I Need Some Branding – What Are My Options?

If you’ve found yourself thinking, “I need some branding for my business, but where do I start?”, you’re not alone. Branding can feel like a shot into the dark. Especially if your business is just getting started. The good news is, there are multiple paths you can take, depending on your stage, budget, and ambitions.

Here’s a look at the main options, what you can realistically expect from each.

1. DIY Branding

Many businesses begin by creating their own branding. You might have design skills yourself, or perhaps a creative friend is willing to help. In the early days, when budgets are tight and momentum matters most, this can be a perfectly sensible decision.

DIY branding allows you to test ideas and get your business into the world quickly. It often serves as a stepping stone rather than a long-term solution.

Best For:

• Very early-stage startups

• Testing a concept before investing heavily

• Founders with confidence in design tools

Possible Downside:

• Often focuses on aesthetics rather than strategy

• Can limit flexibility as the business grows

• May require a full rework later

Think of it as a prototype. Functional, but rarely final.

2. Fiverr or Online Marketplaces

Online platforms such as Fiverr make branding accessible and affordable. You can commission a logo quickly, often at a low cost, with relatively fast turnaround times.

If you have a clear idea of what you want and need something simple executed well, this route can work.

However, branding is more than a logo. It includes positioning, tone of voice, visual systems, and long-term consistency. Marketplace projects typically focus on deliverables rather than strategic depth.

Best For:

• Tight budgets

• Quick logo creation

• Clear, straightforward briefs

Possible Downside:

• Limited strategic guidance

• Designs may feel generic or trend-driven

• Additional revisions or assets can increase costs

This option can be an efficient starting point, but it rarely provides the full picture.

3. Website Designers or Other Specialists

Some web designers, marketing consultants, or print specialists offer branding as an additional service. This can be convenient if you’re already commissioning related work.

The branding outcome is often shaped by the primary service. For example, a website-led project may build the visual identity around layout and usability first.

Best For:

• Businesses already investing in a website

• Projects prioritising speed and cohesion

• Situations where branding isn’t the core focus

Possible Downside:

• Branding may lack deeper strategic exploration

• Visual identity may be shaped by platform constraints

• Long-term brand positioning may remain undefined

This route works well when branding supports another primary objective.

4. Generalist Graphic Designers

Graphic designers specialise in visual communication; typography, layout, colour systems, and visual consistency. A strong designer can create a polished identity that feels professional across touchpoints.

The key difference lies in the approach. Some designers focus primarily on visual execution, while others incorporate varying levels of brand strategy.

Best For:

• Businesses with a clear sense of direction

• Founders who can articulate what they want

• Those prioritising strong visual quality

Possible Downside:

• Strategy depth varies by individual

• Positioning and messaging may be lighter

• Designs may lean toward current trends

A generalist designer can be an excellent choice, especially when clarity already exists, and the main need is visual refinement.

5. Brand Specialists

Brand specialists focus specifically on branding as a discipline. Their process typically begins with discovery; clarifying positioning, values, audience, and differentiation, before translating that into a visual and verbal identity system.

Rather than starting with design, they often start with clarity.

Best For:

• Growth-focused businesses

• Founders seeking deeper strategic clarity

• Companies looking for long-term consistency

Possible Downside:

• Higher upfront investment

• More time spent in workshops and discovery

• May feel intensive for very early-stage ventures

This route is often chosen when a business wants its brand to support expansion, alignment, and long-term direction.

6. Design Agencies

Design agencies typically offer a range of creative services: branding, websites, campaigns, and marketing materials, delivered by a team.

Agencies bring broad experience and collaborative input. They can be particularly valuable when multiple services are required under one roof.

Best For:

• Businesses wanting multiple creative services

• Mid-sized companies

• Projects requiring broader creative thinking

Possible Downside:

• Higher cost due to team structure

• Branding may be one of several service lines

• Less direct access to senior creatives

Agencies can provide scale and polish, particularly for more complex needs.

7. Specialist Branding Agencies

Specialist branding agencies focus exclusively on branding. They often operate with structured processes, research phases, and dedicated teams covering strategy, naming, identity, and implementation.

Investment levels here are typically significant, reflecting the depth of involvement and team expertise.

Best For:

• Larger organisations

• Rebrands or repositioning projects

• Complex or multi-audience businesses

Possible Downside:

• Significant financial investment

• Structured processes may feel less flexible

• Senior contacts may not handle day-to-day creative work

This route is often suited to organisations navigating major change or scale.

Making the Right Choice

Each option has its place.

The real question isn’t “Which is best?”
It’s “What does my business need right now?”

• If you need speed and experimentation, DIY or marketplace options can work.

• If you value polish and have clear direction, a designer may be ideal.

• If you want clarity, consistency, and long-term positioning, a brand-focused approach will serve you better.

Branding isn’t just about how something looks. It’s about reducing confusion, aligning decisions, and creating consistency as your business grows.

The more ambitious your plans, the more valuable clarity becomes.

If you’d like to explore what level of support would genuinely suit your business, and whether now is the right time, I’d love to have a conversation and explore that with you.

Clarity is the foundation of commercial strength.

If you’re considering strengthening your brand, let’s begin with a structured conversation to assess alignment and opportunity.

We’ll evaluate how clearer positioning would create a meaningful impact, and if it makes sense, outline the next steps.

If not, you’ll still leave with sharper direction.