DIY Branding vs. Custom Design: What’s Best for Your Small Business?
In today’s competitive landscape, a strong brand identity is crucial for small businesses seeking growth and lasting impact. A single logo might grab attention initially, but it’s just a piece of the broader branding puzzle. Comprehensive branding services are essential for crafting a cohesive narrative that resonates across platforms and products. Whether you’re a scrappy startup testing the waters with DIY solutions or an early investor ready to establish a professional presence, knowing when to dive deeper into your branding strategy can make all the difference. Let’s explore the paths small businesses can take—understanding the importance of investing in a robust brand identity and recognizing the tipping points when it’s time to call in the experts for scalable success.
What business are you? Scrappy or invested?
Let’s start by identifying what type of business you are. Some brands come out swinging with full branding and identity, ready to impress their audience. These are the early investors who understand that a strong brand identity lays the foundation for future growth and have the means to invest right away.
On the flip side, scrappier brands often test the waters first, using DIY solutions like Canva templates to establish their identity while saving budgets for other priorities.
Investing in branding early has its advantages, including early brand recognition and loyalty. Studies show that companies with consistent branding are 3 to 4 times more likely to achieve successful brand awareness. But if you’re just testing the waters, a DIY approach can help gather feedback and refine your concept before diving deeper.
Just one logo or the full package?
So, here’s the million-dollar question: can you get away with just a logo? In short—you won’t get far. A single logo might help you start testing products and your online presence, but it won’t create cohesive recognition as you grow. Think of your logo as the face of your brand; it’s essential, but it’s not the whole picture.
How far you can go with DIY solutions
There’s nothing wrong with using DIY templates and solutions. In fact, about 60% of small businesses start with scrappy, simple solutions ranging from self-created logos and graphics as needed using free software, like Canva, or using low cost resources online to get the basics down with little effort. They’re fantastic for getting started and testing concepts without breaking the bank. For those just getting started, high-quality templates can be easy to work with and help you start your brand in a snap, launch new products quickly, and test ideas.
But here’s the kicker: DIY solutions can only take you so far. At some point, the limitations of templates become glaringly obvious. Your brand starts to feel patchwork instead of polished. As your business grows, investing in a cohesive brand identity becomes the magic sauce.
The benefits of full branding
Investing in cohesive brand kits or full custom branding comes with numerous advantages that extend beyond just having a logo and various graphics for one off cases. A complete and tailored branding can take your business to new heights as you scale and become more noticed in the world. A few of the biggest benefits to doubling down on your branding:
Scalability: As your business expands, your branding needs will evolve. A comprehensive brand identity, including a flexible color palette and typography, ensures your brand can grow without losing its essence.
Brand Recognition: A strong brand is recognizable and relatable. When your branding elements work together harmoniously, customers can identify your products at a glance. It’s not just about a logo; it’s about creating a memorable experience that keeps customers coming back.
Cohesiveness: Without a solid branding foundation, you risk being just another face in the crowd. Cohesive branding tells your story and connects with your audience, setting the stage for lasting relationships. It fosters a sense of familiarity, encouraging trust and loyalty among your customers.
Photo by NoWah Bartscher on Unsplash
The tipping point - when to call in the professionals
So, when's the tipping point? The answer varies, but on average, the majority of small businesses who start with DIY solutions reach this point after about a year or two, once their strategies have tested and verified, and when business starts to grow. Here are a few signs it might be time to call in the experts:
Sales Are Up: If you’ve seen a surge in sales, congratulations! This is a clear indicator that your brand is resonating with your audience. Now’s the time to enhance that connection with professional branding.
Expanding Product Lines: Ready to introduce new products? Ensure your branding reflects your evolving identity. A professional can help tie everything together seamlessly.
Customer Feedback: If customers are asking for more consistency or mentioning confusion about your brand, that’s a red flag. Invest in a branding package that clarifies your vision.
Feeling Stuck: If you’re unsure how to move forward, a branding professional can provide clarity and direction.
The payoff
Investing in comprehensive branding pays off in more ways than one. A well-defined brand helps you stand out in a competitive market, builds trust with customers, and ultimately drives sales. Consistent branding can absolutely increase revenue, which is the kind of payoff small business dreams of.
When you invest in professional branding, you’re not just buying a logo—you’re building a brand that resonates with your audience, tells your brand story, and scales as you grow. So whether you’re just starting out with a few DIY templates or ready to dive deep into custom branding, remember that your brand is more than just a logo. It’s the core of your business.
Ready to get your brand off the ground quickly? Check out our wildly fast and uniquely tailored brand kits, designed to move you from DIY solutions to cohesive, professional branding at a fraction of the cost and time for full custom branding.
