Hey You! Don't Be So Cheap, Pay for the Brand Designer!
Hey You! Don't Be So Cheap, Pay for the Brand Designer! - This phrase might sound like a rude awakening, but it's actually a friendly reminder to business owners and marketers who often underestimate the value of professional branding. Your brand is not just a logo, website, or product; it's the perception that people have of your business, and it can make or break your success. Therefore, it's crucial to have a strong and consistent brand identity that represents your values, mission, and unique selling proposition. And who can help you achieve that? A brand designer!
Why is branding important?
Your brand is the face of your business, the first impression that potential customers have of your products or services. It's not just a visual identity but a communication tool that conveys your values, personality, and promise. A strong brand can differentiate you from your competitors, increase your credibility and trust, and create an emotional connection with your audience. Branding is not a one-time task but an ongoing process of building and maintaining a loyal customer base. Therefore, investing in a professional brand designer is an investment in your long-term success.
The risks of DIY branding or hiring a cheap designer
You might think that designing your brand assets yourself or hiring a cheap designer can save you money and time, but it can also damage your reputation and revenue. DIY branding might seem easy and fun, but it's also risky and time-consuming, especially if you don't have the skills, tools, or knowledge of branding principles. You might end up with a generic, inconsistent, or confusing brand that fails to resonate with your target audience. On the other hand, hiring a cheap designer might seem like a bargain, but it can also lead to disappointment, delays, or legal issues. A cheap designer might use stock images, plagiarize other designs, or deliver low-quality files that you can't use for print or digital purposes. Moreover, a cheap designer might not have the expertise or experience to understand your business needs, audience, or goals, and thus create a brand that doesn't reflect your identity or message.
What does a professional brand designer offer?
A professional brand designer is not just a graphic designer or a logo maker, but a strategic partner who understands your business vision, values, and goals. A brand designer will conduct a thorough research of your industry, competition, and audience, and develop a unique brand strategy that aligns with your business objectives. A brand designer will also create a comprehensive brand identity system that includes your logo, colour palette, typography, imagery, and guidelines, and ensure that it's consistent, scalable, and versatile.
How to find the right brand designer for your business?
Now that you know the benefits of hiring a professional brand designer, you might wonder how to find the right one for your business. Here are some tips to consider:
Define your goals and budget: Before searching for a brand designer, make sure you have a clear idea of what you want to achieve with your branding and how much you can afford to invest in it. This will help you filter out the candidates who don't meet your criteria.
Check their portfolio and testimonials: A good brand designer should have a strong portfolio of past projects that showcase their skills, style, and versatility. Make sure you browse their website or online profiles to see their work and read what their clients say about them.
Ask for a consultation: A professional brand designer should be willing to schedule a consultation call or meeting to discuss your project and answer your questions. This will give you a chance to evaluate their communication skills, expertise, and personality, and see if you feel comfortable working with them.
Compare their proposals and contracts: Once you have shortlisted a few brand designers, ask them to provide you with a detailed proposal that outlines their process, deliverables, timeline, and fees. Make sure you review their contract carefully and clarify any doubts or concerns before signing it.
FAQs about hiring a brand designer
Q: How much does it cost to hire a brand designer?
A: The cost of hiring a brand designer can vary depending on many factors, such as their experience, location, scope of work, and complexity of your project. However, on average, you can expect to pay between £1000 and £10000 for a complete brand identity package, including logo design, brand guidelines, and collateral materials.
Q: How long does it take to create a brand identity?
A: The timeline for creating a brand identity can also depend on various factors, such as the designer's workload, your feedback, and revisions, and the scope of work. However, on average, it can take between 4-12 weeks to complete a brand identity project, depending on the complexity and number of deliverables.
