Why Your Logo is Worth It
I enjoy thrifting as much as the next person. It is exciting to hit a thrift shop on just the right day, spend pennies on the dollar and come away with an unexpected find. It is a small thrill, but rarely something of significant impact.
However, I know that when I want something that matches my exact vision, I will pay more up front because it is the only way to ensure that I get precisely what I am looking for. Just the right thing. The polished finishing touch that pulls everything together.
In fashion, it is a “statement piece” - an article of clothing or an accessory that stands out and positively impacts the way your look will be perceived.
In business, your logo is your statement piece. It’s the prominent part of your visual brand identity that makes the biggest initial impression.
The Temptation to Cut Corners
In reality it's tempting to cut costs wherever possible. Unfortunately, many owners see their logo development as a place they can skimp. With so many online graphic designers, AI logo generators, (or your cousin’s kid who just got a design certificate) offering seemingly good deals, why spend more? However, what many business owners don't realize is that opting for a cheap or, even worse, free logo can actually end up costing much more in the long run.
“Your brand is not your logo.”
The Hidden Costs of Thrifting Your Logo
Lack of Strategic Thought: A logo is more than just a pretty picture; it's a visual representation of your brand's identity. Many low-cost or inexperienced designers don't take the time to ask the important questions that uncover the essence of your business. They might not explore the philosophy behind your brand, which means they can’t create a logo that truly resonates with your mission, values, and target audience. This lack of strategic thought can lead to a logo that feels generic or misaligned with your brand’s core message.
Incomplete Visual Identity: A logo alone doesn’t make a brand. Effective branding requires a cohesive visual identity that includes a carefully selected color palette, typography, and other design elements that consistently communicate your brand's personality. Without these components, your brand can appear disjointed and unprofessional. This can confuse customers and weaken your brand’s impact.
Costly Redesigns: When a logo doesn't align with your brand’s identity it often leads to costly redesigns. Rebranding involves not only the cost of a new logo but also the expense of updating all your marketing materials, from business cards to website design. This can be significantly more expensive than investing in a comprehensive visual identity from the beginning.
Unless you know graphic design, you may not know what to ask for. In one instance, I had a client with a great logo, but she received only low-resolution (.jpg) files from the person she had hired through an online service. When she went back to request vector files from the designer, the email bounced back as undeliverable. She had to pay another designer to redraw the logo over again. We were so happy to help her have a suite of logo options for all of the uses she needs in the future, but it was a bummer to tell her she would need to pay a second time for the same service.
Yes, You Can Afford an Amazing Brand
You deserve brag-worthy branding that you can be proud of, but you shouldn’t feel exhausted by the process to get there. MCBCreative’s Brand Illumination™ offers you an up front solution and actionable steps. Whether we execute the plan for you, or you manage the implementation on your own, we set you up for success and arm you with knowledge to ensure you have an amazing visual brand identity and the tools with which to execute it.
MCBCreative created this clear pathway for businesses because we want to make it effortless for you to move beyond DIY solutions and have the brand that your business deserves…one that outshines your competitors and accelerates your growth.
Getting started is as easy as booking a time on our calendar HERE.
