Updated March 9, 2017
Stay True to Your Brand
While attending a trade show a few years ago I met two photographers. Each had a separate exhibit showcasing their work, and it was clear they shared the same specialty… Another element they shared was the exact same business card! [YIKES!]
That’s right, two different companies with identical logos!
Look, I get it.
Many start-ups find this type of template-based product easy, quick and/or inexpensive. But it’s pretty tough to showcase your unique brand image when the same design is being used by several other businesses in your same industry.
Maybe a ‘hobbyist’ can get away with a $20 logo purchased from a stock logo site, BUT NOT YOU! You are a serious business owner and you have an image to uphold!
You can have custom designed marketing materials created both affordably AND in a timely manner. You just need to understand that it is an investment in your company’s future, and it’s worth it! Custom brand design will help to highlight your unique brand image.
With exception of their names and contact info, nothing differentiated the two photographers from each other. What kind of impression would YOU have in this situation?
Reflection time
If you have put passion into running your own business, why on earth wouldn’t you infuse that very same passion when marketing your business?
By now you understand how important it is to have a professional visual icon to represent your awesome biz. Think about what makes your business unique within your industry, and make it unmistakably clear to your customers.
Stay TRUE to your brand, and invest in branding that will help you stand out from your competition.
Wow! Great point Jaime. I almost fell victim to the “template-based” marketing tools but I am SO glad I didn’t. Now everything I have is JUST MINE and easy to distinguish from other businesses. Also, having a custom designed logo made me feel professional and established even though I was just starting out. I’m so very grateful for you! 🙂
Thanks Melissa! I am really glad to hear you feel you have benefitted from this process. I am equally grateful to you for entrusting me with your brand image 🙂 2014 is going to be an exciting year for you! Cheers 🙂
I totally agree Jaime. I actually have seen a pluming company driving around Calgary whose logo template is straight from Word 2007! My first though was I guess I am not calling them if that’s all they bothered to do!
I love my logo and brand and feel like it’s got a part of me in it. I was lucky with my graphic designer too that she really understood who I was and what I wanted to convey and I think that really comes across in the logo! Now I just have to figure out how to protect it!
Word 2007!?!? (enter another GASP here!) LOL!
Thanks for sharing your experience, Jackie. I think it is so important for people to read and hear positive testimonials when it comes to working with designers. It’s also JUST as important that you feel a part of you within your brand – after all, your company is an extension of YOU!
PS – looking forward to my ‘sparkle’ nail appointment tomorrow 😉 Cheers!