So...I’m trying something new.
I want to create content that reflects all of who I am. I want to share my authentic point-of-view. I want to speak to you in a way that sounds like how I actually speak. I am also really passionate about educating brands and biz owners about the value of visual branding, because you know it’s my livelihood...and I’ve written a blog post (the first of a few more in this series), about why it’s important to make the long-term investment in visual branding with a designer who knows what they’re doing. I’m tired of beating around the bush on this subject over trying to sound super professional, or intellectual, etc. and my intention was to create a piece that gives it to you straight. I’m desiring to create an open dialogue around design, branding, and creativity by sharing about these topics in a new way. And of course, I want to hear from you! What questions do you have about visual branding? ASK ME ANYTHING and maybe I’ll address it in the next resource. Alright, here we go:
Reason #1: A (good) designer, knows what they’re doing, and they want to support you!
I When it comes to making your brand align perfectly with your vision (and look really, really good) there’s no one better for the task than a graphic designer. It’s our job to understand how to translate your vision, voice, and mission into a cohesive and compelling visual solution. Not only are we pretty good at doing this, but we are also so excited about it! We are passionate about supporting you in creating the most authentic brand possible. So, why do you continue to insist on doing everything yourself, or think that you don’t need branding? If you feel that you have an incredible foundation and mission for your brand, but are still not getting the reach, recognition or results you deserve and desire, and you have no idea why... it may be time to consider investing in visual branding. I know that there are many brands and entrepreneurs that try to conserve resources by having you do all the creative yourself. (See reason #3) But if this is not your area of expertise, aren’t you just causing yourself more stress and anxiety and wasting more of your dollars and time? You know, like, the opposite of what you want to be doing in your biz? It’s time to entrust this job to someone who really knows what they’re doing, and someone who truly supports your vision. Someone who can support you in being able to get back to what you REALLY want to be doing with your business. You know, like, helping people? Ask yourself: do you really feel that the visuals you create for your brand truly reflect and align with the person you are and the vision you are trying to create long-term? What value do you place on creative jobs? I know the marketplace is so saturated with designers (more on this later); anyone who owns Photoshop can claim to be a “designer” these days. But guess what? They’re not. Not everyone can do this, and not everyone should. Ok? Onto the next point.
Reason #2: Why do I need visual branding in the first place? Because Humans are VISUAL BEINGS.
In fact, the human brain processes images 60,000 times faster than text, and 90 percent of information transmitted to the brain is visual. So, it’s incredibly important that we consider how our brand’s presence is being perceived online to other people. PLUS, with an average attention span of only eight seconds these days, you don’t have a lot of time to communicate all of who you are and what you offer. You especially don’t have time to convince people of your legitimacy, credibility, and recognition as a brand. Don’t believe me? Raise your hand if you’ve ever chosen your wine selection based solely on the packaging. That’s what I thought. That’s precisely why Visual Branding EXISTS. Visual Branding becomes a voice for your brand without you actually having to do the talking. You know people aren’t reading that shit anyways - hell, I doubt anyone is even reading this article right now! Visual branding SHOWS people in an INSTANTANEOUS INSTANT exactly what you’re all about. It allows them to viscerally experience and intuitively understand the essence of who you and your brand are. If the visual choices you make don’t effectively reflect all of who you are, all of what you do, and are not in total alignment with your mission, then you can bet people are going to be clicking that little ‘X’ in the corner on that tab. People don’t have time to put the puzzle pieces together, you need to do that for them.
Reason #3: Okay, okay, let’s talk about the money. Visual Branding shouldn’t be “cheap.”
So many people don’t want to spend money on Visual Branding in their business. They think that they just don’t need it (they’re wrong.) Maybe they have trouble seeing how their investment is going to help them make money. Maybe they have trouble seeing the tangible value. I will say that I definitely believe that there is a right time, phase, or stage on your journey to be ready to invest in visual branding (“WHEN TO INVEST IN VISUAL BRANDING WITH A REAL DESIGNER” post coming soon). But, I also believe that making a long-term investment in visual branding that can create lasting impact for your brand for decades to come sounds a hell of a lot better than constantly DIY-ing and investing smaller amounts here and there over and over again forever and ever. Why waste all your precious time and dollars many times over a long ass period of time when you would probably be spending about the same amount of money investing ONCE and getting it right? Let’s just get over trying to convincing yourself you can DIY your brand forever. Just, be real with yourself for a minute, please. I get it, it’s freaking scary to spend all that money (depends on the designer) but it’s what you NEED TO DO TO GROW. Think of a brand that inspires you. What about them inspires you? What draws you to them? Why do they stand out among the millions of brands in existence in your memory? Does that brand have Visual Branding? If the answer is no, I will be SHOOK. If you keep resisting spending the time and money you need to in order to align the visual presence of your brand to your vision and your voice, you’re just going to stay stuck, stay small. #STRAIGHTUP.
So there you have it, folks.
If you feel like this information came a little too straight and hard at you, it’s only because I am tired of people being so in the dark about why branding is so important for you business. My intention is not to make anyone feel bad, but to share my own opinions on this topic in a way that’s REAL and not vague or confusing. Like I mentioned, I think that investing in visual branding is something that you need to be ready for, and I am working on a post to help you more clearly understand WHEN the time may be right for you. But in the meantime, if you’re not sure, reach out! I’m here as a resource for you on your brand’s journey and you don’t have to go it alone. I’m happy to support you in understanding more clearly where you’re at on your branding journey and what the next step may be. Send me a message or reach me through email at rachel@process-progress.com