A recent experience got me thinking… When are you taking inspiration from a business, and when are you outright copying it?
What are your thoughts?
Story time!
The other day, I was scrolling through my Instagram For You page, enjoying a bit of mindless scrolling (as one does). Suddenly, I stumbled across a business that was a complete clone of one that I follow.
Needless to say, I did a double-take!
At first glance, I thought a business I already followed had renamed itself. They had the same fonts, colours, layout, and even the vibe of the social media templates – it was just the name that was different.
But after a bit of digging, I realised… nope, this was a completely different business.
And honestly? It made me a bit uncomfortable. The whole experience got me thinking… When are you taking inspiration from a business, and when are you outright copying it?
The Problem with Copying
Branding isn’t just about looking pretty. It’s about building trust, recognition, and connection with your audience. When two businesses look eerily similar, not only does it cause confusion, but it can be detrimental to both of them.
Imagine this: You’ve spent months (or years!) crafting your brand, pouring yourself into every detail. Now, someone else swoops in and copies your style. Suddenly, your unique vibe is no longer unique, and it could even redirect your potential clients elsewhere.Â
All that goodwill and effort? Wasted.
Take inspiration, not identity
But, imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, right?Â
Well don’t get me wrong – I know we all take inspiration from others. In fact, it’s part of the creative process. We all find ideas we love and adapt them to suit our style. But that is the key word – adapt.
Here’s why copying is a bad move for your business:
- It confuses your audience: Consistency builds trust, and confusion erodes it.
- It feels inauthentic: People can spot a copycat a mile away. If your brand doesn’t feel genuine, it’s hard to connect with your audience.
- It sells yourself short: You’re an original. You’re one-of-a-kind – don’t settle for someone else’s leftovers!
Instead of copying what someone else is doing like-for-like, try taking the elements that inspire you and tweaking them. Add your own flair. Infuse your unique voice. Make it unmistakably you. Take inspiration, not identity.
So, let’s ditch the carbon copies and build something fresh, bold, and unapologetically authentic. Your business deserves a brand that stands out—not one that blends in.
If you’re not sure where to start, I’d love to help. Book a free Marketing Kickstarter session, and let’s craft a brand that’s true to you and impossible to ignore.