Over the years I have worked with many different types of clients. From small start up businesses, with no money to spare, to big companies with an annual design budget. My biggest struggle with small startups is that they do not realise the value of good design. Trust me, I completely understand. I myself have a small business and I know how difficult it is to decide what’s worth spending your money on. That is why I try to be flexible with clients like this, looking at the most important things and working from there.
But good design is priceless. This is what you are building your whole company on. Your logo is the face of your company, your branding the personality. If you get this wrong, the damage is extensive.
The problem in the design world these days is that anyone who knows how to operate Photoshop thinks that they are a designer. This couldn’t be further from the truth. A man who knows how to use a hammer, nails and saw doesn’t necessarily know how to build you a house. The same rings true for design programs like Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign. No wonder people are confused about who they can trust with their business.
(sorry, personal rant over)
Here are 4 reasons why you should invest in good design:
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First impressions count
You only have one opportunity to make a first impression so you need to use this wisely. Whether it’s your website or email signature, potential customers will judge your company based on what they first see. You might have an incredible product but if people don’t stick around long enough, they will never find out. Quality graphic design will give your business credibility.
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good branding makes your company memorable
Good branding needs to be consistent across every point of contact your client has with your business. Branding consistency shows that you are professional and this makes you trustworthy. This does not always mean a copy and paste method across every medium. Your website branding will look different to your brochure or business cards, but the look and feel is consistent. Designers know how to use images, graphics, colours and typography to work together in the right way to create seamless branding that is consistent and effective.
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Design is a point of differentiation
We all know that competition is tough in the business world. That is why you should see your branding as a viable point of differentiation. This is an effective way to set yourself apart from your competitors. You can also use your branding as a way to highlight your other points of differentiation like price, quality, service or anything else. Your branding should be unique and professional and represent your company in the best way.
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spending more up front can save you money in the long run
When you don’t take your design seriously in the beginning, you will more than likely need to do a complete design overhaul eventually, and often more than once. Good design is timeless. Rather pay a bit more for one great design than for multiple poor quality ones. Re-branding over and over again is a waste of time and resources, as well as damaging to the brand.
I hope this helps you see what a powerful tool great design can be.
