The Coffee Test: Is Your Brand Giving Bold & Strong… or Watery & Weak?
You know that feeling when you take a sip of coffee and instantly know whether it’s going to fuel your day… or let you down completely?
Too weak? You’ll be fighting to stay focused.
Too bitter? You might regret it.
Just right? You’re set up for success.
Your brand works the same way.
When someone lands on your website, sees your marketing, or interacts with your business, they make a split-second decision:
✔️ Yes! This is exactly what I need.
❌ Ehhhh, something feels off… I’ll keep looking.
And just like a bad cup of coffee, a brand that feels off—whether it’s unfinished, inconsistent, or outdated—leaves people looking elsewhere.
So let’s test it.
This is The Coffee Test, a quick way to check if your brand is hitting right—or if it’s leaving potential clients unimpressed and scrolling away.
Step 1: The First Sip — What’s Your Initial Reaction?
Imagine walking into a coffee shop.
The vibe? ✨ Warm, inviting, and well put together.
The menu? ✅ Clear and easy to navigate.
The coffee? ☕ Strong, smooth, and exactly what you were craving.
You instantly feel at home. You trust this place. You’ll probably come back.
But if you walked in and saw confusing signage, a chaotic menu, and a barista who looked unsure of what they were doing? You’d probably walk right back out.
That’s exactly what happens when someone lands on your website or interacts with your brand.
Without scrolling, clicking around, or making excuses for what you meant to update, pull up your:
✔️ Website
✔️ Most recent Instagram post
✔️ Latest marketing materials (emails, PDFs, proposals, etc.)
Then ask yourself:
- Does this actually reflect the business I’ve built? (Or is it from three years ago when I was still figuring things out?)
- Is my website making it clear what I do and who I serve? (Or would someone have to dig for answers?)
- Does everything feel cohesive, polished, and high-end? (Or are things a little mismatched and DIY-looking?)
- Have I been meaning to update something for months but keep putting it off?
If you hesitated on any of these, that’s your sign.
Just like coffee that’s been sitting out too long, your brand might need a refresh.
Step 2: The Flavor Check — What’s Off?
Sometimes, your coffee isn’t bad, but something feels… off.
Maybe it’s a little too bitter. Maybe it’s not strong enough. Maybe it needs a splash of cream.
Same with your brand. If it’s not quite right, there’s usually a clear reason.
📝 Check your clarity—Could a stranger land on your website and immediately understand what you do and who you serve?
🎨 Check your visuals—Are your colors, fonts, and branding consistent across your website, social media, and marketing?
🔗 Check your flow—Is there a clear next step for potential clients, or do they have to figure out where to go?
🔍 Check your details—Are you still using old pricing, outdated messaging, or services you don’t even offer anymore?
Once you identify what feels off, it’s easier to take action.
Step 3: The Quick Fix — Add What’s Missing
A weak brand isn’t always a sign you need a complete rebrand. Sometimes, small but high-impact tweaks can make all the difference.
- Have an outdated logo? Swap it for a cleaner, simpler version that actually fits your brand.
- Still using placeholder text on your website or email templates? (Yes, I see you.) Update it right now.
- Website feeling cluttered? Clean up your navigation, remove dead-end pages, and simplify your layout.
- Haven’t touched your SEO? Pick three core keywords and start adding them to your site today.
- Social media posts looking disconnected from your brand? Create (or update) a simple brand style guide.
Just like a splash of cream or the perfect brew temp can transform a meh cup of coffee into something amazing, small tweaks can take your brand from “fine” to fantastic.
Pick one fix and actually do it today.
Bonus Step: Time to Brew Something Together
If your brand failed The Coffee Test and you want more than a quick fix, I’ve got something for you.
Instead of letting your brand sit in limbo for another six months, we can knock out the updates you actually need—fast.
- A mini brand identity—if you need a fresh, polished look without a total overhaul.
- A 2-3 page Squarespace website—because something live and functional is better than a half-finished site collecting dust.
- A Showit template restyling—so you stop meaning to launch and actually do it.
- SEO audits + keyword research—because ranking on Google doesn’t happen by accident.
- Marketing graphics, email templates, or small tech projects—so you stop waiting to make it happen.
It’s fast. It’s focused. It’s exactly what you need to finally check these things off your list—so your brand feels fresh, functional, and ready to work for you.