For a new small business, the list of expenses can feel endless, and hiring a professional brand designer may seem like an unaffordable luxury. This leads many entrepreneurs to a common crossroads: should you try to brand your business yourself, or is it worth the investment to hire a professional? The good news is that there is no single right answer, and a DIY approach can be a smart and effective way to get started.
In the early days of a business, you often have more time than money. Taking a hands-on approach to your branding allows you to get your business off the ground without a large upfront cost. This guide will walk you through what you can realistically achieve yourself and provide clear signs that it might be time to call in a professional.
The Case for DIY: What You Can and Should Do Yourself
Certain aspects of branding should always be led by you, the business owner. No one knows your business, your vision, and your customers better than you do. The foundational strategic work is your domain.
This includes defining your brand’s mission, values, and personality, as well as researching your target audience and competitors. This strategic groundwork is essential, whether you plan to design the visuals yourself or brief a professional designer later on.
Creating a mood board is another excellent DIY task. Gather images, colours, textures, and fonts that you feel represent your brand’s desired look and feel. This process helps you clarify your own vision and is an invaluable tool for communicating that vision to others.
Your DIY Branding Toolkit
Thanks to a wealth of user-friendly online tools, creating basic, professional-looking brand assets has never been more accessible. These platforms are designed for non-designers and can help you create a cohesive brand identity to get you started.
Canva:
This is the undisputed champion of DIY design. You can use it to create a logo, choose a colour palette, select fonts, and design everything from social media posts to business cards using its vast library of templates. Its “Brand Kit” feature is particularly useful for keeping all your assets in one place, ensuring consistency.
Adobe Express:
A powerful alternative to Canva, Adobe Express also offers a huge range of templates and easy-to-use design tools to help you create professional-looking visuals.
Coolors.co:
A fantastic free tool for generating beautiful, harmonious colour palettes. It can help you move beyond basic colours and find a unique combination that fits your brand.
Google Fonts:
A library of over a thousand free, high-quality fonts that can be used for your website and marketing materials.
Warning Signs: When It’s Time to Hire a Professional
A DIY brand is a great starting point, but as your business grows, you may find that it is no longer sufficient. Here are some clear signs that it is time to invest in a professional brand designer:
- You are spending more time on design than on your business. If you are losing hours trying to perfect a logo or a flyer, that is time you are not spending serving customers or growing your business. Your time is your most valuable asset.
- Your branding looks inconsistent. Perhaps you have a different logo on your website than on your social media, or your colour scheme changes from one post to the next. This inconsistency can make your business look unprofessional and untrustworthy.
- You feel embarrassed by your brand. Do you hesitate to hand out your business card? Do you feel your website does not reflect the quality of your work? Your brand should be a source of pride, not embarrassment.
- You are not attracting the right customers. A professional brand designer can help you create a brand identity that speaks directly to your ideal customer, helping you attract more of the right kind of business.
- You are ready to grow. As you prepare to scale your business, a professional and strategic brand identity is a crucial investment. It signals to the market that you are a serious and established player.
The Value of a Designer
Hiring a brand designer is about more than just getting a pretty logo. A good designer is a strategic partner. They bring an objective perspective and a strong understanding of design principles. They also have the technical expertise to create a unique and versatile brand identity that can grow with your business.
Ultimately, the decision to DIY or hire a professional depends on where you are in your business journey. Starting with a DIY branding approach is a smart and resourceful way to begin. But as your business matures, investing in a professional brand identity is an investment in your future success.
About Dead On Digital
Dead On Digital supports UK small businesses with practical websites, digital marketing and smart automation that help improve and strengthen their online presence. Everything we do is focused on keeping things clear, simple and aligned with how real businesses actually operate day to day.
We believe your website and online presence should keep working for you as your business grows, not be built once and forgotten. If you are reviewing where you are now or thinking about ways to improve things online, we are always happy to offer friendly, honest advice.