Formula for Early Marketing

Reposted from First Round Capital

Branding can be brushed off as an unnecessary upfront cost, a problem for your future founder self that’s easy to de-prioritize when you’re leading a cash-strapped startup. But investing in thoughtful branding from day one pays dividends — especially in the increasingly competitive (and expensive) battle to acquire customers. 

Just ask the founders of Studs, Anna Harman and Lisa Bubbers, who stormed onto the startup scene in 2019 to transform the tired ear-piercing experience. Ear piercing was hardly a novel concept, but options were limited to tattoo parlors and mall kiosks. With a vision to meld a strong brand with operational rigor and re-package the experience of getting your ears pierced, this duo has since built a thriving business that’s expanded to 21 retail stores nationwide. GO TO FULL ARTICLE